JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE GIFT OF THE MAINE TOURMALINE NECKLACE TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MAINE

WHEREAS,  it is desirable that the State should encourage the promotion of materials that are the products of the State, its history and traditions; and

WHEREAS,  the advancement of knowledge and understanding of the State is accomplished in part by objects of artistic, cultural and educational interest; and

WHEREAS,  tourmaline, by virtue of its discovery in 1820, the year in which Maine became a state, its association with Vice President Hannibal Hamlin and other illustrious Maine people, and its prominence in the gem and mineral field since the discovery of the largest tourmaline find in the world at Newry in 1972, has richly deserved its designation as the official mineral of the State of Maine bestowed upon it by the One Hundred and Fifth Legislature; and

WHEREAS,  the rendering in 1975 of Maine tourmaline and gold into the Maine Tourmaline Necklace by a Maine artisan, Addison W. Saunders of Ellsworth, created a beautiful symbol of state resources, pride and craftsmanship, and as an original work of art represents a form of expression that will promote a deeper knowledge and understanding of the history and skills of Maine people; and

WHEREAS,  the Maine Tourmaline Necklace, made from gold nuggets panned from the Swift River in Byron, was presented to the State of Maine by the Maine Retail Jewelers' Association in 1977; and

WHEREAS,  the One Hundred and Eighth Legislature declared its deep appreciation and enduring gratitude for this gift, which, in terms of those unseen and eternal things that make it priceless, depicts the grace, charm and pride of Maine people; and

WHEREAS,  the Maine Tourmaline Necklace has been worn by the First Ladies of Maine at official state functions during the last 30 years and is now on display at the Blaine House, the official residence of the Governor of Maine; now, therefore, be it

That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Legislature now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity on the 30th anniversary of receiving the necklace to recognize the Maine Tourmaline Necklace as a symbol of the beauty and riches that Maine has to offer.