[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 173 (Thursday, December 13, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S13144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HAROLD SCHAFER: A NORTH DAKOTA ORIGINAL

 Mr. DORGAN. Mr. President, one of my State's leading citizens 
has passed away and I want to reflect on what can only be described as 
a triumphant life. I extend my sympathy to his family in this time of 
grief. But I know his family is also celebrating his full life.
  Harold Schafer is the classic story of a poor youth who became 
successful through old-fashioned entrepreneurship and flat-out hard 
work. He deserves our respect for that, but, more importantly, we ought 
to take note of what he did with his wealth.
  Harold Schafer would not permit his capital to pile up in trust 
funds, and stock portfolios, and real estate investments. To what will 
be his ever-lasting credit, he worked just as hard at disbursing his 
money to good causes as he initially did earning it. The recipients of 
his generosity are legion, colleges and communities and authors and 
park boards and hospitals and youth groups and a cavalcade of 
individuals who needed a hand.
  Most memorable is his re-creation of the historic and romantic cow 
town of Medora. Cradled in the spectacular Badlands of North Dakota, 
it's become the State's primary tourist designation. Because of the 
enormous investment and creative imagination that Harold Schafer poured 
into rejuvenating it, this storied village, a place where Teddy 
Roosevelt once lived, has become symbolic of the Old West. Harold 
Schafer's resurrection and promotion of Medora has made it a jewel of 
North Dakota's heritage and will forever be the crowning achievement of 
his life.
  Harold Schafer has left us, but he has given us Medora, a sweet, 
handsome, proud, and historic place. There can be no question but that 
Harold is pleased with this very special legacy and North Dakotans are 
thankful indeed.

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