[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 4, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HISTORIC FRANKLIN HOTEL

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate my dear 
friend Bill Walsh on the 100th anniversary of the Historic Franklin 
Hotel in Deadwood, SD.
  The Franklin Hotel is truly a piece of living history and a jewel of 
the Black Hills. Throughout the decades, the Franklin has accommodated 
Presidents and celebrities, including Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, 
John Wayne, and the great Babe Ruth. In addition to being a much-
celebrated destination for visitors to the Black Hills, the Franklin 
has also served as a cornerstone for the community of Deadwood. The 
Franklin was a source of comfort for city dwellers during the Great 
Depression, and hosted the first radio broadcast in the State of South 
Dakota.
  Today, the Franklin continues to be a place of celebration, as it 
accommodates thousands of tourists in the Black Hills each year. From 
viewing the Days of '76 Parade on the veranda, to celebrating St. 
Patrick's Day in Durty Nelly's, to a grand New Year's Eve celebration, 
the Franklin continues to be a source of great entertainment and a 
place where special memories are made daily.
  The Historic Franklin Hotel is a true reminder of our rich Western 
heritage. Today, on its 100th anniversary, the task of maintaining and 
preserving this rich cultural treasure rests on the shoulders of Bill 
Walsh. If founder Harris Franklin were alive today, he would be proud 
of Bill's dedication to the preservation of this historic landmark. I 
extend my best wishes to Bill and the Franklin Hotel's Board of 
Directors, Jo Roebuck Pearson, Mike Trucano, Taffy Tucker, and Orville 
Bryan.
  Congratulations to all of you as you celebrate this extraordinary 
milestone. We look forward to the next 100 years.

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