[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 77 (Monday, June 13, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE TOWN OF PRESHO, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, it is a pleasure to honor and 
publicly recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the town of 
Presho, SD. As the 100th anniversary approaches, Presho looks back on a 
proud history and looks forward to a promising future.
  Named by the town's first Postmaster, Chris Hellekson, Presho is 
named for the extinct county in which it was originally located, Presho 
County. Now located in Lyman County, Presho was platted in June of 1905 
when the Milwaukee Land Company purchased a plot of land from Sidney F. 
Hockersmith. On November 9, 1905, the Milwaukee Land Company divided 
the land into 16 lots and held a public auction. Peter B. Dirks and 
E.M. Sedgwick purchased the first lot for $500, and within eight 
minutes of completing the sale, Presho's first bank was moved onto the 
site, having already completed its initial transaction while en route.
  Despite being only .7 square miles in area, Presho drew an enormous 
population as newcomers took the Milwaukee Railroad as far west as it 
went. Until 1906, the westernmost point was Presho, SD. Once the 
railroad was extended farther, however, Presho's population, which 
totaled 2,000 at its peak, gradually decreased. Currently, about 600 
residents live in this flourishing community.
  One of the town's most notable historic events was its first Fourth 
of July celebration and auto race, which took place in 1906. In fact, 
it is thought that this auto race is the first ever held west of the 
Missouri River. At least 5,000 people were in attendance.
  Mr. President, Presho's proud residents celebrate their community's 
centennial anniversary on July 4, 2005, and it is with great honor that 
I share with my colleagues the history of this great community. 


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