[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               100TH ANNIVERSARY OF TOLLEY, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I honor a community in North 
Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On June 26, the 
residents of Tolley, ND, will celebrate a proud history.
  Tolley is a small town in the northwest part of the State, with a 
population of 41. Despite its size, Tolley holds an important place in 
North Dakota's history. It was founded in 1905 by Eli C. Tolley, a 
prominent developer and official with the Soo Line Railroad Company. As 
one report from the period indicates, people were so excited to start 
the town that they moved in 15 buildings without even having purchased 
lots on which to place them. Soon after, rail lines were laid through 
Tolley, and the town began to prosper. Within a year and a half, the 
residents of Tolley had built general stores, blacksmiths, restaurants, 
hotels, churches, and hardware stores.
  Through the years, Tolley has exemplified true North Dakota 
perseverance. Despite suffering from a scarcity of water, countless 
fires, and outbreaks of smallpox and the Spanish flu, the people of 
Tolley have always remained loyal to this great community. During World 
War I, many of the men left their families and farms to fight for our 
country. Sadly, many did not return, yet the community remained strong. 
In 1920, the boys high school basketball team held its first practice, 
and in 1921 the homes and businesses in Tolley were lit by electricity 
for the first time. In 1951, through the generous efforts of local 
residents, the first organized fire department began serving the 
community. These stories from the history of Tolley serve as a 
remarkable example of ingenuity and perseverance for all of us.
  I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Tolley, ND, and 
its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through 
the next century. By honoring Tolley and all the other historic small 
towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for 
future generations. It is places such as Tolley that have helped to 
shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine 
community is deserving of our recognition.
  Tolley has had a proud past and a bright future.

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