[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S7814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            125TH ANNIVERSARY OF GRAND RAPIDS, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr President, I rise today to honor a community in 
North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On July 8-10, 
the residents of Grand Rapids, ND will celebrate their community's 
history and founding. Coinciding with the weekend activities, the Zion 
Lutheran Church will celebrate its centennial.
  Grand Rapids is a small town in the southeast part of North Dakota. 
Despite its small size, Grand Rapids holds an important place in North 
Dakota's history. It began in 1880 when the North Pacific Railroad was 
built in LaMoure County. It was platted in June of that year by Edward 
P. Wells and Homer T. Elliot, the latter of whom became the post master 
when the post office was established on June 17, 1880. The city was 
named for the cataracts of the James River at this site, sometimes 
called the Stepping Stones. Grand Rapids was the county seat between 
1881 and 1886. The first Grand Rapids school was established in 1910. 
After the school districts were reorganized in 1963, Grand Rapids was 
incorporated into LaMoure. Since that time, Grand Rapids has developed 
into the pleasant community it is today.
  Grand Rapids has a variety of recreation and activities, including a 
scenic nine-hole golf course and beautiful camp ground that welcomes 
visitors each year. The citizens also host a Summer Musical Theatre 
every year, and they enjoy the company of several youth each summer 
during the Farmer's Union Camp. Grand Rapids has an exciting weekend 
planned to celebrate their 125th anniversary, including a parade, 
picnic, historical reenactment play, as well as a craft and flea market 
and the centennial celebration for Zion Lutheran Church.
  I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Grand Rapids, ND, and 
its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well through 
the next century. By honoring Grand Rapids and all the other historic 
small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering tradition spirit 
alive for future generations. It is places such as Grand Rapids that 
have helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why 
Grand Rapids is deserving of our recognition.
  Grand Rapids has a proud past and a bright future.

                          ____________________