[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 21, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S10291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ALEXANDER, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community 
in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On September 
2 through September 5, the residents of Alexander, ND, celebrated their 
community's history and founding.
  Alexander is a small town in the northwestern part of North Dakota 
with a population of 216. Despite its size, Alexander holds an 
important place within North Dakota's history. It began on July 24, 
1905, when the city was platted by Frank B. Chapman. That same year, a 
wide variety of businesses were constructed in the town, including the 
Dakota Trading Company Store, the Alexander State Bank, and the 
Alexander Hotel. Later that year, the McKenzie County Chronicle began 
publication in an office of the Alexander State Bank. In 1918, the town 
suffered a devastating fire; however, the town rebuilt and continued to 
grow.
  Today, Alexander remains a proud community with an economy bolstered 
by farming, ranching, and oil extraction. In the city's park, 
hamburgers are served every summer Saturday evening. The town is also 
home to the Lewis and Clark Trail Museum, which is housed in the old 
school house. Each room in the museum highlights a different and unique 
view of the area's history.
  Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating 
Alexander, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in 
wishing them well through the next century. I believe that by honoring 
Alexander and all the other historic small towns of North Dakota, we 
keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is 
such places as Alexander that have helped to shape this country into 
what it is today, which is why this community is deserving of our 
recognition.
  Alexander has a proud past and a bright future.

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