[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 70 (Tuesday, June 6, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S5487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               100TH ANNIVERSARY OF BINFORD, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a 
community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 100th 
anniversary. On June 16-18, the residents of Binford will gather to 
celebrate their community's history and founding.
  Binford is a vibrant community in eastern North Dakota. Settlers 
arrived in this area around 1877 and a few years later they named the 
area Blooming Prairie. Binford became the name of the town after the 
Northern Pacific built a railroad station in the town and named the 
station after Ray Binford, an Iowa attorney who had great interest in 
this area.
  Today, the citizens of Binford have the following slogan for their 
town: ``The Biggest little town in North Dakota.'' Binford is also 
located within the Griggs-Steele Empowerment Zone. This designation 
provides incentives for existing businesses to expand and other 
businesses to relocate to the area.
  Citizens of Binford have organized numerous activities to celebrate 
their centennial. Some of the activities include class reunions, street 
dances, a carnival and parade, a mini-marathon, a memorabilia auction, 
all-faith services, a Bull-a-Rama, and a demolition derby.
  Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Binford, 
ND, and its residents on the first 100 years and in wishing them well 
through the next century. By honoring Binford and all the other 
historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering 
frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as 
Binford that have helped to shape this country into what it is today, 
which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition.
  Binford has a proud past and a bright future.

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