[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 21, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S6278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CENTENNIAL OF THE FOUNDING OF WECOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 
centennial of the founding of the town of Wecota, SD. The town, with 
its five streets and five avenues, is a place of great charm and 
character.
  Wecota became a town when the Minneapolis and St. Louis railroad was 
completed. Although small, Wecota has had a rich history. The first 
building to be established in the community was a small schoolhouse. A 
year later, the town's post office was organized, which stayed in 
operation for 75 years. Of the original buildings that were built, a 
depot, school, bank, and elevators remain to this day.
  The town has subsisted through many hardships. In 1919, a fire 
destroyed two grocery stores and the meat market. Then in 1926 a 
destructive hailstorm damaged most of the community's crops. After the 
hailstorm, many of Wecota's residents began to drift to other towns, 
though a core of dedicated residents still occupies the town.
  The name ``Wecota'' is derived from an Indian word meaning 
``friendship,'' and the town holds true to its name. A hundred years 
after its founding, Wecota continues to be a great asset to South 
Dakota. I am proud to honor the achievements of Wecota on this 
memorable occasion.

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