[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 21, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6278-S6279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF TEA, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
100th anniversary of the founding of Tea, SD. Tea is enriched with a 
vibrant history reaching back to the growth of the railroads and 
continuing to the present, with Tea now being the fastest growing city 
in the State.
  Tea's unusual name was discovered when the community was asked to 
submit 10 town names to the Postal Service but only 9 could be decided 
upon. A recess was called during a town meeting at which tea was 
served. Someone suggested the name ``Tea'' be added to the list. 
Shortly after, this tight-knit community was informed that their new 
name would be Tea. Tea was officially incorporated in 1906.
  Tea's first bank was opened in 1900 in the place that is now 
O'Toole's bar. Unfortunately, the bank went broke in 1922 prior to the 
Depression. Despite the failure of the bank, Tea developed beautifully 
with its own post office, schoolhouse, cafes, general store, and 
lumberyard. Woodman Hall was the center of the town's social 
activities, hosting everything from roller skating to school plays. 
More recently, a new high school was opened in August 2005 and is a 
point of pride for the community. Tea is currently served by the Tea-
Harrisburg Champion newspaper.
  I congratulate Tea in achieving 100 wonderful years. During the week 
of June 10, the community gathered to celebrate with a Wild West Show, 
the coronation of Ma and Pa Teapot and Ecumenical church service. This 
celebration tied the community together even tighter, as they 
commemorated their history and looked to their future.

[[Page S6279]]

  One century after its inception, Tea continues to be a valuable 
addition to the State of South Dakota and source of pride for all those 
who live there.

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