[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 83 (Friday, June 23, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S6456]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF BALTIC, SD

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to the 
125th anniversary of the city of Baltic, SD.
  Baltic was founded in 1881 by Richard Franklin and Justin Pettigrew. 
Baltic, originally named St. Olaf, came into being when the Milwaukee 
Railroad laid down track between Dell Rapids and Sioux Falls. A weigh 
station was established on the current site of Baltic. This development 
was quickly followed by the construction of the power dam and the St. 
Olaf Roller Mill, the latter being the work of the town's founders, 
Franklin and Pettigrew. The flour mill was located on the Big Sioux 
River and used water as its main source of power, producing 120 barrels 
of flour each day. In 1884, a bridge was built between Sverdrup and 
Dell Rapids townships over the Big Sioux River. In 1890, the first 
school house was built and the first church, Baltic Lutheran, was 
constructed in 1903. In 1907 three lamp posts were purchased in order 
to light the city streets. Baltic had several population booms, one in 
early 1900 and another in the 1970s.
  Baltic's placement on the Big Sioux River has brought people to the 
community and increased the town's commercial importance. Today, Baltic 
is a progressive community of about 900 citizens. They have many 
thriving businesses including a post office, co-op, seed company, bank, 
and the Baltic Beacon newspaper. Baltic is also home to the Baltic High 
School Bulldogs.
  Baltic will be celebrating its 125th anniversary on July 1 through 
July 4 with a number of events, including a community block party.
  Even 125 years after its founding, Baltic still exemplifies what it 
means to be a great South Dakota community. I am proud to publicly 
honor Baltic on this memorable occasion, and congratulate the people of 
Baltic on their achievements.

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