[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 94 (Tuesday, July 18, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S7750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               125TH ANNIVERSARY OF SHELDON, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I recognize a community in 
North Dakota that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. On June 
23-25, the residents of Sheldon gathered to celebrate their community's 
history and founding.
  Sheldon is a small town located in the eastern part of North Dakota. 
Previously named Jenksville, E.E. Sheldon bought the land in June 1881 
and renamed it after himself. On July 20 of that same year, a new post 
office was established with Karl E. Rudd as the first postmaster. The 
National Pacific Railroad arrived in Sheldon in 1882, and the village 
began to grow, becoming incorporated in 1884. Since the day of its 
founding, the community has been small but very active.
  Shortly after its founding Sheldon established itself as a hotbed for 
amateur baseball, winning the state title in 1895. In addition, Lynn 
Bernard ``Line Drive'' Nelson, 1905-1955, born and raised in Sheldon, 
played major league baseball during the 1930's with the Chicago Cubs, 
the Philadelphia Athletics, and Detroit Tigers.
  The community had a wonderful weekend celebration to commemorate its 
125th anniversary. The celebration was highlighted by a full day of 
activities on Saturday, including a pancake breakfast, two parades, a 
tractor and pick-up pull, and a car show. The day was capped off by a 
street dance that night. In addition to those festivities, a quilt show 
and a room celebrating the history of the town were open all weekend. 
The celebration concluded on Sunday with an all-faiths service followed 
by a brunch.
  Mr. President, I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating 
Sheldon, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing 
them well through the next century. By honoring Sheldon 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 Sheldon that have helped to shape this country into what it is 
today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our 
recognition.
  Sheldon has a proud past and a bright future.

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