[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 108 (Monday, July 9, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S8792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               125TH ANNIVERSARY OF GRAFTON, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased today to recognize a 
community in North Dakota that celebrated its 125th anniversary. On 
June 21 to 23, the residents of Grafton gathered to celebrate their 
community's history and founding.
  Grafton is a vibrant community in northeastern North Dakota with the 
Park River running through it. Grafton serves as the county seat of 
Walsh County. The post office in Grafton was established with Thomas E. 
Cooper serving as postmaster on May 20, 1879. Cooper named the 
community after his wife's home of Grafton County, NH. By 1883, the 
city had 2,000 residents, with Stewart Cairncross serving as the first 
mayor. Today, Grafton is still one of the larger communities in North 
Dakota.
  Residents of Grafton are proud of their community and what it has to 
offer. Residents strongly support the youth in the community and enjoy 
local sports events. Annually, the community hosts a ``Spirit of the 
Season'' festival, which includes breakfast with Santa, live concerts, 
horse-drawn wagon rides, and a bonfire in the park.
  Grafton residents have been dedicated to increasing the size of the 
community through economic development. Since implementing this 
program, the community is now home to Marvin Windows and Doors, a 
vibrant business that has helped fund incentives for individuals 
wishing to relocate to Grafton.
  The community of Grafton celebrated its 125th anniversary with live 
music, parades, a demolition derby, and tours of the Heritage Village 
and the school.
  Mr. President, I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating 
Grafton, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing 
them well in the future. By honoring Grafton and all other historic 
small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier 
spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Grafton that 
have helped shape this country into what it is today, which is why this 
fine community is deserving of our recognition.
  Grafton has a proud past and a bright future.

                          ____________________