[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 77 (Monday, May 12, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S4027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING SOUTH DAKOTA COMMUNITIES

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
community of Woonsocket, SD, on reaching the 125th anniversary of its 
founding. Woonsocket is a rural community located in Sanborn County, 
which is also celebrating the 100th anniversary of its courthouse.
  The city of Woonsocket was founded in the summer of 1883 at the 
junction of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and Saint Paul Railroads, and it 
was given its name by the Superintendent of the railroad, C.H. Prior 
after his home town in Rhode Island. The city grew at a tremendous rate 
upon dedication as 50 lots were sold in the first day. The first church 
service in the town was held just 3 days after the sale of the first 
lot. The population grew rapidly and the first business that opened was 
a saloon.
  Woonsocket was named county seat of Sanborn County by the Territorial 
Legislature in 1884. In October 1906 the city of Woonsocket proposed a 
Sanborn courthouse. The proposal was accepted and a courthouse was 
built for $50,000. It was dedicated May 22, 1908.
  Today, Woonsocket is still a thriving community, with many 
restaurants, local businesses and churches all nestled around scenic 
Lake Prior. With excellent schools, Woonsocket school district boasts a 
100-percent graduation rate.
  The people of Woonsocket celebrate this momentous occasion on the 
Fourth of July and are marking the 100-year anniversary of the 
courthouse on May 22. One hundred and twenty-five years after its 
founding Woonsocket remains a vital community and a great asset to the 
wonderful State of South Dakota. I am proud to honor Woonsocket and 
Sanborn County on these historic milestones.

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