[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 4, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S5035]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF ONIDA, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 125th 
anniversary of the founding of the city of Onida, SD. As the county 
seat of Sully County, this vibrant, progressive community has been a 
center of commercial and civic activity since its inception.
  The site which Onida is built on was chosen by Charles Agar, Charles 
Holmes, and Frank Brigham of Oneida NY. Within a month of raising the 
single place of lodging in Onida for land-seekers, the city gained a 
grocer, hardware store, and post office. When declared the seat of 
Sully County, a courthouse, permanent hotel, multiple grocers, and a 
bank were soon to follow.
  Today, Onida is a prime example of the natural beauty and recreation 
in South Dakota that follows the Louis and Clark Trail up the Missouri 
River. Its business sector encompasses a wide variety of trades from 
agriculture, automotive, finance, and tourist amenities. Hunting and 
fishing are significant draws of the area, and support many local 
resorts based on such recreational activity.
  Onida will be celebrating its quasquicentennial during the Oahe Days 
in early August. Even 125 years after its founding, Onida continues to 
be a vital community and a great asset to South Dakota. I am proud to 
publicly honor Onida on this memorable occasion. The citizens of Onida 
are continuing to live up to their motto: miles and miles of sunflower 
smiles.

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