[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 HOVEN, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 125th 
anniversary of the founding of the community of Hoven, SD. After 125 
years, this progressive community in the Blue Blanket Valley will have 
a chance to reflect on its past and future, and I congratulate the 
people of Hoven for all that they have accomplished.
  Dating back to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the establishment of 
the Dakota Territory in 1861, and the Homestead Act of 1862, Hoven is 
located in Potter County of northeast South Dakota. Settled in 1883 
east of Swan Lake, the enterprising prairie town boasted two general 
stores, a bank, a newspaper, a jewelry store, and two saloons to name 
only a few businesses. The grand ``Cathedral of the Prairies'' has 
graced the skyline of Hoven since its completion in the early 20th 
century.
  The quasquicentennial festivities over the Fourth of July weekend 
commence at twilight with a fireworks display. Additionally, the 
celebration will include a 5K, softball and golf tournaments, a parade, 
and a ``Missed'' Hoven Pageant, for any males desiring to compete for a 
pageant crown.
  Known today as the ``little town with the big church,'' Hoven has 
grown into a credit to the State of South Dakota with its business 
prosperity. The people of Hoven will celebrate their achievements July 
4-6. I am proud to join with the community members of Hoven in 
celebrating the last 125 years and looking forward to a promising 
future.




                          ____________________