[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 94 (Monday, June 9, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S5388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF TULARE, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 125th 
anniversary of the founding of the community of Tulare, SD. After 125 
years, this progressive community will have a chance to reflect on its 
past and future, and I congratulate the people of Tulare for all they 
have accomplished.
  Tulare is located in northeast South Dakota, within Spink County on 
Highway 281. Originally plotted by Charles Prior in 1883, the town 
quickly grew as an important railroad supply station. There is some 
disagreement about the naming of Tulare, which tends to follow three 
different stories. The first story tells that when riding the train to 
Tulare, Mr. Prior encountered two men entertaining the passengers with 
tall tales. He was so amused by the time he reached his destination, he 
decided to call the town site ``Tulare'' after the ``two liars.'' The 
second story claims the town was named after the ``Tulle'' weed that 
grows in the swamps, and the third story names the city after a Native 
America chief.
  Today, Tulare has come a long way from its days as a railroad supply 
center. The town now boasts a variety of businesses, including those in 
both the service and manufacturing sectors. Coupling with those parts 
of the economy are the rich natural resources including the plentiful 
pheasant population which further aids in the prosperity of this 
community. The town also continues their long tradition of high 
standards in education that began here with the first 4-year high 
school and continues to thrive as the Hitchcock-Tulare School District.
  Tulare has become a credit to Spink County and the State of South 
Dakota. The people of Tulare will celebrate their achievements June 20-
22, 2008, with a basketball tournament, parade, car and quilt show, and 
street dance. I am proud to join with the community members of Tulare 
in celebrating the last 125 years and look forward to a promising 
future.

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