[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 99 (Monday, June 16, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S5654]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               125TH ANNIVERSARY OF CORONA, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Madam President, today I recognize the community 
of Corona, SD, on reaching the 125th anniversary of its founding. 
Corona is a rural community located in Roberts County, and will be 
celebrating its quasquicentennial the weekend of June 20-22 with a 
street dance, a 5k walk/run, hot air balloon rides, a parade, and 
fireworks.
  In 1881, a town site called Prior was plotted approximately 1\1/2\ 
miles north of the future site of Corona, named for its owner, C. H. 
Prior. Prior was the original stopping point for the postal service 
until moving to the present location of Corona in 1883, which provided 
closer access to the railroad.
  The early business district of Corona was comprised of a doctor, a 
newspaper, two banks, four grocery stores, a butcher shop, a post 
office, four grain elevators, a general store, a hardware store, a 
creamery, and two lumber yards. Main Street was marked with hitching 
posts, gasoline lights, and wooden sidewalks that were notorious for 
their hazardous conditions when wet.
  Today, Corona still boasts several businesses including a cafe, a 
post office, a grain elevator, and most importantly, the Corona 
Learning Center. Three industrial enterprises are also based in the 
area: Mark's Custom Woodworking, Ammann Honey Farm, and Dakota Machine 
Works. Despite the hardworking nature of Corona's inhabitants, they 
still manage to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with one of the longest 
parades in the State, whether rain, snow, or shine.
  Most South Dakotans call small towns like Corona home. South Dakota's 
small communities are the bedrock of our economy and vital to the 
future of our State. It is especially because of our small communities, 
and the feelings of loyalty and familiarity that they engender, that I 
am proud to call South Dakota home. Towns like Corona and its citizens 
are no different and truly know what it means to be a South Dakotan. 
Even 125 years after its founding, Corona continues to be a vibrant 
addition to our wonderful State, and I once again congratulate them on 
this achievement.

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