[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 24, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S6014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                125TH ANNIVERSARY OF MINTO, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased today to recognize a 
community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 125th 
anniversary. On July 25 to 27, the residents of Minto will gather to 
celebrate their community's history and founding.
  Minto is a community of over 600 residents located in the fertile Red 
River Valley in northeast North Dakota. The Homestead Act brought the 
first settlers to the Minto area, including a Canadian by the name of 
Angus Gillespie, Sr., who left his home in Minto Township, Ontario, to 
farm in North Dakota. Minto was incorporated in 1883. Twenty years 
later, Minto was recognized as a city. Minto's links with its Canadian 
forefathers have been renewed as the town of Minto, ND, became the 
sister city of Minto, Ontario, in 2007.
  The community of Minto is host to many businesses and amenities. 
There are numerous enterprises dedicated to farming, including 
elevators, implement dealerships, and trucking services. It also offers 
its citizens many leisure activities. Residents of the town and the 
surrounding area are able to enjoy a meal at the town's cafe and have 
their hair done at one of the salons. Families often gather in Minto's 
beautiful park, which has a baseball field, tennis court, playground, 
and picnic area. In the winter, the children of Minto can be found 
skating or playing hockey at the town's outdoor ice rink.
  Current and former residents of Minto will gather to celebrate the 
125th anniversary. Events will begin with the telling of area Polish 
family histories at Minto's new community center. The Walsh County 
Historical Museum will also be open to the public. Minto's park will 
host a classic car show, magic show, and community baseball game. Each 
day of celebration will close with a dance.
  Mr. President, I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating 
Minto, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing 
them well in the future. By honoring Minto and all the other historic 
small towns of North Dakota, we keep the frontier spirit alive for 
future generations. It is places like Minto that have helped to shape 
this country into what it is today, which is why this community is 
deserving of our recognition.
  Minto has a proud past and a bright future.

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