[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 25, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S6153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             125TH ANNIVERSARY OF RICHARDTON, 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 11 through 13, the residents of Richardton will 
gather to celebrate their community's history and founding.
  Richardton is located in Stark County in the southwest part of the 
State. Oscar L. Richard named the town in 1882 after his relative, C.B. 
Richard, who was an agent for the Hamburg-American Steamship Co., which 
promoted German-Russian settlement in this area. The post office was 
established a year later by Adolph Norberg. In 1906, the village was 
incorporated, and Richardton was officially recognized as a city in 
1935.
  Richardton has a prominent Roman Catholic monastery, which was 
founded by Bishop Vincent DePaul Wehrle in 1899. Vincent was the first 
Abbot of the monastery, which was named St. Mary's Priory, from 1903-
1910. Under his leadership, the great twin-tower cathedral was built in 
1906.
  St. Mary's faced significant challenges after its completion in 1910 
which eventually led to its closure. Abbot Alcuin Deutsch of St. John's 
Abbey in Minnesota wanted to revive the Richardton community because it 
was still struggling financially. In 1926, Abbot Deutsch and other 
monks around North Dakota helped reopen the monastery with the name 
Assumption Abbey. Assumption Abbey remains in operation today.
  Richardton's attractions also include a golf course, bed and 
breakfasts, restaurants, motels and much more. Residents of Richardton 
take great pride in their community. To celebrate their 125th 
centennial anniversary, the community will be holding a 5k walk/run, a 
parade, games, an antique car show, a Rough Rider Rodeo, a dance, and a 
fireworks show.
  Mr. President, I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating 
Richardton, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in 
wishing them well in the future. By honoring Richardton and all other 
historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering 
frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as 
Richardton that have helped shape this country into what it is today, 
which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition.
  Richardton has a proud past and a bright future.

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