[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 22, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S7028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               125TH ANNIVERSARY OF HAVANA, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased today to recognize a 
community in North Dakota that recently celebrated its 125th 
anniversary. On July 4-6, the residents of Havana gathered to celebrate 
their community's history and founding.
  Havana is a town of nearly 100 inhabitants. It is located in 
southeast North Dakota. Originally, the town was named Weber, but it 
was subsequently changed to Havana to avoid confusion with a town of a 
similar sounding name on the same railroad line. Havana was 
incorporated in 1904. By 1913, the town claimed a population of 450. In 
its early days, Havana had numerous general stores, pool halls, hotels, 
businesses dedicated to agriculture, a newspaper and an opera house.
  Today, Havana offers its citizens plenty of leisure activities. 
Residents can enjoy a game of baseball at Williamson Park. The town 
maintains a grocery store and a post office. The Havana Civic Center 
hosts events for Havana's citizens. One of the favorite gathering 
places of residents of Havana is the town's cafe, the Farmer's Inn.
  Havana's anniversary celebration began with a parade. In addition to 
many other activities, the community hosted a craft show, a banquet at 
the Havana Civic Center, a street dance, and fireworks display. Havana 
held a music festival, featuring bluegrass and gospel music, on the 
last day of the celebration. One of the highlights of Havana's 
festivities was the All School Reunion, which brought together former 
classmates of Havana School.
  Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Havana, 
ND and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well 
in the future. By honoring Havana and all the other historic small 
towns of North Dakota, we keep the frontier spirit alive for future 
generations. It is places like Havana that have helped to shape this 
country into what it is today, which is why this community is deserving 
of our recognition.
  Havana has a proud past and a bright future.

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