[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 MINNEWAUKAN, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased to honor a community 
in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On July 25 
through July 27, the residents of Minnewaukan will celebrate their 
community's history and founding.
  Minnewaukan is a small town with a population of 318 residents 
located in Benson County in northeastern North Dakota. In 1883, the 
town site was founded as one of several sites competing for the 
important Northern Pacific Railroad connection at the west end of 
Devils Lake. It became the county seat in 1884. The name is based on 
the Indian name Mini Waukon Chante, meaning water of bad spirits. The 
post office was established on March 12, 1884, by Thomas B. Ware. In 
1898, Minnewaukan became a city.
  Today, Minnewaukan remains a proud community that has a prosperous 
economy consisting of farming, service businesses, outdoor tourism, 
computer processing and retail businesses. Like so many smaller rural 
communities in North Dakota, Minnewaukan is a tight-knit town where 
everyone knows their neighbor. The Minnewaukan Community Club is a 
valuable asset to the community. The efforts of the club have 
successfully established a thriving fish cleaning station and boat ramp 
in the area.
  Minnewaukan is a great place for enjoying the outdoors all year 
round, including hunting, fishing, boating, and camping. People from 
across the State and Nation are drawn by the lengthy seasons and 
abundant populations of waterfowl and fish. Grahams Island State Park 
provides citizens of the community and tourists an opportunity to enjoy 
the beauty of North Dakota through hiking, canoeing, biking, horseback 
riding and cross-country skiing.
  The community has planned a wonderful weekend celebration to 
commemorate its 125th anniversary. Current and former residents of 
Minnewaukan will gather to celebrate this special occasion. The 
celebration includes an all-school reunion, a 5k walk/run, parade, 
fireworks display, concerts, and much more.
  Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating 
Minnewaukan, ND, and its residents on their 125th anniversary and in 
wishing them well in the future. By honoring Minnewaukan and all the 
other historic towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier 
spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Minnewaukan 
that have helped shape this country into what it is today, which is why 
this community is deserving of our recognition.
  Minnewaukan has a proud past and a bright future.

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