[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 87 (Thursday, June 10, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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        100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF DANTE, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 100th 
anniversary of the founding of Dante, SD. Small towns like Dante embody 
South Dakota values, and are the cornerstone of our State.
  Dante was founded as a railroad town when a group of farmers were 
concerned with their ability to haul grain between Wagner and Avon. The 
farmers approached the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad to set 
up a depot between the towns. After getting a petition signed, the 
railroad expanded to the newly formed town. Planted in 1907, Dante was 
incorporated in 1912. Originally called Mayo after H.T. Mayo who 
donated the land to the town, the railroad company objected to the 
name. Mr. Mayo was asked for a name to which he reportedly said, ``Call 
it Dante's Inferno for all I care!'' In 1911, Dante had flourished 
enough to support the Dante Bowling Alley and Pool Hall. The school was 
opened in 1912 and stayed open until 1971.
  To celebrate the town's anniversary, Dante will be having music, a 
softball tournament, games and more. With something for everyone, this 
weekend's celebration is sure to be an enjoyable experience as Dante 
comes together to celebrate this historic anniversary. I would like to 
congratulate the people of Dante on reaching this historic milestone, 
and offer them best wishes on the years to come.

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