[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 15, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         BRADLEY, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 125th 
anniversary of the founding of Bradley, SD. This small town has seen 
more than its fair share of hardships, but with strength and hard work, 
the citizens consistently band together to make the town an even better 
place to live and work.
  As the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad expanded, the 
company decided to build a settlement for the workers to get mail 
delivered. They called it Prairie Hill. Once trains began running, 
businesses began forming 2 miles south of the original location. With 
land donated from the McKinney family, Bradley was eventually formed. 
This small town quickly became a popular location for homesteaders and 
developed into the largest primary wheat market in the country. In 
1891, a fire nearly destroyed the town. Only a couple of buildings and 
homes withstood the fire. This strong community rallied together to 
rebuild their town. Another fire struck in 1916, but 800 volunteers 
came together, using a bucket brigade to again save the town.
  Bradley acquired its name through an interesting turn of events. A 
group of laborers and a railroad official got in a brawl early one day. 
W.R. Bradley was visiting the town and saved the life of the chief 
engineer for construction. He was honored by having the town named 
after him.
  Like a lot of small towns formed in South Dakota at this time, 
Bradley started as a railroad stop but quickly became more. Bradley is 
a caring community of people who work together when times get tough. 
They will honor their historical milestone with a weekend celebration, 
including craft booth and a food booth, a 5K race, and a softball 
tournament. I wish them the best for their weekend and their 
future.

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