[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 91 (Thursday, June 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S5108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          CARSON, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a 
community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 100th 
anniversary. From June 25-27, the residents of Carson will gather to 
celebrate their community's history and founding.
  The rural post office opened on August 11, 1902, in Carson. A man by 
the name of John Erickson suggested the name Zelma for the town, after 
the daughter of a local rancher. However, the selected name of Carson 
was coined by combining the names of local settlers, Frank Carter and 
Simon and David Pederson. A few years later, the city merged with the 
rival town site of North Carson when the Northern Pacific Railroad 
brought the two communities together. It became the county seat of 
Grant County when the county organized in 1916.
  Today, Carson remains a small, proud community. Just this year, a 
devastating ice storm crippled much of rural southwestern North Dakota, 
leaving many without power. While the residents of Carson lost power 
for approximately four days themselves, they helped to serve the people 
of several surrounding communities who went without electricity for 
nearly a month. This is just one example of the resilience of the 
people of Carson.
  To celebrate the town's centennial, the residents of Carson have 
planned a number of festivities. They will gather for an all-school 
reunion, an alumni basketball game, attend a Bull-A-Rama, and 
participate in other celebratory festivities.
  I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Carson, ND, and 
its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well through 
the next century. By honoring Carson and all the historic small towns 
of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for 
future generations. It is places such as Carson that have helped shape 
this country, which is why this fine community is deserving of our 
recognition.
  Carson has a proud past and a bright future.

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