[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 109 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S6196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TIMBER LAKE, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the 100th 
anniversary of Timber Lake, SD, on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian 
Reservation. The county seat of Dewey County, this small town embodies 
South Dakota values.
  Originally established by the Secretary of the Interior, the land 
plots were so popular that 1,000 people camped out when the land went 
on sale. The town grew quickly with many ``tent stores'' springing up. 
Settlers arrived before the railroad did, so building materials were 
brought in by wagon. The Milwaukee Railroad quickly realized the demand 
for a railroad through Timber Lake, and by May, trains were reaching 
the thriving new town. Timber Lake officially incorporated in February 
1911. The census in 1920 showed a population of 555, making it 
officially a city of the second class.
  In the early 1920s, sewer lines were laid for a town septic system. 
The digging machine unearthed a metal object, which was put in the 
bank. Upon further examination, and after it was cleaned, it was 
determined to be a sculpture of two hands clasping a rose branch with a 
snake winding through the hands. The origin of this unexpected find is 
still unknown.
  To honor its 100 year anniversary, the Timber Lake community is 
having a ``Days of 1910'' celebration, complete with a banquet, a 
talent show and play, and a viewing of 4-H exhibits. I am proud to 
recognize them on their historic milestone, and I look forward to 
seeing what else this great town accomplishes.

                          ____________________