[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 69 (Wednesday, May 18, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        SELFRIDGE, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, today, I am pleased to recognize 
a community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. 
From July 8-10, the residents of Selfridge will gather to celebrate 
their community's founding.
  The Selfridge Milwaukee Road Railroad Station was established in 
1911. Several theories exist on how Selfridge received its name. Some 
say the name describes the ridge of hills in the area, while others say 
it was named for a Milwaukee Road Railroad official. Others contend 
that it was named for Thomas E. Selfridge, a pioneer army aviator 
killed in service.
  In 1925, Selfridge boasted 63 business establishments and 51 homes. 
By 1930, the town's population had more than doubled. In the early 
1940s, crops harvested in the countryside around Selfridge brought 
agricultural success, and during the 1950s the city council established 
a water and sewer system for the community. Because prairie fires have 
been a concern for Selfridge since its founding, a voluntary fire 
department has always been in existence.
  Selfridge is located in south central North Dakota in Sioux County. 
It is part of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Today the town is 
home to the Selfridge Fire Hall, Selfridge High School, Selfridge Post 
Office, Selfridge Farmer's Union Oil Co., and the Branding Iron Bar & 
Steakhouse.
  In honor of the city's 100th anniversary, community leaders have 
organized, among other things, a high school reunion social, street 
dances, a parade, sporting activities, a performance by Native American 
dancers, a children's carnival, and a German supper.
  I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. Senate join me in congratulating 
Selfridge, ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in 
wishing them well in the future. By honoring Selfridge and all other 
historic small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering 
frontier spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as 
Selfridge that have helped shape this country into what it is today, 
which is why this fine community is deserving of our recognition.
  Selfridge has a proud past and a bright future.

                          ____________________