[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 70 (Thursday, May 19, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          RUGBY, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a 
community in North Dakota that will be celebrating its 125th 
anniversary. On July 1-3, the residents of Rugby will gather to 
celebrate their community's history and founding.
  Rugby is a vibrant community in North Dakota that was founded in 
1886. This Great Northern Railroad station was platted as Rugby 
Junction, but since its founding has been simply called Rugby, for 
Rugby, Warwickshire, England.
  Today, Rugby is home to almost 200 businesses in a variety of fields 
including craftsmanship, manufacturing, agriculture, retail, food 
services, and health care. Rugby is also part of the North Dakota Wind 
Power Project which consists of several wind turbines that produce 
clean, renewable energy. In addition, Rugby is recognized as the 
geographic center of North America.
  In order to preserve the history of the city, Rugby has established 
museums including the Dale & Martha Hawk Museum and the Prairie Village 
Museum. Both of these museums are dedicated to the pioneering families 
and ancestors of the local community. Rugby is also home to a beautiful 
golf course, the Northern Lights Tower, the historic Pierce County 
Courthouse, and is near the scenic International Peace Gardens.
  The citizens of Rugby are proud of all of their accomplishments over 
the past 125 years and have planned a celebration that will include, 
among other things, golf tournaments, a softball tournament, a 5K run/
walk, local entertainment, a car show, a parade, and food and craft 
vendors.
  I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Rugby, ND, and its 
residents on the first 125 years and in wishing them well through the 
next century. By honoring Rugby and all the other historic small towns 
of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier spirit alive for 
future generations. It is places such as Rugby that have helped to 
shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine 
community is deserving of our recognition.
  Rugby has a proud past and a bright future.

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