[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 26, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4633-S4634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          EUREKA, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
recognize the 125th anniversary of the founding of Eureka, SD. Eureka 
is a town with a remarkable history deeply intertwined with the State 
of South Dakota and the country at large.
  At its founding in 1887, Eureka was merely the end of the line for 
one section of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad, but its 
bountiful water supply and strategic location between Bismark, ND and 
Pierre, SD assured that within just 5 years it would become the largest 
primary wheat shipping point in the entire world. It also became a 
haven for ethnic Germans who fled the oppression of Czarist Russia, a 
cultural heritage which is proudly maintained today. During World War 
II, Eureka again proved its worth to the country, as its proud farmers 
worked hard to make sure America's Armed Forces overseas were well fed.
  More modern town heroes include Kathryn Schulkoski, who served as the 
town's librarian for 42 years, and whose name is now borne by the 
library she dedicated her life to. The town has produced nationally 
known figures as well, including Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today, and 
Marlene Hagge, a founding member of the LPGA and inductee to the World 
Golf Hall of Fame.
  Today, Eureka keeps its heritage alive with events such as the annual 
Schmeckfest, first started by the town's Germans from Russia chapter in 
1987, which continues to be a major draw for visitors; the Eureka 
Pioneer Museum, which gives visitors a wonderful look at the town's 
history and features a famous 37 foot tall wheat stalk statue; and of 
course kuchen, the delicious pastry dish which, after successful 
lobbying by the town, became the official dessert of the State of South 
Dakota.
  Eureka will celebrate its quasquicentennial with carnivals, a parade, 
concerts, and a fireworks display

[[Page S4634]]

over Lake Eureka. These events will bring the town's residents together 
and remind them of their long and rich history.
  Once again, I congratulate Eureka on reaching this milestone and all 
it has accomplished in the process. I also join its residents in 
believing that the town's best days lie ahead.

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