[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 94 (Thursday, June 27, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5491-S5492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CLAIRE CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the founding of Claire City, 
SD. The charming town of Claire City can be found in the northeastern 
corner of South Dakota, in Roberts County.
  In 1913, a group of local farmers donated their land to establish the 
town site of Claire City. The town was named for one of the early 
organizer's wives, Edith Claire Feeney.
  Before construction of the railroad, farmers in the area had to haul 
their grain greater distances, to Sisseton or Ligerwood. The railroad 
in Claire City became essential to the growth of the town. Securing the 
funding and the labor necessary to complete the railroad was a true 
collective effort. Much of the money came from local farmers and 
businessmen who bought stock. Early residents labored tirelessly with

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the aid of horses to build the track. During this time, many of the 
women of Claire City would sell meals from their homes to help feed 
weary railroad workers.
  After the railroad was completed in the fall of 1913, the town 
flourished, and many small businesses opened. By the 1930s, Claire City 
had a grocery store, meat market, drug and general store, a live 
stable, barbershop, bank, pool hall, and a hardware store. On weekend 
nights in the summers of the 1930s and 1940s, residents could catch a 
free movie and businesses stayed open until midnight. When the weather 
started to get colder, residents could watch a movie at the town hall 
for only ten cents.
  Residents of Claire City plan to celebrate their centennial this 
weekend with a full schedule of fun activities that engage the 
community. Friday night there will be a large supper at the community 
center, accompanied by dancing and live music. Saturday there will a 
number of outdoor activities, including a tractor pull, parade, and 
rides for children and adults alike. Sunday finishes up the celebration 
with a church service and brunch served at Deano's.
  Claire City embodies the values that make South Dakota a great State. 
The hard work and determination of its residents, past and present, 
have made it possible for Claire City to reach its centennial 
anniversary. I congratulate Claire City on reaching this milestone, and 
I wish the residents the best in their future endeavors.

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