[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 14498-14499]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE CITY OF CORSICA, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and publicly 
recognize the 100th anniversary of Corsica, SD. It is at this time that 
I would like to draw attention to and commemorate the achievements and 
history of this charming city on the South Dakota prairie, which stands 
as an enduring tribute to the fortitude and pioneer spirit of the 
Dakotans.
  Corsica, located in northern Douglas County in southeastern South 
Dakota, was founded out of a need to service a new railroad built 
several miles from the existing towns of Harrison and Armour. On August 
17, 1905, Corsica officially became a town when 25 acres of prairie 
where auctioned off to the highest bidders. It was suggested by several 
of the railroad company's employees that the town be named Corsica in 
honor of the island of Corsica, their native home, and the new 
residents agreed.
  Corsica grew rapidly and within weeks included the Floete Lumber 
Company, a grocery store, the Hafsaas boarding house, Corsica State 
Bank, Farmers State Bank, a newspaper office, and several restaurants. 
The town was incorporated on January 24, 1905, and local elections 
quickly followed to select city officials.
  After 2 years, Corsica's population was estimated at nearly 500 
people, and the town then boasted three general stores, a furniture 
store, two newspapers, two hotels, two livery stables, two churches, a 
water system, and a public hall.
  The history of Corsica is, however, marked with its share of tragedy, 
as well. On October 16, 1907, the first fire of which there is a record 
burned one of the town's most prosperous businesses to the ground. John 
Van Ommeren's livery barn was completely destroyed and five horses, 
several buggies, and other personal belongings were all lost.

[[Page 14499]]

Additionally, 8 years later, on July 15, 1915, a tornado struck the 
community, resulting in severe damage. Despite the devastation, 
Corsica's dedicated and resilient residents committed themselves to the 
rebuilding effort with undaunted determination.
  One of Corsica's unique landmarks is the Priscilla Club Library, 
established in 1912. The library began as a book club, the Priscilla 
Club, comprised of 12 women sharing a dozen books between themselves. 
It evolved into an organization of women selling their embroidery and 
holding suppers in order to raise funds and purchase additional 
volumes. This small but well intentioned club amassed an immense 
collection of literature and cultural artifacts requiring an entire 
building to accommodate it all. The library now houses more than 10,500 
books and hundreds of audiovisual materials. For a community of only 
625 residents, this collection is a tremendous accomplishment and 
treasure.
  Through the years, the proud residents of Corsica have demonstrated 
great flexibility and perseverance in their ability to thrive on the 
prairie of the Dakotas. I take this opportunity to recognize the 
history of the small city of Corsica and congratulate its residents as 
they celebrate their vibrant, century-long history on July 2-4, 
2005.

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