[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15438]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               125TH ANNIVERSARY OF DAWSON, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a community 
in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On July 2, 
the residents of Dawson, ND, gathered to celebrate their community's 
history and founding.
  Dawson is a small town in south central North Dakota with a 
population of approximately 75. Despite its small size, Dawson holds an 
important place in North Dakota's history. The Sibley Expedition helped 
begin the settlement of this area, but it was the railroad's expansion 
that was responsible for Dawson's birth. J. Dawson Thompson, along with 
Fredrick D. Hager and Robert E. Wallace established the city of Dawson 
in 1880. This town started with a windmill and a water tower and later 
developed into an important city. As a railroad center, it was 
responsible for welcoming early settlers.
  As the first established city of Kidder County, Dawson has 
experienced many changes over the years. Today, Mayor Rand Loveness 
leads this great city. Known for its excellent hunting and fishing, 
Dawson attracts a wide variety of sportsmen. Although small in size, 
Dawson has found ways to touch the lives of many people. Dawson has 
served thousands of children and adults through Camp Grassick. This 
camp specializes in giving people with disabilities and special needs a 
wonderful summer camp experience. The Veterans Memorial Wall in Dawson 
is another example of how this town has given back to its community. 
This wall honors 1,010 veterans serving from the Crimean War to the 
Gulf War.
  I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating Dawson, ND, and 
its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing them well through 
the next century. By honoring Dawson and all the other historic small 
towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit alive for 
future generations. It is places such as Dawson that have helped to 
shape this country into what it is today, which is why this fine 
community is deserving of our recognition.
  Dawson has a proud past and a bright future.

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