[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 23636]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THOMPSON, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize a 
community in North Dakota that celebrated its 125th anniversary. On 
July 7-9, the residents of Thompson gathered to celebrate their 
community's history and founding.
  Thompson is a growing community in eastern North Dakota, just 10 
miles south of Grand Forks. Settlers came to the area as early as 1874. 
With the arrival of the railroad 5 years later, more pioneers came to 
settle in the region. Founded in 1881 with the establishment of a post 
office, the community name was changed from Norton to Thompson by 
residents to avoid potential confusion with Norton, MN.
  Thompson attracts people who like small town living but hold jobs in 
the nearby city. Thompson residents also celebrate the values they 
instill upon their children, because those are the same values taught 
to them years ago. The people of Thompson have worked for a sense of 
community and, in doing so, have established ``Thompson Days,'' a time 
to meet neighbors and celebrate the heritage of an entire area. 
Thompson Days features a parade, garden tour, dances, craft shows, 
classic car show, horseshoe tournament, and lots of other activities.
  Mr. President, I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating 
Thompson, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing 
them well through the next century. By honoring Thompson 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 Thompson that have helped to shape this country into what it is 
today, which is why this fine community is deserving of our 
recognition.
  Thompson has a proud past and a bright future.

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