[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Pages 13609-13610]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               125TH ANNIVERSARY OF MENOKEN, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I am pleased to honor a community 
in North Dakota that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. On June 
21, the residents of Menoken gathered to celebrate their community and 
its historic founding.
  Menoken is located in Burleigh County, just a few miles from the 
State capital. Although its population is small, Menoken holds an 
important place in our State's history. As the first tracks of the 
Northern Pacific Railroad were being laid across North Dakota, the 
Seventeenth Siding was marked; later to be known as what is now 
Menoken. Upon the completion of the railroad, settlers from Maine 
occupied the territory and named the town Blaine, after Maine Senator 
James G. Blaine. Once more the town's name was changed to Clark, and 
then finally secured as Menoken.
  The citizens of Menoken take great pride in their community enriched 
with history. The town is home to the Menoken Indian Village, which is 
a preserved prehistoric earthlodge village that dates back to the early 
13th century A.D. In addition, the battlegrounds of General Sibley's 
campaign of 1863 are located near Menoken. These two landmarks are 
among many of the town's sacred keepsakes that resemble the very 
essence of North Dakota.
  The 125th anniversary celebration included a school tour, fashion 
show, and parade. It was followed by a horseshoe tournament, tractor 
pull, and old-time music. Once evening set in, people witnessed an 
exceptional cavalry reenactment. It was no doubt a day unlike any 
other.
  Mr. President, I ask the U.S. Senate to join me in congratulating 
Menoken, ND, and its residents on their 125th anniversary and in 
wishing them well for the future. By honoring Menoken and all other 
towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering, frontier spirit

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alive for future generations. It is places such as Menoken that have 
helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why this 
fine community is deserving of our recognition.
  Menoken has a proud past and a bright future.

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