[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11312]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         EMERADO, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today, I am pleased to recognize a 
community in North Dakota that is celebrating its 125th anniversary. On 
July 10, the residents of Emerado, ND, will gather to celebrate their 
community's founding.
  When the railroad came to Emerado in 1882, a town began to take shape 
on the Hancock homestead. The town site was platted in September 1885 
by Henry Hancock, originally of Ontario, Canada, and by Lewis Emery, 
Jr., from Bradford, PA. The village was named for Emery, owner of one 
of the first bonanza farms in North Dakota, consisting of 4,480 acres 
of land.
  Among the early businesses were Fred Ludwick and Henry Raymond, 
blacksmith; Plup and Morgans Grocery Store; Emery Hotel, built about 
1882; the Virginia Hotel, built around 1915 by A.A. Hood; Dakota St. 
Anthony Elevator; Farmers Elevator; and Bill Hancock Hardware. The 
first post office was established on November 25, 1885, with Edmund 
Gale, Jr., serving as the postmaster.
  The mill was built in the late 1890s by J.R. Cooper. Over time, other 
businesses were developed. Among these were the Gritzmacher General 
Store; Seebart Brothers painters and decorators; S.S. Hood General 
Merchandise; William L. Sibell, barber; Charles Emery Ford Car and 
International dealer; George Dean Grocery; Fosnes Hardware and 
Machinery; Ralph Bosard, blacksmith; S.S. Grantham Coop Store; Mary 
Kelly Cafe; and the ``Blind Pig'' pool hall and barber shop operated by 
Nick Hickson.
  Emerado was a thriving small town until the disastrous events of May 
9, 1928. Ashes cleaned out of a nearby locomotive ignited, leading to a 
fire that razed 24 structures, including the town's church, town hall, 
elevator, several businesses, homes, and barns. The church, elevator, 
town hall, and one home were soon rebuilt.
  Emerado is very proud of the Emerado Elementary School, home of the 
Bulldogs. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade are 
privileged to be taught by caring professionals who share the belief 
that ``each student is the most important person in school.''
  In honor of the city's 125th anniversary, community leaders have 
organized a parade, carnival games, an all-school reunion, and many 
other fun and exciting events.
  I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. Senate join me in congratulating 
Emerado, ND, and its residents on their first 125 years and in wishing 
them well in the future. By honoring Emerado and all other historic 
small towns of North Dakota, we keep the great pioneering frontier 
spirit alive for future generations. It is places such as Emerado that 
have helped shape this country into what it is today, which is why this 
fine community is deserving of our recognition.
  Emerado has a proud past and a bright future.

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