[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9684]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          MONROE, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
recognize the community of Monroe, SD, on reaching the 125th 
Anniversary of its founding. This tightly knit community will have a 
chance to reflect on its past and contemplate its future. I 
congratulate the people of Monroe for reaching this milestone in their 
history.
  The eastern South Dakota townsite that became Monroe was founded in 
1887 while it was still the Dakota Territory. Its location along the 
Chicago and North Western Railroad fueled the town's growth, and it was 
incorporated as Monroe in 1901. The first building in the town was a 
grain house, which was soon followed by a general store, which included 
a post office. In the early 20th century Monroe experienced a great 
deal of development and growth and that energy is still evident to this 
day.
  Monroe sought to preserve their spirit of togetherness by 
constructing a community center in 1990. The center houses the senior 
center and city office and was built using community funds and 
donations from the alumni of Monroe High School. Many events are held 
at the center, and it is a point of pride for the community.
  The people of Monroe plan to commemorate their town's anniversary 
with many community events including a craft fair, poker run, all-
school reunion alumni banquet, and fireworks display. In addition, the 
community will host a tractor drive and ethanol plant tour to conclude 
the celebration.
  Monroe and its residents embody the small town values that make South 
Dakota a great State to live and work in. I am proud to join with the 
community of Monroe in celebrating the last 125 years, and look forward 
to what is, no doubt, a promising future.

                          ____________________