[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 10833]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        WHITEWOOD, SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
pay tribute to the 125th anniversary of the founding of Whitewood, SD. 
Located in Lawrence County, Whitewood is a tightly knit community, 
known for its rich history and hardworking people.
  In 1877, the Pioneer Townsite Company bought an orchard from William 
Selbie, one of the early settlers of the Black Hills. This land would 
become the town of Whitewood, and was incorporated in 1888. The new 
town enjoyed trade from settlers to the north, as it was one of the few 
towns in existence at the time. Settlers came into town for machinery, 
feed, food, mail, as well as to ship their wool and livestock. In the 
early years, Whitewood was a hub of agricultural trade, particularly 
for wheat.
  A railroad terminal opened in 1905 to accommodate the increase in 
commercial activity. Along with the railroad terminal, a water tank, 
coal chute, roundhouse, and a section house offered many jobs to town 
residents.
  Whitewood is looking forward to celebrating its quasquicentennial 
anniversary. The last weekend of June will be packed with many 
activities that will bring the community together as they celebrate 
their humble beginnings. Festivities include children's games at 
Memorial Park, a 5 kilometer run, a roast pig barbeque, and a 
historically themed parade though the town.
  Whitewood was founded by a group of pioneers with an enterprising 
spirit. One hundred and twenty-five years after its founding, Whitewood 
continues to be a vibrant community and a great asset to the State of 
South Dakota. I am proud to honor the achievements of Whitewood on this 
memorable occasion.

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