Founded In 1883 -Incorporated in 1906

First Settler, not definite, Brophy.

First Postmaster, Mr. Brophy.

First House, Mr. Brophy.

First Teacher, not definite.

First Doctor, Dr.  Leslie, resident M. D.

First Dentist, Dr.  W. H. Taylor.

First Church built, Hannaford Lutheran.

First Business Merchant, Mr. Brophy.

First Druggist, Mr. Langlye.

First Hotel, built by John Brekke in 1887.

First Schoolhouse, 1883.

First Bank, A. M. Sinclair.

First Enterprise, 1904; Mr. Arbaghast.

First Lumber Co., 1904, Hannaford Lumber Co., H. H. Swingen, Manager.

First Elevator, 1887, Cargill, Samuel Samuelson, Manager.

First Telephone Co., Central North Dakota Co.  Lines extended to Sutton and Luverne.

First Village Board Officers were: Trustees E. H. Groven, I. A. Kampen and A. O. Anderson.  Clerk W. A. Olmstad, Assessor Richard E. Leiser, Treasurer S. Hyde, Marshal C. L. Berg, Justice of Peace I. A. Kampen.  Vote 32-2, July 1906.

July 31, 1906, Hannaford Mercantile Co., incorporated.  A. G. Hoel, president; Asher Anderson, vice president; C. Reite, secretary-treasurer.  This company was the successor firm of Anderson and Reite.

March 3, 1908, Asher Anderson and Ed Savre bought the farm machinery business of the Hannaford Mercantile and formed Anderson and Savre, Co.

The Edland Concrete Factory in 1906-1907, are making sidewalk tile for the village.  Several block buildings are also underway at this time.

Pictures best display the history of Hannaford streets and business places and respective owners or proprietors are listed to the best of our research from histories and the Hannaford Enterprise.  Many family histories have been turn in which tell the beginnings, although many have not sent their histories and some not available.  The various businesses took many changes in proprietorship during the following years which are too numerous to name, but all have helped in the growth and preservation of Hannaford.

The family histories, although the name may or may not be a familiar name will enlighten the reader with the lifestyle and acquaint one with conditions the early pioneers struggled through for maintenance and building of a home, community and a church to worship and thank their God.

The population by the Washington Census read

1900, 200

1910, 340

1920, 420

1960, 277

1964, 282. 

As the years passed on the population went on a decrease, as families moved on, deaths, fires which destroyed the greater part of business places and never rebuilt, depression, the "dirty thirties" when many lost their jobs and moved on where they received employment.  Many farmers lost land and home due to drought and perhaps some left to seek greener pastures and a different environment.

The merging of the Great Northern into the Burlington Northern caused many families to transfer, as also the closing of the Great Northern tower, coal chute, water plant and Northern Pacific closing its service brought the same occurrence.

The big news in 1910 (population at this date 340), was the construction of the Great Northern Railroad line, called the Surrey Cut-off between Fargo and Minot connecting with the transcontinental railroad.  Work was started on both ends of the line with steam shovels and 300 horses used.

H.O. Edland, architect-contractor continuing to lay the sidewalks.

New street lights were installed.

Land was being sold for $47.50 per acre.

In January 1910, the appearance in the western sky of a remarkable distinct comet which was visible just after sunset on clear evenings.  Believed to be Halley's Comet.  The next appearance predicted will be in 1980.

In 1914, report of freak weather.  Winter is said by pioneers to be identical with that in fall of 1890-91, which was followed by best crops in history of state.  Neither rain or snow in late fall and winter but following spring made up the deficiency of moisture.  Oats yielded 100 bushels per acre and wheat and other grains followed accordingly.  Confident farmers say 1914, crop will be a banner crop, too.

The Hannaford Creamery burned in March and was never rebuilt.

The site of the creamery in later years after the flash flood of 1921, became the swimming pool and small park area.  The previous pool was northwest of highway bridge.  After the flash flood of '21, a dam was built on north side of bridge offering a better swimming pool southeast of bridge.  A pump house also adjoined the dam to furnish water for Northern Pacific trains at Hannaford.

World Brothers Circus, biggest show in the world - over 100 wild animals, parade, clowns, sea lions, elephants, trapeze monkeys, waltzing camels, acrobats, somersaulting polar bears, and a great many more attractions, came to Cooperstown in 1922.  Wonder if a 1975 circus can beat that!

Moon-makers arrested in this community and served their four months term in jail along with a $400 fine.  Officers are after these law violators and are warning that booze making and selling is a dangerous business in Griggs.

1968: A Senior Citizens Club was organized, Mrs. Al Bloom, president.  Meetings with entertainment held once a month.

New addition was built to Hannaford School.  In February a bond issue of $175,000 was appropriated.  In July contracts were let for 11,800 square feet addition to the school.  It was to include gym, school food program, service and music facilities.

1970: Census, 244.

1974: The Presbyterian Church was officially closed after serving the Hannaford community since 1900.

1972: Crane Johnson Co., closed its operation in Hannaford September 1972.  The managers over the years were Henry Swingen, Paul Vance, Ted Sonderby, Elton Kloster, Roger Haugrud, Ed Carlson.  Claude Freer served 15 years as assistant manager.

Source:  Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 258