Discover the Heartbeat of Harvey, North Dakota
Explore the rich history and inspiring stories that have shaped our community. Dive into the events and contributions that make Harvey a unique and proud place to live.
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Pivotal Moments in Harvey's History
Explore the key events that have defined Harvey, North Dakota, and contributed to its growth and development over the years.
'1893
Founding of Harvey
Harvey was established as a small railroad town, named after Col. Scott Harvey, a director of the Soo Line Railroad. The town was platted in 1893 and the Post Office established on October 2, 1893. This marked the beginning of a community that would grow and thrive over the decades.
'1895
Incorporation as a City
Harvey was officially incorporated as a city, providing a structured governance that helped in the development of infrastructure and public services.
'1950
Agricultural Boom
The mid-20th century saw a significant agricultural boom in Harvey, with advancements in farming technology and practices boosting the local economy and population.
'2004
Community Revitalization
Community revitalization efforts in Harvey, North Dakota, began in 2004 when the city started utilizing the Renaissance Zone Program. This program was designed to stimulate economic growth and redevelopment through tax incentives for both residential and commercial properties. Since its inception, a series of community-driven initiatives were launched to revitalize downtown Harvey, including the restoration of historic buildings and the introduction of new businesses and cultural events.
Milestones in Harvey's History
Take a journey through the significant events that have defined our community over the years.
'1892
Construction of Dam by Soo Line Railway
The construction of a dam by the railroad in 1892 significantly benefited Harvey, North Dakota, in several ways:
1. Water Supply
2. Economic Growth
3. Community Development
4. Transportation and Trade
'1894
First School Built
The first school in Harvey, North Dakota, was established in 1894. Classes were held in a one-room shack that was part of the town’s hotel. With the word spreading of Mr. R. Ped’s teaching abilities, the enrollment went from a handful of students to the first class of seventeen (17) in 1898. The establishment of schools was a key factor in attracting families to the region, contributing to Harvey’s growth and stability as a community.
'1898
Tragedy Marks the Turn of the Century
An epidemic took the lives of ten (10) students in 1898 and the school board began questioning the conditions of the school and were spurred to erect a six-room red brick building located in the northwest corner of what is currently the school block campus housing the historical buildings of B. M. Hanson School.
'1910
Consolidating Schools Make Harvey a Hub
The first school consolidation law was passed and Harvey saw the addition of students from surrounding communities. To accommodate the growing number of high school students, a 3-story building was constructed in 1913 near the red brick schoolhouse which featured a manual arts shop, three (3) music rooms, a combination library-study hall, and six (6) classrooms. It was clear that rural children, who were often expected to take over family farms, understood the value an need for what education could provide.
'1915
Harvey Promoted
In 1915, the Harvey Herald newspaper and advertisers took to promoting their lovable town. The lure of their advertisements included the first-class school, hospital, seven (7) churches, four (4) banks and eleven (11) grain elevators. The campaign of Harvey’s achievements and vision, thrust the commercial development forward during these challenging times.
'1917
Harvey City Band
anMr. Bachman came from North Dakota Agricultural College (NDAC), Fargo to Harvey in 1917. He originated from Atlanta Illinois, and studied music at the preparatory school in Mason City, Iowa. Bachman was hired as a music instructor at Harvey High School and it was decided he would also direct the city band, which historically included diverse members including students, businessmen, and farmers. As the war approached and registration would be eminent, Bachman saw the opportunity to organize a Army band. The unit was called up and taken to a European theatre where they played concerts for parades and marching units. Brigadier General Hunter LIggett in France sent his aide to tell the band that “In the 42 years of my experience, this is the best Army bnad I have ever heard. It is worth a mission dollars to have ever heard and to Uncle Sam.” Thus, the Million Dollar Band was born and after the war Bachman toured them annauly from Chicago to Florida. Harvey has had many bands throughout its history: Germand Band, Jazz Band, Harvey Junior Band, and Clown Band. The city organized an orchestra and marching bands over the years.
'1921
Space Needed for Growth in Education
In 1921 when a portion of the hospital was closed temporarily, the school leased the space for the upper grades until it became evident that 20 rooms were needed along with a gymnasium and auditorium. A three-story brick building was constructed the following year at a cost of $43,100 as the first phase of a project which today stands as the combination of three historical buildings on B. M. Hanson School Campus.
'1938
Recovery From the Great Depression
By 1938, our nation was focusing on helping local economies rebound from the Great Depression with the Public Works Administration (PWA) program. Harvey was granted $56,320 which provided the means to complete phase two of their vision. Before construction began the red brick school house was razed and the floor joists were repurposed for construction of the new gymnasium ceiling, which hosted the Central ND Conference basketball tournaments for years to come.
'1960
District 38 created
Annexed townships, including 436 sections of land created District 38 in 1960. Included in this were Benson, Pierce, Wells, and Sheridan counties. Students came from Martin Public School, St. Cecilia’s Catholic School, and Selz Grade School.
At that time an architect by the name of Theodore B. Wells of Wells Denbrook Architects, Grand Forks, was commissioned to design the south building in the original complex. He was adept at Collegiate Gothic Revival styles marked by geometric Art Deco. It proved to be adaptable as architectural tastes changed.
The quality and materials of the European influence are key to the time-tested endurance of products utilized as well as the style of the building, right down to the sanctuary feel of the Terrazzo floors and the symmetrical aspects of both the interior and exterior design.
Superintendent Bernum N. Hanson was the pride of the campus and its namesake with twenty-three years of dedicated service to attaining a high standard for our school.
'1993
Centennial Celebration
Harvey celebrated its 100th anniversary with events that honored the past and looked forward to the future.
