Looking at Hayfield history

The Hayfield area was a focus point for the Dodge County Historical Society in 2023, and we found many details of life in that area in times past.
“Conversations are important,” noted Lois Hancock, organizer of the events. “When you have conversations with people, all sorts of interesting things come to light.”
We had conversations at get-togethers, held at Uncle Mony’s in March and April, talking to people with stories and pertinent questions about the past in Hayfield and in the surrounding townships. Here are some topics of interest.
The railroad and the roundhouse were important to Hayfield for many years. Evidence of the roundhouse, where the engines would change direction, can still be seen if you know where to look for it. An interested resident provided us with information and donated some railroad-related items from early days in Hayfield.
The Nielsen Maternity Home was the site of many Hayfield area births, and the house is still standing in the southern part of town;
Nickel Pete’s Wonder Store was well-known throughout the area. The owner, Carl Peterson, and his twin brother served in World War I, where Carl was a pilot and his twin brother served in the Battle of Argonne Forest, one of the most significant military events of the war.
The fire that destroyed the school in 1969 was a traumatic event for the entire community. A helpful former teacher and coach supplied us with many details, and we would like to hear from people with memories of that day to add to our files.
Bob Senjem’s book, Pages of Oslo, is a great resource for finding out about Oslo area history and settlers. He features the families of the early settlers, and includes businesses, churches and organizations as well as events that have happened over the years.
The Vernon Cooperative Creamery, along with the Rock Dell Zumbro Creamery, were among the first established in Minnesota. They both went into business at the same time, around 1884.
West St. Olaf Church was established by Norwegian settlers in Canisteo Township. West St. Olaf was part of a shared parish with East St. Olaf, which is located in Olmsted County. In 1876, the St. Olaf congregation established St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson, six miles away, as well as Evanger Lutheran in Sargeant, Trinity Lutheran in Hayfield, and Zumbro Lutheran in Rochester.
The Westfield Church, located in Westfield Township, was modeled after a Lutheran church in Hemsedal, Norway. (A planned meeting at the church had to be canceled due to inclement weather. We hope to have that meeting, to view the church and learn more about its history, in 2024.)
Tobacco was a crop that was grown in the Oslo area in the first part of the 20th Century, and photos were provided of people harvesting it;
In order to experience some fun in their hard working lives, the rural neighbors would have occasional musical get-togethers in people’s homes. They would begin after evening chores were done, and people with musical instruments brought them along, so music and dancing were a main attraction. The family that hosted the event provided sandwiches and whatever other food was on hand, and these events would last late into the night.
Here are some questions that haven’t been answered yet.
Are there photos of past businesses on Main Street and in the area?
When did Citizens State Bank move their location?
When did Hayfield Windows come to town?
When was the train line discontinued?
Who were the medical professionals who served Hayfield?
When was Fieldcrest Nursing Home established?
Our search for Hayfield history will continue into 2024, and we hope people with stories of the area’s past will contact us and share what they have and have heard, so we can add more history to our collection. Contact us on Facebook or by email at dodgecountyhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.