Do You Know Your History?
Ever wonder what it was like inside the Cass County Courthouse in 1904? Try to imagine what Fargo’s first house looked like, built in 1869 near Fourth Street and Second Avenue North? Have you seen the world’s biggest bulldozer? How about a C-47 plane that was used in the D-Day invasion? Did you know the inventor of roll film camera was from Hunter, North Dakota? The David Houston House is just one of the permanent structures you can visit at the Bonanzaville Pioneer Village in West Fargo, ND, a 12 acre village consisting of 43 historic buildings and over 400,000 artifacts.
Bonanzaville is operated by the Cass Country Historical Society, organized in 1954. It has been collecting buildings and artifacts from around the county since 1967 and organizing them into what has become one of the area’s biggest attractions. Named for the bonanza farms that once existed throughout the Red River Valley, Bonanzaville’s mission is to collect, display, and interpret artifacts relevant to the history and cultural heritage of the Red River Valley. In particular, it focuses on: the Native American experience in the West, settlement and immigration to the Red River Valley, western expansion and its impact on the prairie, the history and development of agriculture in the Valley, the history and development of transportation throughout the state, cause and effect of the railroad on the West, life in a pioneer town (1870-1920), and the rise and fall of the bonanza farm.
In addition, the Cass County Museum is located on the grounds, which features exhibits that highlight information and artifacts on Native Americans of the Red River Valley, bonanza farms and homesteading, and the modernization of North Dakota. Also within the museum is the Lucien C. Barnes Pavilion Rotating Exhibit Gallery, which focuses on important events, people, and businesses as they relate to North Dakota. The current rotating exhibit is entitled “You Are Here: Navigating North Dakota’s History.” Sponsored by Moore Engineering, the exhibit details the mapmaking process that was utilized by settlers to chart the area. “You Are Here” is on display until May 26.
Bonanzaville is home to something for just about anyone. Visitors are able to peruse a blacksmith shop originally from Towner, ND, complete with authentic furnishings such as the trip hammer and forge, or walk through a replica of a 1920s small town creamery. Others may be interested in the Dobring School or the Forness Log Cabin. The school was built in 1895 and served the Mapleton Township well into the twentieth century, while the Forness Log Cabin, a ranch style log cabin, was one of Bonanzaville’s first buildings. Interested in printing? The Hunter Times building houses newspaper machinery including a strip casing machines, hand-operated press, flatbed press, and linotype machine. One of the flagship buildings of the village is St. John’s Church. Built in 1989, the building includes many of the original furnishings, including a twelve lamp kerosene chandelier. Weddings and other services are still held within the church. Many other historically authentic structures and museums highlight the village, which takes an estimated three to five hours to tour.
One of the primary focuses of the pioneer village is education and outreach. Over 5,000 students visit Bonanzaville each year, many schools even including the pioneer village in its regular history curriculum. In addition, the village will be offering a new series of summer camps for kids. Beginning in June, area youth will have the opportunity to learn what life was like on the prairie and/or study the planes, trains, and automobiles of the past.
The village, however, isn’t just for the young. One of Bonanzaville’s challenges is changing existing perceptions and stereotypes. “People have no idea what’s out here,” explained Troy White, Executive Director. “This is not a place that’s just for children. And we’re not just a bunch of old buildings.” White went on to describe what he felt is the purpose of Bonanzaville. “We are storytellers on a societal scale,” he said, “a conduit of information between generations.” White believes in the value of history, which is exactly what Bonanzaville is all about.
Visitors to the village and museum may notice some changes. The Lucien C. Barnes pavilion opened in October. Home to the Cass County Museum, the pavilion also houses a new event center on its second floor. Complete with a full catering kitchen and the ability to seat up to 350 people, the events center is an appropriate venue for wedding receptions, parties, and corporate events. Executives hope the center is able to bring a steady stream of income into organization.
That isn’t all that’s new, however. The staff at Bonanzaville have been working tirelessly to create new and exciting events for the area. One such event will be a 4th of July extravaganza, sponsored in part by the City of West Fargo and Go Radio. Only at Bonanzaville will people be able to celebrate our nation’s birthday with Betsy Ross and other historical features. Also in the works is a “Mayor of Bonanzaville” program that will be announced in the near future.
The Cass County Museum and rotating exhibit gallery is open year round. Hours are: Monday through Saturday 10:00 – 5:00pm and Sunday 12:00 – 5:00pm from October through Memorial Day. From Memorial Day to September, hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00am – 8:00pm and Sunday 12:00 – 5:00pm. The pioneer village is open from May through October. The season opener will be held on May 1st and will also include the Arthur Town Hall dedication. Due to the generosity of donors, the Arthur Town Hall received a new foundation and handicapped accessible entrance. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6 – 16, and free for children under age 6. In addition, several membership packages are available. The village also offers generous group rates.
The preservation and dissemination of history is an important obligation for a society. Without places like Bonanzaville, future generations would miss out on the opportunity to see their history come alive in front of them. It takes the commitment of everyone involved, however, to make sure that history is procured and maintained. Bonanzaville is a nonprofit organization that relies on membership dues, donations, and volunteers to operate. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Bonanzaville family, visit the website at www.bonanzaville.com or call 701-282-2822.