Hill Farm Historical Society
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  • James J. Hill Death
Hill Farm Historical Society's Mission Statement
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The Hill Farm Historical Society's mission is to share the rich and unique history of James J. Hill's North Oaks Farm through preservation of the Hill Farm National Historic Site, and, to tell the story of the role the farm played in the development of agriculture and Hill's Great Northern Railroad from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest.

Three Bold Ventures

The reprinted 250 page book with over 200 photos and maps is hard bound with a soft cover with the same design as the original jacket.  Orders are being taken for author signed books with delivery scheduled in May.  Reserve a copy by sending a check for $59  (HFHS members) or $79 (non HFHS-members) made out to the Hill Farm Historical Society,
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 100 Village Center Drive, Suite 240, North Oaks, MN 55127

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In 1883, railroad industrialist James J. Hill purchases 3,300 acres encompassing what is today the community of North Oaks.  Hill used his North Oaks Farm to produce advances in cattle raising and other agricultural practices to complement his burgeoning Great Northern Railroad. 

Today, the Hill Farm Historical Society preserves Hill's legacy of innovation on over five acres that includes the dairy, blacksmith shop, and the signature "red barn," which served as the granary.  These buildings are on the Register of Historic Places.   Guided tours are available by appointment.  Self-guided tour brochures can be printed by clicking below on "North Oaks Farm Self Guided Tour.pdf.  Printed brochures may at times be available on the door of the dairy building. 

The Hill Farm Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated by a volunteer working Board of Directors.  We rely on volunteers to carry out our programs throughout the year.  We welcome your involvement, contributions, and suggestions!

If you would like to read more about the history of James J. Hill's North Oaks Farm please click here 

North Oaks Farm Self Guided Tour.pdf
File Size: 941 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Article from Press Publications, written by Paul Dickson, updated January 28th, 2021- please click here
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The historic North Oaks farmstead of James J. Hill.

Your Historical Society at Work
Vintage Farm Equipment Being Restored

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Hill Farm Historical Society board member Paul Dickson is overseeing restoration of equipment used on North Oaks Farm.  Paul is drawing on his farming roots to restore the equipment to operating condition.  Paul Dickson (left) and Paul Storch (right), a restoration expert, are readying a feed mill for restoration.

Watch videos of farm equipment that would have been used on Hill Farm!

Hill Farm Historical Society 2021 Board of Directors

Joan Brainard - Interpretive Plan
Laura Colosi - Website
Peter Dahlberg - Grounds
​Paul Dickson
Bill Ecklund - Risk Management
​Denise Fleming, Interim President - Community Affairs
Fidias Fors
​John Grant - Treasurer
Dorothy Hoem
Barb Kirkpatrick
​Ken Klein
​Walter Krebsbach
​Laurel Krebsbach
Sara Maud Lydiatt-Varnier
​Chuck May
Jayne May
Eileen McCormack, Vice President - History
Tami McNeil, Vice President - Membership, Annual Dinner
Ryan Nintzel - Secretary
Mary Nussbaum - Ice Cream Social
Judy Ohannesian - Auction
​Julie Oliver
Jake Popp
Len Rice 
Martha Rice
Mike Vinyon

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