Hill Farm Historical Society
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  • James J. Hill Death



HFHS Annual Spring Dinner
Friday, May 19, 2017 at North Oaks Golf Club

Ron Pelusso, Minnesota History Theater, Why we do What we do.
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Ice Cream Social and Old Time Baseball
Sunday, June 11, 2017
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HFHS Annual Spring Dinner

Friday, May 13, 2016 at North Oaks Golf Club

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Eileen R. McCormack
Historian, and Author  
will present
James J. & Mary T. Hill, A Legacy of Philanthropy 
Did you know that 2016 is the 100th anniversary of James J. Hill's death?  Come hear Eileen McCormack talk about the lesser known philanthropic activities of the Hill's.  To read more about James J. Hill's death click here.

Distinguished Professor Hy Berman Delivers His Presentation, "James J. Hill, Immigration, and the Industrial Revolution," to a Sold-Out Annual Spring Dinner, May 8, 2015

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Professor Hy Berman -- "Minnesota's Premier Public Historian" -- delivered his presentation, James J. Hill, Immigration and the Industrial Revolution to a sold-out crowd at the Annual Dinner at North Oaks Golf Club.  

Professor Berman, a distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota, is a frequent commentator on the renown TPT program Almanac and the creator of the award-winning documentaries, St. Paul's Past and Minneapolis' Past.    Professor Berman has been a contributor to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and USA Today.

Noted Author Larry Haeg Chronicles the Harriman v. Hill Battle in a Captivating Presentation at the Annual Spring Dinner, May 16, 2014

Distinguished author Larry Haeg captivated a full crowd at the Historical Society's Annual Spring Dinner on May 16th, discussing his latest book, Harriman v. Hill:  Wall Street's Great Railroad War.  In the book, Haeg chronicles how the battle for control of the western railroad route led to the first panic on Wall Street, pitted Big Oil versus Big Steel, and saw James J. Hill and J.P. Morgan go against the Rockefellers in an epic struggle. We are grateful to have had Haeg's insights into this fascinating chapter of our country's history.  
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Farm Fest: An Annual Tradition

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Each year on fall Sunday in September, hundreds of North Oaks neighbors and supporters of the Hill Farm Historical Society enjoy the fun, friendship, and fellowship of Farm Fest.  Children,  grandchildren, and adults alike, enjoy the games, petting zoo, and butter-making, as well as touring the interactive exhibits in the Red Barn.  Quilts are on display in the Dairy building, and an old-time  blacksmith demonstrates his craft in the Machine Shop.  Our Silent Auction has many unique items for your consideration!!     

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Ice Cream Social and Vintage Baseball Game, June 24, 2012

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The Quicksteps Baseball Club took on the North Oaks All-Stars in a summer classic.  After the game, the players, their families, friends, and neighbors enjoyed ice cream in the shade of the old oak trees west of the dairy building on the historic Hill Farm site.   


Annual Spring Dinner, May 11, 2012
Noted Historian Provides Insights into James J. Hill

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We were fortunate to have noted historian Eileen McCormack, curator of the Hill Papers and author of The Dutiful Son, Louis W. Hill, as our keynote speaker at our Annual Spring Dinner on Friday, May 11th.  Eileen delighted the crowd with anecdotes about and insights into James J. Hill.  

Fall Open House  
October 8, 2011

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Over fifty people enjoyed the unseasonably warm autumn with cider and cookies while viewing the recently restored farm equipment the scale model of original thirty-five buildings at North Oaks Farm.  

Farm Fest Was Fun for All! 
September 10, 2011

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With the season's first frost behind us, it is hard to believe that Farm Fest was held on Saturday, September 10th, with temperatures approaching 90 degrees.  Good food, good music, and good fun were the order of the day.  We heard many words of praise for the new exhibits of farm equipment in the Red Barn.  Our children and grandchildren enjoyed the games, petting zoo, butter-making, and blacksmith.  The wonderful day was capped off with an extraordinary fireworks display. 

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Astronomy Night -- Gazing at the Stars!
August 18, 2011

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The skies were cloudy, but all had fun as children and adults gazed at the August sky and learned about worlds beyond ours.

Vintage Baseball Game Was Great Fun!
June 26, 2011

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Fun was had by all as the North Oaks All-Starts took on the Quicksteps Baseball Club in a vintage baseball game.  Underneath blue skies and a bright sun, fun was had by all, enjoying the company of friends, ice cream treats, and the bouncing castle for our small children. 

Annual Spring Dinner a Huge Success!
April 14, 2011

Renown climatologist, Mark Seeley, captivates the audience

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The 2011 annual spring dinner on May 13th featured renowned climatologist Dr. Mark Seeley as the keynote speaker.  Dr. Seeley captivated the audience with stories of extreme weather in Minnesota.  Dr. Seeley also conveyed sobering scientific evidence documenting the warming of Minnesota's climate.  Dr. Seeley is the author of several books, including Minnesota Weather Almanac, a 200-year history of weather in Minnesota.  Following his presentation, Dr. Seeley graciously signed copies of his book for the audience.  More information about Dr. Seeley is available at http://www.climate.umn.edu/seeley/.

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         Dr. Seeley signed copies of his books for adoring
         Hill Farm Historical Society members.
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Dr. Seeley recognized a member of the audience for her service at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Joan Brainard Honored for Her Years of Service

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Hill Farm Historical Society President Bill Flittie presented Joan Brainard with the Distinguished Service Award for her many years of outstanding service to the Historical Society.  "We are all grateful for the selfless work that Joan has done for so many years," said Bill.                                         

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