Explore Harmony

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Historical Tour of Harmony

Historical Tour of Harmony

Historical Tour of Harmony

The early beginnings of Harmony started with the settlement of Greenfield Prairie in Harmony Township in 1854. This settlement was made up of mostly Norwegian immigrants. With rumors of the railroad being build in a little north of Greenfield, some of the businesses moved to be closer to the railroad. The story is that a group of citizens met to decide on a name for the new village.

As the discussion became heated, one gentlemen said “Gentlemen, gentlemen, let us have harmony” whereupon someone called out, “that’s an idea, let’s call it Harmony.” The rest is History.

We invite you to take a walking tour of Harmony’s history that will come alive through images and stories from the past.

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Harmony Through The Years – This sign will give you a time line of Harmony from it’s beginnings with stories and images of some of the important events in Harmony’s History.
Northeast Harmony – A great view of NE Harmony showing many building and businesses that are now gone but not forgotten. View images of Harmony’s first church dedicated in 1895. Harmony’s iconic water tower, build on historic ground, is still in service today.
Northwest Main – Images of the first merchant building and hotel in Harmony, early images of Harmony’s railway complex of buildings, including the McMichel grain elevator and the railroad depot that remain standing today.
West Main – Showing one of the earliest retail buildings in Harmony. There are great stories of early businesses and influential people that developed a thriving Main Street. The “Toggery” building is still standing today.
East Main – Many of the buildings viewable from this sign are still recognizable today. Read the history of Harmony’s early Post Office and Independent telephone company.
A devastating fire at Main and Center destroyed several businesses was the big story in 1935. Early advertisements including “Complete Fish Dinner” for 26 cents.
Read about the history of the only remaining movie theater in Fillmore County. Enjoy several looks at Main through the years and an early 4th of July celebration, which remains an annual tradition today.
Center and South Main – The Village of Harmony was growing and there was a need for a new construction of village facilities. Harmony’s Volunteer Fire Department is shown in a 1900’s photo and is a strong part of Harmony’s character today. Many locals remember West Center as “Shanty Avenue.” The Harmony News was one of the main recorders of Harmony’s history.
A view from a 60-foot windmill, built in 1897, shows South Main down to the early settlement of Greenfield, Lover’s Lane built over a sink hole, images of early churches in Harmony and the City Park that is now the center of Harmony’s 4th of July celebrations.
The history of Harmony schools from the Little Red Schoolhouse to the present High School building originally constructed in 1936, and the first High School graduating class of 1905.

Harmony Area Historical Society

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