This photo shows the Zeeland City Hall in Zeeland, North Dakota, a historic building constructed in 1936. Painted a light yellow, the structure has a simple gabled façade topped with a small steeple-like tower. The words “Zeeland Hall 1936” are prominently displayed above the arched front entrance, which is flanked by small round windows and tall rectangular ones. The building reflects classic mid-20th century small-town civic architecture, serving as both a community hall and city government center.

Welcome to the community of Zeeland and to Zeeland Hall. We are grateful for our community’s forefathers, who came first from densely populated Germany to the vast grasslands of Russia, and finally here to the prairies of America in search of land of their own to till, farm, and to raise their families. The first claim in this part of North Dakota didn’t occur until 1885 when they arrived in wagons drawn by oxen and horses. The land was plentiful, and often families traveled as whole groups claiming adjoining lands. In 1905 Zeeland was organized as a village. The strong family unit was vital as they overcame hardships, and built their homes from the newly broken sod. The community continued to grow, and years later, thanks to President Rosevelt and his Works Progress Administration efforts, the Zeeland Hall before you, was built in 1936. The Hall is on the National register of historic places, and is known for its colonial revival style with a bell tower, meant to signify local views of democracy, patriotism, and moral superiority. In 1946, an addition was made to the east side of the hall that served as the jail house with two cells. There are two entrances on the north side, you’ll notice a barred window on the jail door. The Hall served the community over the years as the location of many events--movies, basketball games, and weddings and dances, which still take place today--it even served as the local roller skating rink--venture inside and you might come across a pair of the old roller skates.

Take a short walk to the City Park, which was created in 1938 when the city raised funds to buy the land through basketball games played between local businessmen. With John Schweigert as foreman, the grandstand and arch gateway were built and the baseball diamond was laid out. The grandstand was torn down in 1998, but the archway still serves as a reminder of the gateway it once was to the local ball diamonds. Every Sunday, hundreds of fans would gather to cheer on the Zeeland baseball team, which had one of the best teams in the state throughout the 1930’s. Close your eyes and you imagine the crack of the bat, the roars of the crowds, and the smells of popcorn, and plenty of candy and soda.