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Halder, Village of

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For more information on this location, please contact our research library.

Author:
Mary Moltzan

Location:
T. 27 N. - R. 5 E., Sec. 26, Township of Emmet

Founded:
Settled 1871

Background:

The first families arrived in 1856 escaping the potato famine in Ireland.

Halder was named for one of the first residents, George Halder. It was nicknamed "Irish Hill" and "Irish Settlement" for its Irish settlers, some named O'Conner and Fitzgerald.

Post Office Established:
July 7, 1887

First Postmaster:
Josephine Heissel

About The Post Office:

First discontinued on July 30, 1889 and reestablished on November 1, 1889 with new postmaster Michael O'Conner.  Discontinued in 1908 or 1909.

Churches:

See Emmet Township

Schools:

St. Robert's School was dedicated in 1921 and operated until 1970 as the parish school of St. Patrick's Church.

See Schools, Emmet Township, for more information on St. Robert's School

Business:

According to the 1901 Plat map:

T. Schirpke Creamery and Feed Mill

J. Schirpke Store

 PO P. Staeck Saloon Restaurant

Industry:

Sawmill

Farming:

After a few years of wheat and grain farming, both the Irish and new arrivals began to convert to dairy farming in the early 1900s.

Stories:

In the mid-1800s, hard working Irish folk came to this fertile area, the first families arriving in 1856.  Most came looking to escape the infamous potato famine in Ireland that  left dreams shattered and friends dead.  About 75,000 people died during the famine between 1845 and 1847.  One resident recalled his grandmother crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a cattle boat to come to this country.

The Halder Irish were devoutly Catholic.  But they also enjoyed handing out the blarney over beers at the local bars after long hours in the fields or woods.  Thus, both the saloons and Catholic church played a large role in the community of Halder.

See Township of Emmet