Bonanzaville - USA

09/04/2026

Happy Feature Friday, everyone~ This week we have this flight logbook used by Charles Klessig for you. Graduating from the North Dakota School of Science's aviation program, he became a commercial pilot in 1933, and in 1941, general manager of Hector Airfield in Fargo. One year later, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and served in WWII. After the war, he returned to Fargo, and opened a flight school, with planes and flight remaining a passion of his for the rest of his life. The book was used to help keep track of his flight hours.

09/02/2026

Let's do another "Where is it Wednesday!?"

Take your best guess at where our rubber ducky friend is located in the Pioneer Village. To make it challenging you have to tell me the building and where exactly in the building he is located!

If it gets to challenge I will pull back on the specificity and go for the closest answer, But I have a feeling someone will be able to get it!

Be sure to stop out to the Pioneer Village before fall and yes we do sell the duckies!

08/31/2026

Did You Know?...

The Pioneer Fire Company was Fargo’s first fire department. In 1875, Barney Griffin and L.B. Cornwall were appointed the first two fire wardens. At the time firefighters were volunteers, they would patrol the city in teams known as “bucket brigades”.

The Pioneer Fire Company ordered its first official piece of firefighting equipment, a hang pulled hook and ladder, it was delivered in 1877. And in 1880 the Pioneer Fire Company reorganized and renamed itself, Continental Hose Company 1. John Haggart was elected the Chief Engineer and is recognized as Fargo’s first Fire Chief. After this, other volunteers formed their own groups such as Fargo Hose Company No. 2 and the Yerxa Hose Company No. 3.

Stop out to the Pioneer Village and explore our Pioneer Fire Company building for more information and artifacts. And also keep an eye out because on September 20th we are hosting our First Responder’s Family fun day for First Responders and their families to enjoy!

08/28/2026

Happy Feature Friday, everyone~ This week we have this bugle for you used by Charles Mears Swart of the 3rd New York Cavalry in the Civil War. The earliest horn instruments were fittingly created from animal horns, though modern bugles have little resemble to these today. By the late 18th century, the bugle began to take on the familiar form it has now. The bugle has even enjoyed heavy use for military and marching band purposes.

08/26/2026

Just a heads up that we will be closed today to the public.

Thank you!

08/25/2026

Thank you to all of our visitors and volunteers for another great 2026 Pioneer Days!

We had a fantastic time and we can't wait to see you next year! That's not the end of events for us though. Be sure to follow our page and stay tuned for upcoming events and come visit us!

08/24/2026

Did You Know?...

Frank Jay Haynes opened the first photography studio in Fargo in 1876. Haynes arrived in the area with only ten cents, his photography equipment and a vision. He along with family members began creating and selling photographs in the Fargo area.

Haynes had a big breakthrough when he was contracted by the railroad, to document the construction, this led him to Yellowstone in 1881 and in 1884 he was granted the first ever photography concession in the Park. He was also named the official photographer for the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Stop in at the museum to learn more about Frank and early Fargo residents!

08/23/2026