by Agnes Lipetzky
The Board of Directors of the Farmers Hall Association held a meeting at the McKinley School No. 2 on June 17, at 8:00 p.m. in 1915. Officers elected were:
president James Nelson,
vice‑president E. McKinnon
Secretary J.W. Johnson
treasurer Henry Bredahl.
The seal of this Corporation bears the words as "Farmers Hall Association, Kensal, North Dakota" The charter was No. 5936 issued on June 8, 1915. There were 28 members.
On July 1, 1916 stock certificates were ordered issued. J.S. Johnson, C.W. McDonnell and Tom North were appointed to draw up said constitution and by‑laws of the Corp. They were adopted on April 10, 1920. The McKinley Club Hall was built in 1917. Grand opening was held on June 14. So every year on June 15 for many years, people would come from many miles for a big celebration which included a family picnic, races, horseshoe games, and many activities. There was always a dance in the evening.
In 1921 the rent for political meetings was five dollars. School meetings or school activities were free.
In 1925 stock was sold for five dollars for an electric light plant. The sale of stock was $200. The Delco Light System was bought on July 18, 1926 for $125.
By January 30, 1926 there were 436 shares sold at $5.00 each. $2,180 worth of stock was issued.
On May 4, 1928, the members decided to share the hall with the McKinley Farmers Union members.
On July 18, 1931 they decided to dispose of the barn by selling it by sealed bids. The wind blew the barn down before it was sold. One of the farmers near by used the lumber.
The last minutes were read on July 22, 1942.
There were many activities besides the meetings, such as dances, card parties, plays and Christmas programs. There were two occasions that many people remember, a play that was given at the hall brought here from Minneapolis. A three day blizzard on February 23, 1923. It was a beautiful evening, so many people went to the Valentine dance at the hall. At this time many people brought their children along. Around midnight a bad storm came up. Some people started for home which took them a long time to get there as the storm was really bad. Some went home the next day. They all went on the third day either to their own homes if not too far or to the places close by. It was still snowing and blowing on the third day. Food was scarce. While at the hall, people would play cards, dance and take a snooze sitting up.
The McKinley Club Hall burned on November 23, 1970.
Source: A History of Foster County 1983 Page 350