HISTORY

Hanover Harvest Festival

2024 marks the 19th annual Harvest Festival celebration.

But did you know that the origins of today's festival trace back to events organized by a dedicated group of citizens known as the "Family Council" in the late 1990s?

The Hanover Harvest Festival, as we know it today, was inspired by the efforts of the Family Council Committee, which was formed in 1997.

The inaugural event, "Harvest Fest," was held on October 18-19, 1997. It featured a Pancake Breakfast, Craft Show, and a "Candlelight and Cider Hayride" event.

In 1998, the festival incorporated more carnival-like attractions, including a Merry-Go-Round, Dunk Tank, Moon Walk, and Miniature Golf. This event was held on July 12th.
Hanover Harvest Festival

The Hanover Harvest Festival was revived in 2005. This cherished annual event continues thanks to the efforts of active and dedicated volunteers within our community!
HISTORY

Hanover history

Hanover is a unique community with a history dating back to the mid 1800's.

In 1856, two years before Minnesota achieved statehood, two adventurous brothers, Jacob and William Vollbrecht, left their hometown in Hannover, Germany, in search of a better life. They migrated separately to America, with Jacob arriving in Wright County first. He homesteaded 160 acres on both sides of the Crow River, spanning Hennepin and Wright counties.

Early records show that our small community was initially known as Vollbrecht Mills. It was not officially named Hanover until 1891, when the town was incorporated. Vollbrecht chose the name to honor his German birthplace. At the time of incorporation, Hanover had 206 residents, most of whom were German Lutherans.

Milling was the original industry of the town, supported by local crop farming. The Vollbrecht brothers built the first flour mill along the Crow River, and the historic Pratt 'Through Truss Iron Pedestrian' Bridge was erected in 1885. This bridge is currently the third oldest in Minnesota.

In the early 1900s, Hanover's first businesses included the Hanover Roller Mills, Saenger’s Blacksmith Shop, Wagon and Carriage Shop, the sawmill, Nicholas Borscheid’s Blacksmith Shop, the Vollbrecht Hardware Store, Haefer Saloon, the Greenwood House (formerly Hilltop Bar), Louis Strunk’s Meat Market, Strunk’s Saloon (now the River Inn), Hanover Creamery, and the Hanover State Bank.
“Hanover may not have swelled its borders or evolved into a large booming town on the prairie, and although there are few original structures remaining, she does have plenty of cultural resources worthy of preservation packed within her slim frame. Counted among these riches are many of the first heritage farmlands, wetlands and open spaces, the Crow River with its iron truss bridge, architectural craftsmanship featuring interior and exterior facades, events and livelihoods of significant persons associated with her history, and a varied legacy of educational/cultural artifacts and testimony.”


excerpt from “Safe from the Outside World: A Social History of Hanover, Minnesota” by Mary Coons

check out the Hanover Historical Society for more information about the history of Hanover, MN

 Hanover Historical Society