Phillips County Museum News for October 3, 2018

Forks Community Hall. 1909 found the U.S. government surveying the north part of Phillips County for homestead plots.

N.J. Brandt, the commissioner of the General Land Office, became interested in the area and settled in the Forks community. Brandt soon became a retailer and had a general store that carried a wide variety of goods. In addition to selling, he also bought eggs, cream, and butter from the local residents. Soon the community found a growing need for a meeting place and the Whitewater Community Hall came into existence.

Funding for the hall came from the sale of stock and work was donated by local men. Over the years the hall has seen church services, funerals, confirmations, baptisms, wedding dances, Christmas programs, basket socials, card parties, and even silent movies. In 1927 the Great Northern railroad built a spur that was several miles west of the community. Brandt moved his store to the new location and the local post office also moved to the new location.

Community events soon were being held there and gradually the Hall was being used less and less. Our mission at the PC Museum is to help preserve the history of Phillips County and I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the past. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.