Phillips County Museum News for Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Did you know that the Whitewater townsite wasn’t always where it is today?

Whitewater was originally located at what is now called Forks. One building from Old Whitewater remains standing. That is the Forks Hall which was built in 1916. The Hall was built by the community when they saw a need for a gathering place to hold events. The original hall had a stage for plays and orchestras. The stage was removed so a small apartment could be made to provide housing for U.S. Immigration and Customs employees who were stationed at Whitewater. A movable stage was then used for events such as rural school Christmas programs. In later years a kitchen was added to the south side of the hall.

In 1928, the Great Northern Railway built a branch line from west of Saco to Hogeland. A depot was built on the line which ran approximately seven miles west of where Whitewater was located. Town lots were put up for sale in the area near the depot.

N. J. Brandt, who operated a grocery store containing a post office, decided to move his building from Whitewater to the depot location. He also moved his house and supply warehouse.

Homes and businesses were added in the area, and it became known as “New Whitewater”.

Through the years, the Old Whitewater area became known as Forks. The word “new” was no longer needed on the name of the townsite by the depot so it was just called Whitewater.

Stop by the Phillips County Museum to read information in our community files. We are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.