McGregor, ND
Williams County
Inhabited as of 5/10
The McGregor town site was established in 1910 and assumed the name of a nearby rural post office which had been established five years earlier.
We knew very little about McGregor before we arrived, and were somewhat surprised by the large number of vacant buildings. A population of 250 was reported for 1920.
McGregor strangely does not appear in the Census records we’ve seen. A rough estimate, perhaps fifteen to twenty residents today?
CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE
During our visit we could see birds going in and out through the hole in the roof. You can see some of them in the picture above.
All photos by Troy and Rat, copyright SonicTremorMedia.com
I look forward to each album, and the photos bring back memories from 1966 when I went through these towns. You guys are GREAT!
I spent a lot of time in my youth at McGregor as my grandma lived there. Haven’t been up there for years, but they will be celebrating there 100th this year in August. Thanks for sharing these pictures. it brings back may memories…:)
I grew up in McGregor in the 50′s and 60′s. When I view these pictures, I see the buildings as they were then, and not in the sad way they look now. I loved growing up in a small town–you knew everyone and everyone more or less looked out for you. We–husband Gary and our four children– lived in McGregor for a couple of years, they loved the freedom and the quiet after living in Bismarck. Thank you stopping in McGregor on your adventure across North Dakota–Your pictures are wonderful! Our Centennial Celebration is Aug. 6,7 and 8.
Everyone is invited!!
Gail – I forwarded on your comments to my mom – Sophie (Wold) Fuhrman and she told me your sister was in her class. She also told me that your dad was one of the guys who ran the grocery store that I just loved to go to when I was little. Always thought that was the neatest store. Had everything you could ever need…:) She said she spent a lot of time in the Winter at your house. It’s a small world. We are hoping to get up there for the celebration this year. Mom is on email, if you are interested in contacting her I know she would get a kick out of it. Just shoot me and email at debf@drtel.net.
My dad grew up in McGregor and I spent many a happy summer there visiting my grandparents, Bub and Sena Barden. There used to be an old abandoned 50′s car parked behind the old school with a “For Sale” sign in the window . . . I tried several times to get my dad to buy it for me and fix it up, but he never gave in. I love seeing the old school building, though. I visited with my family last summer and while it was sad to see how run down things looked, I still love it. Thank you for including McGregor in your travels!
Oh my gosh, I was born I and raisedd at mcgregor and being 82 years young you will know how long ago that was.
It is so darn sad to look at all the buildings in total death. The old school has done great things to stand this long. I am not sure just how old the building is. I would have really like to attend the Centennial in August but as that is not possilbe will be thinking of all of you at that time.
I see good old Erwin Hanson in the winter but there are not many of us my age left. Had a photo and letter from Marcella Rolaff and do hear from Jewell whom we all know every so often. I wrote Mary Ellen but not heard from her so hope she is doing fine.
once again, think of you all and all the very best to you and have a wonderful Centennial
pat
My mom, Darla Shaw grew up in McGregor, I spent many summers there visiting my grandparents, Alyce and Martin Sathre. For my sisters and I it was the best part of summer vacation. Growing up in the burbs of Minneapolis. The freedom of McGregor was like heaven for us. Thank you for posting these pictures of my favorite place on earth…
My Aunt, Donna Grubb Van Berkom, lived here for a few years and some of my cousins lived here. They later moved to a small town West of McGregor. I grew up a few miles East in Powers Lake, ND.
Does anyone know who owns the buildings in McGregor, my husband and I would be interested in buying something to fix up to live in. Thank you
Which building was the pool hall / barber shop in 1919? My great grandfather was murdered in it in that year.
The brickwork on the school is utterly amazing.
getnoticedgraphics. Was your great grandfather’s name Bill King?
My dad grew up on a farm in McGregor and went to school there. We have relatives all over and know lots of people there. Also, my husband, 18 year old daughter and myself used to go camping at mcgregor dam often. Nice quiet little place for a little one to run and fish and stuff…lol thanks for posting pics.
“McGregor strangely does not appear in the Census records we’ve seen.”
McGregor records can be found with the records for Sauk Valley
You should see the place now. It’s packed with people due to the oil boom.
It’s not quiet anymore.
I agree! Buildings are being torn down and new ones are coming up. The town is more energetic now than its been for years.
Wish they would rebuild the old structures and preserve the valuable history.
The pictures brought a lot of great memories back.And some not so good. We lost our home and a little Brother to a house fire.
I’m living in a house in McGregor that once was a bank. I think it was robbed as the vault door was damaged.