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Homesteading in Harvey County

Halstead

The second city established in what was to be Harvey County, Halstead was laid out by the Halstead Town Company in early 1873. About 6 months earlier, John Sebastian, had laid out a town 1 1/2 miles east of the town company's site in the summer of 1872. The Halstead Town Company was formed to plan a rival town, and Sebastian's town never came to fruition.

The post office was established in 1873, and that same year, the schoolhouse was built and the first church was organized by the Methodists.

Home to the first flour mill in the county, which was built by Bernhard Warkentin, Halstead became home to some Mennonites who established a church there in 1875.

The town was named after Murat Halstead, who was a Civil War correspondent. The city was incorporated in March 1877.

The Halstead Hospital was founded by Dr. A. E. Hertzler, the "Horse and Buggy Doctor" who had written several best-selling books. The hospital was well renowned throughout the Midwest.

Halstead was the setting for the movie "Picnic" in the mid-1950's.

Buller Feed Mills 

 

Sources

Smurr, Linda C. ed. Harvey County History. Texas: Curtis Media Corporation, 1990.