The 1965 Flooding of Crow River at Rockford
In 2019 – 2020, RAHS collected memories of the 1965 flooding of the Crow River here in Rockford. The projected was funded by a MN Small Legacy Grant. It’s an enjoyable, and somewhat surprising look at a piece of our history.
WANTED: Your Stories
When you are asked to describe the history of your town what comes to mind? Is it the people, or buildings or maybe organizations or could it be something else? In 2023 the Rockford Area Historical Society will be making an extra effort to listen to your stories and fold those pieces into others we have recorded. Our goal is to raise the awareness and knowledge of the Rockford area prior to WWII. Pictured is a baseball uniform wore by Butch Quady that was donated to the Rockford Area Historical Society. From this donation we learned much about Butch, who was born in 1899. Butch played town team baseball for Rockford and a few other towns pitching until he was in his 50’s. Besides baseball, Butch was an amazing boxer and was a pilot. What stories do you have that should be shared and passed onto future generations? Preserve these stories and local history by contacting us at storkhouse@cityofrockford.org
Thank you!
RAHS Board of Directors
Kevin Koehler, Bonnie Maue, Annette Tryon, Michelle Bartlett, James Eldien, Doug White, Marsha White, Nikki Nute, Jeff Nute and Perry Buffie
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are essential to the Rockford Area Historical Society. Whether you enjoy gardening, working with people, doing research, or are interested in serving on the organization’s Board of Trustees, there are plenty of volunteer options available. The assistance volunteers give allows the Historical Society to provide visitors with an exceptional experience. Opportunities are available weekly, monthly or seasonally.
Upcoming Events
Rocktoberfest
October 7 @ 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Rockford MN. 1917 West side of Main Street
From a collection of 1917 Rockford photographs a view of Main Street. The building on the far left is Cross…

Joseph and Sarah Thomas farm 1910
Joseph Thomas was born in Wales during 1845 to Anna and Hugh Thomas. The entire family immigrated to the America…

Centennial Hotel
Thank you to those who shared this wonderful postcard of the Rockford Centennial Hotel. The building was built in 1876…

Nellie Florida Hatch
Nellie Florida was the first born child to Joel and Lucinda Florida during May 1846 in Boone, Illinois. Joel Florida…

Rockford’s first School House – built 1860
Pictured is Rockford’s first village school that was built in 1860. The building was located on Walnut Street roughly where…

Rockford Centennial Hotel – Circa 1900
The Centennial Hotel was located on Mechanic Street on the north end of the village of Rockford. The building was…