Hollandale was started as a dream of George H. Payne of Payne Investment Co. in 1918, after he was drawn to the 15,000 acres of swamp land in the county.

The land was drained in 1923, and farms were sold starting in 1924. Average farms were 20 acres, and families lived the distance of two city blocks apart.

About 400 farm families, many of Dutch descent, settled in the area, producing onions, potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage and sugar beets, according to the book. There were also a few dairy farmers.

The village of Hollandale was incorporated in 1934, with the first election held on March 10, 1934.

Several schools were built throughout the years, along with four churches.

Businesses over the years have consisted of a grocery store, a gas station, a hardware store, a tavern, a bank, an implement dealer, a post office, a beauty shop, an electrician, a machine shop and others.

The population at the 2010 census was 303 people.

— Information from “Freeborn County Heritage”

 

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