HISTORY OF WOODWORTH

"The Cream City"

In the early years, Woodworth became known as the "Cream City".  The sale of cream and eggs was the main source of income for the area farmers.  There were as many as six cream stations at the peak years.  It was a common site to see up to a hundred 10 gallon cream cans sitting on the railroad platform, waiting to be shipped out.

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QUICK FACTS

• The Northern Pacific railroad company began construction of the Pingree-Wilton railroad line in April of 1910, and completing it in July 1912.  The first scheduled train ran on August 1, 1912, and continues to pass through Woodworth today.
• The village of Woodworth was incorporated on February 25, 1916, with a city population of 325.
• The Woodworth Ruster newspaper was first printed on Thursday, March 28, 1912.  The newspaper changed hands over the years, and became the Stutsman County Pioneer in 1935.  The newspaper continued in print until July 1, 1937.
• The Ed Alfsen grain elevator opened on October 17, 1911.  It changed owners and operators over the many years of existence, but on July 15, 1954, it burned to the ground.  It was replaced by moving the Goldwin elevator into town.  For the current elevator, work began in August 1976 and completed in July 1977.  At the time of construction, it was considered to be the tallest wooden elevator in North Dakota (built at a cost of $800,000).
• A June 7, 1925 meeting saw the creation of a jail in Woodworth.  The jail served Woodworth for many years.
• The first street lights were installed here on July 29, 1919.
• Dr. Melzer moved into the local drugstore in July of 1915.  In 1979, this building was bought and restored, which now serves as a museum with some original furnishings donated by Dr. Melzer.