History

The location that became the town of Delmar was originally farmland in Bloomfield township. The severe winter of 1869 that caused a crisis for Bloomfield farmers was the catalyst for the creation of the town. Transporting crops to the river markets, the major source of transportation, was normally costly and time consuming. In 1869 the cost was prohibitive, more than the crops were worth, resulting in some farmers leaving their crops in their fields.   In an effort to save their farms, Bloomfield township farmers S.S. Norton, E.F. Sparks, W.T. Willey and Amos Hurst joined together to give up some of their land and hired a surveyor, Ben Rich, to plat a town as an incentive to bring railroads to the area. Their goal was to provide a less expensive and more efficient market access for their crops and live stock.   The farmer's efforts were successful. In 1871, with the completion of the Sabla, Ackley and Dakota Railroad and the Davenport and St. Paul railroad tracks that intersected the Midland Railroad, a major crossroad was created and the town prospered. By 1905 six separate rail lines passed through Delmar and a new Victorian style depot was built, replacing the railroad car that acted as the station until then.  Delmar's link to the rails began in 1871 and lasted until the early 1960's when passenger trains no longer passed through, leaving only five or six freight trains passing through Delmar until the early 1980s.  

Education was a high priority in the budding new town. In 1872 Ben C. and Jennie E. Rich conducted a select school for 18 pupils in their home. By 1874 the population was 317 and an independent school district was organized and in 1875 a two-story brick schoolhouse costing $5,000 was built.  Today Delmar is proud of its K through 6 elementary school. Considered one of the best in the state, Delwood School has the amenities and equipment of larger city schools with a low student to teacher ratio. Although the atmosphere is relaxed and reminiscent of an earlier time, the educational opportunities for our children are robust and up-to-date. Parents, teachers, administration and other staff get to know the students and each other, enhancing the one-on-one attention teacher's give to their pupils.

Norton Park

Located where the railroad tracks once ran through the center of town is Norton Park. With a gazebo, two pavilions, playground, and a splash pad, it's a perfect spot for family gatherings or civic events. In warm weather you are sure to see people walking, children playing, and families gathering in this beautiful environment.