In 1918, George H. Payne of Payne Investment Company developed Hollandale, a city in Geneva and Riceland Townships. In 1923, the town opened its first post office. The area was then rapidly settled by 400 farm families, many of Dutch descent, as early as 1924.
Two miles east of Hollandale, on 120 acres covered with trees, Maple Island became a subdivision where many farmers settled; its Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad station was first named Maple Island.
Over the past century, local farmers have been able to grow numerous different types of crops due the unique, nutrient-rich peat soil of Hollandale. Most famously, the Hollandale Brand potatoes. There are still many local families that are descendants of those who settled Hollandale in the early days.
Visit the Heritage Huis Museum in Hollandale to learn more about the rich agricultural history of Hollandale!