Harry Van Hal was born in Holland, Minnesota on June 6, 1920. At the age of 15 he came to Greenland Township with his parents, Chris and Gertie Van Hal.

Harry attended the local schools and in 1942 moved to Meadow Lake Township to take over the farm owned by his father, Chris. This farm is the site of the ghost town of Clark City, which was platted in the 1880's but which never got past the stage of one lone store and a school. The school building is still standing and is used as a granary.

On March 9, 1945 Harry Van Hal married Helen Gaasland, daughter of Pedar and Elizabeth Gaasland also of Meadow Lake Township. The wedding took place in the Elim Evangelical Free Church. To this union were born four children: Larry, married to Gwen Wical, lives with his wife and family in Valley City. David is married to Dottie Carlsing and is located in Burlington, Colorado. Coral is married to Gary Clark and they live in West Fargo where Gary teaches in the High School and Coral is a nurse in St. John's Hospital. Chris is at home and a senior in the Litchville High School.

Mrs. Van Hal's Mother is still living the age of 96 and is the oldest individual in Meadow Lake Township.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 258