Nestled in the heart of the countryside, Hayward bears the name of one of its earliest pioneers, David Hayward, who ventured from Postville, Iowa to establish roots here in 1855. However, it wasn’t until 1925 that Hayward officially stamped its mark as an incorporated town.

In its infancy, Hayward thrived on the golden waves of wheat fields that stretched as far as the eye could see. But as time unfolded, so did the diversity of its agricultural bounty, with farmers branching out to the cultivation of onions, potatoes, carrots, and more. The hum of dairy and livestock production soon became the backbone of the local farm economy, shaping the landscape and livelihoods of its residents.

As the town blossomed, so too did its services for the farming community. Warehouses sprung up to house the fruits of labor, while the presence of a Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad station became a vital link to the wider world. The establishment of a post office in 1864 solidified Hayward’s place on the map.

By 1911, Hayward stood as a bustling hub of activity, boasting not only the essentials like a post office and railroad station but also a thriving ensemble of three stores, an elevator, creamery, blacksmith shop, feed mill, bank, hotel, and an array of cozy residences.