Rival, ND is a town that never was. It was established with the intent of being a “rival” to nearby Lignite, hence the name. However, no development of significance ever took place. Rival’s post office opened in 1907 and closed only two years later in 1909. Wylora Christianson contributed this photo with the following comments:
All that is left of Rival is the elevator which is to be torn down soon, so went and got a picture of it.
It looks like this elevator was built entirely of wood (like this elevator in Roseville), and at some point in the past, the top was replaced with a more modern, galvanized metal roof. That roof likely extended the life of this place by a couple decades.
As of August, 2013, this elevator was still standing. If anyone has an update on whether this elevator has now been torn down, please leave a comment.
Photo by Wylora Christianson. Original content copyright © Sonic Tremor Media
Ghosts of North Dakota 
Love it!!! Love the pop of red!
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I’m not sure if I have the story right, but my grandma who lived a couple miles from Rival, said that the town was burned down by angry wives of husbands who spent too much time in the bar there!
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Stunning in black & white too, see link to a photo by a friend of mine, Leo Kim, who did a photo project on ND from about 1998-2001.
http://www.leokim.com/Leo_Kim_Photography/North_Dakota_Gallery.html#13
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My great great grandmother had built a hotel there. My great grandma used to tell me of trading with Indians outside of town by some trees, then going into town and getting the things they needed.
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Is that an old Allis Chalmers tractor?
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looks like a H farmall
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You’re right lol. I’m getting my tractors mixed up!
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Going through the many family photos, I’ve found a photo of the town back then from my great grandmas collection.
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It’s still standing!
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Is this a Christianson related to Edith Christensen Durick? That was Daniel’s great grandmother, who’s husband who worked in the grain elevator. Daniel and his sister, Kathy Durick still own it.
Heather and Daniel Durick
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It’s in a lot better condition in those pictures then it is now
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