COMMUNITY_HAPPENINGS
BITTER ROOT VALLEY NEWS
1870
VICTOR, Chief of the Flatheads, is dead.
New Northwest, Friday August 19, 1870
1871
FROM MISSOULA TO GIRD�S CREEK
Mr. A. S. Blake, the
mail contractor between Missoula and Gird�s Creek, is now running a
regular line of tri-weekly two-horse coaches between here and
Stevensville, and a semi-weekly line from the latter place to Gird�s
Creek, via Corvallis. The distance to Stevensville is 28 miles,
and from there to Gird�s Creek 20 miles, making 48 miles in all, for
which a fare of $3.50 is charged. The stages of this line start
from Missoula on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, at 6 o�clock a.m.
The Missoula Pioneer, March 16, 1871
1872
Mr. Wm Fairweather, one of the discoverers of Alder
in �63, has been in the city several days, and is looking as natural as
in days of old. He has been on some huge tramps the last three or
four years. He is now from the Colorado river mines and
Pioche. He reports Pioche as a good country but full of
people. Before going to the Colorado he was up at Peace River and
into Alaska prospecting. He now goes to the Yellowstone satisfied
that Montana is the best country yet to prospect in. We hope he
will find another Alder and get the best of it for himself, for he
richly deserves a good �strike��..
The New Northwest, Saturday Morning, September 14, 1872
Deer Lodge, Montana
The Post Office at Gird�s Creek has been discontinued.
The Missoula Pioneer, February 3, 1872
On the West side of the river from Stevensville and
above, we find Sweathouse Creek, where resides a number of thrifty,
well-to-do farmers, prominent among whom are Messers Nelson and
Blake. Their farm is a model one, and produces most astonishingly.
Take the Bitter Root Valley from Stevensville
to the Sleeping Child, a distance of about thirty miles, and we venture
the assertion that it cannot be excelled in productiveness and
improvements by any other valley in the Territory.
(Robert Nelson & Abraham S. Blake)
The Missoula Pioneer, April 6, 1872
1887
Mr. Hackett is a bachelor and miner and occupies a
cabin adjacent to the Ballard residence, where the latch string is
always out. Of course he could not feed all the visitors, but the
auctioneer and the writer were told they could get in at the
spread. The dinner was fine, the menu being oyster soup and
spring chicken cooked a la well, rolled in flour and smothered in bacon
grease, with all the delicacies of the season. John Landrum and
A. S. Blake were the honorable gentlemen that served up the meal and
with our stomachs so well treated we did indeed feel thrice happy.
The Weekly Missoulian, October 7, 1887
Victor - Deputy Ike Abernathy came up from Missoula Friday
evening to serve some papers on Victor parties and drove a blooded team
of thoroughbreds to a sleigh. About two o�clock in the morning,
while Ike was taking a big dose of nature�s sweet restorer, sleep, Mac
Stevens, the stable boy, was seized with an insane desire to sleigh
ride and hitched the $500 span to the cutter and in a minute later
plowed the snow when the sleigh upset and the flyers flew, and along
toward day-light Abernathy was informed of the disaster. The
horses were found later in the day, little the worse for wear, but the
deputy swore a blue streak, just the same.
1889
Hon. A. S. Blake was at home on Saturday. He
is getting very tired of high life in Helena and so much legislative
honor and longs for his old quiet life of quietness in the Bitter
Root. (A. S. Blake was elected a Member of the House of
Representatives at its first session, 1889-90).
Bitter Root Bugle, Grantsdale, Montana, December 1889
1890
***BITTER ROOT MINES***
In the Curlew mine near Victor a rich strike was
made last week which will without a doubt settle the future of the
mine. So far the find has not been prospected but a heavy vein of
galena ore was found which gives evidence that there is an immense
quantity of it. The spring will find lively times in the Bitter
Root valley in regards to mining matters.
Bitter Root Bugle, January 10, 1890
Contributed by Pat Close
1891
***THE WONDERFUL CURLEW***
Manager Geo. Kilbourne, writing under date of May 24
to President Hauser, says: �Referring to the mine I can say that,
at present, every stop in the mine from the 100 foot level down, so
far, is yielding the usual quantity of good concentrating ore, and also
a fair proportion of first-class; no letting up at any point.
There is no doubt, from the surroundings and showing in our present
workings, but the mine will continue its present output for a year or
more. In the meantime should the great number of smaller veins
now yielding a large proportion of the ore, come together, forming one
large vein or body, as depth is attained, and as all indications are
pointing now, on the 300 level, and as mining experience has generally
found to a certain depth, the Curlew mine will be second to none as a
producer in the country. I expect and am anxious to get to
sinking again to prove it.� -- Missoulian.--
The Western News, June 9, 1891
1895
A TRAGEDY OF THE MOUNTAINS. Fate of a Hamilton Prospecting Party at
Last Made Known. Jack Craig, the Only Survivor, Returns After Ten
Months in The Mountains.
The Western News, June 12, 1895
1900
Hamilton
McCrakin writes fire insurance.
Go to O'Brien & McCauley for a glass of 5 cent beer and Saginaw
salt.
Chas. E. Foye is over from Butte, in attendance on his sick father,
Thos. Foye.
Col. C.M. Crutchfield was a visitor in Missoula this week, attending
to some legal business.
If you want clothing, buy of the merchant who sell the Lanpher hat
and you will be up to date.
Lloyd T. Hunter purchased of J.F. Hendricks an acre if ground in the
Doran addition for $900.
Emma J. Everly and husband has sold to A.W. Everly five acres of
ground near Corvallis for $325.
John A. Landram, who was the first treasurer of Ravalli county, was
up from Stevensville last Saturday and bought a couple of lots at
the tax sale.
If your dealer does not carry the Lanpher hat ask him to get it for
you. It gives better wear for the money than any other hat in the
market.
Hon. I.G. Denny, county attorney of Missoula county and leader of
the democracy there, came up last night on some matters of business,
and will go home in the morning.
Frank H. Drinkenberg returned Wednesday evening from his trip to his
mining properties in Madison county, and was met here by Mrs.
Drinkenberg, who came down from Darby the same day.
Everyone invited at the newly opened photographic parlors of Hageman
& Moore, which is strictly up-to-date. A musical treat for one
week from April 23rd to 29th inclusive. Hageman operator.
Fred D. Booth, who recently sold his ranch near Darby, was in town
this week. Fred has been picking up some nice young cows, which he
will place on a ranch near Garrison, recently purchased by him.
These will be augmented by about the same number, placed there by a
friend of Fred's who will take care of them and the ranch, on
shares. Mr. Booth will continue to reside at Darby.
Dr. J.J. Buckley of Missoula was up this week, visiting Mr. Foye.
Wanted: Girl for general housework. Mrs. W.W. McCrackin.
Lanpher hats in spring styles now ready. All colors in stiff and
Fedora shapes.
Tom Beavers and sons left last Tuesday for this home in British
Columbia.
Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Daly left New York last Monday for a two months'
visit to Europe.
Attorney D.E. Calkins was up from Stevensville last Saturday on
business with officials.
A. Shelton was down from Darby last Wednesday and favored this
office with a pleasant call.
H.C. Groff was up from Victor last Wednesday. The professor is now
bookkeeper for the lumber firm of McVey and Cleary.
J.B. Overturf, administrator of the estate of Rufus Keith, deceased,
has sold 40 acres of land near Darby to W.J. Kendall, the
consideration being $160.
Than Wilkerson, the first of the forest rangers for the Bitter Root
reserve, was in town Sunday. Mr. Wilkerson has received his
appointment and commenced work Monday. Others will be put on
shortly.
Like the flowers that bloom in the spring, we are preparing a new
list of properties that will be out May 15th. Come in and list now
or write us particulars. We will do the rest. Ravalli County
Abstract Company.
Tom McTague, the well known penitentiary contractor and lover of
good horses, came over from Deer Lodge Wednesday evening, and
yesterday took in the town and the ranch. Tom has not lost his
affection for the gallopers, and may be seen on the tracks again
with some fast ones.
Another case of small pox developed last week, the victim being
Billy Demo, well know about town, who had gone to work for Charley
Daly at the latter's Hughes Creek mines. Dr. Howard went up to look
after him. The man has a little the worst case yet reported, but all
known precautions have been taken.
Mrs. B. McGinty received a telegram last Saturday morning from her
husband, Supt. McGinty of the Bitter Root Stock Farm, stating that
her father, Mr. Thomas Cavanaugh, was dying at his home at New
Diggings, Wisconsin, and the lady started at once for Missoula to
catch the afternoon train. Foreman Steele drove her down. The fifty
mile drive was made in a little less than five hours and the lady
succeeded in catching the train.
The "Copper City Limited" moves out of the Hamilton depot at 6:20
Sunday morning for its summer run from this point to Butte, and the
train from Butte will reach here at 6:02 in the afternoon. After
many years, the people of the Bitter Root will have a Sunday train,
which will be appreciated by not only our own town people, but by
those of Butte, Anaconda, and Missoula who will thus be enabled to
enjoy a Sunday outing in the paradise of Montana. In about a week,
the logging trains will be handled by the freight train, which will
take the empty trucks to the wood camps in the morning after its
arrival from Missoula and bring back the loaded cars to the pond
before proceeding on its return down the valley.
Does your nerves need bracing? Celey Gin Tonic will do it.
Warren Ribble and Charley Wright were Stevensville visitors at the
county seat last Saturday.
Abraham Wagy has bought of Jas. W. Popham 40 acres of land near
Corvallis paying $1,000 therefor.
Harry Avery, a friend of Charley Donovan from Butte, spent several
days here the past week and took in all the sights about Hamilton as
well as the weather would permit.
Hon. George T. Baggs and family were up from Stevensville last
Saturday, driving back the same evening. Mr. Baggs came up to attend
the tax sale, and they were guests while here of Mr. and Mrs. J.E.
Stevens.
J.H. Burns, nephew of Simon Kuglin of Victor, died at the home of
the latter, last Monday, and was buried Wednesday. The cause of his
death was spotted fever. He leaves a wife and two children at Alden,
Iowa.
The opera house will be well filled this evening, when the
commencement exercises of the Hamilton business college come off.
One of the attractions of the evening will be the address of Hon.
John M. Evans of Missoula.
Prof. McKay, principal of the Hamilton schools, has been invited to
act as one of the judges at the state oratorical contest between
champions of the various educational institutions, which will be
held at Missoula early next month.
Mrs. W. Keating, of Toronto, Ontario, is in town, the guest of Mrs.
P.J. Shannon. Mrs. Keating will make her future home in Missoula,
where Mr. Keating, the well known secretary of the Northwest Lumber
Company has taken a residence.
J.A. Hork, the well known tailor, who left early this spring for
Salmon City, Idaho, has returned, and will reopen his tailoring
establishment in the old shop on South Second street, next to
Morris' office. Mr. Hork is a fine workman, and will get a big share
of the business.
Montana is now certain of a state base ball league, comprised of
Butte, Anaconda, Helena, and Great Falls. The season will open May
22, with Anaconda at Butte and Great Falls at Helena, and will close
September 22 to 27 with Helena at Butte and Anaconda at Great Falls.
Alderman Peterson has been making many improvements on his residence
property on South Third street recently. He has taken down the stone
fence and is putting up a handsome picket enclosure. He has also
added two pretty rooms to the residence, the plasters being now
nearly done. Mr. Peterson is determined to be comfortable, and he
has the stuff to make himself so.
Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Shappee gave a birthday party at their country
home last Saturday to their daughter, Pearl, at which a lot of
little folks were entertained with games, refreshments, etc. The
little ones present were Abbie Corrigan, Mona and Mary Sutherland,
Dorothy Aileen and Kathleen Donohue, Virginia Gage, and Dorothy
Baggs of Stevensville; Elsworth Gage, Herman, Norman, and Elmer
Blood, Lester Corrigan and Charlie Robbins.
Mrs. Milton Hammond of Darby favored the Republican with a short but
pleasant call last Wednesday. Mrs. Hammond had come up the night
before from a visit to her mother, Mrs. Kendall, who has been very
ill for some time. The latter is 77 years of age, and on account of
this little hopes are felt of her recovery from the present illness.
Mrs. W.J. Kendall , who has been down from here for several weeks,
has also been unwell, and her children are all sick, while Mr.
Kendall was confined to his bed for several days, but was better
Wednesday morning. Mrs. Hammond will probably return to Missoula
tomorrow.
Ravalli Republican, April 27, 1900
1903
Mrs. E. W. Hagyard departed this morning for her home at Lexington,
Ky. She was accompanied by her sister, Mrs. Lucy Rogers, who
will spend the winter in Lexington.
Mrs. P. W. Fann last Friday sustained a very painful accident, and
which owing to her advanced age will confine her to her room for a
long time. She slipped and fell on the floor, fracturing the
thigh bone.
The Western News, Hamilton, MT, Wednesday, September 23, 1903, p. 8,
c. 4
1906
INTERESTING ITEMS FROM VICTOR
George I. Watters transacted business at the county seat last
Thursday.
H.C. Groff transacted business in Stevensville last Friday.
H.J. St. John and family returned home Friday evening from Missoula,
where they went from Darby, where they were on a vacation, to be
with J.W. Morris during his last hours.
Miss Daisy Bond came here Sunday morning and returned to Hamilton in
the evening, after passing the day with her folks.
Tyler Thompson of Missoula, who has been at the McLeod ranch east of
town enjoying fishing for a few days, has returned home.
James Dykeman and his family, Ed Blake and Ray Fulkerson formed a
party that went to Medicine Springs Monday. They are going well
equipped and expect to stay three or four weeks.
Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Scott were visitors in Hamilton today and returned
this evening.
Henry McVey and family, who have been living on the Rattlesnake near
Missoula for the past two months, came home last Friday. Mr. McVey
is now busy getting his thrashing machines ready for the coming fall
thrashing.
Thomas Patty and crew last Friday bailed two carloads of new hay for
Jonas Johnson. This is the first new had baled in this part of the
valley this season.
A.G. Kemp and wife were in Hamilton Tuesday and Wednesday of last
week.
Luke D. Hatch and John Daugherty of Stevensville were in town last
week shaking hands with their many friends.
Cyrus Franks of Stevensville was in Victor for a short time last
week.
John McCarty returned from Missoula Wednesday evening and reports
his daughter has not much improved.
Mrs. Charles Williams and daughter, Miss Flossie, were Hamilton
visitors last Thursday.
Beverly McLeod, son of William McLeod, had an arm broken Tuesday of
last week by being thrown from a horse while riding home from town.
He wa taken to Missoula the following morning and Dr. W.P. Mills set
the arm.
Mrs. John McCarty was a passenger on Friday's train to Missoula.
Mrs. McCarty will visit her daughter, Mrs. Conner, who was operated
on for appendicitis a week ago Monday, and is getting along nicely.
Mrs. Zella I. Cates, the postmistress, transacted business in
Missoula last Friday.
Mrs. I. Scott shipped her household goods to Butte last Thursday.
Ed Perry of Stevensville was in town visiting friends Sunday.
G.W. Samuels of Stevensville was in town Sunday in company with
Stock Inspector L.E. Manning.
E.O. Lewis of Stevensville was in Victor Saturday looking after his
senatorial fences.
H.C. McLeod of Missoula spent Sunday at his ranch on the east side.
Dug. McCormick of Missoula is in Victor. Mr. McCormick is here
looking after the McCormick interests in the Pleasant view mining
properties west of town.
A.L. Mowat was a business visitor at Missoula last Friday.
Mrs. I. Scott was a passenger for Butte on last Friday's train.
Mrs. Joseph Appolonio visited a few days last week with Missoula
friends.
B. Cates transacted business in Missoula a week ago Wednesday.
Dr. J.K. Squires, the dentist, is at the Ravalli hotel this week.
This is the second week of registration. Have you registered yet?
Rev. D.B. Price of Stevensville preached here last Sunday morning
and evening.
Mrs. Treadway is visiting her daughter, Mrs. K. Williamson on the
ranch for a short time.
Mrs. Vandorn of Missoula came here last Tuesday to see her daughter,
Mrs. John Vandorn, who is very ill.
Wardie Towe is working in the St. John drug store.
Ravalli Republican, July 27, 1906
H.S. LORD TO SURVEY ELECTRIC LINE
It is expected Engineer H.S. Lord of Hamilton and a
party of men will begin the survey of the line for the electric railway
from Missoula to Hamilton next Monday. About three weeks will be
required for the survey and accurate estimates of the cost of
construction of the road will be compiled. George W. Dougherty, the
promoter of the road, and A.A. Jones are still interviewing the farmers
and securing the right of way. It is not known yet exactly the route
the road will travel, but very little difficulty is being experienced
in securing the right of way. Only one farmer, a man living near Lolo,
has objected to giving the road the right to cross his land and this
man is definitely refusing to donate the right of way. Mr. Lord is the
engineer in charge of the construction of the Dinsmore canal on the
east side of the valley, but will have a few weeks of comparative
leisure before the actual construction work begins and has agreed to
devote this time to surveying for the electric line.
Stevensville Register, April 24, 1906
1909
MAN HELD UP IN HAMILTON
Wm. Baker Claims to Have Been Relieved of Goodly Sum by Footpads.
W.L. Baker, about 2 o'clock yesterday morning,
notified Officer Higgins that he had been held up and robbed to $295.
According to Baker's story, he was rooming at the Montana house, South
Second Street, and, feeling ill, he left his room about 1 a.m. to go to
a drug store. He passed two men loitering near the high school building
just south of the Ravalli Hotel. Upon returning from the drug store, he
was confronted by the same two men, one of who shoved a big gun in his
face and told him to unload, at the same time remarking to the shorter
footpad, "now's your chance kid." Baker says they took a roll
containing $4,295 from him and then told him to move on. The last he
saw of the footpads, they were walking rapidly along the street south
of the Ravalli.
Officer Higgins and Sheriff Ward and deputies
scoured the town immediately after the alarm was given but thus far
have been unable to run down a single clue that might lead to the
apprehension of the holdups. The town, and, in fact, entire valley, is
attracting all kinds and conditions of people of late, the employment
agency making a common dumping place here on account of the
construction of the big ditch and occurrences of this sort, heretofore
so uncommon, may transpire at any time.
Baker is a recent arrival from South Dakota. He
formerly resided here, about ten years ago holding a position as night
watchman with the A.C.M. lumber department.
The Western News, July 15, 1909
1910
STEVENSVILLE
J.F. Borough, manager of the A.B.M. Co. is in Michigan this week
visiting friends and relatives.
R.M. DeMill finished putting on a new coat of paint on the front of
the "Busy Corner" today.
A.M. Chaffin passed through town yesterday with a fine drove of
cattle from Salmon City for himself and Louis May.
Miss G.M. Doam of Butte concluded a visit with her aunt, Miss Jennie
Brown, here Wednesday and went to Victor together to visit friends
there.
A.C. Hollenbeck of Missoula and a company of friends passed through
Stevensville Wednesday in a auto on their way to Hamilton.
Northwest Tribune, July 15, 1910
1911
GRANTSDALE NOTES
Grantsdale, May 18 - Mrs. Nelson Francis and baby daughter from
Hamilton have been spending a couple of weeks with Mrs. Clara McFee.
Miss Ida See was canvassing in town Saturday
Charles D. Wilson of Helena came over Saturday and is a guest at the
Brown home.
Mrs. Eliza Chambers and Mrs. Will DeMyer went to
Missoula Sunda to attend the funeral of John N. Armstrong, returning
Monday. Mr. Armstrong made Grantsdale his home for several years,
editing and publishing the Bitter Root Bugle. Mrs. Armstron has the
sympathy of the community.
The Sunday school hour has been changed from 2 p.m. to 10 a.m.
T.J. Patterson was sick Saturday and Sunday.
Mrs. Francis and daughter, Miss Edith, were in town Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. James Stevens came down from Alta Monday.
Helen Wayland, Olive Forrest, and Dorothy Harvey took the eighth
grade examination in Hamilton Thursday and Friday.
The Western News, May 19, 1911
1912
Mrs. Odell Surprised on her Eightieth Birthday
Mrs. Odell, mother of Wallace Odell, was given a
pleasant surprise Saturday afternoon at the Odell home on Seventh and
Adirondack, the day being the 80th anniversary of her birth. During the
afternoon refreshments were served. Those present were Mesdames Ellis,
Seaward, Rockefellow, Stone, Lyell, Maxwell, Howe, Bennett,Couch,
Terou, Powell, Arnett, Sacket, Cunningham, Odell, and Wallace Odell,
and Misses Mabel Maxwell and Pauline Dereiusseaux.
The Western News, May 14, 1912
1914
Good Talk Promised
Noted Woman Lecturer Will Speak at the First Methodist Church Next Thursday Evening
Ada Wallace Unruh, a national Woman's Christian Temperance Union
lecturer of ability, will give an address at the Methodist Episcopal
church next Thursday evening, January 29. The lecture will be given
under th auspice of the local union and will be well worth attending.
The lecturer speaks on national prohibition, abolition of white slave
traffic and votes for women. Her logic is electric, her rhetoric
picturesque and vivid, her style nervous, fervid, and forceful. There
are flashes of wit, delicate bits of humor and sharp thrusts of
sarcasm. She is well posted and knows how to tell what she knows. She
has spent considerable time on ohautauqua platforms and has always
proven a good drawing card.
Ravalli Republican, Friday, January 23, 1914
Darby, November 19 - L.L. Shank has sold his property, consisting of
five lots an a residence to the Waldo addition. Mrs. Tardywill
purchased the property. Mr. Shank will live here during this winter,
after which he will move to his ranch on West Fork and go into the
stock raising business
Paid Fine
Deputy Sheriff George Waldo took three of the denizens of the redlight
district to the Hamilton jail Sunday. They were arrested on the charge
of being inmats of a house of ill fame. The trio was released Monday
after paying a fine.
Goat Hunters
J.C. Pickrell, accompanied by J.D. Bratton and Mr. Tyler, two insurance
men from Drummond, went to Mr. Pickerell�s bungalow on the West Fork
Sunday, where they will leave their auto and to to hunt wild goat on
the Little West Fork
Darby Doings
Robert Poe, the East Fork stockman, transacted business in the city Monday
Martin Breidenbach, Harry Latchem, and Charley Hoffman left Monday for upper Ross Hole for a few day�s hunt.
Roy Williams suffered a stroke of paralysis Sunday and is now at he
Darby hotel, quite helpless. Dr. Hayward, the attending physician,
states that he will recover, but will be practically helpless for some
time. Mr. Williams is one of the well-to-do farmers of the upper valley.
The concrete sidewalk has been completed between the new bank building
and Charley Stout�s store, over a block in length. Work on the sidewalk
in front of the bank is held up for a few days on account of the cold
weather. Crossings will be put in on Main street at the corners of
Miles and Tanner avenue as soon as weather will permit.
J.E. Shoudy was in town Tuesday from Hamilton for a few hours
R.L. Harper, the county commissioner-elect, was in Darby Tuesday from Hamilton.
Ravalli Republican, November 20, 1914
Victor and Vicinity
Roy Busenbark sustained a broken thumb Saturday while playing football
Mrs. Harlow of Missoula visited relatives and friends here Saturday and Sunday
L. Lacoureir departed the first of last week for Oregon, where he expects to spend the winter.
The head prizes given at the card party Saturday night were won by Roy Busenbark and Mrs. James Wofford.
Mrs. Sears of Spokane is visiting her mother, Mrs. Thrailkill
Tony Gerry and C.M. Older transacted business in Hamilton Monday.
C.B. Cates is preparing to open a second-hand store in the front room of the J.H. Cates building.
George Roberts of Stevensville, with his men, are plastering the new I.O.O.F. building.
Miss Leone Capebals of Hamilton visited Miss Mayme Dowd Saturday.
Mrs. J.W. Morrow left last week for St. Lawrence, South Dakota.
Mrs. E.A. Johnson, Mrs. Charles MacRae and Mrs. Iman motored to Missoua last week.
Ravalli Republican, November 20, 1914
1915
Big Potato Shipment
Kyle brothers, successful potato growers, who own a
ranch south of town (Corvallis) recently shipped five carloads of
potatoes to middle western points. The cars were filled at Riverside.
The shipment was accompanied by one of the growers, who will dispose of
the potatoes at a fair profit, when they reach their destination.
No Ragging Permitted
For another year, the ban will be placed on the
fancy dances and ragging at the Woodside Club House, as was
decided on Saturday at a meeting of the trustees of the Woodside
Social Club. A discussion pro and con was held, which resulted in a
victory for the old-style dancers, the rules of the past year remaining
good. The next dance will be on February 22.
Ravalli Republican, Friday, February 12, 1915
1916
AUTOMOBILE CRANK BREAKS BOYS ARM
Robert Johnston, the 13-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs.
A.L. Johnston, of North First Street, suffered a painful injury
Saturday morning while cranking his father's automobile. The engine
kicked back and the body's forearm was broken by the force of the blow.
This is the second time Robert has had the same arm broken.
STOLEN BICYCLES ARE RETURNED
City marshall John Grush reports that the three
bicycles picked up by him have been restored to their respective
owners, Jesse Wadell, Lloyd Thompson, and James Stevens. It is
suspected that some body took the wheels in order to indulge in a joy
ride down the valley on the occasion of a dance recently held north of
Hamilton.
The Western News, April 18, 1916, page 1
PLANS WELL UNDER WAY FOR SUGAR FACTORY
Offices Opened in Coulter Building - Dates Set for Meetings - Farmers are Invited
The Montana-Utah Sugar Company now occupying offices
rooms in the Coulter building have plans well underway for the opening
up of the sugar beet industry in the Bitter Root Valley. The gentlemen
are enthusiastic in their praise of this particular portion of Montana
and of the great benefit which the farmers and business men will derive
from this new enterprise. Mr. Smith, the soil expert and field man is
making a systematic canvass of the valley, investigating conditions and
getting the growers interested. The company will issue literature and
also invite all interested to confer with them at any time. Dates for a
series of meetings have been set and farmers of the Bitter Root are
earnestly requested to be present.
The first meeting will be held at Darby tonight and
a large crowd of Bitter Root boosters are expected to motor there this
evening. Automobiles are expected to leave here for Darby at 7 o'clock,
the meeting taking place at Miles hall at 8 o'clock.
At all these meetings, strong committees from the
Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, as well as committees from the local
Chambers of Commerce, in the various towns will be in attendance.
The Western News, July 21, 1916, page 1
SUGAR PLANT FOR WESTERN MONTANA
Missoula, May 23 - Unless some unforseen circumstances arises, the
Great Western Sugar company will erect a sugar beet factory in western
Montana next year.
Judge Henry H. Rolapp of Ogden and William L.
Lawson, manager of the company's Billings plant, are making a tour of
the western prt of the state to report to the board of directors on the
advisability of building one or more plants in this part of Montana
next year.
The visitors investigated conditions in the Bitter
Root, Missoula, Blackfood, Flint Creek, and lower Flathead valleys, and
have proceeded to the Polson and Kalispell regions.
The Western News, May 30, 1916
Corvallis Farmer Has Skunk Farm
Will Breed Little Animals For Oil and For Their Pretty Pelts
Harry Neifus, a Corvallis farmer, has started a
skunk ranch. Skunk farming is a business in which there is not much
competition, there being only three other farms in all the United
States devoted to Skunk culture. The business is said to be very
profitable, the principal revenue being derived from the oil tried out
from the fat of the little animals, which sells from $2 to $2 per
ounce,and a fat skunk is worth $6 or $8 for the oil. The pelts, which
are very beautiful, also sell readily, and are very much in demand
among the furriers of St. Paul.
Neifus is a trapper of considerable experience, and
skunk culture is a side line with him. He has made a profitable living
in trapping for furs in the mountains of the Bitter Root for years. He
has built a number of small sheds and pens that will hold the little
fellows in captivity, and expects to stock his unique farm this winter
with his traps. He will import a number of pure black males from an
eastern farm this winter. This strain of semi-domesticated skunk
improves the quality of the skins.
The Western News, November 3, 1916
Corvallis Cullings for the Week
Seed Peas Narrowly Escape
Four hundred bushels of seed peas on the Pierce
ranch operated by Johnson and Frogge were threatened by fire, Sunday,
when a spark from the engine set fire to the straw stack. The peas,
sacked, were piled at the edge of the straw, and only the prompt action
of a dozen men saved the crop from the flames. A high wind was
responsible for the blaze which destroyed the big straw pile in a very
few minutes.
The Home Mission Society enjoyed an all-day session Wednesday at the home of Mrs. J.F. Wood, five miles north of town
Under the auspices of the Federated Guild, a 25 cent dinner will be served at the Community Center on election day, November 7th
Mose humble left Monday for a visit through the winter with his mother at Springfield, Missouri
Mr. and Mrs.F.E. Lockridge visited their son, Hugh, at Missoula from Friday until Sunday
Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Smyth and two children and Mrs. James Stewart and
Mrs. Mark Hall motored to Darby Sunday to visit at the Edgemond home
George Cole left Friday for St. Paul to spend the winter with relatives.
J.M. Cobb transacted business in Stevensville Saturday
Mrs. Orla Adams has returned home from an extended visit with her sister at Anaconda
George Hudson, local agent for the Mobile, delivered two cars Monday to Hamilton purchasers
Ref. Mr. Humbolt of Eugene, Oregon, conducted services Sunday morning at the Christian church
Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Barr drove to Stevensville Saturday for the day�s visit with friends
H.J. Aldrich came over from the Flathead Friday and remained here over Sunday with his family
Merle Gallagher, a student at the state university, was up from Missoula Sunday visiting his parents
Mrs. East, who has been a guest for several months at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. W.T. Beardsley, has returned to her home at Buchanan,
Michigan.
The Western News, November 3, 1916
Victor News Notes For the Week
Nov. 2 - Mrs. Minnie Cramer and two children were weekend visitors among relatives and friends, returning to Missoula Sunday.
The football game played here on the local grounds
last Saturday between the Hamilton and the Victor teams was well
attended. Hamilton was victorious, however, score being 7 to 0, but our
boys played a very good game.
U.S. Deputy Marshall, J.W. Rickman, was here from Helena Wednesday on business
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Goodwin of Stevensville were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Miller Humble on Tuesday.
The seventh and eighth grade pupils held a reception on Friday evening
Mrs. R.A. Mead departed Sunday for Chicago, Ill, where she and the children will sojourn for the winter
John Good man has purchased a Maxwell car
Mrs. Henry Porter and Mrs. Gunther were Friday visitors from Woodside.
Leo Lightner, Pat Nolan, and daughter, Helen, arrived Friday from New Mexico and are guests of Mr. and Mrs. C.P. Nolan
The community was shocked Tuesday to hear of the sudden death of George
F. Johnson, who resides three miles north of town. He was helping A.L.
Martin thresh when he became ill. He was taken home where he died a
hour afterwards.
The Western News, November 3, 1916
SKULL FRACTURED
Whiskey and Bad Language Caused Trouble
Floyd Whitesitt was Seriously Injured and Has Been Unconscious
Ever Since
Victor, December 7 - Floyd Whitesitt, who was seriously injured
last Thursday night in a fight on the streets of Victor, is believed
to be somewhat improved, and his friends hope for his complete
recovery. E.B. Martin and D.D. Wofford, who with Frank Martin were
arrested and placed in the county jail at Hamilton, have been
released on bail. They are charged s being the instigators of the
fracas. Mr. Whitesitt is still unconscious and is at the H.J. St.
John home suffering from a fractured skull. It is said that while
Mr. Whitesitt was walking on Main Street in Victor, he passed Silas
Martin, who was in a tipsy condition, and addressing all passersby
in obscene language. Whitesitt walked up to Martin and asked him to
desist from the profane flow of talk, after which both men passed on
in opposite directions.
Several hours later in the evening, mr. Whitesitt
again met Silas Martin, who was now accompanied by E.B. and Frank
Martin and D.D. Wofford, all four of them being under the influence
of liquor. They started an argument which finally ended in Whitesitt
being attacked and struck over the head with a whiskey bottle,
cracking his skull and knocking him unconscious. Mr. Whitesitt was
picked up and cared for by witnesses of the fight while the
sheriff�s office was notified and the Martin boys and Wofford were
arrested and taken to the county jail in Hamilton. Silas Martin is
held under $5,000 bond, while E.B. Martin, Frank Martin, and Wofford
are under $2,000 bonds, pending the outcome of Whitesitt�s injuries.
Ravalli Republican, Friday, December 5, 1916
Corvallis, December 7 - Charles McRae of Woodside, on Saturday, sold
his herd of 20 registered short-horn cattle for $4,000 to W.H. Thorning
of Rye Creek. Mr. McRae shipped the stock to the valley last year, part
of them from the East, and several head from the Montana State fair. He
has disposed to them at this time, that he might feel free to leave his
ranch this winter for an extended visit to his brother in California.
he expects to leave soon, and his wife will join him later.
Virginia Price Passes Away
Virginia, the ten-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Price, died at her home here Monday at two o�clock, following
an illness of several days, the result of valvular heart trouble. The
child had been in poor health for several years and death was not
unexpected.
Besides her parents, she is survived by two sisters
and two brothers. The funeral will be held Wednesday from the home and
interment made in the Corvallis cemetery. The bereaved family has the
sympathy of the entire community.
The Western News, December 7, 1916
TO BUILD BRIDGE AT TUCKER
H.S. Lord was awarded the contarct to build the
bridges, culverts, and make the road connecting the east and west sides
at Tucker spur. The contract price is $9,500. For this amount, Mr. Lord
agrees to do the grubbing and clearing of the right of way, build all
bridges, approaches, and culverts across the several channels and
deliver the road complete according to plans and specifications.
Mr. Lord was the only bidder. O.E. Peoppard came to
Hamilton examined the plans and specifications but did not submit a bit.
The contract was awarded at a special meeting of the
board held last Saturday. The board also at this time unanimously
passed a resolution confirming the issuance of bonds to the amount of
$150,000 to fund or retire outstanding warrants in general, road and
bridge funds. The warrants draw a six percent interest while the bonds
will draw 4 1/2 and 4 3/4 percent. The bonds were purchased by the
Wells-Dickey Company of Minneapolis, the Citizens State Bank acting as
their local agents.
The local bonded indebtedness up to this time was
$55,000 of which $4,000 are old court house bonds and $51,000 refunding
bonds. The new issue will increase the total bonded indebtedness of the
county to $205,000. But all warrants will have been retired.
The Western News, December 28, 1916, page 1
John Head Suffers From Frozen Hands
John Head, a familiar figure about town for several years past,
is lying in the Hamilton hospital, dangerously near death's door. He
had started to his home Tuesday night whild intoxicated and falling,
lay out all night in the bitter cold, the thermometer recording 17
below zero. His hads and feet are frozen and on account of age and
excessive drinking his condition is very critical. At best he must
suffer the amputation of fingers and toes and perhaps a hand.
The Western News, Thursday, December 28, 1916, page 1
1917
Corvallis, December 19 - Fire completely destroyed the Corvallis
cheese factory Sunday evening, between the hours of 7 and 8 o'clock.
Machinery and 7,000 pounds of cheese belonging to Leslie Snell, was
a total loss as no insurance was carried. The blaze may have started
in the engine room, although the flames were first noticed on the
outside of the office room. On Monday, Snell's milk wagons were on
their routes as usual gathering milk for the cheese plant east of
Hamilton, which he operated until a month ago. Snell's announcement
Monday of his intention to rebuild the factory on the old site was
received with pleased interest by Corvallis people who appreciate
the industry as a material means of putting Corvallis on the map.
In farewell to Lieutenant and Mrs. Frank Edes,
who were leaving Monday for Chicago, members of the Corvallis band,
of which Lieutenant Edes was a drum-major, and their wives met for
dinner at the Corvallis restaurant on Sunday evening. A box of
cigars from J. St. John topped off an excellent dinner, after which
the company went into the Davenport music shop to spend the evening.
Lieutenant Edes will visit relatives in Chicago several weeks,
pending an assignment to active service in the national army.
Red Cross Sunday will be observed on December 23,
with a patriotic service at 7:30 o'clock in the Federated Church.
The service will be union and speial music will be rendered by the
choirs of the various local churches. Everyone will be welcome.
The comic operetta "Bulbul" will be given in
Corvallis on Saturday evening by a company of thirty Bitter Root
people under the auspices of the Corvallis band. The band and two
orchestras will supply the instrumental music, while the troupe will
be heard in 26 musical numbers.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Lear, who were married on December 8 at
Shullsburg, Wisconsin, have returned to Corvallis and will make
their home on the Lear ranch, two miles north of town.
The Corvallis school was resumed Monday after a
closed session of three weeks on account of a smallpox epidemic.
Ex-Rabbi Joseph Goldman addressed a large
congregation on Sunday morning at the union service held at the
Methodist Church.
Mrs. M.L. Chaffin and daughter, Mrs. E.H.
Blakeslee and Miss Alice Margaret, were Missoula shoppers Friday and
Saturday.
Miss Bessie Thetge returned Saturday from a three
week's visit at her home in Helena.
Mrs. Fred Riley and little son, returned to
Missoula Friday after a visit at the W.W. Barr home.
Miss Ruth Taylor has returned from California
where she visited several weeks with an aunt.
Ralston Fariss has gone to North Dakota with a
car load of apples, shipped by Keayes Brothers.
The Western News, Thursday, December 20, 1917
1918
Darby Doings
Howard Dudley, son of Mr. and Mrs. F.D. Dudley, is
expected home this week on a furlough. He has been at Camp Casey, near
Seattle, and since enlisting has been made a corporal. He has been
nominated for West Point and the furlough has been granted to give him
time to prepare for the examination.
Mrs. G.W. Sollender has gone to Seattle, where she is visiting relatives. Mr. Sollender expects to go there soon.
A.M. Maher, brakeman on the passenger train, is ill at his home in
Missoula. He was taken suddenly ill in Darby and had to be taken to
Missoula on a cot and Conductor J.G. Merks acted as brakeman and
conductor on the return trip to Missoula.
Mrs. F.D. Dudley returned Monday from a short visit at Missoula.
Harold Miles, who has been sick with diphtheria, has about recovered,
and the school, which closed last week on account of it, resumed work
Monday.
Several of our people have their icehouses partly filled but the rain this week has spoiled the crop for the present.
F.D Dudley was at Hamilton yesterday attending to business in connection with his mercantile store.
Ravalli Republican, February 8, 1918
First Bitter Root Lives Lost in War
War Brought Home to the Residents of the Bitter root Valley This Week
By the Sat News That Two prominent Sons Lost Their Lives By the
Torpedoing of the Transport Tuscania and buried With Military Honors in
Scotland
The war in which this country is engaged was brought
home to the people of the Bitter Root valley this week when it became
known that Marcus B. Cook of Como and Elmer Luther Cowan of Victor lost
their lives in the Tuscania disaster, the sinking of which vessel was
chronicled in last week's Republican. They are the first young men from
this county to sacrifice their lives. According to an official
announcement received Wednesday, these men were buried with military
honors on the coast of Scotland.
The Republican, Friday, February 15, 1918
Pastor's First Sermon
Rev. W. Fugate addressed the Corvallis Methodist congregation for the
first time Sunday morning, speaking from the text: James 1-27, "Pure
religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the
fatherless and widows in their affliction and to keep himself unspotted
from the world." Mrs. Fugate, who is also a minister, offered prayer.
Rev. and Mrs. Fugate were appointed to the local field at the northwest
conference, and with their two daughters and son, have come here to
make their home in the Methodist parsonage. Their former home was at
Boulder.
Hurt in Auto Accident
Mrs. Luella McKee and her legal adviser, Dr.
Harrington, came here recently by automobile from Moscow, Idaho, to
look after the grain harvest on Mrs. McKee's Mountainview ranch. T.B.
Reagan has charge of he place, which adjoins his, and the visitors made
their headquarters at the Reagan ranch. Enroute here, Mrs. McKee
sustained a fractured wrist bone when a piece of new road near Spokane
gave way and the car turned over. Repairs were made at Spokane, which
included practically a new bed for the automobile, and the journey was
continued. The return trip was made last week.
Home Burned
The ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. R. Dean Stanley, two
miles east of town, was completely destroyed by fire about 2 o'clock
Saturday morning. A blazing ceiling awoke one of the Stanley boys and
by the time he had given the alarm and the family had rushed outdoors,
the roof collapsed. Attired only in their night garments and wrapped in
lap robes and canvas ditch dams, the homeless people were conveyed by
auto to the home of Mrs. Stanley's sister, Mrs. J.W. Morris, a mile
away. As only a small insurance was carried, the loss is considerable.
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley returned to the ranch the following day and set up
tents in which the family will live until after their grain is
harvested.
Ravalli Republican, September 12, 1918
1919
Home From Service
Was at Camp Mills Ready to Go
Overseas When News of the Armistice Was Received
Corvallis, May 23 - Alfred Vaughn, honorably discharged from the
Eighth division of the 62nd infantry, arrived home Saturday. Alfred
enlisted last summer, and began army life at Camp Freemont, Cal.
From there he was moved to Camp Lee, VA., and when the armistice was
signed, his division was at Camp Mills. L. I., all packed and ready
to go across the pond. He was mustered out at Fort Russell, Wyo.,
last Thursday.
GIVEN DINNER PARTY
Birthday Anniversary of Mrs. H. R.
Bay Was Remembered By Her Daughters Friday
Corvallis, May 23 - Mrs. Hanson R. Bay was guest of honor Friday,
her birthday anniversary, at a dinner party tendered her by her
daughters, Mrs. Hans F. Bay and Mrs. Edwin Bay, at the H.F. Bay
ranch home. At a daintily appointed table, decorated in pink
snapdragons, a three-course chicken dinner was served to 12. Mrs.
Bay was presented with a bunch of lovely roses by the company, R.
Bay, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Christofferson, Lars Christofferson, Mr. and
Mrs. H.F. Bay and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bay and son, and Louis
Wolfe.
Ravalli Republican, Friday, May 23, 1919
RUN OVER BY TRUCK
School Boys Fell From running Board of Auto Truck and Were Run Over at Corvallis
Corvallis, June 20 - Miss Helen Price was summoned to her home Saturday
from Missoula by the critical condition of her brother, Delby, who
sustained injuries Thursday when he was run over by a school truck.
Unknown to the driver of the truck, Delby and a schoolmate, Harry Hall
Jr, lads from the primary department, clung to the running board and
when the truck turned a corner they were thrown beneath the rear wheel
and run over. Both were rendered unconscious and they were hurried to a
physician for examination. The Hall boy was able to walk Monday, but
the Price lad's condition was more serious and it is feared he may be
injured internally.
The Western News, June 10, 1919
1922
GUILTY MOONSHINERS
William Wade pleaded guilty Tuesday to the
charge of making and selling intoxicating liquor. He was fined $100
and sentenced to 30 days in jail by Judge J.M. Self. the same day,
Dewey Wood and Hobart Gardner pleaded guilty on the same charge and
received like punishment. They were arrested Saturday night by
Sheriff Hogue and Undersheriff M.L. Chaffin.
The Western News, May 25, 1922
1923
Corvallis, August 30 - Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Moody of Missoula were
visitors recently at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Scott. Mrs. Moody
was formerly Miss Letty Nelson, and a teacher in the Corvallis
school. Her marriage to Mr. Moody took place in Missoula June 16.
Mr. and Mrs. John McLeod are spending the week at Missoula that Mr.
McLeod may have access to the professional treatment for lumbago.
Clarence Marti left the first of the week for Portland, where he
will join his brother and will enroll for a business course at a
commercial college. Young Marti was a graduate from Corvallis High
School last June.
Dr. W.N. King was in Corvallis Sunday from Missoula making
arrangements for the rental of his property here to Leslie C. Snell.
C.A. Jackson, a teacher in the Corvallis school last year, was in
town last Thursday after having spent the summer employed by the
forestry service in the northwestern section of this state.
Miss Winnifred Frogge spent the week-end near Florence, a guest in
the Carver home.
Mrs. Mary Myers arrived recently from Spokane and is visiting in the
home of her cousin, Mr. J.H. Collier.
Miss Cora Jenkins has returned from Dillon, where she attended the
summer session of the State Normal college. Miss Jenkins will teach
the fifth grade in Corvallis school this year.
Mrs. Jamie D. Lear and children came Sunday from Ennis and are
guests in the W.D. Lear home. Jamie D. Lear arrived the first of the
week with a car of personal effects and the family will move shortly
to the Lear ranch north of town.
Mrs. Clara Burroughs and daughter, Miss Matilda, and son Rush,
motored over from their home at Helena to spend the week visiting
Bitter Root friends. The Burroughs formerly lived near here.
Ray Keays left a few days ago for Anaconda to visit friends.
Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Everly were Stevensville visitors Sunday.
Dwight Carver of Florence was a Corvallis visitor Saturday and
Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hawker and daughter motored from Missoula
Sunday and are spending the week visiting relatives near here while
Mr. Hawker is having his vacation from employment in the Garden
City.
Mr. and Mrs. Milford Cobb and daughter were visitors Sunday in the
Ed Longley home on Burnt Fork.
Miss Anna Foley of Victor was a guest from Saturday until Monday in
the Home of Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Elliott.
Ravalli Republican, August 31, 1923
NARROW ESCAPE BY ROBERT HAY AND HARRY HALL
Corvallis, August 30, 1923 - Robert Hay and Harry
Hall narrowly escaped death last Thursday afternoon when the automobile
in which they were riding was struck by the passenger train near Bass
spur. Mr. Hall was driving the car and had progressed too far up the
incline to the track when the noise of the approaching train notified
him of the danger. Hay grasped the steering wheel and turned the auto
until only one wheel was on the track. He then jumped and was
attempting to drag the older man from the seat when the train hit. Mr.
Hall was thrown some distance, but was not injured. Hay also escaped
injury. The car was a wreck.
The two men were returning to their homes after an
absence of several months during which they had been in business at San
Diego. He is a Corvallis boy, and the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hay .
They had made the trip from California by automobile and the accident
was the only unusual happening on the entire route. Mr. Hall was
formerly a merchant at Victor.
Ravalli Republican, August 31, 1923
WILLOW CREEK PICNIC
Corvallis, August 30, 1923 - Dr. and Mrs. R.A. Stark of Hamilton,
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Wylie and son, Mr. and Mrs. John Wallace and
children, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Johnson, and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford
Chaffin composed a party that picnicked Sunday on Willow Creek,
having both dinner and supper in the woods. A hamburger fry featured
the evening meal and the company lingered until after dark to big
bon-fires on the Chaffin ranch, where an accumulation of dry burns
made the sport good.
1924
Good Ice Harvested
Second Harvest of the Season, the First Taking Place Two Weeks
Ago at the River
Corvallis, January 24 - Eleven inch ice is being taken from the
Bitter Root river west of town this week to be stored in ice houses.
The cutting of the ice has been in charge of Lee Simmons, who
provided an ingenious arrangement of motor and circular saw for
sawing lengths ad of Charles Bohler, who has had a crew sawing for
ten days. The price of $` and $1.25 a load is being paid for sawing.
This is the second ice harvest of the season, the first taking place
two weeks ago, following the extreme cold weather of January 1 to 9.
Ravalli Republican, February 25, 1924
1928
TOOK UP A HOMESTEAD
There are still pioneering people in the Bitter
Root valley and among the ranks of the sturdy home-making men and
women who sometimes come to Hamilton for a day's shopping are Mr.
and Mrs. William Linderman of the Conner community. Yesterday the
Lindermans were brought to Hamilton by a neighbor to make final
arrangements for proving up to their homestead which is located
about 10 miles above Darby on the West Fork road.
The Lindermans celebrated
their golden wedding last year. They have spent the past 20 years in
the upper valley and have been alone most of the years. Mrs.
Linderman is nearing her 82nd birthday and her husband is 77. For
several months, he has been practically blind and when they walk
about the streets it is the patient, tender hand of the old wife
that guides the aged homesteader on his way. The home of the
Lindermans, a large log structure, has been the scene of many
neighborhood gatherings in the last ten years.
Ravalli Republican, January 5, 1928
A LONELY PIONEER
Aged resident "Never Had Time to Get Married."
Now and then in the everyday walk about town, one
finds that people they have been accustomed to greet have a most
interesting background and one that is little suspected. In a ward of
the Hamilton hospital, Bert Reed, who celebrated his 72nd birthday last
Thursday, has been a patient since September 10. Mr. Reed had been a
resident of the Corvallis community for three years prior to his
illness and he came to the hospital with no one knowing much about him,
except that he lived alone.
From his chair in the convalescent corner, he told
the story of his life, which he said had been such a busy one, that he
never "had time to get married." His first debut in Montana was made at
the age of one year, when his father, John Reed, came to Virginia City
from Pike's Peak. His father was a freighter and the family did not
remain long in Montana, but traveled on to the beckoning fields of
Oregon and California, later reaching Old Mexico. A good bit of his
early life was spent in Mexico, and then in 1887 he came back to
Montana, locating in Butte. Here he spent much of his time until 12
years ago when he began to wander about the state, and the Sun River
country attracted him, but he always considered Butte as home.
Reed's travels have not been confined to the United
States and Mexico. He has toured Japan and the nearby islands and
exchanged impressions of that country with George Yammakuchi, a
Japanese who has been a patient at the little hospital since an
operation for ruptured appendix ten days ago. Reed avers that he is not
done with traveling, in spite of his long confinement at the hospital.
A third member of the hospital party who was
enjoying the accounts of Reed's travels and the impressions of the land
of cherry blossoms was Martin Kurpies of Grantsdale, who Saturday took
his first steps after an unusual operation performed several weeks ago
on this thighs. In 1918, Mr. Kurpies suffered an attack of infantile
paralysis which left his legs in a peculiar condition. He was able to
walk only by crossing them. He walked normally Saturday for the first
time in nearly ten years and there is every indication that he will
entirely recover the proper use of his limbs, hospital attendants say.
He returned to his home yesterday.
The little hospital with its force of a half dozen
nurses and four physicians is at present caring for 13 patients and one
infant, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Duus, who arrived a week ago.
Ravalli Republican, January 5, 1928
Masons and Eastern Stars Installed Thursday
Impressive Ceremonies of Two Organizations Given at the Corvallis, Masonic Hall
Corvallis, January 4 - Joint installation of Masons and Eastern Stars
took place at the Masonic Hall Thursday evening. Tom Kane acted as
installing officer for the Masons, placing in office the following:
Worshipful master, F.P. Burrell; senior warden, Antone Nielson; junior
warden, J.V. Yaden; treasurer, Matt Vaughn; secretary, William Tiner;
chaplain, Henry Nichols; marshal, R.R. Smithey; senior deacon, Lars
Christofferson; junior deacon, Harry Hurst; senior steward, J.A.
Shields; junior steward, Thad Reynolds; tyler, E.F. Kempter.
Mrs. Grace Boucher, retiring worthy matron,
installed the following officers for the Order of Eastern Star: Worthy
matron, Nellie Larry; worthy patron, T.M. Magee; associate matron, Ruth
Christofferson; secretary Laura Smithey; treasurer, Ruth Wolfe;
conductress, Maude Buckridge; star points, Mrs. Antone Nielson, Amy
Rockafellow, Lola Hall, Ella Magee, Lela Severns; warden, Mrs. V.A.
Loesch; sentinel, D.F. Boyer; chaplain, Mrs. Victor Shults; marshal,
Mrs. Grace Boucher.
At the conclusion of the installation ceremonies, the company enjoyed a supper in the banquet room.
Ravalli Republican, January 5, 1928
Lodge Installations
New Offices of the Eastern Star and Masonic Lodges Inducted Into Office Last Week
Victor, January 4 - The Eastern Star and Masonic lodges held joint
installation of officers Thursday. The new officers of the Eastern Star
are: Worthy matron, Mrs. G.R. Safley; associate matron, Mrs. Alfred
Wood; conductress, Miss Marie Simington associate conductress, Mrs.
Henry McVey; secretary, Mrs. W.P. Robb; treasurer, Mrs. George
Wadsworth; worthy patron, William Tucker; star points, Mrs. Lawrence
Watters, Miss Leta White, Mrs. Sidney McVey, Mrs. S.G. Bowman, Mrs. Lee
Aldrich; chaplain, Mrs. Pat Dinneen; marshall, Mrs. William Tucker;
organist, Mrs. W.L. Hill; warden, Mrs. Harry Mittower; sentinel, Alfred
Wood.
The new officers of the Masonic lodge are:
Worshipful master, Harold White; senior warden, Sidney McVey; junior
warden, James Oliva; secretary, Lee Aldrich; treasurer, H.C. Groff;
senior deacon, Lawrence McCarty; junior deacon, Ben Hackett; marshal,
G.I. Watters; chaplain, J.M. Schweitzer; senior steward, Roy Perry;
junior steward, S.G. Bowmman; tyler, W.L. Hill.
Ravalli Republican, January 5, 1928
TWO FAMILY REUNIONS
Victor, January 4, 1928 - Christmas day was the scene of a family
reunion at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Stanley, their guests
numbering 24. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Guy Clark and family, Mr.
and Mrs. James Helm, Arthur Clark and W. Satterlee of Missoula, Mr. and
Mrs. E.O. Stanley and Owen Stanley of Stevensville, and Mr. and Mrs.
J.A. Briggs and family, Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Stanley and family, Miss
Elsie Stanley and Miss Versa Grimstead . The home was nicely decorated
with Christmas colors.
The home of Mrs. Jennie Williams vibrated with
a family reunion Christmas. Her home was beautifully decorated with
holly and mistletoe and red and green decorations, including a
beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Her guests were Mr. and Mrs.
George Bishop and Mr. and Mrs. Ben Rowe of Missoula, Mr. and Mrs.
William DeVeber and son of Stevensville, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Winters, Mr.
and Mrs. Merlin Bickell and daughter, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Williams
and children of Victor.
Ravalli Republican, January 5, 1928
HOUSEWARMING: NEWCOMERS INTRODUCED TO VICTOR COMMUNITY
Victor, January 4, 1928 - Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Flowers had a house warming
and neighborhood party at their home Thursday night. The main feature
of the party was to introduce their new neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Lundy ,
who moved here from the eastern part of the state and live on Mr.
Flowers' other ranch. The present home of Mr. and Mrs. Flowers was
moved from a location east of the railroad track this fall and has
replaced the old shattered structure that formerly occupied the place
beside the main road.
Besides the guests of honor those present were
Mr. and Mrs. George Robinson and family, and Mrs. C.S. Parkill , Mr.
and Mrs. Martinell and family, Fred Simonson, Harry McStay, Mr. and
Mrs. George Schweitzer, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Schweitzer and family and the
son and daughter of the guests of honor.
Ravalli Republican, January 5, 1928
ATTENDED FUNERAL OF BENJAMIN STRANGE
Corvallis, February 1 - A number of Corvallis people, friends of the
late Benjamin Strange, and of his daughter, Mrs. Jasper Frogge,
attended the funeral of the aged man at Hamilton Tuesday. Mr. Strange
lived in this community many years and had made his home with his
daughter until he preferred to go a few months ago to the soldiers'
home at Columbia Falls. He was an inventor and throughout the community
are scattered gates made from a patent he secured may years ago.
Ravalli Republican, February 21, 1928
PURCHASED PROPERTY
Corvallis, February 1 - Charles Johnson has sold 76 acres of land just
west of Corvallis to Jasper Frogge of this place. The deal was closed a
few days ago. Mr. Frogge will erect a residence on the property this
year. Mr. and Mrs. Frogge disposed of their ranch south of town last
year to a family from Iowa and have since been living in rented
property.
Ravalli Republican, February 21, 1928
BOY STRUCK BY TRAIN
Lawrence Wanderer, son of Ralph Wanderer, is being treated at the
Hamilton hospital for a broken right leg and a bruised head. He was in
the back part of a Ford sedan driven by his grandfather, Lawrence
Wandereer, Saturday, when the car was struck by the afternoon passenger
train on the first crossing south of town. The rear of the car was
demolished, throwing the boy several feet. The driver was not hurt, and
retained his seat in the car until he rushed to the aid of his
unconscious grandson.
Mr. Wanderer was returning with a tire to replace one that had been
punctured on his coal truck and did not notice the approaching train at
the crossing. He says he heard no bell or whistle. The car was loaned
him by D.O. Cripps to make the trip to Hamilton.
The Boy was taken to the hospital, where it was found that five teeth
were missing from the upper jaw and a cut on the right cheek as well as
a broken leg. He is about 12 years of age. He is improving and his
complete recovery is expected.
Ravalli Republican, March 1, 1928
VICTOR & VICINITY, Ravalli Republican, March 15, 1928
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Griffing have received the announcement of the
birth of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Winkler at Helena March 8.
E.W. Downing and family arrived Saturday from Deer Lodge and have
rented the north ranch of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Flowers. The later have
moved to town and ar living on Mrs. Brothers' west place, Mrs. Brothers
having moved to her smaller place.
HOLIDAY VISITORS, Ravalli Republican, January 5, 1928
Sula, January 4, 1928 - John McClintic Jr., who is a freshman in the Hamilton High School, spent last week at his home here.
Miss Daisy Tucker, who is training to be a nurse at St. Patrick's
hospital at Missoula, visited her parents holiday week, returning to
her work Saturday. Reginald Tucker, who is employed at Missoula, was
also a guest of his parents a few days.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wetzsteon and daughter of Missoula were New Year's
guests at the home of the former's parents. Mr. Wetzsteon has purchased
the Fred Francis ranch on the upper East Fork and will take possession
soon.
Ray Wetzsteon and George Vogt Jr. have returned to Bozeman after two
weeks' vacation from their work at the Montana State College.
Miss Elsie Blake spent a few days last week at her home here.
Ronald and Fritz Blake of Missoula were Christmas guests of their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Wetzsteon.
Mr. S.C. Motley and two sons of Conner, as well as the Marvin Warren
and W.R. Wetzsteon families of this place, spent Christmas at the
parental Wetzsteon home.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Lord and son have returned from Corvallis, Oregon,
to which place they motored in November. Mrs. Lord stopped at Hamilton
to visit her parents, Mr. and Mrs. P.R. Hicks.
Miss Mary Burke, who is teaching at Conrad, left for that place Monday after being with her parents during holiday week.
Michael Burke and Elsie Wetzsteon left Monday for Hamilton to continue their work in the Hamilton High School.
Mr. and Mrs. William Locke and daughter of Missoula visited the
former's mother, Mrs. C.W. Fox, and sister, Mrs. W.R. Wetzsteon , a few
days. Mrs. Fox accompanied them to Missoula on their return.
A Christmas tree with an entertainment by the school children, under
the leadership of their teacher, Miss Ida Mecum, was held at the
Community Hall Christmas eve, Santa Claus appearing at the proper time
to dispense gifts.
Miss Carrie Tessler, who is a student in the Darby High School, spent her vacation with her parents here.
Mrs. H.A. Briggs and son and daughter of Victor were Christmas guests of Mrs. Raymond Lord and family.
The community was shocked and grieved beyond expression to hear of the
tragic death of Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Gibson of Missoula, who visited here
often and made friends with everyone, being intimate friends of the
Gallogly family. Miss M.A. Gallogly and Mrs. M.A. Blake went to
Missoula Monday to attend the funeral.
Miss Ida Mecum returned Monday from a vacation trip to Butte and other Montana cities.
CORVALLIS NEWS
Miss Clara Shriver, who has taught for two terms
in the Corvallis High School has returned to her home in Missoula
for the summer vacation. Miss Shriver was re-elected to the same
position for next year, but has not accepted.
Mrs. Velva Wilford, teacher of the primary grade,
left the first of the week for Minneapolis for a visit with her
children and from there she will go to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to spend
most of the vacation with a son. She will return to teach here next
year.
Fred A. Dyllenty, teacher of the eighth grade,
has gone to Virginia City to spend the summer vacation. He will
return in the fall to resume his position.
Edward Shierson came here from Grass Range to
attend commencement exercises and to visit his son, Harry Shierson,
high school coach and teacher. Tuesday, the two left to return to
Grass Range.
Miss Laura Ferch, teacher of the seventh grade,
has gone to Missoula to attend the summer term at the state
university.
David Haacke of Stevensville was in Corvallis
last week to spend a few days with the H.D. Simmons home.
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Moore of Bozeman came here for
commencement exercises and reamined to visit with Mrs. Moore's
parents, Mr. and Mrs. S.E. Powell.
Mrs. Violet Hauf is spending the month visiting
relatives on the Pacific coast, including Lynden, Washington and
Vancouver.
Mrs. Edward Shults and little daughter returned
home a few days ago from spending several weeks with relatives at
St. Regis on account of the illness of her sister.
Mrs. Harold Nichol and daughter of Anaconda are
guests in the home of Mrs. Nichol's parents, Mr. and Mrs.
V.L.Shults.
Mrs. Romaine Henneford closed a successful term
of school last Wednesday in the Hamilton Heights district, and the
day following the pupils and their parents accompanied Mrs.
Henneford to Charley's gulch for a picnic.
Matt Vaughn is recovering from injuries received
some time ago when he was struck down by a horse. Mr. Vaughn has
been employed this spring at the Flugstad ranch near Corvallis and
the accident occurred there.
The shearing of sheep began in this district last
week. Shearing machines are being used and are operated by Clifton
Dale, Earl Randolph, Vernon Jenkins, and Homer Simmons.
Mrs. W.D. Lear is slowing recovering from an
attack of paralysis.
Virginia Eldredge sustained a dislocated hip and
other injuries in an auto accident graduation night. She is able to
walk about her home this week.
Miss Lorene Frogge, who came here to see her
sister graduated from the high school, left Friday to return to a
business college in Portland, where she will complete course
in a few months.
Mr. and Mrs. Hans F. Bay arranged a surprise
dinner party for Mrs. Bay's mother last Wednesday evening, on the
occasion of her birthday anniversary. The dinner was served at the
Walker hotel and plates were laid for ten.
Ravalli Republican, May 24, 1928
FIRST CAR OVER HILL
Darby, May 23, 1928 - Darby claims it has the first car to go over the
Big Hole mountain to Wisdom this year. Sunday, Thomas Milburn drove his
Dodge Victory Six to Wisdom and return in approximately 4 1/2 hours of
driving time. He says it was not necessary to shovel snow to break the
trail although he noticed tracks of other cars that had only gone part
way.
Ravalli Republican, May 24, 1928
DARBY DOINGS
Darby, May 23 - Mr. and Mrs. Jay Severns entertained a number of
friends Sunday at their home at University Heights.
George Durland and D.M. Conner represented the Darby school at the
P.T.A. at Missoula last week. Mrs. Conner accompanied Mr. Conner.
Mr. Durland is president of the school board and Mr. Conner is
chairman of the P.T.A. and a school trustee.
The A.B. Cole, George Durland, and J.P. Algie families enjoyed a
picnic dinner Sunday at the Algie home.
Mrs. Clyde Shockley and sons have joined Mr. Shockley at the Sula
ranger station for the summer.
Mr.. and Mrs. Val Troop of Missoula spent the weekend at the Bergs.
Ravalli Republican, May 24, 1928
1929
Reward offered for Mrs. Severns' Slayer
The county commissioners of Ravalli county announced
last week that a $500 reward would be paid for the arrest and
conviction of the party who shot Mrs. Othel Severns, on the night of
May 29th, as she was driving near the Fair Grounds at Hamilton. Mrs.
Severns was passing in her car when, as she stated, some one commanded
her to halt. She speeded up her car and was shot from the rear with a
high power gun, the bullet passing through the spare tire, the back of
the car and piercing her body. The bullet passed through her intestines
causing her death some 12 days later.
Sheriff Stokes claims that he was stationed a mile
or so farther north where he was watching for a stolen car which had
been reported. He heard a car coming and as it passed some one was
creaming. He followed and found the wounded woman. He returned with her
to the hospital. since that time no clew has been uncovered as to who
did the shooting.
Northwest Tribune, Thursday, July 11, 1929
Teacher Dies of Wound - Funeral tomorrow
Death, the relentless Harvester of life, paused for a moment Monday
just before midnight to claim Othel Severns, 36 year old Corvallis
school teacher, who was fatally wounded the night of Wednesday, May 29,
while driving her Chevrolet coupe past the Ravalli County Fair Grounds
north of Hamilton.
Bravely fighting, the young woman lived just 12 days
after being mortally shot in the back. Attendants in Hamilton Hospital,
as well as the young lady�s family, had become very much encouraged by
the fight the teacher was making and the remarkably efficient surgical
care given her following the shooting. The entire community united with
the family in fervent hope that the injury would be overcome and danger
of infection resulting from the terrible slashing course of the bullet
seemed to be about over when tetanus set and, despite three different
inoculations of tetanus antitoxin, death resulted. The tetanus
poisoning developed was of but a mild form but the resistance of the
patient was at so low an ebb that she could not overcome it. She was
conscious until death. Her mother was at her side when death came.
Funeral services will be held Friday at two o�clock
at the Masonic Temple under the auspices of the O.E.S. to which Mrs.
Severns belonged. The body will be taken to Seattle for interment being
accompanied by the mother and a sister.
Tetanus is a painful and often fatal infectious
disease, caused by specific bacillus, and marked by tonic spasms of
several or all of the voluntary muscles. When confined to the muscles
of the lower jaw, usually the part first affected, it is called lockjaw
or trismus. It takes various names from the various incurvations of the
body resulting from the spasm. It is often contracted through infection
of wounds.
An autopsy on the body of Mrs. Othel Severns was
performed at Dowling�s Mortuary Chapel Tuesday afternoon. The bullet, a
battered slug about the size of a nickel, was located in the lower
abdomen and extracted. The autopsy was performed by Dr. Herbert
Hayward, county physician, and Dr. George McGrath. Those present
included Coroner John Dowling, County Attorney, H.C. Packer, Court
Reporter, H.E. Jones and nurses: Mrs. Laura Geick and Mrs. Hazel Young,
and Miss Esther Holland.
The Western News, June 13, 1929
Stokes Trial Set
Hamilton, November 20 - Trial of Sheriff �Jody� Stokes, charged with
the murder of Mrs. Othel Severns, was set today for December 2, in
district court here.
The Helena Independent, November 21, 1929
Hard to Get Jury to Try Sheriff Stokes
Hamilton, December 2 - Selection of a jury for the trial of Sheriff
J.S. �Jody� Stokes of Ravalli county for the murder of Mrs. Othel
Severns, Corvallis school teacher, proved a difficult task in district
court here today and at adjournment was not completed.
Sheriff Stokes is charged with fatally shooting Mrs.
Severns on a highway the night of May 29. The information was filed by
Attorney General L.A. foot, after a coroner�s jury found the woman was
shot �by a person unknown.� The dying declaration of the school teacher
that she was shot by the sheriff was presented to the coroner�s jury.
The Helena Independent, December 3, 1929
Stokes Defense Wins Point When Dying Statement of Alleged Victim is Barred
Hamilton, December 3 - Counsel for J.H. Stokes, sheriff of Ravalli
county, who is on trial in district court here for the murder of Mrs.
Othel Severns, scored a point today when Judge W.L. Ford refused to
permit the prosecution to offer a purported dying statement of the
Corvallis school teacher in which she was said to have accused Stokes
of the shooting. Mrs. Severns died from a wound received while she was
driving hear the Hamilton fairgrounds on her way home from Darby May
29. Another effort to introduce Mrs. Severns� statement will be made
later, J.D. Taylor, prosecutor, announced.
The judge�s ruling was made after a long legal
argument during which the jury was excluded from the courtroom. T.J.
Westerly, to whom the statement is said to have been made, was on the
witness stand when E.C. Mulroney, defense attorney, made the objection
to the dying declaration. Weatherly had testified that Mrs. Severns had
taken him to the Conner ranch, five miles south of Darby the night of
May 29, and left him there. The next time he saw her, he said, was at
the Hamilton hospital. Question after question asked of Weatherly
concerning the physical condition of the woman was successfully
objected to by defense attorneys. Weatherly probably will resume the
stand tomorrow.
Earlier in the day, John Phillips, Hamilton night
chief of police, testified he had been called by Sheriff Stokes the
night of the shooting to watch for a stolen car. He had been instructed
to search cars for guns, he testified.
A tilt between prosecution and defense attorneys
came when the defense counsel asked Phillips if he had been active in
aiding the attorney general to get evidence. He admitted he had, and
R.A. O�Hara, assisting the prosecution, added �Yes, as an officer doing
his duty.�
Dr. Herbert Hayward, physician who attended Mrs.
Severns, testified as to nature of the wound. The bullet, he said,
penetrated the spine and punctured the intestines. The courtroom was
crowded throughout the day. Several spectators were forced to leave
when Judge asked that the aisles be cleared.
The Helena Independent, December 4, 1929
Sheriff Stokes On Stand, He Denies He Killed Woman
Hamilton, Mont., Dec 9 - Sheriff J.S. Stokes of Ravalli county, called
to the stand today, related his version of the events of the night of
May 22, when Mrs. Othel Severns, Corvallis school teacher, was fatally
wounded and for whose death the sheriff is on trial here. He flatly
denied the shooting. Grilling cross-examination of the officer was
interrupted by adjournment for the day.
Sheriff Stokes told of receiving a telephone call,
from Darby, reporting the theft of an automobile. He called Chief of
Police John Phillips of Hamilton and Deputy George Cold and the three
took stations on different roads to watch for the car. The sheriff said
he took the road by the county fairgrounds. State witnesses previously
testified Mrs. Severns was shot while driving hear the fairgrounds.
Stokes said that instead of stopping at the fairgrounds, he drove a
mile and a quarter beyond, to the Tucker Lane, and placed his car in
position so he could watch for automobiles coming from the south. He
had been there but a few minutes, he testified, when he heard a woman�s
screams from an approaching car, which passed him rapidly. Turning onto
the highway, he followed her car.
At this point, the sheriff was asked if he had cried
out, �Stop, damn you, stop,� words which other witnesses said they
heard. He replied he did not know, but explained me might have uttered
them. As he pulled up beside the car ahead he said, he saw that it
contained a woman. He asked what was going on. �I have been shot;
somebody shot me.� he quoted the woman as answering. At her request, he
said, he felt blood on her hip and told her he would take her to a
hospital.
The woman told him she was Othel Severns and he
informed her he was the sheriff. Then, he said she asked him: �Did you
shoot me?� �I said, My God, girl, why should I shoot you?� Stokes
testified that while he was removing her to his car, she told him the
shooting occurred at the fairgrounds corner. The sheriff told of taking
the Corvallis teacher to the hospital at Hamilton and later, with
Truman Smith, defense witness, going to get Mrs. Severns� car. Smith
examined the ground where the sheriff had parked and also examined the
sheriff�s gun, a revolver, Stokes said.
The courtroom was packed today as it had been since
he opening of the trial a week ago. Cross-examination probably will be
resumed tomorrow.
The Helena Independent, December 10, 1929
1930
FINE ICE HARVEST
One Hundred Tons For One Hotel at Corvallis
Poultrymen and Beemen Suffered
Losses During Last Thursday Night, Coldest of Year
Corvallis, January 22 - Young calves, pigs and rabbits died in
numbers throughout this community, during the extreme cold weather
of the past week. Poultrymen suffered losses also and beemen believe
their losses will be severe. The coldest reported was on Thursday
night when the mercury went to 32 below zero. It was a few degrees
higher the following night and rose to zero Sunday.
A fine ice harvest is expected. The harvest began
the first of the week, but was temporarily delayed on account of the
cold. It will be resumed this week, ice men say. The work of cutting
100 tons for the Corvallis hotel is to start in a few days.
REVIVAL SERVICES
Meetings in Charge of Rev. L.E. Tabor of Idaho
Well Attended Gatherings During
Past Week and Will Continue During Present Week.
Corvallis, January 22 - Revival meetings in the program at the
Methodist Church have been well attended during the week just past
and will continue throughout the remainder of this week and possibly
longer. Rev. L.E. Taber, brother of the pastor, Rev. C.J. Taber, has
come from Julietta, Idaho, to conduct the services and his outspoken
sermons are gaining him a good audience. Large posters, "Corvallis
for Christ," have been placed about town to attract attention to the
meetings. Rev. Taber was accompanied here by his wife.
Corvallis, January 22 - Under the auspices of the Women's Christian
Temperance Union and in celebration of the twelfth anniversary of
the Eighteenth Amendment, a dinner was served to the public Thursday
at the Methodist church annex. It was well attended and the women
realized a fair sum to carry on their part of the temperance work.
Corvallis, January 22 - Mrs. J.J. Larkin and daughter, Miss Mary
Larkin, have returned from Rochester, Minn, where Mrs. Larkin
recently underwent an operation. Miss Larkin is fourth grade teacher
here and during her absence of two months, her class has been in
charge of Mrs. Edwin Bay and Mrs. D.F. Bowden.
Miss Lucille Lasater, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
O.W. Lasater, is getting about on crutches while recovering from an
injury to one knee, sustained in a skiing accident.
Joseph Bowden left last week for Long Beach, Cal,
to join his wife for a sojourn through the severe winter months. He
will return in the spring.
Mrs. Robert Myers and her granddaughter, Miss
Mary Simmons, and Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Chaffin, left Friday for Butte
where they joined the Montana excursionists for a trip to Los
Angeles.
John Stamp has come from Osborne, Kan, to make
his home with his sister, Mrs. Rose Doud. The two have been visiting
with Mrs. Doud's daughter, Mrs. P.R. Felker, at Phillipsburg.
Bruce Elliott, who visits in Corvallis each
summer, underwent a mastoid operation recently as a hospital at
Three Forks and has about recovered. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
H.E. Elliott.
Ravalli Republican, Thursday, January 23, 1930
Back to Spokane Hospital
Darby - Mrs. Violet Oswald and son Roger of Darby left
yesterday for Spokane, where the boy will re-enter St. Luke's
Hospital for treatment of bone trouble in his left leg. Roger is
eight years old and he has spent much of the past four years at St.
Luke's where he is a general favorite. Last year Bing Crosby visited
the hospital and one of Roger's treasured possessions is a
photograph of the singer and himself. The lad is a protege of the
Shriners at the Spokane institution.
Ravalli Republican, April 3, 1930
1931
Boy Injured When Motor Knocks Him Down in Corvallis
Missoula, February 2 - Bruce Bryson, 11-year old son
of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Bryson, is recovering from injuries sustained late
Wednesday evening when he was struck and knocked down by an automobile
on the streets of Corvallis. When picked up, he lad was bleeding from
one ear and it was feared he had suffered a fractured skull or ruptured
eardrum. He was taken to his home and ordered by his physician to
remain quiet for several days.
Bruce, with other boys was playing on the street and
was hit by a car driven by William Baker, as he stepped onto the street
in front of Rissler�s barber shop. Baker blinded by lights from an
approaching automobile, did not notice the boys in time to stop the
car. He was driving carefully, however, and was in no way to blame for
the accident, witnesses declare.
The Helena Independent, February 3, 1931
1932
PIONEER WAS HONORED
Eighty-First Birthday of Mrs. Hannah Ward Celebrated at Her Home by Relatives.
Mrs. Hannah Ward celebrated her eighty-first
birthday a week ago Sunday when her children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren assembled at her home to do her honor. Mrs. Ward, who
lives alone on the ranch established by her late husband, George W.
Ward, 40 years ago near the Charlos Heights club house, is as active as
the average woman of 60 and attends to the duties of her farm.
During the late fall, she had an experience with a
bear at her place, which she related to the company Sunday. Hearing a
commotion in the yard, she rushed out to find a cub bear hiding from
dogs up in a tree. She returned to the house, loaded an old shotgun and
let the young bruin have the full charge, He tumbled out of the tree
and made his escape, leaving a trail of blood. Some time later, a bear
was killed by Henry White, a Charlos Heights youth, and the animal's
back had been heavily peppered with buckshot, proving that the pioneer
woman's aim was good.
An abundance of good things to eat were partaken of
at the family dinner party which crowned the day. Those taking part
were Mr. and Mrs. S.M.Ward Sr and family, Mr. and Mrs. S.M. Ward Jr and
children, Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Hassett and children, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore
LaChambre and son, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Robbins and daughter, Mr. and
Mrs. Clifford Shockley and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Orville Ward and
daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Dean Motley, Lysle McMahon, Mr. and Mrs. C.W.
Ward and family.
Ravalli Republican, February 4, 1932
LION FOLLOWED GIRL
Miss Ruth Dye Had a Harrowing Experience After Dark While on West Fork Road
Corvallis, February 3 - The screams of a mountain lion which came
nearer and nearer as the animal followed a school teacher hurrying
after dark along a lonely mountain road was described by Miss Ruth Dye,
local girl, as an experience she had last week near her school in the
upper West Fork district.
Miss Dye came here to spend the weekend at her home.
She stated that she had gone to a neighbor's to telephone her mother on
the occasion of her mother's birthday. She was detained at the ranch by
the death of an acquaintance and had walked only a part of the way back
to her cabin when the first scream of the big cat rent the still air.
The mountain crowds the road against the river for a
long distance and it was while the girl was on the narrow trail that
the lion was heard a number of times. Miss Dye stated that she did not
run, knowing that would be dangerous, but she walked fast, the cold
chills running along her spine. When she reached the cabin, she
realized that she was badly frightened. The next day, men o f the
neighborhood went out after the lion, many tracks of which were found
along the mountain side. Miss Dye is a Normal School graduate and is
teaching her first school.
Ravalli Republican, February 4, 1932
FIRST CASE OF FEVER
Mrs. S. Jorgensen of Stevensville a Patient at Daly Memorial Hospital with Tick Malady
Mrs. Seigfred Jorgensen of Stevensville is a patient
at the Daly Hospital suffering with spotted fever. Her case is the
first to be reported in the bitter Root Valley this year, although
several have been noted in other parts of the state. Mrs. Jorgensen has
not been inocculated with the preventive vaccine and her condition is
said to be critical. She is a daughter of Mrs. Gus McInnis, cook at the
hospital, and a native Bitter Root Valley girl. It is said she probably
contracted the fever while on an outing west of Stevensville.
Maybelle Eggers, Stevensville girl, underwent an
operation on her right wrist, broken in a fall, and was taken to her
home yesterday. Walter Iten went to his home yesterday after recovery
from an operation. Mrs. Carl Printz and infant son went to their
Corvallis home yesterday.
A daughter was born yesterday to Mr. and Mrs. Pete
Froelih. A son was born last Thursday to Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Coulson of
Stevensville.
Ravalli Republican, May 12, 1932
BREAK IN BIG CANAL
Old Embankment Gave Way in Canal Southeast of Hamilton Last Friday Afternoon.
A 75-foot break occurred in the bank of the Bitter
Root Irrigation District ditch last Friday afternoon about 5 o'clock,
creating a slide that opened a deep gulley in the J.M. Davis pasture
below and covering about four acres of the Fred Newman ranch with sand
and gravel. The break was in a stretch of high earth embankment which
has been in use since the ditch was constructed in 1909. No cause could
be given for the break other than a probably gopher hole. A crew of men
has been at work under the direction of G.J. Hagens, district engineer.
The Ward and Hedge ditches, supplying water for the Bitter Root Stock
Farm, were filled with dirt and debris from the slide and irrigation
temporarily cut off. Mr. Hagens stated he expected to have the canal in
operation some time this week.
Ravalli Republican, May 19, 1932
GOOD BEET CROP
High Sugar Content in This Year's Beets
Factory at Missoula Running Three Shifts, Employing Over Two Hundred Workmen
The sugar content of the Bitter Root valley sugar
beet crop is considerably higher than in other years, T.D. Stephens,
field man for the Amalgamated Sugar Company, said Saturday. The acreage
is less than last year, but the tonnage is greater. About 4,512 acres
were contracted for this year's planting. The big tonnage plus the fact
that the sugar content is higher means a better price for the grower
and has spelled success for the 1932 beet crop. At the time of
Saturday's store, about one-fifth of the crop was out of the ground and
the wheels of the sugar factory at Missoula, which started turning
October 1, had ground out nearly 30,000 hundred-pound bags of sugar.
Beets this year average an 18% sugar content and last year the factor
average was 13.72%.
The factory is expected to operate over a season of
100 days and three shifts have been working, which means that 225 men
have been employed.
Ravalli Republican, October 13, 1932, page 12
BEET RETURNS IN
Sixty Thousand Dollars is Total for Corvallis
Checks for Summer's Work Received Last Week and Trade Circles Have Pay-Up Day.
Corvallis, November 30 - Approximately $60,000 was received in checks
by sugar beet growers of the district last Wednesday when the
Amalgamated Sugar Company paid 90 percent of the amount due for the
season's crop to local people. The price received per ton was $4.50.
Friday and Saturday were observed here as pay-up days, when growers
cashed their checks or deposited them and started paying labor,
tradespeople and contractors. Business was brisk every place of
business and nearly everyone benefited. Many of the growers will be in
Hamilton this week to pay their taxes, having waited on the checks from
the sugar company.
Ravalli Republican, December 1, 1932
1933
Corvallis, February 3 - Mr. and Mrs. Milton Dowd of Victor and Miss
Olive Kearns, who returned recently from an extended visit to
relatives in Kansas and as far east as Washington, D.C., were guests
last week in the home of Mrs. F.E. Lockridge. Mrs. Dowd, Miss Kierns
and Mrs. Lockridge are sisters.
Mrs. C.P. Danielson of Missoula was a guest over Sunday in the home
of her sister, Mrs. J.E. Bryson.
Miss Mildred Hanson and Miss Inez Brooks motored to Missoula Friday
and Miss Hanson went on to Superior accompanied by her mother, who
was returning home after a visit here and at Missoula. Miss Brooks
remained in the Garden City to visit Mrs. Ada Torr.
Rev. C.J. Taber made a trip to Missoula Saturday in his school bus
to take a company of women shoppers. On account of the inclement
weather, only four made the trip. They were Mrs. Edwin Bay, Mrs.
Edward Gibbons, Mrs. David Pile, and Mrs. Taber.
Miss Clara Teeple of Cutbank is a guest in the home of Miss Ruth
Dye. The two were school friends at Dillon. Miss Teeple is enroute
to Idaho, where she will make her home.
Mrs. Dora Briggs left last Wednesday for Eugene, Oregon, where she
will visit for several weeks with a sister.
A daughter was born Sunday to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Loesch at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Val Loesch, north of town.
O.W. Lasater was re-elected to the superintendency of the Corvallis
school for his fourth consecutive year at a meeting of the board
last week. All the members were present. A discussion of school
finances was of special interest to the meeting.
The second cutting of ice was taken last week from Walker's slough
northwest of the Corvallis bridge, which about completes the harvest
here for the season. The ice was from 14 to 17 inches thick and was
entirely clear.
Kenneth Chaffin has come from Seattle to visit until March 15 with
his mother, Mrs. J.B. Miller, and other relatives. Kenneth has been
employed the past year on the merchant passenger steamship General
Gorsey which sailed last summer between Seattle and Alaska.
Three feet of frost were found in the ground at the Corvallis
Cemetery the first of the week when two graves were made there. The
earth had to be removed with picks and the work was difficult, men
who worked there, claim.
J.L. Humble and Homer Kelley came here from Missoula Tuesday to
attend the funeral of Mrs. M.M. Humble.
Ravalli Republican, February 4, 1933
Jurors Acquit Ex-Sheriff of Perjury Charge
Action Against three Other Defendants Is Dropped At Hamilton on Motion of State
Hamilton, March 16 - Jody Stokes, former sheriff, was acquitted by
a district court jury Thursday evening of a charge of perjury arising
from his trial three years ago in the slaying of Mrs. Othel Severns. On
motion of the state, perjury charge against the three other defendants
were dismissed. They were Leo Stokes, son of the former officer, Lloyd
Rennaker and Russell Purler.
Mrs. Severns, a school teacher, was fatally wounded
as she drove along a highway in a car. The sheriff, who was patrolling
a road in that vicinity, took her to a hospital. He was acquitted of a
charge of murder. In the perjury case, Stokes denied ownership of a
rifle found in the Bitter Root river and declared the gun he had been
carrying had disappeared. The state contended the rusty rifle was the
one with which Mrs. Severns was shot. The perjury charges
centered about the testimony of the four defendants in the former
trial regarding weapons owned by the sheriff The as reached the jury at
1:25 p.m. Thursday and the verdict was returned at 8 o�clock Thursday
evening.
Billings Gazette, March 17, 1933
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Whitesitt of Missoula spent last Friday with
Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Mathisen.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Patton and child of Lone Pine spent Friday with
Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Patton.
Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Mathisen and son Dan were weekend visitors at
Missoula.
Mrs. Carl Perry entertained at a formal dinner party last Wednesday
evening. Enjoying the dinner were Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Perry, Mr. and
Mrs. William Galloway, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Perry of Corvallis,
Clifford Cole, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Perry. A pleasant evening was
spent at cards.
Misses Louise Thorning and Betty Dineen entertained their bridge
club at the Olaf Mathisen home last Wednesday evening. Present were
Misses Irene Yarbrough, Irene Johnson, Marguerite Schoonover, Mary
Fierce, Marion Campin, Charlotte Goneau, Harriet Fornham, Lois
Cates, Mrs. H.H. Hoppe, Mrs. Mathisen, and the hostesses. Miss
Goneau received the prize for high score and Miss Fierce the
consolation prize. Refreshments were served by the hostesses at a
late hour.
Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Patton and daughter and Mary Fisher spent the
weekend with relatives at Lone Pine.
Frank Chamberlain left Monday for his home at Jefferson city
following a few days spent with his mother, Mrs. Nellie Chamberlain,
while convalescing from an operation on this right arm and back, in
which he has regained the use of the arm which became paralyzed
through an injury several months ago.
The card party and dance given by the Eastern Star Auxillary at the
Masonic hall Friday night was well attended. Prizes for high scores
were won by Mrs. Otto York of Stevensville, and Oscar Burgan of
Victor, and the consolation prizes by Miss Betty Dineen and Albert
Groff. Lunch followed cards after which dancing was enjoyed for a
time.
Mr. G.B. Clarke and Mrs. William Buck will entertain the Eastern
Star Auxilary at the Masonic hall April 12.
Byrne Thrailkill, a student at the Montana State College at Bozeman,
spent the weekend at his home here.
Reginald Campin has enrolled at the University at Missoula for the
final quarter.
A neighborhood party was enjoyed at the Claud Beller home Friday
night.
Ravalli Republican, March 30, 1933
Members of the Woodside club gave a masquerade dance at the club
house Saturday night. Many comical and old fashioned costumes were
displayed. Music was furnished by the Yorton orchestra.
The entertainment committee for the Corvallis Alumni Association met
at the Brooks Hotel Thursday evening to plan entertainment for the
next Alumni meeting which will be next Monday, April 3rd at the
Corvallis gym. All Alumni members and their escorts are invited to
be present.
Next Saturday, April 1, will be school election in Corvallis. There
will be three elected for the new board of trustees. Those running
are Harry Fierce, Roy Hull, V.L. Shultz, Tom Dunbar, Charles Wolffs
and V.V. Yaden.
The Hamilton Heights baseball team met Sunday afternoon on the
Heights diamond for a try-out.
The All-Star Club and guests met at the Masonic Hall Friday
afternoon to play bridge and "500." Mrs. R.D. Giesy and Miss Kathryn
Weber won the prizes for bridge. At the close of the games, a
delicious lunch was served in the banquet hall. The tables were
pretty with huge boquets of pussy willows.
The Corvallis Womens Club is giving a one act play and other
entertaining numbers Thursday evening, March 30th at the Corvallis
Gym. At the close of the program, refreshments will be served and an
hour of visiting will be held.
Superintendents and coaches of the valley schools met at the Brooks
Hotel Wednesday evening for the purpose of discussing and planning
spring activities.
Mr. and Mrs. Parson Pile entertained a number of friends Wednesday
evening. Six tables of different progressive games were the
evening's entertainment. Near midnight, a delicious lunch was
served.
Mrs. Antoine Cutler is reported improving in health after a long
illness of several weeks.
Miss Alice Magee returned Friday from Missoula where she went to see
her father, T.M. McGee, a medical patient at the Northern Pacific
Hospital.
Albert McArthur of Butte and Joe Ferrara of New Jersey, students at
the State University, were guests from Thursday until Monday in the
home of Dan St. John. Returning to Missoula, they were accompanied
by Dan St. John and LeRoy Cobb, who returned to Corvallis the same
day.
Honor roll students at the Hamilton Heights school for February were
Jessie Weber, Ira Abbey, Maxine Beck, Louis Ohl, and Duane Davidson.
Mrs. Edward Gibbons and her son, Gerald Gibbons, went to Butte
Thursday to spend a few days with friends.
The Western News, March 30, 1933
CONQUERS FEVER
H.A. Sylvester Recovering From Dreaded Malady
Several Surgical Cases Reported in Week's Work at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital
H.A. Sylvester, who has been a patient in the Daly Hospital since the
first of the month with spotted fever, is recovering nicely, reports
day. The case was moderate, hospital attendants claim, due to Mr.
Sylvester having received inocculations of the vaccine.
LeRoy Howard, a patient at the hospital for a few
days, returned to his home early in the week. The boy received injuries
in an automobile accident ten days ago. He is a high school freshman.
Mrs. Harry Kelly of Salmon City, Idaho, underwent a
severe operation Monday. Her thigh, injured more than a year ago in a
fall, was given surgical repairs. Mrs. Carl Shaffer of Stevensville was
a patient to undergo a major operation Monday. Frank Remus returned to
his home yesterday after minor surgical attention. Jerry Wilkerson of
Darby is a medical patient.
Mrs. Frank Jaquette of Victor gave birth to a
daughter yesterday. Mrs. Perry Smith of Darby is the mother of a
daughter born Sunday, and Mrs. Herbert Stevenson gave birth to a son
the same day.
Ravalli Republican, May 11, 1933
A. Sessions Won
Corvallis Girl Takes First Declamation Honors
County Meet Held Here Saturday Night Gave Second Place to Stevensville Contestant
Alene Sessions of Corvallis won the Ravalli county
declamation contest held Saturday evening at the Hamilton high school.
Her selection was �Daddy Doc.� The same selection given by Kathryn
Lamoreaux of Stevensville, won second place. June Clow of Hamilton was
third with �The Fat of the Land.� Miss Mary Harris of the
Missoula high school faculty was judge. The chairman of the evening was
Norman Korn, principal of the Stevensville schools, Miss Sessions was
winner of the first honors in last year�s contest.
Other contestants were Jessie Lamb of Darby, who
gave �The Last Hymn,� and Mayme Harrington of Victor with �When the
Neuroses Bloom.�
Vocal selections were given by Ben Anderson and the
high school trio, Janet Sherman, Lillian Eversole, and Jane Clow. Patty
Ellis was accompanist.
Ravalli Republican, May 11, 1933
BOY FRACTURES LEG
Runaway Team at Corvallis Brought Grief to Bryson Brothers and Put One in Hospital
Corvallis, May 31 - Jean Bryson, 14, sustained a fractured leg Sunday
morning in a runaway accident which occurred on a side street in
Corvallis. The lad is being treated at the Daly Hospital in Hamilton.
Jean, with an older brother, was enroute to the cheese factory with a
load of milk. The horses became unmanageable and ran into a fence,
turning the wagon over near the W.D. Lear place. Both boys were caught
beneath the wagon. Residents of the district came to their assistance.
George was badly bruised across the back, but his injury did not
require medical attention. The boys are the sons of Mr. and Mrs. J.E.
Bryson
Ravalli Republican, June 1, 1933
1934
New Postmaster
Raymond Birck Successor to James D. St. John
Mrs. Lloyd Rockafellow to Be Assistant at Corvallis Postoffice Under New Regime
Corvallis, June 6 - Raymond Birck, newly-appointed postmaster at
Corvallis, took charge of the position Saturday, succeeding J.D. St.
John, who had served as postmaster protem for nearly two years. Mr.
Birck is a graduate of the Corvallis high school, being a member of the
class of '26 and later attended the state university at Missoula. He
and his wife have an apartment at the Charles Johnson residence. Mr.
Birck has named Mrs. Lloyd Rockafellow as his assistant
Ravalli Republican, June 7, 1934
1935
DALY HOSPITAL NEWS: CHILDREN ARE PATIENTS
Babies and children continue to be the
principal cause for action at the Daly hospital this week. Margaret
Neilsen , little William Doak, and Frances Clark are listed as
pneumonia patients. During the week, Betty Terrio of Darby and Pauline
Boyer of Corvallis returned to their homes. A son was born Tuesday to
Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Patterson of Stevensville, Mrs. M. Orpegia is the
mother of a daughter born March 12. Dorothy Gilchrist and Howard
Wolfinbarger have returned to their homes.
Edward Johnson, 19-year old Victor youth, is ill
with pneumonia at the hospital. J.A. Rockafellow, Mike Kratofil and
John Kleinoeder are medical patients. Mrs. Edward L. Thomson has
returned to her home following several days medical treatment at the
hospital.
Robert Barrett has gone to Missoula for treatment
for his eyes, injured last week in a refrigeration accident. The Daly
hospital has had an average of 23 patients most of the past two weeks
and Miss Lillian Franey has been added to the nursing staff during the
week.
The Western News, March 21, 1935
Gifts For Bride
Mrs. Robert Glenn Honored By Corvallis Friend
Red & White Dinner for Managers and Clerks Given By L.R. Stallman Last Thursday
Corvallis, May 22 - aA Surprise miscellaneous shower was given last
Thursday afternoon for Mrs. Robert Glenn, bride of the week, by Mrs.
Dan Sutherland at her home north of town. School friends of the ride
and close neighbors of Mrs. Sutherland were guests. They were Mrs.
Clarence Popham, Mrs. Edwin Buck, Mrs. Spencer Huls, Mrs. Emmett Smyth,
Mrs. M.R. Holloron, Mrs. M.W. Cobb, Mrs. William Randolph, Mrs. William
Hefner and Misses Alice Holloron, Kathleen Gander, Ethel Shults,
Charlotte Bohler, Marjorie Hefner, Helma Maki, Louise and Dorothy
Smyth. A variety of useful gifts were presented to Mrs. Glenn and a
pleasant afternoon of visiting concluded with the serving of
refreshments.
Managers and employees of Red & White stores, a
group of 11, had dinner Thursday evening with the district manager,
L.H. Stallman, at Bessie Walker�s Inn. Afterward the group motored to
Corvallis for moving pictures at the Bowden Red & White Store.
A dessert bridge Thursday afternoon at the Brooks
hotel was given by Mrs. Howard Fierce for the Merry Wives and a few
additional guests. Three tables were used and prizes went to Mrs. H.D.
Giesy and Mrs. Alvin Whitesitt.
Ravalli Republican, May 23, 1935
34 Italian Workers Are Thinning Beets
On Monday a group of Italians from Fort Missoula
started work in the beet fields on Three Mile. This group of
Italians, who have been interned at Fort Missoula for the past year,
are located at the Lou Parker place, near Old Camp One. There are 34
of them. They have been assigned to beet work on the Rathbun,
Comenico, Canton, Mettlemann and Jannsen places. They work in a
group and one of their own number is foreman.
The regulations under which these Italians go out
to work on farms provides that they must have a guard in charge of
them and James Shea has been engaged for this work. Mr. Shea states
that none of the Italians are experienced in farm work but all are
quite willing to learn and the first two days have shown that in
time they will be able to handle he work very well.
Thehse Italians, Mr. Shea states, are
intelligent. They are mostly merchant marines taken from interned
Italian ships siezed at the time war with Italy was declared. They
are anxious to work and prefer the outdoor life to te impound at
Fort Missoula.
The group is well organized. Three of the group
is detailed for cooking and keeping quarters in shape and the
remainder do the field work. The group moves from one field to the
next and at present they are at the Rathbun place.
Northwest Tribune, June 10, 1943
FIRE DESTROYS TOEPFER HOME, THREE ARE DEAD
Tragedy visited the farm home of Mr. and Mrs. W.J.
Toepfer, of Three Mile Sunday evening when fire consumed the dwelling
and Stanley, a five year old son was trapped and burned to death.
George, 13 years old, who was burned severely in attempting to rescue
his brother after carrrying his 3 year old sister to safety, was rushed
to the hospital and lived until Wednesday morning.
According to such details as can be learned, the
fire started shortly before 10:00 o'clock Sunday evening from an
unknown cause. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Toepfer had gone to the
Herman Maul place a mile or so distant and they were accompanied by an
elder son. The purpose of the visit was to arrange for a binder to cut
grain the next day. They were just ready to start home when the fire
was noticed. The three children left a home had gone to bed. It seems
that George, who was sleeping with Stanley, was awakened by the fire.
He aroused his brother and rushed for his sister and carried her out of
the building. The brother, whom he expected to follow, was not found
and he returned to rescue him. He found that his sister had followed
him back into the building and again carried her out into the yard but
was unable to return for his brother.
Neighbors congregated but the building was then a
mass of flames and nothing could be done. It was several hours before
the ruins could be searched and then the remains of the boy were found
where he had evidently lost his way in the smoke and gone into a closet
from which he was unable to escape.
While the little girl was burned considerably, she
will recover. George was rushed to the hospital in Hamilton where there
was also hopes that he would survive. His severest burns seemed to be
on his back. On Tuesday night, however, he suffered hemorrhages of the
lungs and it was evident that he had inhaled the flames. He passed away
early Wednesday morning.
The funeral services will be held on Thursday at the
Booster Club house and interment will be at the Three Mile Cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Toepfer and the family came into the Three Mile district a
couple of years ago and purchased a place near the Lone Rock school.
They came to the Bitter Root from Whitehall, Montana. The tragedy was a
severe shock to the parents who are being cared for by their neighbors
and every thing possible is being done to make the terrible situation
more bearable. Neighbors got together at once and raised money to meet
immediate needs and articles of clothing and household equipment have
been secured and a place for the family to live has been arranged.
It has also been arranged to give a benefit dance at
the Booster Club House on Saturday evening, the proceeds to go to
unfortunate family.
Northwest Tribune, August 15, 1935
Contributed by Pat Close
Corvallis, August 28 - Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Reed and their daughters,
Mrs. Kathryn Lee and Mrs. Harry Overand, and granddaughters, Misses
Kathryn and Ruth Muster, all of Butte, were guests from Friday until
Tuesday in the home of Mrs. Reed�s father, C.D. Moore. They were
called here by the death of Mrs. Reed�s brother-in-law, Richard
Rockafellow.
Rev. Val Cloud closed a series of meetings at the United church
Sunday evening and plans to leave soon for Ennis, where he will
conduct revival services. For the past two months, Rev. Cloud has
supplied the pulpit of the local church. Next Sunday the services
will be conducted by Rev. Ray Ames, who is coming from Montesona,
Washington, to accept the pastorate here.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Micka came to the Bitter Root valley Friday from
Baker and will make their home in Corvallis during the school year.
Mr. Micka will begin his second year as high school athletic
coach when the school term opens next Tuesday. The couple were
married in June at Helena and have been spending the summer touring
the Pacific coast.
John Adams has been receiving a visit the past week from his sister,
Mrs. W.E. Burns of Spokane, and his niece, Mrs. Lucile Mutch, and
two children of Boise, Idaho.
Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Sell and sons spent the weekend visiting relatives
at Stark.
Mr. and Mrs. D.D. Morris and son and Mr. and Mrs. G.E. Chaffin and
daughter were campers from Thursday until at Lake Ronan.
Charles Loesch returned Friday from Fort Peck, where he had
employment for the past three months
Ravalli Republican, August 29, 1935
1936
CORVALLIS POST OFFICE WAS MOVED
Corvallis Postal Department is Now in New Quarters Recently Built
for That Specific Purpose
Corvallis, May 27 - The Corvallis post office was established
Sunday in its new building and today patrons are being served from
the bright new stucco edifice. The location is the same as formerly.
Postmaster, Raymond Birk, was assisted in moving by Harry Neafus,
Roy Thomas and the deputy, Mrs. Amy Rockafellow. The building was
constructed this month and is owned by R.R. Smithey. The old
building will be moved away, it was stated.
Ravalli Republican, May 28, 1936
1938
Postmaster at Corvallis Named
Louis J. Wolfe Appointed to Succeed Raymond Birck April 30
Corvallis, April 16 - Louis J. Wolfe has been appointed
postmaster at Corvallis succeeding Raymond Birck, whose four-year term
expires April 30. Mr. Wolfe, who is visiting relatives now in Iowa,
will be here to take his position May 1.
Mr. Birck has taken a position with the Investors'
Syndicate of Missoula. His territory will include the Bitter Root
Valley, and he and his family will continue to make their home at
Corvallis. Mr. Wolfe has been employed for a number of years as a clerk
at Bay's store. His uncle, the late Addison Wolfe, was one of the
valley's earliest pioneer miners. The new postmaster has made his home
here for 35 years.
Montana Standard, Butte, MT, April 17, 1938
Arts Club Theme
Corvallis Women Paid for Fort Monument Base
Study of Music and Pictures Mingled With Practical Plans for Ravalli County Fair Work
Corvallis, May 12 - A brief study of music and art was enjoyed last
Wednesday afternoon by 30 members and friends of the Corvallis Woman�s
Club which met at the home of Mrs. W.S. Bailey. Program material had
been prepared by Mrs. R.S. Warren, Mrs. H. Toftoy and Miss Jane Hauf.
They were played by Mrs. Otto Quast, pianist, and Mrs. H. Toftoy,
violinist, parts of Shubert�s �Unfinished Symphony�; the life of
Whistler, the artist, was reviewed by Mrs. E.E. Scott and his
characteristics and peculiarities discussed by Miss Hauf. Reproductions
of his paintings were displayed and explained by Mrs. Warren.
Business included the allowing of $12 to Dale Felix
for setting the Fort Corvallis monument on a cement base and the voting
of $5 toward Boy Scout work in Corvallis. A booth at the county fair
was discussed as was the health store.
An auditing committee appointed was Mrs. D.O Cobb,
Mrs. M.L. Chaffin, and Mrs. Charles Schwab. In conclusion, an afternoon
tea was served and an informal reception held in honor of the Bailey
grandchildren, both babies born within the past six months, the
daughter of Mrs. Otto Quast and the son of Homer Bailey.
Ravalli Republican, May 19, 1938
APARTMENT BLAZE
Baby Girl Saved By Heroic Work of F. Rouse
Loss in Last Week's Conflagration Estimated at More Than $3000 By
the Owner, Ted Lynch
Renovation of his family living quarters above
the Lynch Electric Shop on Main street has been a major job for the
owner, Ted Lynch, this week as a result of the disaster that befell
the place last Thursday evening. Fire presumably caused by a supper
blaze kindled by Mrs. Lynch in the kitchen range, gutted the south
half of the apartment and ruined much of the furniture. Mr. Lynch
said yesterday the apartment damage was listed at $2580 for the
building. Insurance partially covered the loss. The furniture and
personal belongings including the family clothing, were not insured
and he estimated the loss at between $700 and $800. He expects to
have the apartment ready for his family to occupy by Sunday, he
said.
The Lynch baby, two-month old Carol, was asleep
in a basket in a upstairs room when the fire was discovered by her
mother as she attempted to go upstairs from the shop which she had
been watching during her husband's absence on a calls. When the
mother found she could not breathe, the smoke and flame that shut
off the stairway at the rear of the shop, she ran to the street,
calling for help. Frank Rouse and Chris Schrader rushed to the front
of the shop ad Schrader boosted Rouse to his shoulders, helping him
to catch at the framework of a Neon sign. Rouse worked his way to
the window of the room where Mrs. Lynch told him the child was
sleeping.
Rouse said the smoke was so dense he could ot see
his hand before him, but he located the child by her cries. Smoke
was stifling, but the baby had been covered so that it had not
injured her seriously by the time Rouse reached her. He carried her,
basket and all, to the window and other men helped him to the
sidewalk with his little charge.
"She saved herself when she cried, for I never
could have located her otherwise," Rouse said. "The smoke was so
thick I could hardly breathe and I never will know how I made it
through that window." Rouse is an employee at the Bell &
Reinbold garage across the street from the Lynch apartment.
The fire department responded immediately to the
call and a thorough attack bested the flames and prevented further
spread to adjoining buildings. The Lynch shop is the former Grill
Building and Mr. Lynch had just completed a remodeling job. He
purchased the building about a year ago. It was one of Hamilton's
oldest frame structures and the new owner gave it a coating of
stucco and other improvements to lessen the fire hazard.
Ravalli Republican, Thursday, June 23, 1938
DAMAGING STORM
Cloudburst Causes Highway Break in Valley
Blodgett Creek Reservoir Spills Torrents of Water Down on West Side
Land Tuesday Afternoon
A cloudburst struck the Bitter Root valley
Tuesday afternoon, causing breaks in Highway 93 and the old west
side road in the vicinity of Hamilton and washing out a section of
railroad bed near Truman. The storm inflicted severe damage to hay
crops and other vegetation and in some sections was accompanied by
hail.
The break in the oiled highway was at the
approaches of the Gold Creek bridge at Truman. The rush of water
down the mountain side came with such force that the highway was
almost cut in two. Less than a yard of dirt remained at the
approach. Traffic was cut off and the old county road on the east
side served as a detour.
Water tore away some of the roadbed on the oiled
highway near the Mittower hill north of Victor, but traffic was
still going over the route. Crews worked late last night and today
to repair the road at the west Hamilton bridge.
Damage that could not be estimated las night
resulted in a break in the dam at the High lake reservoir of the
Blodgett Creek ditch. Harley Sargent and George Beachwood left for
the dam this morning and since the trail has not been cleared so
that horses can be taken there with work supplies, the Hayward plane
will take the necessary equipment to the dam tomorrow, dropping it
from the air.
A power shovel was at the scene of the Truman
highway break last night and a crew was to start work this morning,
digging into a nearby hill for earth, to fill the chasm at each end
of the Gold Creek bridge. A culvert under the road near the railroad
washout was torn clear of its setting by the force of the Tuesday
torrent. Patrolman Joe Young said with average luck the highway
should be repaired in two or three days.
Ravalli Republican, Thursday, June 23, 1938
TWO GET DIVORCES
Judge Besancon Has Busy Court Session Here
Jury Term Set for November 28 and Venirement Chosen to Try Three State Cases and Civil Suits.
Judge Albert Besancon granted two divorces during a
session of district court here yesterday. Etta Harding was awarded a
decree from William Harding on the ground of non-support and she was
allowed to resume her former name, Etta Stephens. Her marriage to
Harding took place at Missoula on August 3, 1937. She is a Hamilton
resident.
Goldie Neilson was granted a divorce from DeVar
Neilson on the ground of mental cruelty. The marriage tooke place July
24, 1937. A property setttlement was effected out of court. The young
couple figured in a highway tragedy near Victor a few months ago in
which Mr. Neilson's mother and sister were killed. The action was filed
by the young woman soon afterward.
Judge Besancon prepared a calendar for a jury term
of court to begin here November 28. Thirty five jurymen were named.
Three state cases are listed for trial. The defendants are J.G.
Ritchie, charged with wrongful dealing as a city official; Charles
Smith, who is accused of a statutory offence, and Frank Foss, who
appealed a city judgment of a building infraction case in which he was
fined $25.
Howard Little was named administrator in the estate
of Elizabeth Little of Stevensville. Shirley Sargent , deputy clerk,
served as court stenographer.
Ravalli Republican, November 3, 1938, page 1
1939
Corvallis Superintendent is Host at Picnic
Two Newly-married Couples Given Party; Christian Endeavor Has Social Time at Ames' Home
Corvallis, September 13 - A campfire picnic supper was given by
Superintendent and Mrs. George Blakeslee Friday evening at the Tucker
grove, at which local teachers and members of the school board, with
their ladies, were guests. In the company were Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hull,
Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Bryson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnson, Mr. and
Mrs.T.O. Sessions, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Fierce, Mr. and Mrs. Lester
Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Gibbons, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dickson, Mr. and
Mrs. George Norwood, Misses Elsie McIntosh, Eloise Brown, Kathryn
Weber, Ethel Swanson, Doris Randall, Frances Hess, Edith Clark, Alice
Hall, and Clyde Carrington and Gordon McDonald. It was the first social
meeting of the year for the teachers, among whom are two just getting
acquainted - Miss Hall and Miss Brown. With much ceremony, a wedding
gift was presented Mr. and Mrs. Norwood, just home from a honeymoon
trip.
Complimenting Mr. and Mrs. Donald Holloron and Mr.
and Mrs. Clarence Popham, newly weds, Mr. and Mrs. Micka entertained at
a party Thursday evening at their home south of town. It was also a
celebration of Mr. Micka's birthday, but that was kept secret until he
was requird to cut his birthday cake. The guests played bridge for an
hour after which they were amused with a mock court scene in which
several of the guests were tried for various offenses The group was
organized and carried out the play in almost professional manner. Gifts
were presented the honor guests by Mr. and Mrs. Micka and favors were
given for "family" score at cards. Honors went to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph
Erickson and Mr. and Mrs. Del Brisbin. Other guests were Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Dickson, Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Bowden, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald
Gibbons, Mr. and Mrs. James Black, Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Giesy, Misses Inez
and Gladys Brooks, Hector Rasmussen, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Bailey and the
honor guests.
A social and business meeting was combined for
members of the Christian Endeavor Society when it met Friday evening in
the home of Rev. Ames. Officers for the year were elected as follows:
Richard Schwab, president; Louise Smyth, vice-president; Margaret
Nielsen, secretary; Milford Sperry, treasurer; commissons-fellowship,
Bruce Bryson; stewardship, Margaret Sperry; devotional, Esther Brown;
service, Mary Lockridge. For adult councilor the group chose Gordon
MacDonald. Following the business session, there was a social hour in
charge of Bruce Bryson. A late lunch was served.
The home of Rev. Ames was the meeting place Thursday
evening of the regular monthly meeting of the Friendly Hour Forum.
Fourteen members were present to enjoy a Bible study period, a social
hour and refreshments.
Mrs. Alvin Whitesitt provided a pleasant afternoon
Thursday for members of the Merry Wives Club and one additional guest,
Mrs. Sherrill Fleming, who is visiting her brother, R.D. Giesy from her
home in Seattle. The guests were served with a dainty dessert on their
arrival at the Whitesitt home after which they played auction at three
tables. Favors went to Mrs. Guy Hall for the high score and to Mrs.
R.R. Hull for low score.
The Remember When Club had its September meeting
Thursday afternoon with Mrs. D.O. Cobb, spending the time with
needlework and visiting. Seven members and three visitors were present.
At 4 o'clock, Mrs. Cobb, assisted by her daughter, Mrs. Orion Cobb,
served a two course lunch.
The Western News, September 14, 1939
1940
Officers Reelected
Pollinger, Howe and Buxton Again Named Chief Workers for Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
There will be no change in the officers for the
Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for 1940. Election of the president,
vice-president and secretary-treasurer at a meeting of the board of
directors Friday unanimously returned W.E. Pollinger, John O. Howe, and
Marlin Buxton to the respective offices. Holdover directors ad C.D.
Haynes, John W. Dowling, G.M. Brandborg and C.H. Raymond. New directors
are L.C. Farlin, A.P. Nickel and V.C. Hollingsworth. The chamber is
making ready for the annual membership campaign.
Ravalli Republican, February 25, 1940
Winter Vacation Trip
Four Bitter Root Valley Persons Will Visit Southern States on Month�s Motor Jaunt
A motoring tour of unusual interest was begun
yesterday by Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Long and son of Darby, and Miss Selma
Helvik of Hamilton. Leaving Hamilton for Salt Lake City, they planned
to visit Mesa Verde National Park, Albuquerque, N.M. and the Carlsbad
Caverns at El Paso, Texas, and to the Mexican border. They plan to goon
to New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, for a stop before continuing to
Florida. They expect to be away from home a month. Miss Helvik is
taking a vacation from her clerical duties in the office of the Rocky
Mountain Laboratory.
Ravalli Republican, February 25, 1940
Missionary Society Names Officers
Officers were elected at the Methodist Missionary
Society meeting held last Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Dale
Felix. They were Mrs. Frank Rummel, president; Mrs. Parson Pile, vice
president; Mrs. Elmer Poll, recording secretary, Mrs. J.W. Lamoreaux,
financial secretary, Mrs. J. Marti, treasurer.
Birthday Party
Mrs. Viola Chaffin was given a towel shower at the
home of Mrs. James Applebury recently on the occasion of her birthday
anniversary. Guests were Mrs. Ed Applebury, Mrs. Elizabeth Holloron,
Mrs. Edwin Buck Jr, Mrs. Edward Johnson and Misses Blanche Holloron,
Veta Holloron, Mayme Rawlins and Jean Buck.
Mrs. Washington J. McCormick Entertained Alpha Phi Alumni
Mrs. Washington J. McCormick of Missoula entertained
the alumni of Alpa Phi Thursday evening in the home of her mother, Mrs.
Otto Quast, north of Corvallis. A Maytime setting made a delightful
occasion of the buffet supper which was served at 7 o'clock. Pink and
white, with flowers from the Quast garden and a cake decorated with
blossoms, added to the candle light of the supper table, and the favors
were May baskets. Mrs. McCormick�s guests were Mesdames G.M.
Crutchfield, Wallace Brennan, Robert Noel, Paul Elliott, Richard
Schneider, Lucille Arnsby, Addis Ainsworth, Harold Woods, Cluett
Lambert, Kenneth Sanders, Earl Helms, Milton Graybeal, H.G. Plemmons,
Wilbur Hirst, A.C. Cogswell, Lester Colby, Del Cawley and Misses Martha
DeMers, Leila Woodgerd, Virginia Brodie, Mary Leichner, Dorothy
Turxler, Anne Webster and Martha Kimball of Missoula; Mrs. George Vogt
Jr of Sula, Mrs. Ray Morris and Miss Helen Pollinger of Corvallis.
Ravalli Republican, May 9, 1940
Honors For Bride
Mrs. Russell Bay Feted by Corvallis Friends
Corvallis, July 24 - Mrs. Russell Bay was recipient of a
miscellaneous shower last Wednesday afternoon, given for her by Mrs.
Jean Bryson, Mrs. Louis Hull and Mrs. Alvin Whitesitt at the home of
the latter. A variety of gifts opened by the bride and graciously
acknowledged. A short session of bingo provided diversion and there
was served a lunch at 4 o�clock. There were present Mesdames J.E.
Bryson, L.C. Hull, Hans Bay, J.L. Everly, Robert Thomas, J.E.
Hawker, D.O. Cobb, C.F. Schwab, Frank Chapman, J.N. Ashby, Wyatt
Frost, Lee Simmons, J.W. Hull, John Hull, Mary Summers, Kuert
Lovely, Amy Frogge, Richard Bryson, Fritz Bay, Edwin Buck, James
Weber, Edwin Buck Jr, R.R. Hull, D.A. Corbett, Orion Cobb, M.L.
Chaffin, Arthur Dowse, M.E. Cobb, and Misses Laura Mattson, Flora
Snowden, Bessie Lane, Lu Rea Cobb, and the honor guest.
Summertime Homecomers Given Picnic Supper
Complimenting Vivian O�Brien of Seattle and Dr.
Gilbert Cobb of Compton, Cal, visitors in the valley this month, a
picnic supper ws served last Wednesday evening at the Tucker picnic
ground. Hostesses were Mrs. Margaret Simmons and her daughters,
Misses Doris and Clara Simmons. Guests were Miss O�Brien, Dr. Cobb,
Mrs. Emily McLeod, Charles O�Brien, Albert Hamilton, Cora Wilcocks,
Joe Wilcocks, Lyell Frost, Frances Mickens, Dick Dowse, Walter
Worden, Leonard Simmons, Edna, Erma and Bermand Tintzman, Mrs. Fay
West, Robert Talbot, Barney Gillum and Mr. and Mrs. Del Brisbin.
Birthdays Observed
The birthday anniversary of Bruce Bryson was
celebrated Saturday with a dinner for 16 provided by his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Bryson. Besides members of the immediate Bryson
family, there were present Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Peterson and two
children of San Bernardino, Cal, Mrs. Roy Helrigle and three
children of Los Angeles, Mrs. Charles Peterson of Anaconda, and Mr.
and Mrs. Lester Wood and Phillip Wood of Victor.
Birthdays of H.E. Elliott, a visitor here from
Deer Lodge, and Robert Simmons of Missoula were observed jointly
Sunday with a dinner for 12 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert
Myers. Out-of-town guests ere Miss Ethel Swanson of Anaconda of
Anaconda and the Elliott family of Deer Lodge.
Lawn Party
Jean Morris entertained a company of young
friends at a party on the lawn at the home of her grandmother, Mrs.
Otto Quast, Friday evening. A treasure hunt and supper were the
entertainment. The young people were served by Mrs. Ray Morris and
she was assisted by Mrs. Troy McKinney. The boys and girls to take
part were Jean and Jack Morris, Betty Crow, Rosemary Foreman, Carol
Chaffin, Agnes Coleman, Helen Felix, Bobby and Dorothy Smyth, James
Kane, Terry and Donald Kerr, Dick Edwards, and Leonard Krout.
Ravalli Republican July 25, 1940
Corvallis Lists Many Visitors for the Holidays
Corvallis, December 28 - Visitors here for the holidays include Mrs.
Kathryn Treece-Haugen from San Diego, Calif; Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Hickey
of Bozeman, guests of Mrs. and Mrs. Charles G. Johnson; Elmer Baquet of
McGrew, Neb, who is with his mother, Mrs. Nancy E. Baquet, for the
first Christmas in six years; Miss Marry Nell Buck, home from her
teaching position at Pony; George Estrada, a first class private in the
aviation corps of the army visitng his parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Andrew
Estrada; Miss Marjorie Hefner, Miss Mary Lee Simmons and Everett Felix
from Butte; Miss Lavonne Shone of Bozeman, a guest in the Horak home;
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Bay from Drummond and Mr.and Mrs. Howard E.
Elliott and sons from Deer Lodge.
Montana Standard, December 29, 1940
Transients Take Loaned Trailer
No trace of the transient family which took a
trailer belonging to Henry Baldwin, Darby, had been obtained yesterday.
Baldwin reported that he had loaned the trailer to the family, recent
arrivals in Darby, for use in moving furniture. The trailer was loaned
Friday with the promise that it would be returned Saturday noon.
Ravalli Republican, May 29, 1941
Harper Logging Company Resumes Work
Harper Logging company operations, suspended seven
weeks ago to clear the docks of 4,000,000 feet of logs at Darby, were
resumed Tuesday with a full crew of approximately 125 men employed in
various phases of the company�s operations in the Rye Creek region
southeast of Darby.
The shutdown was a little longer than usual because
of an unexpected shutdown of about a week at the A.C.M. mill at Bonner.
Loading of the logs at Darby was completed late last week. The
maintenance crew of about six, which has been over-hauling equipment,
also completed its work at that time. During the shutdown, the
company�s road from the main highway to the camp was put in tiptop
condition for the summer�s work.
Ravalli Republican, May 29, 1941
Corvallis Youth Has Narrow Escape
For some unknown reason a small son of Harry Davis,
who picked up a 3300-volt wire late Sunday afternoon, was no injured
although the wire carried enough electricity to have killed him
instantly. The wire was broken by a 22 caliber rifle bullet fired by a
motorist who stopped to shoot at a bird perched on the power wire. In
dropping the wire, the wire fell over a fence and energized the
protective barrier, making it unsafe to touch.
T.M. Skinner, manager of the local office of The
Montana Power company, reports that the youth heard the shot and walked
over to where the wire was on the ground and picked it up, not
realizing his danger. Fortunately, he said, conditions were such that
the boy did not receive a shock and the person who fired the bullet was
thus saved of the horror of his thoughtless act having taken a life.
In connection with the incident, Mr. Skinner calls
attention to the law which prohibits shooting from cars on a public
highway. He also noted that considerable damage and inconvenience was
caused by the practice of shooting birds on wires and at insulators
when there was no living target. In conclusion, he requested that
anyone finding a broken wire leave it untouched and report it to the
company immediately.
Ravalli Republican, May 29, 1941
1942
Lorraine Ziebarth, Missoula, and Jeanne Popham, Glendive, are guests at
the home of their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Popham. Mr. and Mrs.
Wilder Popham are expected today from Glendive to spend a few days
visiting Mr. Popham's parents and other relatives. Wilder is county
attorney at Glendive.
Mrs. L.C. Paschal, Hamilton, is a guest at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. George Blakeslee.
Billy Coleman left Monday evening for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where he expects to get work.
Mrs. Troy Sink left Saturday for her home at Seattle, Washington, after
visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Snell, for a week.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson spent Wednesday in Butte.
Mrs. Mary Summers is spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mathews at Riverside.
1943
CANNING SUGAR TO BE RELEASED ON 25 POUNDS TO PERSON BASIS
Washington, May 10 - The office of Price Administration today
fixed a top limit of 25 pounds of sugar per person for home canning and
freezing of this year's fruit crop. Except for the specific maximum,
sugar for home canning will be approximately on the same basis as last
year - one pound of sugar for each four quarts (or eight pounds) of the
finished product.
With the 25-pound limit, any family may apply for
sugar to put up jams and jellies at the rate of five pounds per person.
Last year, the limit for preserves was one pound. There was no
nation-wide limit last year on the amount of sugar allowed each person,
but some boards set individual limits to 10 or 15 pounds, while others
allowed as much as 45 pounds.
Price Administrator, Prentiss M. Brown urged those
who can their own fruits and vegetables to use their processed food
rations sparingly. Brown reported that families living in the South and
Southwest have been obtaining sugar for home canning under last year's
regulation.
Beginning May 15, rationing boards throughout the
country will begin receiving applications under the new regulation. No
special form is required unless it is planned to sell the home product,
and applications may be made in person or by mail.
Each applicant must furnish a copy of war ration
book No. 1 for each person for whom home canning sugar is sought, the
total number of quarts or pounds to be put up, and the amount of sugar
to be used for making jams and jellies.
Home canners may make gifts of both fruits and
vegetables, but no person may give away more than fifty quarts except
by collection of blue stamps at the rate of 8 points per quart.
The Western News, Thursday, May 15, 1943
Sgt. Harold Wilcox O.K. in North Africa
Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Wilcox who have been quite anxious
regarding their son, Sgt. Harold Wilcox , who is with the American
forces in North Africa, were greatly relieved and pleased when the
following letter was received recently from Major George C. Deaton,
Sgt. Wilcox�s commanding officer: The letter follows:
Mrs. Nancy Wilcox
Stevensville, Montana
Dear Mrs. Wilcox:
I am indeed happy and proud to be able to write you
at this time and express my thankfulness in having he opportunity to
have in my command the caliber of men such as your son. Naturally you
were proud of him before, now you can be doubly proud that you are the
honored mother of a faithful son who has distinguished himself by
exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding
service throughout the past six months.
Today at 1420 hours, we cherished the glad news that
our job had been completed her in suffering the common enemy to
surrender on his own soil. My first reaction to the news was the
thoughts of our mothers and fathers at home, of those who gave their
lives in honor on the battle field so that I could write this letter to
you and say to you, �Your son is living and in very good health. I am
proud to be his Commander as you are proud to be his mother.�
Sincerely,
George C. Deaton, Major, Air Corps, Commanding
Northwest Tribune, June 10, 1943
34 Italian Workers Are Thinning Beets
On Monday a group of Italians from Fort Missoula
started work in the beet fields on Three Mile. This group of Italians,
who have been interned at Fort Missoula for the past year, are located
at the Lou Parker place, near Old Camp One. There are 34 of them. They
have been assigned to beet work on the Rathbun, Comenico, Canton,
Mettlemann and Jannsen places. They work in a group and one of their
own number is foreman.
The regulations under which these Italians go out to
work on farms provides that they must have a guard in charge of them
and James Shea has been engaged for this work. Mr. Shea states that
none of the Italians are experienced in farm work but all are quite
willing to learn and the first two days have shown that in time they
will be able to handle he work very well.
These Italians, Mr. Shea states, are intelligent.
They are mostly merchant marines taken from interned Italian ships
seized at the time war with Italy was declared. They are anxious to
work and prefer the outdoor life to the impound at Fort Missoula.
The group is well organized. Three of the group is
detailed for cooking and keeping quarters in shape and the remainder do
the field work. The group moves from one field to the next and at
present they are at the Rathbun place.
Northwest Tribune, June 10, 1943
NEW RATION BOOKS BEING GIVEN OUT
TODAY, TOMORROW
War Ration books No. Four are being handed out to
citizens today and tomorrow in Hamilton as well as throughout the
nation. In Hamilton the new ration books can be secured at the
following places between the hours of 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.: Jefferson
school, Washington school, Chamber of Commerce building.
At Corvallis high school, books will be given out
today and tomorrow from three to eight. At Sula, books will be given
out the same days at the same hours as at Corvallis. People of the
Darby district will get their ration books at the school house from
two to eight in the afternoon, today and Friday.
Registrants must present War Book No. 3 as well
as application blank filled out and signed. (One application blank
for each family). Everyone getting books will be asked to sign the
Home Front Pledge at that time. It is requested that you have
application blanks filled out properly in order to save time of
yourself, of others seeking books, and of the volunteers who are
handling the work.
The Western News, October 28, 1943
1945
Ration Reminder
Sugar - Stamp No. 34 remains valid for five pounds of sugar. All
other coupons outstanding have been canceled. Another sugar stamp good
for five pounds will be validated February 1.
Meats, Fats - Red stamps Q5, R5, and S5, food for tend points each,
continue valid, Five new stamps were validated Sunday, December 31.
Processed Fruits and Vegetables - Blue stamps X5, Y5, X5, A2, and B2
continue to be valid. Five new stamps were validated January 1.
Gasoline - A14 coupons, good for 4 gallons each, are valid thru March 11.
Shoes - Airplane stamps No. 1, 2, and 3 in book three continue valid indefinitely.
Housewives are urged to destroy all food ration
stamps that have been declared invalid, the OPA said today. Use of
these stamps by consumers, as well as acceptance of them by retailers,
is a violation of rationing regulations, OPA said. At the same time,
OPA explained that red ration tokens continue good and housewives may
use them for buying meat-fats. Grocers will continue to give them to
housewives as change for the red 10-point stamps.
Blue ration tokens, however, have not been good
since October 1 and, therefore, cannot be used for canned fruits and
vegetables. They are no longer needed a change for the 10-point blue
ration stamps used for processed foods because point values for these
items are set in multiples of ten.
The Western News, January 4, 1945
Lieut. Edgar Scott of Corvallis Bags JAP Zero in Far Pacific
Headquarters, 13th A.A.F. Southwest Pacific -
Lieutenant Edgar B. Scott, son of Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Scott of Corvallis,
Montana recently bagged his first Jap plane in a dogfight east of
Negros Island in the Phillipines. Lieutenant Scott is a member of the
rampaging P-38 Lightning Dirty Dozen unit of Brigadier General Earl W.
Barnes; 13th AAF Fighter Command. He tells what happened: "We were on a
search mission for a temmate when we were intercepted by a bunch of
enemy planes. Eight Jap Hamps took a pass at my wingman (Lt. C.S.
Squire of Washington, D.C.) and myself. We went into a dogfight at
8,000 feet. Each of us took a flight of four Japs and went for them
head on because that was in the direction of our home base, and we were
badly outnumbered. We lost them."
"Suddely I spotted Zeke just out of range of Squire.
I dived and pulled up behind the Nip, giving him one short burst but
was out of range. I gained on him until I got up about 75 yards behind
him and gave him a short burst in the greenhouse. Debris from the
greenhouse flew over my right wing. Looking back, I saw the Jap do a
90-degree turn. He pancaked into the water and debris was strung out
all over the ocean."
Dirty Dozen teammates got seven more Nip planes in
the same day, Lt. Squire getting one in the same dog fight with Scott.
Lieutenant Scott holds the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while
participating in combat missions. He won his wings at Williams Field.
In civil life he was a rancher with his father in Montana.
Ravalli Republican, May 17, 1945
MORE PRISONERS EASE SHORTAGE OF BEET LABOR
The beet labor problem for the Bitter Root valley
appears to be approaching a solution with the prospect of 175
additional German prisoners of war scheduled to arrive this week.
Russell Martin, in charge of the placement of this prison labor, stated
that about 80 prisoners arrived last week, and with the 175 to arrive
this week, this will make a total of 406 prisoners located here in the
valley to be used in the beet harvesting work.
This labor is replacing Mexican nationals who worked
in the beets during the summer. Their contracts expired about the first
of October and conditions of their contracts specify that they be
returned to Mexico at that time. The government under agreement could
not extend the contracts to cover the fall beet work, it is understood.
Since the Mexicans have left, the camp they
occupied, at the Coughenour store, has been refitted for a prison camp,
during the past week and the new shipment of prisoners will be
stationed there. Wire fences and guard towers, and shower baths for the
enlisted men guards, have been arranged.
The heavy work in the apple orchards and in the
potato fields is now letting up somewhat and this will release some
help for the beet harvest work. During the past two weeks, a great deal
of help in the apple and potato work has come from the schools, which
were closed so that the pupils could go out and work.
The harvesting of beets has been slowed up, however,
due to lack of help and only about 10 percent of the crop is out of the
fields. The schedule calls for about 25% at this date. However, with
the help now in sight and the prospects of continued good weather, it
is hoped to get the beets out before the ground freezes and interrupts
the work.
Northwest Tribune, October 11, 1945
1946
BIG DITCH BREAKS, CUT FIXED, WATER RUNS AGAIN, DAMAGE WAS CONSIDERABLE
The canal of the Bitter Root Irrigation District
broke at the Marshall Applebury place east of Corvallis about 5 o'clock
Monday morning. The break was discovered immediately and the water shut
off at Lake Como. This left the long canal full of water to the point
of the break. Ditch officials turned half the northbound water out at
Willow Creek but were unable to turn out more there because it would
have caused havoc in that area. The other half went on down and through
the break. With a break in the ditch water, water flowed back to the
point of break from points north of the hold, causing a head and a half
of water to roar through the gaping tear in the bank.
The water broke out near the Applebury barn, a bit
to the south. It went down through an 11-acre wheat field, washing
three deep gulches through it. At least three acres of the field was
ruined. The flood then passed through the Lloyd Applebury oat field,
causing much damage. It washed out several small bridges and the bridge
on the main county road at Coal Pit Gulch.
As the water passed farther from the break, it
flooded beet fields belonging to Elizabeth Erickson, Pete Bosket, Joe
Roth, and Otto Quast. Just how badly damaged these fields and their
crops are, is not yet determined.
The Wilburn Logging Company, with operations up
Willow Creek, had to re-route their logging trucks to their loading
station at Quast Spur. This condition was quickly corrected.
Ditch manager Pearl Wilcox got men to work on the
break as soon as the water stopped rushing through it. The bank and
bottom were rapidly repaired and Wilcox was able to report that the
water was again flowing through the big canal to thirsty acreage to the
north, past the point of the break, at 4 o'clock, Wednesday afternoon.
The break occurred in the dirt bank. The cause is not definitely known
but was probably due to gopher or muskrat work. The bank had held since
it was constructed in 1908. It had been inspected the day before and
appeared tight.
The board of commissioners of the irrigation
district are going to make an official trip to the scene of the break
tomorrow morning (Saturday) to inspect the damage done to the canal and
to property of farmers involved, as well as to check up on the repair
work done.
The Western News, May 30, 1946
Hospital Notes
Admitted to Missoula hospitals this week were Rodney Gavin, Tracy Dawson, and Mrs. Paul McFadgen
Birth:
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. George D. Hurst in a Missoula hospital this week
Personal:
Lee Eck was a visitor in Missoula Wednesday.
Card of Thanks
We desire to thank our friends for their kindness,
words of sympathy and floral offerings in our late bereavement. Special
thanks to the Daly hospital nurses and Dr. Donald A. Gordon
C.E. Doolittle
Pat Oertli
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Knez
Mr. and Mrs. MerleBungarner
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Knez
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Knez
Ravalli Republican, December 13, 1946
1948
BIDS TO BE CALLED FOR EAST SIDE ROAD
Assurance that bids woul be let not later than this
fall for the completion of the east side farm-to-market black-top road
linking Stevensville, Corvallis, and Hamilton was given a delegation of
six state highway commission in Helena Thursday afternoon. The
delegation which journeyed to the Capitol city to plead a "better
roads" project before the commission was made up of V.C. Hollingsworth,
C.H. Raymond, Mayor Joseph Iten, Glenn Chaffin, State Senator James
Winters, and Joel P. Antrim.
Approximately four and one-half miles between
Black's corner and the Shell Service station, where the road terminates
at U.S. Highway No. 93, remain to be completed, the delegation
reported. Earmarked for the 1949 Ravalli county secondary roads program
is the construction of a new steel bridge between Stevensville and
Highway 93, the commission chairman told the delegation.
The Bitter Root men were joined in Helena by
representatives from Anaconda and Phillipsburg, who expressed joint
concern over the improvement and maintenance of the Skalkaho road. Mr.
Hollingsworth, spokesman for the joint groups, explained the vital need
for widening of the west side portion for pasenger and truck
transportation, describing it is an important link connecting the three
towns.
Ravalli Republican, April 30, 1948
1954
Charlie Waddell Retires, Robinson Replaces Him
A retired assistant postmaster is shown
above. Mr. Waddell and Howard Robinson are both well known to
Hamilton post office patrons. Mr. Waddell retired as of July 1
after being in the postal service since May 1, 1912, and Howard
Robinson was appointed to the position. Charlie Waddell was born
April 12, 1893 at Murray, Idaho and came to Hamilton with his family
when he was 16. He is a 1911 graduate of Hamilton high
school. He began his postal career as one of the first city
carriers, progressed to night shift and clerking responsibilities
and became assistant postmaster in October 1918. Charlie, one of the
most popular men who have to meet the public day after day, served
under four postmasters, C. C. Chaffin, George R. Fisk, A. C. Baker
and C. A. Smithey. He has always been noted for his amiable
disposition and courtesy despite constant demands and numerous
complaints by the public.
The Waddells were married May 18, 1926 and have
one son, Bob, who was graduated from Hamilton high school this
spring. Only organization with which Charlie has affiliated is
Ionic Lodge AF & AM.At present he has no definite plans except
to get in a lot of fishing. A few small trips are on the
itinerary and perhaps in a year or so, Charles Waddell will find
himself in some kind of business.
Howard Robinson, a native of Hamilton, was born
March 23, 1914. His father was the late Harry Robinson, who
also was employed at the post office for a time. His mother,
Ruby Robinson, still lives here. After graduating from high school
in 1933 he went to work for the bakery and a short time later became
a sub at the post office. From there he worked up to the
assistant postmaster position. He was married to Fern Wayland
May 29, 1937 and they also have one boy, Jay, 10. �Duso�
Robinson�s first hitch in the navy was during World War II from 1944
to about 1946. He came home, went back to work at the post
office and was recalled to duty for 15 months. He was
discharged in November of last year.
The Western News, Hamilton, MT, July 17, 1954, Front Page column 6
photo included
Contributed by Gloria McGough
1958
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Skaw, Hamilton are parents of a 6 lb 11 oz girl
born Tuesday, September 9 at Daly hospital. Maternal grandparents
are Mr. and Mrs. Fred Roberts and great grandmother Mrs. Sophie
Roberts, all of Hamilton. Paaternal grandmother Mrs. Florence Skaw
also lives in Hamilton. The baby has brothers Rocky and Howard.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bernatz Jr and children, Benny
and Brooke left here today for Racine, Wisconsin where they will
live. The Bernatz family returned recently from Australia and the
Far East for the Case Company. He has been reassigned to Racine and
will continue to be engaged in export activities.
Mrs. Tony Wayland underwent major surgery at St.
Patrick hospital in Missoula Tuesday. She is doing well.
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Malakhoff and son Larry left today for their
Jefferson City, Missouri home after a visit with her parents, Mr.
and Mrs. Lawrence Wanderer, and with others. Mrs. Malakhoff and baby
came to Hamilton August 7 and her husband arrived August 31. He is a
bridge designer for the Missouri highway commission.
Mr. and Mrs. John Philip Zacha of Hamilton are parents of a 6 lb 7
oz boy, born Wednesday, September 10 at Daly hospital. They have
named him David Scott. Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Anton
Richter of Stevensville. Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. John
Zacha of Corvallis, and great grandparents Mr. and Mrs. John Zacha
of Hamilton, and Mrs. L.J. Campbell, Corvallis.
Mr. and Mrs. Ross Lindgred left today for Salt Lake City where she
will attend the market week. They expect to return home next week.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Howell of Glendive are the parents of a girl,
born Sunday, September 7 at Daly hospital. The have named the little
lass Renee Ann and she weighed 8 lbs 14 oz upon arrival. Maternal
grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Ferd Tucker of Victor, great
grandparents Mr. and Mrs. G.L. Gibson, Hamilton, Mrs. Tucker Briby
of Missoula. Paternal grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Harley Howell live
here and great grandmother Mrs. J.B. Gill lives in Glendale,
California. Renee has a brother Brant.
Donald Porter, 14, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Porter of Charlos
Heights underwent surgery on his left knee this morning at Daly
hospital. The bone was cracked while he was in football scrimmage
Friday. His parents and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Porter and Mrs. Robert
Paddock are absent in Missouri, called last Wednesday by the death
of Russell Porter�s mother, Mrs. Dora Porter, who lived near Ava.
They are all expected home tomorrow. The boy�s grandmother Mrs.
Gertrude Rennaker and a distant relative Mrs. Luella Frost have been
caring for Donald.
The Western News, September 4, 1958
Seven Babies Win Blue Ribbons In Annual County Fair Contest
�Some very beautiful children competed in this
year�s baby contest,� Mrs. H.G. Stoenner, one of the judges said today.
�I have helped judge the babies for three years, but this year�s 38
entries produced more near perfect children than before.� Mrs. Stoenner
commented that she and Mrs. Robert Franklin found it necessary to call
back the babies in some classes to help them decided which ones were
the winners.
Those awarded blue ribbons: Kelly Jo, 3 month old
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Buhler of Darby ws the winner in the
competition between both boys and girls; Rickie Rennaker, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Darrell Rennaker, boy from 3 to 6 months; Lorraine, daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Gardner, girl between 3 and 6 months; Lori
McNeal, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Kaphammer, boy from 6 to 9
months; Raymond, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Sacks, boy from 9 to 12
months; Virginia Lee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Varner, girl from 9
to 12 months.
The Western News, September 5, 1958