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FALLON COUNTY

O’Fallon Flashbacks

Copyright 1975 O'Fallon Historical Society, Baker, Montana. ALL RIGHTS RESEVED

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DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS

Dr. Young was the first doctor to reside in Baker. He arrived in 1909, Doctor Potterton, dentist, arrived the same year. The Elizabeth Hospital was built by Sanders and Scott in 1910 which marked the beginning of self-sufficiency in medical matters for Baker. The Lang House was turned into a hospital by Dr. Sherrill from Camp Crook, South Dakota. Dr. Blakemore, who followed, used the Hildreth House on First Street East as a hospital. Dr. Hogeboom joined the medical field in the community about 35 years ago, and Dr. Sam Weeks moved here in 1941. Dr. R. T. Joyce, dentist, came to Baker in 1928, replacing Dr. Potterton who retired.

The present Fallon Memorial Hospital on the West Side of town was opened in 1953 by the Lutheran Hospital Association. It was built with 55% federal aid, the remainder needed was raised by donations and bond issue. Dan Helgeson must be credited with a major share of the promotion of the project. When the county association assumed responsibility in 1956, Mrs. Coleman Krockker became manager and did a very successful job of improving facilities and managing economically. $10,000 was received from the Ford Foundation for equipment.

In later years a nursing home has been added in connection with the hospital and an intensive care unit has been built.

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Fallon County Extension

J. 0. and Cora Hembre, 1960, first Extension Agent of Fallon County, photo loaned by J. 0. Hembre.

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STATUS OF COUNTY EXTENSION ORGANIZATION

By Marion Fost Hanson-Willard

The Fallon County Extension office supplied me with the annual records of extension work in the county from its beginning and since our family has been working consistently with that office all through the years I find it most interesting and with the many pictures and articles through the years it is an historical record to be preserved.

Organization for Cooperative and Home Economics was started in Fallon County, Montana in August 1920. At that time a few farmers and business men who had observed extension work being done in other counties in the state met in Baker to form a tentative Farm Bureau organization. The purpose was to cooperate with the County Commissioners and the Extension Department of the State College in the employment of an extension agent for Fallon County.

During World War I special agents had been employed in Fallon County in cooperation with nearby counties. The work done at that time, however, was largely emergency work in connection with the war.

A full time County Agent, J. 0. Hembre, was employed on May 15, 1921, to give his entire time to Fallon County.

Officers of the first Farm Bureau were: president, George McHoes, Plevna; vice president, Chas. Robinson, Ollie; treasurer, Albert Fost, Willard. Directors were: Chas. Creamer and Fred Livingood of Plevna, H. B. French of Ismay and Robert C. Norman of Baker. They worked with the County Agent, meeting and preparing the budget before presented to the commissioners.

Organized extension work was started in Fallon County in the summer of 1921. In the fall several communities were organized. They elected a community chairman and projects that the community wanted to work on. Rural community organizations are desirable. They provide a means of securing local support on projects for the general good of the community and sociability which tends to maintain community harmony. Local leadership and something to do at community meetings maintain interest.

Project leaders or demonstrators were selected in each community. With the help of the county agent the best possible corn, small grain, seed potatoes, turkey and chickens, swine and cattle were found and shipped in from the outside for the 4-H projects and many farms had seed plots which were tested by the state for pure seed sales.

The agent was a member of the Baker Commercial Club. They always gave splendid cooperation. The Banks, also, were behind projects. In the early years the Railroad gave many free trips to the Chicago National 4-H Club Congress.

Fallon and Carter Counties shared an agent and the first camp was at Opeechee Park for 4-H members and Women's retreats. Mrs. Lewis Williams and Mrs. Anthoney Schorsch were the first camp cooks with Mrs. Hans Hanson and Mrs. Augusta Munday next.

Forty one members attended camp in 1927. They were: Donald McPhee, Arthur Martin, Seibert Howe, Lowell Bergstrom, Victor Gee, Elizabeth Riley, Eldon Conser, Iris Marshall, Raymond Fost, Nellie Breen, Hazel Ettles, Maxine Spriggs, Irene Johnson, Gladys Huber, Theocula HimsI, Lillian Sipma, Anetta Sipma, Alvah Race, Arthur Knesal, Alice Ketchum, Mildred FitzSimmons, Lorina Rieger, Lawrence Stevens, Frances Williams, Irene Norman, Walter Spriggs, Madeline Olinger, Audrey Hansen, Orren FitzSimmons, Mary Weinschrott, Allen Ketchum, Owen Ketchum, Marmion Schuck, Pearl Sparks, Melvina Sparks, Marion Fost, Lois Smith, Maybelle Sutton, Ione Johnson, Loma Korneychuck, and Evelyn Huber. Five leaders attended. They were: Mrs. Chas. Huber of Springdale community, C. C. Conser, Plevna, J. 0. Hembre, County Extension Agent, Miss M. Vangel Russell, Asst. State Club Leader and Miss "Bobbie" McCoy, Miles City. The girls that year learned to tie and dye while the boys learned a lot of knots in rope work.

Papers receiving weekly press letters that year were Fallon County Times, Baker Sentinel, Plevna Herald, Ismay Journal, Ekalaka Eagle and Montana Farmer. Special press articles were sent from time to time to the Miles City Star, Billings Gazette, Great Falls Tribune, Spokesman Review at Spokane, Montana Farmer, Farmers Dispatch at St. Paul, Minneapolis Tribune and Dakota Farmer.

Some of the first 4-H members to attend the National 4-H Boys and Girls Club Congress in Chicago were Frances Spriggs, Frances Shartz, Lawrence Stevens, Mary Shartz, Ruth Norman, Melvin Ludwig, Nellie Breen, Audrey Hansen, Arthur Knesal, Walter Blaser and Helen Bergstrom.

J.0. Hembre began the exchange list with the farmers during the early years and it still is being used. In the twenties farm help was located and today one can go to the County Agent who will direct you to the best source.

During the twenties seed shows were held. The farmers were most interested in bringing in their best displays. Today the Fallon County Fair replaces several of the early day activities and not nearly the interest is shown.

Harriet Cushman was State Poultry Specialist in early years and she tested chickens at Geo. McHoes', Chas. Otter's, Geo. Colbo's, Albert Fost's and others. All had poultry houses under Farm Demonstrator plan.

Shelter belts were planted at five farms each year with the help of U.S. Agriculture, through the Northern Great Plains Field Station at Mandan, N. D. If the land was not prepared to meet requirements they were not planted. At later dates tours were taken to inspect them by town and country people. Today many shelter belts are still being planted but there is a small charge for the trees. A planter is provided by the Soil Conservation Service and Extension offices.

Things asked for through the agent's office during the early years were: veterinary service, silo information, prairie dog poison, poultry feeding, canning, smut treatment, meat curing and cutting, big team hitches, hay measuring in stack, iceless refrigerators, trench silos, septic tank construction and hoghouse plans. Present day information is still sought.

In 1926 the Chicago Milwaukee Railway put out a brochure, "The New Corn Belt of the Northwest". Southeastern Montana and J.0. Hembre, then county agent, provided much of the information and pictures of local people and why they came to Montana and stayed. In one typical township where this survey was made there were 56 settlers. Out of this total only 23 were farmers before homesteading. The former occupations of the settlers were the 23 farmers, 2 physicians, I miner, 2 deep sea divers, 2 school teachers, 2 blacksmiths, I bartender, 2 cowpunchers, 3 maiden ladies, 1 sea-going engineer, I mail carrier, 1 carpenter, I world rover, 6 musicians, 2 draymen, 2 wrestlers, 2 butchers and 2 milliners. It's no wonder many of the homesteaders did not stay long.

In October of 1926 at the annual jackrabbit hunt in the Ollie and Carlyle community, Carlyle only caught 900 rabbits to the Ollie 1300. The losers had to treat the winners to oyster supper. Magpies were also a pest and poisoning was done. Free poison bait was provided for prairie dogs and at present very few are in the county.

Many will remember the trailer that the Extension Agent pulled around to the communities with a generator so that

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movies could be shown. It has been replaced by a modem projector and all places now have electricity.

There have been many extension agents, both men and women, and they have brought into the county many people with special talents. During World War II 4-H was continued, but any camps or even the Fallon County Fair were closed down for lack of gas and tires. Homemaker's clubs were learning more about preserving, clothing made from feed sacks, and cooking with coarse flour. First aid, home nursing and civil defense were projects used in both 4-H and homemakers clubs.

E. R. Hoff, the present county agent, arrived in 1947 fresh out of college and settled as a single man in Baker. After getting settled he went to Miles City to get married. He and Margaret were parents of seven children, the four oldest completing high school. Reggie, the oldest, is now a county agent in the western part of the state. The three youngest are helping their father now in a motherless home.

4-H Club, 1930, picture given to the Museum by Maybelle Sutton McCloud.

As of 1973, many of the former projects handled by the extension agent are now under state agencies or county commissioners. The agent still attends many of the meetings and is available for information. Agri-business is broadening out in every facet of the agricultural state of Montana and affects the businessman as well as farmer-rancher. Big Sky Montana is rich in informed people, good crops and livestock. A good sales barn has taken years to be a reality. Feeding cattle on a small scale is new and hog production and sales are still new and reaching out.

ANTICLINE CLUB

The Anticline Homemakers Club was organized September 24, 1941 with 15 members. They drew up a constitution and by-laws. Mrs. Victor Grainger was president; Mrs. Calvin Lund, vice-president; Mrs. Stuart Watt, sec.-treas.; Mrs. George Meyer, parliamentarian; and Mrs. Larry Busch, reporter. Other members were: Mrs. G. B. Guldseth, Mrs. S. A. Weeks, Mrs. T. V. Crichfield, Mrs. Leon LaCross, Mrs. George Flint, Mrs. Dan Fulton, Mrs. Art Kuehn, Mrs. Joe Smola, Mrs. McQuinn and Mrs. Karl Pleissner.

During the first years of the club much of the members' time and work was directed toward activities to aid in the war efforts. They served for the Red Cross and the hospital. They made lap robes, nightshirts, operating gowns, pajamas, tray cloths, and blouses, folded bandages and donated a bedspread. They gave canned food and jellies to the hospital to add variety to the menu. Over the years the club has donated quite a sum of money to the hospital fund. During the war years many projects such as "Victory Gardens," cooking and canning, as aids to a nutritious diet, were featured.

In 1947 the club was reorganized. The members continued working on community projects and also took part in more of the projects presented to the clubs. Among these have been projects on food, clothing, home and home furnishings, sewing, upholstery, refinishing furniture, flower arrangements, hobbies, etc.

They have had many programs which were of interest to all homemakers. These have included several book reviews, a hobby show, mental health program, safety programs, a program on venereal diseases, and a United Nations program as well as others. They have had fair booths, helped sponsor "Mother of the Year," and given things to the needy in their own community. One project which seemed to be appreciated probably the most was during the Holidays when each member took a small gift

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and visited as many elderly or lonely people as they could. They tried to invite some of these into their homes during the Holidays, also.

Besides having contributed toward the hospital fund, the club has contributed toward the swimming pool, the scholarship for 4-H, an organ (or piano) for the nursing home, Camp Needmore fund, Galen Chapel, Scouts, March of Dimes, Shodair Crippled Children's Hospital, Cancer fund, Yellowstone Boys Club, American Legion Auxiliary Halloween Parties, and they have sent items to Boulder and given baby clothes to the needy or the hospital.

Not only has the club worked for the betterment of the community but also they have had many enjoyable times. They have had parties or picnics to entertain their husbands and they have a Christmas party, which is often a dinner party.

At the present time the club has fourteen members. Two of these are charter members Mrs. Sam Weeks and Mrs. Calvin Lund. Other members are Mrs. Virgil Abbott, Mrs. Edgar Boucher, Mrs. Ray Corey, Miss Edwina Eichenberger, Mrs. Ted Everson, Mrs. Gladys Moseley, Mrs. Elmer Newell, Mrs. Victor North, Mrs. Ben Post, Mrs. Geo. Schettler, Mrs. Fred Schopp and Mrs. Ralph Stark. Some of the members have taken an active part in the Home Demonstration Council activities. Mrs. North and Mrs. Weeks have served as president of the council and Mrs, Weeks served as state Family Life Chairman.

BAKER HOMEMAKERS' CLUB

Baker Homemaker's prize winning float, fair parade sponsored by Baker Lions Club, Merella Bubletz statue. Baker Community Church, Congregational in the background, picture loaned by Jessie Price.

The Baker Homemakers' Club organized in 1940, and was the first home demonstration club in Baker. Of the 12 charter members, three are still in the club. They are Mrs. L. Price, Mrs. Fredric Bruggeman, and Mrs. John Wild.

The following year they entered a booth at the Fallon County Fair and since then have had a booth every year in which they have highlighted some project, community goal, or handicraft.

During the war years this club emphasized such programs as: Wartime Kitchens, Food Line of Defense, and Victory Gardens. They also knitted several afghans for Veterans' Hospitals and most of the members took Red Cross home nursing classes.

They entered a float in the parade of the Race Meet sponsored by the Fallon County Fair Board and Lion's Club in 1947. The float, which had an Indian setting, was captioned, " Indians - the First Homemakers in Baker. " Since that time they have entered other floats in the annual fair parade.

Probably the biggest single project undertaken by this club was in 1960 when they assembled a collection of tried and tested recipes contributed by its members into a unique type of recipe book and sold them. The proceeds from this project were donated to the Fallon County Memorial Hospital.

Not too many years later the club raised money for the swimming pool project and has also contributed to the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Yellowstone Boy's Ranch and the annual Halloween parties.

In 1951 the club members made a United Nations Flag and presented it to the High School.

Other projects during the years have been varied and numerous such as circulating petitions to start the building of the Lincoln School, promoting the water well at Medicine Rocks State Park, donating toward the Homemakers' Scholarship Fund, Camp Needmore, and State Mother of the year. They also bought equipment for the Fallon County Hospital such as furniture for the nursery, two radios and a shower chair for the Nursing Home.

The Baker Homemakers' Club has supported and continues to support the 4-H program. Many of its members have been or are leaders and Mrs. Gene Russell and Mrs. Fredric Bruggeman have served as president of the 4-H Council. In addition, they have contributed money to the Council and have had 4-H members present demonstrations to help them achieve their 4-H club goals.

In 1965 they celebrated their 25th anniversary. For this occasion six of the original 13 charter members attended, Mrs.

Wesly Munsell, Mrs. Chauncey Sorenson, both of Miles City, Mrs. R. T. Joyce, Mrs. Fredric Bruggeman, Mrs. L. Price and

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Mrs. Dan Helgeson, who was the first president.

During the 33 years of existence the Baker Homemakers' primary aim has been to improve home and family relations. They have felt that efficient home operation leaves more time for family projects, hobbies, and community service. Much emphasis has been placed upon reading as a means of improving the leisure of both adults and children. In keeping with this they have been most active in anything that might promote the local library. They joined with other home demonstration clubs to circulate the petitions necessary to create the Fallon County Library. This has resulted in improved library service to the entire county. They have included their families in their activities by entertaining them at least twice during the year. All in all, members of this club feel that their well-rounded programs of homemaking projects, handicraft, entertainment and community service have contributed much toward making their lives richer, fuller, and more productive.

WILLARD HOME DEMONSTRATION CLUB

1949-1973

by Marion Fost Hanson

Willard Home Demonstration Club. Back row: Ora LaBree, Bonita Allerdings, Marion Hanson, Bea Barkley, Darlene Sikorski, Marita Schuetzle, Jessie Stieg, front row: Kay Hanley, Darla Barkley, Doloris Irvine, picture loaned by Mrs. Harry Hanson.

Following World War II there was a need for a gathering of the ladies of the community. A meeting was called and all the ladies of the community were invited to the Harry Hanson's at the Willard store. Twelve ladies joined and the first officers elected were: President, Mrs. Merril Mickleson; Vice-President, Mrs. Raymond Fost; and Secretary-Treasurer, Mrs. Harry Hanson. The name, Willard Home Demonstration Club, was chosen at a later date.

Mrs. Lowell Bergstrom and Mrs. Pat Hanley served as presidents of the Fallon-Carter Home Demonstration Council. Mrs. Hanley served as secretary to the council as did Mrs. Robert Newman.

Twice the Willard club hosted the council at the Willard Hall and took its turn entertaining with other clubs at Baker and Ekalaka. Projects from the state office were carried out when two members attended the training meetings and brought back the lessons to the club. Many projects were worked out with members on hobbies. The most outstanding lessons were: bread making, cake decorating, marriage, wills, fondu cookery, quilts, pants patterns and upholstery. Others were: plaster of paris plaques, textile painting, covering clothes hangers, belt loops, plackets, Scandinavian cooking, hair styling and wigs. Other projects were: blenders, knitting, pie crust, fancy sewing machine stitching, cleaning a sewing machine, Christmas decorations, candle making, rug making, introduction to stretch fabrics, floor covering and furniture arrangement.

Several of the meetings were open for 4-H members to give their demonstrations. Lessons on retarded children, cancer and the lazy eye were studied. Many other topics too numerous to mention were studied. The exchange students from foreign countries were invited to speak. A work shop was held at the Willard Hall for anyone wanting to make sofa pillows. Twice the club hosted an open county meeting for sewing hobbies and one member had charge of Arts and Crafts displays three times at Baker.

The club members gave a home talent play at the Hall; had floats in the Fallon County Fair Parade at Baker; many years had a booth at the Fallon County Fair; planned a 50th Anniversary of the Willard Community Hall. The ladies saved coupons and bought card tables and chairs for the hall. They helped paint the building inside and out besides supplying the financial end.

Some years the members drew names for secret pals. Christmas Parties were outstanding with gifts, games and delicious

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food. Some years the husbands were taken out to dinner or the members and their families enjoyed a Turkey Supper at the Willard Hall. For years a July picnic at Medicine Rocks was held.

Before television arrived the County Agent showed films at the hall with lunch following. The Extension Home Demonstration Agents through the years were guests at meetings and gave up to the minute ideas. Several of the women attended Woman's Week at Bozeman. One member toured New York on Beef Promotion. Wedding anniversaries, baby showers and birthday parties were planned and enjoyed. A community cookbook was produced. The club made money selling lunches at auction sales.

For two years the club had a foster child at Twin Bridges and one year they had a boy at the State School at Miles City. The members collected games, puzzles, thread and clothing for Warm Springs. Several members completed first aid and civil defense courses and safe driving classes. One member was on the State Keep program. The members exhibit a great number of items each year at the County Fair and have won the Best Collection Awards.

Over the years we have seen the dresses creep from the calf of the leg to the knee, then even shorter, until the close of 1972 when dresses are worn only for special occasions. The pant suit is now the most popular mode of dress.

The Club has two charter members still in the club. They are Mrs. Jessie Steig and Mrs. Harry Hanson.

Outgoing officers in 1972 were Mrs. Jack Sikorski, President; Mrs. Robert Irvine, Vice-president and Mrs. Cleo Barkley, Secretary-Treasurer. The club has a membership of 18.

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Baker Woman's Club

HISTORY OF THE BAKER WOMAN'S CLUB

Written in 1951 or 1952 by Mrs. Evelyn B. Hitch

Almost before the tracks were cool from the first train passing through Baker, whose inception was the arrival of the C.M.St. P&P.Railroad, some of the few women in the new town felt the need to "keep abreast of the times, study and develop socially and mentally," as they phrased it. Thus in 1911 they first met together as a tiny group and in February of 1912 organized a study club with the avowed object of "self-improvement, mutual helpfulness, kindly comradeship, and better citizenship." Mrs. P.C. Cornish was elected first president of the club, and papers were prepared by the individual members for group meetings. In 1913 this small group realized that perhaps other women-many recent arrivals in town-might like to join the club, and at an open meeting, invited those interested to join. However, somewhat later that year, the club constitution was revised, and the membership was limited to twenty.

In 1915 the club decided to federate with the General Federation of Women's Club and become part of the national organization. As the town grew the club came to see that their membership limit was a disadvantage, and in 1918 membership was open to any woman interested in furthering its original four declared objectives. From then on the membership grew rapidly and at its maximum reached one hundred, though usually it varied from seventy to eighty-five.

From the very beginning the club has been interested in all matters pertaining to personal and civic welfare. During the First World War, when it was still a very small group, its members were active in the Red Cross and the other national war efforts. Through its influence the first library was started-a tiny venture with donated books and volunteer workers. From this beginning came our present city library with seven to eight thousand volumes, its own building and a paid librarian. Though its present management is the library board, which is completely free of Woman's Club control, the club still considers the library one of its pet projects, and the board is usually composed of club women entirely.

Very early in its history the club built and operated the first tourist camp-a crying need in the early days of the town when distances between towns were so great, roads poor, and cars vastly slower than what they are today. As conditions changed and commercial cabins were built, this property was sold.

Because the club membership has always been composed primarily of mothers, child welfare has been one of its chief interests. The first-and one might say the only-playground equipment which the city owns was purchased and presented to it by the Woman's Club. The early county-wide immunization programs against communicable diseases were all sponsored by the Woman's Club, and its membership acted as volunteer assistants. Twice the club has conducted county-wide TB "patch" tests and now brings the mobile unit and furnishes the unpaid workers necessary to carry on its program. Likewise now it cooperates with the Red Cross in bringing the Blood Bank. During the dreadful depression days of the '30's the club provided free milk to the schools in the three county towns; and the various times when the county has had a county nurse, the club was responsible for her presence and helped pay her salary. From their first beginnings, the club has carried on the TB Seal Sale and Cancer campaigns; and has conducted open forums on safety, fire, epidemics, etc., complete with officials, moving pictures and all. Now its pet projects are mosquito control and the completion of the new Fallon County Memorial Hospital to which it has given five hundred dollars and its members countless hours of time and planning. It has helped to buy uniforms for the local high school band and for years sent a girl to the Vocational Conference at Bozeman, and now sends a girl each year to Girl's State. Also, it has recently cooperated with the Lion's Club in an attempt to build a swimming pool for Baker, and contributed two hundred and fifty dollars toward the project with the promise of more money later.

Yet with its special emphasis on health and social conditions, the club has not neglected the cultural life of the town. Over a goodly period of years it has brought annually a musical program from the State University of Montana Music School, brought the Augustana College Choir, conducted numerous Art and Hobby shows, and brought various speakers from the FBI, State Highway Patrol, State Children's School, etc., for meetings open to the entire community. The club has endorsed garden contests, initiated "clean-up" campaigns, planted trees, tried to convert the lake into a permanent park area, and in many other ways has tried to beautify the town.

Likewise it has encouraged its members to take an active part in citizenship -urging each election year that they be registered and out to vote on election day. And before each general election a program explaining issues, initiatives and referendum measures, and amendments is presented to the club though it still remains strictly non-political and non-sectarian.

Moreover, though busy with its local activities, the club has never shirked in its duties to the District and State organizations. Three times one of its members has acted as District President: Mrs. C. J. Dousman, Mrs. Clyde Erther, and Mrs. C. F. Hogeboom. Many of its members have acted as Department Chairmen in the M.F.W.C., performing their duties faithfully and well.

Updated from 1952 to 1973

Mrs. Hogeboom Wood went on to be our State President. Her favorite project was the Galen Chapel, donated by the Women's Clubs of Montana.

In recent years the Club has helped with the annual Fall Festival, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, by baking beans and helping serve.

We helped annually with the Halloween Parties for the Grade School ages.

For the Jubilee Celebration in Baker, we entered a float in the parade. We have donated money for furniture for the hospital, entertained the Senior Girls each spring, sponsored a Girl Scout troop several times, and for the last two years, 1972-1973, we have sponsored the Miles City Community Concert.

From this brief review of its history and activities, one can see that the Baker Woman's Club has played a vital and influential part in the life of the town and entire county. It continues to work now, as it has through the years of its existence, for the four original purposes- self-improvement, mutual helpfulness, kindly comradeship and better citizenship.

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Sandstone Lodge No. 84

Masonic Temple at Baker, Montana.

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HISTORY OF SANDSTONE LODGE #84

The history of the Vigilantes of Virginia City in the 1860's has always been a thing of pride to Montana Masons. A group of Masons, with the help of a few other upright citizens brought law and order out of chaos by quietly organizing and bringing a gang of road agents, robbers and murders to justice by the gallows. The story was particularly interesting to early Baker citizens, often related by the mother of George Farwell, Grandma Newberry who as a girl was in Virginia City at the time.

The above might have had an influence on a couple of Masons-Charles and Reuben Marks, who took up the idea of

finding how many Masons were among the new homesteaders and ranchers. The word was passed out, calling a meeting in the Pearce Hall (later the Grainger Hall) in 1911. To their surprise twenty-seven were present, representing almost that many state jurisdictions. Home lodges were Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota and even Massachusetts and Vermont.

They decided to apply to the Grand Lodge in Helena for a temporary dispensation to organize, name the lodge, and elect officers. Permission given, they applied to the home lodges for dernits to the Montana lodge, voted to call the lodge Sandstone and elected Charles Marks, Master; Melvin Wheeler, Senior Warden; Richard Morris, Junior Warden; Horatio Josselyn, Secretary; and Dick Johnson, Treasurer.

The Grand Master appointed two well informed brothers of Yellowstone Lodge #26 of Miles City to attend meetings here and assist members to become familiar with the work of Montana Lodges, as many states vary some in their ritual.

At Grand Lodge annual convocation in Butte on September 19, 1912 the Charter was issued to Sandstone Lodge #84 and the first set of officers were named thereon. Charter members were:

Wm. Atkinson Harry Sykes Charles Marks J. L. Beckham

Frank Warren Reuben Marks Lowell C. Burns J. E. Warren

Richard Morris H. B. Collins Mel Wheeler R. M. Perkins

Guy Chilton R. S. Hamilton Oscar Rogers Jay Comstock

H. S. Josselyn Warren White H. L. Dodge John Kaufman

Earnest Wittee George Dougherty Emil Lentz W. H. Young

L. E. Rushton Alfred LeMay P. C. Cornish

The first candidate for the three degrees of Masonry of the Blue Lodge in the fall of 1912 was Lew Price. All meetings were held in the Pearce Hall until the completion of the Baker State Bank's two story building, the upper floor was contracted and designated as the Masonic Hall. Many social events took place in the hall, Masons and their ladies organized the Acacia Dance Club, card parties of "500," masquerades, etc.

Upon the reorganization of the Baker State Bank, after its closing in 1923, the new officials decided they needed more income from the hall, and decided to remodel it into office spaces. The lodge moved to the Hubbard Hall over the Baker Hardware, located about where the Super-Value is located in 1973. In 1935 a fire put the lodge out of another meeting place and much damage was done to equipment -even our Charter was burned up and another duplicate issued. Sandstone Lodge then moved to the Grainger Hall, where it met until the new Masonic Temple was built in 1955.

In 1922 the lodge bought 80 feet of the west half of two lots facing east where the Continental Service Station now stands. It was up for sale- the telephone office was located on this piece of land and another small building was later used as the public library. This was financed by selling $25.00 bonds to the members, retired by rental and money received by dues and many new member degree charges. Later 30 feet of this west portion was sold to the Continental Oil Co., who desired more space for their operations. In 1929 the Mountain States Telephone Co. purchased the balance of our buildings.

In 1954 after the many moves that had been necessary the Lodge decided it was about time to build a fine fireproof temple. Finances were discussed, there was a good bank balance, incoming pledges were promised and a loan at a reasonable rate was obtainable.

A committee of J. K. Munsell and Fred Morrow called on Chandler Cohagen, architect of Billings and a maternal figure in Masonic activities, who provided the plans and specifications for the building at a very reasonable cost. The site was secured from Mrs. Wm. Stieg and Larry Busch presented us with 15 feet of the north slice of his lot. We were very fortunate to secure a brother Mason of Lemmon. S.D., Charles Voight, and his two sons, Charles, Jr., and Leon, all three carpenters and builders and brick layers. They took on the job with pay by the hour, with privilege of the Lodge members to pitch in and help at any time. When completed they stated the members had fully provided half the labor. Often there was the extra crew by 5 a.m. pouring cement, hauling cement from Rapid City. The brick and tile trucking was donated from Hebron, N.D. County equipment was donated to place the steel girders in place that supported the upper floor and the laminated beams that support the roof. The three inch double tongued roofing, roofing paper and asphalt shingles were all put on by the members. Partitions and the kitchen were done by local handymen, the electric wiring, furnace installation, plumbing, and finally the painting and laying of basement tile. To save on seating, information came from Billings that a theatre was installing all new seats, so at very little cost a truck delivered those to the temple. Filling the rear around the outside and the lawn was done by members at no cost. The master of the lodge during construction was Sheldon Rediske.

The Grand Master of Helena and other officers of the Grand Lodge and neighboring area lodges laid the corner stone and dedicated the Temple in the summer of 1956.

The necessary loan for the indebtedness was taken by the Northwestern National Bank of Minneapolis, whose appraiser came out to approve and valued the building at $50,000. As soon as the loan got low enough to be handled by a local bank it was transferred and is at this time, 1973, about to be liquidated and the mortgage burned.

Besides the use to the Masons, Eastern Stars and Rainbow girls, it has been a help to the school system after the high school fire, Boy Scout meetings, first aid classes, Shell Oil and Butte Pipeline instruction classes, Square Dance club affairs, etc.

An annual affair of Masons, Stars and Rainbow has been the "Pancake and Sausage Supper," the first Saturday in April and always well patronized by our appreciative citizens. Past Master, Dwight Loutzenhiser, was the originator of the supper and has served as chief chef every year. It serves as a great boost to our many benefits which the Lodge contributes to, as the Masonic Home for the aged in Helena, the Vigilante fund for emergency aid to stricken, brother masons, their widows or orphans, the Veterans' Hospital visitation fund and other charities as the Crippled Childrens Home, Inter-Mountain Deaconess Home and Florence Crittenten Home.

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It is customary for Master to serve one year and be succeeded by the Senior Warden next in rank. To give a list of these in the past sixty years would be too lengthy a list, but two who served an extra year on account of their proficiency in degree work should be mentioned- Laverne Livingston and Harold Lund.

The most responsibility undoubtedly falls on the secretary who records the actions of all meetings, pays the bills and handles all correspondence. This list starts with H.S. Joselyn, Charles Russell, Reuben Marks, Mel Wheeler, Claude Moseley, Lacy Speelman and Harold Wiseman. Our first elected treasurer was L. E. Rushton, Dick Johnson, L. Price, and since 1934, Thomas L. Owen.

Impressive memorials that have been presented the lodge: the electric organ by the family and friends of R. K. Munsell, the public address system in memory of Rex Flint, the tape recorder and new Masters hat for Claude Moseley, and the hand carved altar work of Kust Merilinen for Warren White, one of the Charter members.

Over the 61 years of Sandstone Lodge #84, the following members have received 50 year gold membership pins and congratulatory citation by the Grand Lodge of Montana. Reuben Marks, L. M. Corbitt, L. C. Burns, L. E. Baker, Harry Hoke, Jess Hayes, Louis LaCross, Lloyd Owen, John Doel, Bob Robinson, Harry Schroth and L. W. Busch. This honor exempts them of further payment of annual dues and they remain a Master Mason in good standing as long as they live.

BONNIEVALE CEMETERY

The Bonnieval Cemetery was organized July 7, 1910, by the following citizens: L. A. Conser, H. W-Sparks, H. S. Josselyn, S. W. Davidson, W. E. Beck, A. H. Wyman, W. R. Barber, R.R. Pearce, F.S. Warren, R.E. Morris and L.C. Burns,

The first burial was made in December, 1910. H. S. Jossel donated fifteen acres to the Association to be used as a cemetery. Later, five acres of this was sold for a Catholic cemetery.

In 1927 a fence was built and a name placed above the west gate. By that time, the roads had been graded and covered with scorio, all sagebrush had been removed and tool house built.

Much of the money and labor for these improvements were donated by the citizens of the community. As the need arises more ground is leveled and lots surveyed.

Henry Beckman was a longtime member of the board and much credit is due him for his work and interest.

In 1958 a county wide movement was underway to raise money to pipe water from the city wells to the plot. In 1972 water was piped to the cemetery and Fred Schopp, the part-time caretaker, sees to the keeping of the grounds.

In 1973 the Cemetery Board members are Vic Grainger, Mrs. T. V. Critchfield, L. B. LaCross, Denzil Young, Jr., Lee Stevenson, Walter Kreager and L. (Bud) Price.

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Baker Churches

Baker Lake Congregational Church, first church building in Baker built in 1910, children unidentified.

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AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH OF BAKER by Alice Newell

It was in June, 1928, that the American Lutheran Church came into existence by the adoption of a constitution proposed by the Reverend E.E. Tollefson and the election of officers. This new congregation was the result of merged interests of Lutheran people into one new church with a new name following the disbanding of Lutheran congregation at Willard, Marmarth, and Baker. The name of the former Lutheran congregation in Baker was the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Church.

In reality Lutheran Church work in the community is almost as old as Baker because it was back in 1910 that the first Lutheran worship services were conducted. Mrs. John Gunderson had taken her child to Bowman to be baptized by Pastor Eidgsvig and at that time asked him to conduct services at Baker. In the spring of 1910 he held the first services at her home. Services were conducted in Norwegian and English alternately in the homes and later in the summer Pastor Eidgsvig began holding services in the Willard community where they also met at the homes and the schoolhouse. Among other men who conducted services from time to time in these communities were pastors J. A. Wanberg of Bowman, and a Pastor Dahl from Minneapolis.

With the coming of their first ordained minister, the Reverend L. H. Anderson, a Home Mission was organized. Work was started in the Baker, Willard, Ollie, and Carlyle congregations (Before this time Ollie's Lutheran services had been conducted by pastors from Beach, Glendive and Belfield). The Reverend Anderson resided in Baker and served this charge from 1916 to 1919. The Reverend Edward Livingston succeeded him, serving from 1919 to 1920 and was followed by Reverend J. Madsen who carried on the work here until his death in January in 1922. A seminary student by the name of Jacobsen was in charge of the work here during the summer of 1922. During the years of 1923 to 1925 these congregations were without a regular pastor. Occasionally a Pastor S. Dale from Miles City held services in Baker and Willard, as well as the Reverend Farseth who stayed several weeks in Baker baptizing children and confirming a class of young people. In 1925 Baker, Willard, and Webster became part of the Marmarth charge and were served by the Reverend Olaf Engh.

In 1928 after the organization of the American Lutheran Church the first concern was in securing property for a church so when a public schoolhouse was put up for auction it was bought for a price of $1,951.00. The first church services were held in the newly remodeled building July 29, 1928. Dedication services conducted by the District President, the Reverend Skindlov, the Reverend E.E. Tollefson, his father, the Reverend E.C. Tollefson, and his brother the Reverend A. Tollefson.

Under the leadership of Pastor Tollefson the church flourished- there was great interest in all areas-Mr. J.0. Hembre was the first Sunday School Superintendent, Alice Olson was the first organist, and Garold Olson was the first janitor. Records show the first baptism in the American Lutheran Church of Baker was Marie Louise Tunby, the first marriage, Albert Wang and Pearl Faught. The first burial from this congregation was Mrs. Odin Myhre.

Church projects advanced. Payments on the church loan were made possible by the proceeds of church suppers and by free donations. Farmers pledged a wheat acreage-the profits of pledged acres of wheat to go to the church. Much had been accomplished in the short time Pastor Tollefson had been here and it was with deep regret that his resignation was accepted and became effective in Sept. 1930.

Pastor A.R. Nelson was ordained and install in the Baker Lutheran Church, in Sept. 1930. With the depression which followed the church also suffered. Finances fell to their lowest level in our 20-year history. The congregation felt much gratitude and appreciation for their self-sacrificing pastor and regretted his departure in April 1934. He was followed in May of that same year by the Reverend J. E. Nelson who served until May of 1937. During these years the financial condition improved enough to allow the moving of the parsonage from the lot in the south end of Baker to the lot east of the church and provided for necessary alterations as well as the addition of several rooms and a full basement. It was also during this time the church first operated a lunch concession at the County Fair, which has since that time become customary.

A student pastor, R. A. Wanberg, a son of the Reverend Wanberg who had conducted services in this area in years before, was in charge of this parish during the summer of 1937.

Pastor G. A. Guldseth accepted the call from this congregation and took up the work here in Nov. 1937. By the following year the final payment was made on the mortgage and the church was out of debt. With the improvement of the nation's economy the church also prospered and in 1942 alterations were made in the church as well as an addition to the chancel and kitchen.

After the Reverend Buldseth's resignation in 1942 the congregation was without a pastor for a year with the exception of the months from August to December of 1942 when served by the Reverend S. Tverberg, a missionary of Madagascar and of the occasional Sunday services held by student pastor, Elme Agrimson during the summer of 1943.

With the opening of defense plants and a call for workers during the war years many of the families of the congregation began leaving Baker so by the time the Reverend J.A. Berge arrived the attendance had dwindled considerably. Pastor Berge served this parish until the fall of 1949.

Again there was a period of not having a resident pastor. The Reverend Golf of Wibaux held services from time to time until in 1954 when the Reverend Oliver Jones was called. With renewed interest the congregation began to grow and it wasn't long before they realized the need of a larger church. So in the spring of 1958 a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site given by Al Hansen and in March of 1959 we saw the moving into the new church. Dedication services were held on September 20, 1959. The rite of dedication was administered by the Right Reverend Reidar Daehlin, D.D., President of the Rocky Mountain District of Great Falls. Pastors from neighboring parishes also participated in the services.

Pastor Jones, with his family, left Baker in 1960 for Butte where he had accepted a call from the Gold Hill congregation.

The Reverend Edward Roe arrived with his family in Baker in January of 1961. During his ministry the congregation continued to grow spiritually as well as financially. It was during this time the people found it possible to have new living quarters built across the street from the church. In January 1962 the new parsonage was dedicated followed by an Open House. Pastor Roe and his family left to make their home in Seattle in November, 1967 where he would continue his work.

The congregation was without a pastor for only a short time. Upon a call to the Reverend Earl Barnard in Minnesota, we were fortunate to get an immediate response. The Barnard family arrived in Baker in January 1968.

Under Pastor Barnard's leadership we saw the election of Mrs. Ramona Shepherd as the first woman on the church

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council in 1968. In 1969 an improved feature in the church was the converting of the plastic windows in the west and south parts of the building to Terrazzo. On a light side, in 1970, was the start of a series of soft ball games when the members of the Lutheran Church challenged the members of the Community Church. The action takes place at Medicine Rocks Park after the two groups have joined in a picnic.

In 1917 the church chancel was enhanced with colorful drapes, of four sets, in the liturgical colors of green, purple, red and white, mounted for easy changing to the emblematic colors of the church seasons.

The congregation honored Mrs. Beata Juridt for her faithful services of the past thirty years as organist in October, 1972. In the summer of 1973 it was decided if the congregation was to continue with the concession stand at the Fair it needed to be enlarged and better equipped, so an addition was built on and more appliances added.

Earl Barnard is

the present pastor of the American Lutheran Church in Baker.

THE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH

by Mrs.

Art Wang

The Assembly of God Church in Baker began in the summer of 1957 when the Reverend Roy Fischer opened meetings at

Grainger's Hall. That fall a church building was purchased from the Congregational Church at Plevna and moved to a site on South First Street West in Baker where a basement had been poured. There the Congregation met for worship until 1969 when, with God's help and blessing, we were able to build the new church at its present location in East Baker at Eighth and Colorado Avenue, under the direction of Pastor Thomas Johnston. Our present pastor (1973) is the Reverend Allen Warneke.

BAKER LAKE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Now Known as

BAKER COMMUNITY CHURCH

Taken from histories of the church written by Evelyn B. Hitch in 1958 and by Mrs. Sam Weeks

Churches grow from humble beginnings, and that is the way the Baker Community Church began. The town was just started, hence folks were concerned with the task of a shelter for themselves and a livelihood as well. Yet in the midst of the rigors of meeting the physical needs of living, the work of meeting the spiritual needs was not postponed. The town and The Baker Lake Congregational Church both began the same year.

The first minister did not come in frock-tailed coat to serve the parish, but SHE came from her homestead. She had been in Civil Service, working among the Indians before she "took up" her homestead in this area. Also she "had done preaching". Her name was Mrs. F. D. Bohr and services were held Sunday afternoons.

At first Sunday School and church services were held in a one room school house that was located on the north shore of the lake.

Mrs. Sparks loaned an organ for the use of the new church and Mrs. Sparks and Mrs. R. E. Morris were the organists.

The Reverend Ellsworth Smith, General Missionary of the Congregational Church conducted the organization meeting at which those who wished to join signed their names to the following statement: "Believing that a church society would be an advantage to the people of Baker and vicinity, we, the undersigned hereby agree to unite ourselves to form a Congregational Church." There were seventeen names signed. Mrs. Evelyn B. Hitch was a charter member.

The Ladies Aid was organized at the home of Mrs. Hitch in October 1909. Mrs. Hitch tells us that many times during the early days of the church, the women had to solicit the whole town for money.

After the first grade school was built, the church services were held there. This building later became the first Lutheran Church in Baker.

One of the early day ministers was the Reverend George Buerki, whose home was in Plevna. It was during big pastorate that the Ladies Aid Society was organized, with Mrs. Frank Warren as president. The Aid met in the homes of the members.

The Reverend Joseph Pope of Missoula and the Reverend Powell of the Huntley Project were frequent visitors and encouraged members to build and continue the work of the church.

The church was built in 1910 and named the Baker Lake Congregational Church. This building was later purchased by the Knights of Columbus and used as a hall. It has since been sold and has been converted into a dwelling. This was the first church building in Baker.

Baker Lake Congregational Church after it had been made into a residence by E. C. Tronstad. Taken from the church scrapbook, photo by Forrest Duffield, 1970.

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In 1914 the Methodist Episcopal Church was built. Later the Congregational and the Methodist churches united to form the Community Church and now meet in the former Methodist building on South First Street West.

Methodist Episcopal Church, 1914 after it was turned and remodeled, now the Baker Community Church. Photo taken from scrapbook, picture taken in 1968.

The first church clerk was John Findlater. L. Price, Sr. was Sunday School Superintendent for many years and Mrs. Price was in charge of the primary department.

Mrs. Eva A. Price with her primary department children of the Sunday School --in 1910, photo from the L. Price Collection.

A two-room building was built just east of the church for a parsonage, before a permanent parsonage was erected. A parsonage was built and is now owned by Bob Hoke. It was the home of the pastor for years.

The church purchased the Duppler home on South Third Street West for a parsonage in 1954. Later this house was sold and the church purchased a newer house on South First Street West, across from the Lincoln School, for a parsonage.

The Reverend Robert Hempel is the present minister (1973).

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH-BAKER, MONTANA

On March 23, 1931, after a very intensive and heartwarming evangelistic service of two weeks, led by D. 0. Ray of Miles City, with the assistance of K. A. Swanson of Sweden, vocalist, and E. H. Danley, Colporter Missionary, the formal organization of the First Baptist Church came into existence.

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Charter members were: Mrs. Madge Wilson, Mrs. Susan Hufford, Dean Sinclair, Dan Korneychuk, Mrs. Mary Parks, Mrs. Eva DuChane, Harvey Thomas, Mrs. Amanda Thomas, Frank DuChane, Sylvia Coons, Ralph Parks, Frances Avander, Kathleen Grow, Mrs. Christina Grow, Mrs. T. 0. Gauze, Hazel Gayze and Charley Parks.

On March 19th, Sunday School was planned and met with four classes. Church services were at 11:00 o'clock a.m. and at 7:30 p.m. The young people's group met at 6: 00 o'clock p.m. Meetings were held in Grainger's Hall with baptisms made in the Baker Lake, Little Beaver Creek and Miles City. Paul Boomer, a student from Northwestern Bible School, was summer pastor and then in October the Reverend Verne E. Steel arrived to become the pastor.

On March 23, 1932, the First Anniversary dinner was held with 140 persons in attendance. In 1933 a committee was appointed to draw up a constitution, which was completed and presented to the congregation in December.

In 1934 lots were purchased and a basement, 30 x 60 feet was proposed and begun on the corner of Kewanee and South Second Street West. The fellowship moved into the building in October and a Women's Fellowship group was formed.

In 1942 the Reverend Arthur Allen arrived and began eight years of varied activities. The Pioneer Girls were organized; the Boy Hobby Club flourished; the Cherub Choir practiced; the full choir worked on cantatas and various instrumental numbers presented. Daily Vacational Bible School was broadened and a summer camp was created.

In 1945 a parsonage was obtained in the form of a gift from Carl Losing. It was a farm dwelling which was moved into town and modernized. Blueprint plans were presented for a first floor structure on the basement which was being used as the church. The building was begun in 1947 and the dedication of the new church was held on March 24, 1948.

In 1964 the Reverend Peterson began broadcasting morning services over KFLN Baker Radio Station.

Persons who were once members and affiliated with the church and are now serving the Lord or working in some field to advance the cause of Christ and in educational fields, include the following: Mary Jane Losing (Mrs. Ralph Abuhl), Betty Waterland Hoyt, Duane Waterland, Arnie Karch, Lester Mengel, Carl and Harry Engstrom, Jack Lentz, Ronnie Callen, Irene and Joan Mengel.

ST. JOHN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

First Catholic Church in Baker, built in 1911, picture loaned by the Museum.

The church of St. John, the Evangelist, was built in 1911 by the Catholic church members of the community of Baker. The Reverend J. B. Moskopp was the first pastor. He took up residence at St. Anthony's, Plevna, and took care of churches at Baker, Ekalaka, Belltower, Mill Iron, Mildred, Terry and Fallon. Previously this area was served from Mile City by the Reverend J. J. O'Carrell.

In 1919 the Reverend A. J. Richard became the pastor of St. Anthony's in Plevna and at the same time The Reverend W. P. Fitzgerald became the pastor of St. John's at Baker.

A new church and rectory was built at Baker in 1958.

WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH

The Baker Wesleyan Methodist church is known as "The country church that moved to town." Sunday afternoon services were started in the Willard School, thirteen miles south of Baker, at about the close of World War I by the Reverend L. D. Harris, pastor of the Medicine Rocks Methodist Church. In 1922, during haying time, the Reverend Harris secured the assistance of the Reverend J. F. Simson in conducting evangelistic meetings in the Willard Hall. Later a Wesleyan congregation was formed at Willard.

After five years of meeting in the Willard School and Hall the meeting place was changed to the Myhre School, located fourteen miles southwest of Baker. In 1929 the present building was built on a hilltop overlooking the "Minnesota Valley,"

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which is a pretty little valley between Willard and Little Beaver Creek. For years it was known as the Minnesota Valley Wesleyan Methodist Church.

After the Montana Homesteaders moved to the city in 1939 the church building was moved to its present location on South First Street West in Baker. Here it continues to hold services. The parsonage which stands on the south side of the church was the section house at Westmore and the Polus family lived in it at Westmore for years.

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Camp Crook, South Dakota

Camp Crook, South Dakota, 1912, photo given to Musuem by Sara Kerr.

W. J. [Shorty] Quinlan, a native

of Ireland, popular stage driver in Camp Crook, South Dakota. Father of Mrs. Elsie Beckman, photo given to Museum by Sara Kerr.

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CAMP CROOK, SOUTH DAKOTA

In 1881 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wickham moved to South Dakota. The small community which grew up around their ranch was known as Wickham at first. Later the name of the town was changed to Camp Crook after an officer of the Cavalry Camp that was set up there.

Elmer Wickham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wickham, moved to South Dakota with his parents. He grew up and ranched there until 1928. He moved west and lived until he was 94 years old. He is buried in the Camp Crook Cemetery.

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Ismay Montana

Early Pictures of

Brackett Hotel Ismay, Montana, 1912, picture given to Museum by Mable Kochel.

A group

of people on the porch of the Brackett Hotel at Ismay, 1912, picture given to the Museum by Mable Kochel.

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Ismay flood, 1913, picture given to Museum by Mable Kochel.

Main Street Ismay, Montana, 1915, picture loaned by Mrs. John LaBree.

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Knowlton

Doc. Knowlton, 1907, the first resident of Knowlton. Picture from the Montana Historical Society at Helena, loaned by Lena Dragseth Linden.

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KNOWLTON

by Lena Dragseth Linden

Doe Knowlton was the first resident of Knowlton. He was the first to have a post office, which was established in 1892.

His home was a meeting place for school children at night. He had apples and maple sugar to hand out before we went home. I can remember him looking up at the sky and singing "Montana, where skies are always blue."

Knowlton General Store, 1904, some of the people are, starting right: Felix Grey, Jetta Hamilton Grey, Mrs. Charles Dickson, Anwoth Dickson, Clara Walters in the dark dress. Picture from the Montana Historical Society, Helena, loaned by Lena Linden.

There was an old General Store in Knowlton in 1904 where one could buy many things such as groceries, hardware and clothing. It was also a meeting place to discuss things with your neighbors. Some of the owners of the store were Had Crosby, Felix Grey and Heywood Daly

Heywood Daly owned the Bird Ranch, the first owner of the ranch was Ed Schlosser, a bachelor. Then there was Heywood Daly, the Griffins, Dwight Riley and Jack Hanley.

The Bird Ranch near Knowlton. Picture from the Montana Historical Society at Helena, loaned by Lena Linden.

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Several ranchers bought homes in Knowlton so their children could attend the Knowlton School. Our family, the Dregseth family, bought a house which was located down the hill in back of the general store.

The Dragseth Post Office was established in 1900 on the Dragseth Ranch by Stinus Dragseth, my father. It was discontinued in 1904 and moved into Knowlton because there was no reason for two post offices.

KNOWLTON

by Mable Lawrence Kochel

Knowlton in 1906 was a thriving village. It possessed a hotel, a general store, a stage station, a dance hall and a school. There were several families living there so there were thirty students going to school under one teacher.

The mail came to Knowlton three times a week by two stage drivers, one coming from Ekalaka and one coming from Miles City. The stages were " spring wagons " or " buckboards ". The stage stationmaster took care of the horses overnight and the drivers rested and in the morning the drivers turned around and returned from "whence they had come". Passengers and mail were transferred here, too. There was no cover for the passengers. They had only umbrellas for rain, and hot bricks or hot salt or hot rocks as foot warmers.

There was a noon stop at the Dominy or the Preller ranches and at the Frank and Mary Murphy ranch toward Ekalaka and the tired horses were exchanged for fresh ones. Tee Dee and MacKenzie were also stops on the Ekalaka run.

Going from Knowlton towards Miles City the stage crossed the Powder River at Mizpah which was a stop and the Hill ranch is also believed to have been a stage stop.

Frank and Mary Murphy were at Mizpah before 1906. They ran a roadhouse and post office on the Old Yellowstone Trail.

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Medicine Rocks Church

Medicine Rocks Church, 1922, picture loaned by Mrs. David Enos.

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MEDICINE ROCKS CHURCH

by Mrs. David Enos

The Medicine Rocks Church was organized in 1918 following special meetings held in a large tent in the "Rocks". The Rev. George McGovern, and the Rev. Wenfred Insley were evangelists and Miss Vera Osborn led the singing. The large tent was filled night after night. It was unbelievable where all the people came from.

Building began that same summer with Art Clocksene overseeing the work and much volunteer labor.

Miss Gertrude Preston became the first pastor. She later became Mrs. Ellis Clocksene and continued to pastor until The Rev. Edgar came to fill the pulpit.

In 1920 the Rev. L. D. Harris moved his family to the Lloyd Johnson house on the Dan O'Connor place. The Rev. R. J. Eling was the first pastor to live in the parsonage, which had been purchased on the old highway close to the Percy Sawyer place.

The Rev. Leon Briggs was the next pastor. He was followed by The Rev. Arthur Reisdorph who lived at Minnesota Valley and was serving that church, also.

The Rev. Archie Buell came to be the pastor in 1934. The family lived in the Clarence Jolly house while a new parsonage was being built near the then new highway in the early thirties. The difficulty in building in the thirties is clearly told in the old church treasurer's book. This parsonage neighbored the Archie Judd and Lester Wolenetz families.

The Rev. Helle followed the Buells as pastor in 1941.

The Rev. T. S. Lee came in 1942 to fill the pulpit. He oversaw the moving of the parsonage across from the church near the present highway No. 7 on the edge of the Medicine Rocks.

The Rev. and Mrs. Sollie came as newlyweds in the fall of 1945. They were followed by The Rev. Erwin Anderson, The Rev. Herman Vreugdeuhil family in 1949, The Rev. Clyde McHones, The Rev. Walter Kemps, The Rev. Eugene Gisselbecks, then The Rev. Ellis Sollie returned in 1958, followed by The Rev. Welbert Kidds and The Rev. Wilbur Moulton. Mrs. Moulton had charge of the County Music Program.

The present pastor, The Rev. David Olmsted is serving his first church along with his new bride.

A small cemetery is in the churchyard. A number of infants who died in the early years and old timers are buried there.

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