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FALLON COUNTY

O’Fallon Flashbacks

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

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Ollie

Building Ollie, Montana, July 1915, picture loaned by Mrs. Henning Steen.

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HISTORY OF OLLIE, MONTANA

By GuInare Stark Lutts

The major portion of Ollie, Montana was located on Section 32-Township 10-Range 60 - about 160 acres where Ernest C. Stark, Tom Agnew, Anton Slater and Hans Haydahl had taken claims in 1907. After the 1/2 section law came into effect in 1910, Lee Greiner bought the relinquishments of Agnew and Haydahl. He immediately built and established a General Store and Post Office which was named Ollie after his daughter Ollie Greiner Larson. Soon after that he had the telephone line extended from Carlyle, Montana. The mail began to be taken off the train at Beach, North Dakota. Before that time the mail had been taken off the train at Sentinel Butte, North Dakota, went to Burkey, North Dakota, then to Carlyle, Montana and finally on to Ollie. In 1911 Mr. Greiner was appointed the first postmaster of Ollie. In 1955 the Ollie Post Office was closed

because so many people had left there due to the railroad being discontinued. With the advent of cars, and trucks and better roads people could get around more freely than on the railroad.

In April of 1912 the Ollie United Bretheren Church was organized with services being held in the school house two miles south of town. The Lutheran Church was also organized about that same time.

School was started in May of 1910 in the homestead shack of Hans Haydahl. The building was donated by Lee Greiner and moved to the chosen location on the Fred Steen land. The school was supposed to be as near as possible to the center of the school population. The first steps in getting a school district established was by petition. Mrs. Art Prouty and Gulnare Stark Lutts did the circulating of the petition. The room was about 10'by 12'. Planks were laid on nail kegs for seats. Everyone who had schoolbooks brought them. Ethel Emerson was the first teacher. School was held for three months then dismissed while the new building was being built under the supervision of a Mr. Jennings.

Northern Pacific Railroad survey crew for the branch line from Beach, North Dakota to Ollie, Montana, picture loaned by Dessa Shepherd.

From about 1913 on there were more and more reports of the Northern Pacific Railroad putting down a branch or spur Railroad from Beach, North Dakota to Ollie. This report became a reality when late in August of 1915, the train started running. The track was laid out at the terminal in a Y so the engine could back into the round house and come out headed in the opposite direction. The train left Ollie each morning, except Sunday, worked as a switch engine between Glendive, Montana and Dickinson, North Dakota all day, then came back to Ollie in the late afternoon. The railroad personnel consisted of an engineer, fireman, conductor, depot agent, two brakemen, section foreman, roundhouse -foreman and section crew, so in later years it made quite a dent in the population of Ollie when the railroad crew was "pulled out".

Lot sale day at Ollie, Montana, 1916, picture loaned by Art Wang.

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Lot sale day at Ollie, Montana, 1916, picture loaned by Mrs. Gordon Steen.

Mr. Walter Kees was the first banter. Assistant cashiers at various times were Bob Lowery, Hubert Lawson and Fred Morris.

The United Bretheren Church built what was later to be the parsonage, but was used at first as a school room and church. The later church was built and dedicated in 1920. There were two lumber yards; the Mandan Lumber Company with Carl Hale as manager and the Midland Lumber Company with Mr. Pixley as manager. There were also three grain elevators; the Brault, the Farmer's and the Occident. Two department stores graced the street. F. L. Roquette from Mandan, North Dakota established one and the other one was run by Becks. The Roquette Store was managed by Charles Turner.

An Opera House was built by Johnnie Dilley. Besides being used for entertainment it was used as a school. The grades in the main hall and high school on the stage. Miss Bone was high school teacher. Ruth Lyman was the first primary teacher. Mrs. Dick Woods was the first Commercial teacher and Mr. Wally Robinson also taught.

Dave Wilson had the first hardware store in town and his was the first baby born in Ollie. It was named Ollie. Mrs. Wilson died in the 1918 flu epidemic and Mr. Wilson later sold out to Al. Hoverson of Beach.

Others who died from that flu were: Mr. Dan Wilson, Mrs. McClure, Mabel Abrams, Mary Jane Kees, Roy Johnson and Walter Johnson. Much credit is due to Mr. Ernie Stark who went freely to the aid of the sick and helped bury the dead.

The cemetery was laid out in 1916 when little Dorothy Kees died of diphtheria.

Boardwalks were built in the main part of town which was lighted by electric lights derived from a steam power plant built and operated by Lee Greiner. Glen Stark was the first engineer of the plant.

There was a town and country Telephone Company with a local switchboard and Grace Oddy was the first "Hello Girl".

There were at different time’s two doctors; Dr. Brewer and Dr. Templeton.

In recording church activities it should be noted that the U. B. General Conference of Montana held the Annual Conference twice at Ollie. The Christian Endeavor, the young people's branch of U.B., held its General Conference there, too.

After the boys came home from World War I an active American Legion Club was formed. Service Men of the First World War were: Orrie Carter, George Abrams, Harry Abrams and Roy and Walter Johnson who were casualties or died in camp of the 1918 flu. There were many boys who did come home. They were; Bert Slater, Glen Slater, Charles Shepherd, Norman Rost, Christ Sherva, Rudolph Lutts, Warren Nash and Hubert Lawson.

Mr. and Mrs. Severin Johnson, blacksmith at Ollie, Montana in the early days, picture loaned by Mrs. Henning Steen.

Businesses in the town were: The Toggery (men's clothing), Goodyear Millinery and Ladie's Wear, The Ollie Enterprise (a newspaper), Charles B. Roger's General Store, a blacksmith shop, livery bam, dray line, Tatley Implement, McClure's Short Order and Laundry, a drug store, pool hall, Hirz's Rooms and Meals, and an ice house where ice was stored in the winter and sold during the summer months. At different times there were cream stations operated by Troy Beach, Charles Shepherd, Charles Turner and others. Osgood Campbell and Johnnie Dilley were contract builders for most of the town.

As cars became used more and more, a garage was opened by Parker Greiner and Campbell in the former Mandan Lumber building. They also sold Whippet Cars and then later they sold Fords.

An accredited high school with full four-year courses functioned for many years.

There were two bakery shops.

This is an incomplete story of another Ghost Town of Montana whose people were always glad to say they had lived in Ollie. The cemetery is still maintained on top of a gently sloping hill with a beautiful view in all directions.

FIRES OF OLLIE

By Dessa Prouty Shepherd

In rolling back over the years it seems we had a lot of fires in Ollie. There was no fire fighting equipment and not much water to fight fires with. The water had to be hauled from a creek 1 1/2 miles away.

About midnight in August 1919, a fire started in the Pool Hall and burned the Pool Hall, Ollie State Bank, The Barber Shop, C. B. Roger's store, Beck's store and Black's Drug Store to the ground. The Toggery, C. 0. Brady's store and house were saved from the fire by soaking quilts and blankets in water and hanging them over the edges of the buildings.

Later the Occident Elevator burned to the ground, and in 1934 the first hall of the 1OOF (Odd Fellows) burned.

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Then the Farmers Union Oil Company building, along with the Bryson's Confectionery, Watkins Products Store and Christ Sherva's Garage were destroyed by fire.

In March of 1953 Percy Bryson carried out the ashes on a windy day and some of the live coals blew under the back steps and started to burn. Percy rushed to the creek in back of the house to get some water to put out the fire. When he got back to the house with the water he dropped dead. Mrs. Bryson had the fire out by the time he got back.

These fires nearly ruined the town of Ollie. Now there is no town left. By 1955 nearly all the buildings that were left had been moved out. Most of them were moved to Baker.

The Odd Fellows Hall, The Ollie State Bank and the Occident Elevator were rebuilt after the fires.

HISTORY OF ODD FELLOW LODGE #126 OF OLLIE, MONTANA

Written in 1954 by Charles F. Shepherd

Golden Star Lodge #126 was organized in August 1917. It was the greatest single thing that ever happened in Ollie. Golden Star was known state wide and brought many people to Ollie, socially and otherwise. The Lodge and the U.B. Church were the hub of Ollie social life for many years.

At the first initiation a team from all over eastern Montana initiated and gave first degree to 74 members.

The Charter members were Ray Sutton, Bill Abrams, E. E. Orton, C. 0. Brady, George West, Leander Geving, William Swanbro, J. K. Tatley and G. E. Zollinger. Leander Geving was first Noble Grand, C. 0. Brady was first V.G., Archie Slater was the first secretary. It was his idea to furnish cigars for all members for the first meeting. The lodge really had a nice bank account and Archie wanted to help spend it.

The lodge soon acquired the Ollie Opera House and that was where they held their meetings and social functions, including basketball, until it burned down some years later.

It was a going organization from the start and new members were taken in right along. I think we reached the eighty membership mark and were cited by the Grand Lodge of the State of Montana for our progressiveness. Of course we lost some members but after ten years were holding right at the fifty mark, a very remarkable membership for a town the size of Ollie.

We met every Monday night at eight P.M. sharp and George West, who believed in promptness in organizations, was there to see to it that we were not one minute late. C. B. Young, our cook and live wire member, was right along with him.

Our motto was, "On the dot and if not present it's your hard luck. You can't get in without the pass word."

All through the twenties to thirties period the lodge prospered. We had picnics, dances, rabbit hunts, card parties and what not.

First roundup of rabbits, 10 OF Lodge Ollie, Montana, 1928, picture loaned by Bert Hudson.

When we had a rabbit hunt we would choose up sides and the losing side had to furnish an oyster supper for the lodge members and their families. In 1928 we sold the rabbits to the Dickinson Iron and Metal Company with George Massed, proprietor and Fred Brown as agent. Sometimes the rabbits were skinned out and we sold the skins. One time they were taken out into the country for hog feed.

On one occasion in Gudsoss Grove, three miles south of Ollie, the Lodge furnished free ice cream and lemonade and coffee. This cost the lodge $75.00. We had foot races, ball games, horseshoes and a speaker from Ekalaka, Lawyer Sheldon. I think, in the least, we put on a good spread as I was chairman of the picnic committee.

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During the thirties and forties period we lost members, getting down to about thirty, and let me say that P. E. Bryson was one outstanding member, traveling with his Watkins Wagon, he picked up dues that otherwise we would never get.

S. E. Zollinger was #1 by far the best man we ever had. He had all his parts verbatim and was very sincere. His greatest delight was to see the members put on acceptable degree work 9nd live up to the principles of Friendship, Love and Truth.

C. H. Howard, John Stromme and I made several trips each to the Grand Lodge of Montana as representatives of our local order. At one time I held an office in the Grand Lodge. J was the only one to have that honor from Ollie.

Period 1940-1950 the lodge membership was down to about twenty-five. We put on a drive and netted eighteen new members and added two more later on making a total of twenty. This boosted our ego and things were going strong again. We sponsored more whist parties, the baseball team and motion pictures.

The Opera House burned in the thirties. We put $800.00 into the purchase of the Herz, at that time the Hoverson, building and with all free labor, excepting for the mason helper in the basement, moved the building to its present location, put in maple flooring and converted it into a basketball hall for the high school and independent teams.

Floyd Richert played many games in that building. He was our preacher at the U.B. Church from 1928 to 1941.

About 1955 or '58 the lodge was discontinued and the membership taken to Ekalaka. The hall was sold to Francis Madler.

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Plevna, Montana

Plevna, Montana, 1915, picture loaned by Mrs. Madge Wilson.

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EARLY DAYS OF PLEVNA, MONTANA

Taken from the Plevna Golden Jubilee Book printed in 1959

The name Plevna in the Russian language means "City of Churches". At one time Plevna had six churches.

The first building that was erected in Plevna after the coming of the Milwaukee Railroad was built by Herbert Collin. He also established the first Post Office, Mercantile store and Bank.

Mr. George J. Buergi published The Plevna Herald, and acted as Justice of Peace.

Vic Himsl was known as the Father of Plevna. He served as Senator from Fallon County and was known as a big game hunter.

The Borgerding State Bank was incorporated in 1914 and was later called the First State Bank of Plevna, with Dr. P. A. Hilbert president, A.C. Mikalson vice president, V.S. Himsl cashier and Miss A.M. Engles assistant cashier.

Isabelle Dugan and son, Kenneth, 1915. The Dugans ran a store in Plevna, Kenneth was the 100th person in Plevna. Picture loaned by Mrs. Madge Wilson.

A. C. Mikalson built a store in 1914 which was later operated by Mrs. Albert Hepperle.

Jim Pepper was one of the first County Commissioners of Fallon County for the Plevna district.

Bernard May opened up a meat market and was known for his good German sausages.

Ole Hoffman opened the first garage in Plevna. He was quite a character and horse trader. He would go back to Holland at times and he always brought back quite a number of diamonds. Fire destroyed the building in 1940.

The two livery barns were owned on the West Side by Harrington and Clark and on the East Side by Frank Riley. The former was torn down and the latter was destroyed by fire.

The store building later owned by Nick Wellenstein was built by Bob Anderson of Ismay. Jacob Ridgway had a bar in this building until the U.S. went "dry", at which time Robert O'Brien opened a Hardware Store there.

Train wreck at Pleuna, Montana, 1916, picture loaned by Lucille Riley.

Walter Plath was the first Depot Agent in Plevna. He organized a good band and in later years led the Terry Cowboy Band. He also organized the first baseball team at Plevna.

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Grant Stark opened the first drug store and Dick Bonter operated the second one on the west side of the street. The Bonter drug store was purchased by Ed Lentz and he in turned sold to Ed Lawler who sold out to William Stoddard and moved to Baker.

Originally there were two bars in Plevna. One was operated by O'Brien and Rabe and the other one was owned by Ed. Jackson.

Plevna also boasted two drays. One was operated by Bert James and the other was run by Jack Doyle. Jack also hauled all the water for the town as there wasn't any water line until 1946, and of course the patrons were always running out of water. He also took care of the Town Hall which was built in 1917. This hall at one time was considered one of the largest dance halls in Western North Dakota and Eastern Montana. Jack also acted as Town Marshall of Plevna.

One of the original barbers was E. L. Jackson. Later C. A. Dunham took over and operated the only barbershop for many years. He was active especially in school, having been clerk of the school board for many years. He was responsible for town plays of which he, Miss Anna Engles and Leo Riddle were usually the stars. Mr. Dunham was also mayor of Plevna.

Lee Biffle, we believe, was the only legal policeman and for a few years. Plevna did possess a jail, but for many years now Plevna has not had a jail.

Letta Conser was the first postmaster and a Dr. Baskett was one of the first doctors. Dr. Blakemore was in Plevna for a while but then he moved to Baker.

William Baker built the first harness shop in Plevna but when modern machinery came along he closed down.

The first blacksmith in Plevna was Mr. Silvernale and then John Howe built the first blacksmith shop and a new house.

The first Cream Station was operated by Adolph Mehlhoff which was, in later years, taken over by Phil Huber who was also the manager of the Farmer's Elevator. The Cream Station part of the business was discontinued when Homer French built a new creamery in Baker. Phil Huber owned the Calumet Hall which was on his farm south of Plevna. Many of the old timers will remember the good country dances that were held there.

The swimming pool was started in 1935 with donated labor and materials. The Town Hall, as it now stands, was built somewhat the same way. The town paid for the main building and the Ladies' Booster Club shouldered the task of paying for the kitchen and dining hall, by giving suppers and dances.

Mrs. Joe Ballinger built the rooming house which is now operated by Mrs. Rudi Hoenke.

At the time the town was built there was no decent drinking water. A few shallow wells were dug but the water was not fit to drink, so the Milwaukee Railroad brought in water in tanks. In the latter part of 1916, the school board along with the businessmen undertook the financing of drilling a well. The first well was completed in February of 1917. No pipes were laid so Jack Doyle hauled water to those consumers having water tanks.

The first telephone office was installed and the first lines strung in 1912. This was a joint project between the business men of Plevna and some business men of Ekalaka. Finally the lines were bought by G. E. Wilson. He also started the first electric light plant in the town.

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Plevna Churches

Invitation to the dedication of the New Peace Lutheran Church of Plevna, Montana, 1952.

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THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PLEVNA

The First Baptist Church was organized November 25, 1917. The first meeting was held in the Plevna schoolhouse. Mr. Ludwig Bechtold was elected deacon and Mr. Fred Quenzer was elected as church clerk. The Reverend H. P. Kayser was the organizing pastor with eight members present. A new church building was erected in 1919 and enlarged in 1939. In 1953 a new parsonage was built on the church grounds and in 1958-1959 a beautiful building was erected to the Glory of God.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF PLEVNA

The original Catholic Church was built in 1914. Up to that time services were held by Father Carrol, who came from Wibaux and Father Leahv, who came from Miles Citv. The contract for the church amounted to $500.00. The first altars were furnished by Otto Meyer and Ed Herde. These were shipped in from Wisconsin. The Parish house was built in 1918. The first resident priest was the Reverend J. B. Moskopp. The first trustees were V. S. Himsl, John Weinschrott and Peter J. Herbst.

EMANUEL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PLEVNA

This church was organized on November 19, 1911 by the Reverend Seil and the Reverend Reiman. There were eight families present at the organizational meeting. The officers elected were Andrew Wenz, Sr. deacon, John Wenz treasurer and John Fried school superintendent. The first parsonage was built in 1917. In 1927 the Emanuel Church built a new church building and in 1951 a new parsonage was built. In 1958-1959 the church was moved south of the parsonage and remodeled and a new educational unit was added.

HISTORY OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Plevna, Montana

In the first two decades of this century, southeastern Montana was settled by homesteaders. This area, one of the last in the country to know the rush of homesteaders, included the area around the present village of Plevna, Montana.

Predominant among those who came to homestead were German-Russians, people whose ancestors had gone from Germany to prove that the Russian steppes could be made productive. Now these people had a new challenge-the dryland, northern Great Plains. After stopping for help and guidance at the homes of friends or relatives in South Dakota, these people pushed on west to obtain land of their own. Thus was Plevna begun, a stop on the Milwaukee Railroad, a debarkation point for families in search of land.

As their ancestors had brought the church to Russia and maintained it, so the church came to Plevna. As early as 1910, Lutheran pastors from Scranton, North Dakota visited Plevna to conduct worship services and administer the sacraments in the homes of Lutheran families. The home of Joseph Markwardt was one of these frequently used. In 1914, on April 26, the congregation was officially organized with Philip Janz, Juluis Zerbst and Joseph Markwardt as first trustees. Worship services were held in the schoolhouse with Pastor William Gevers coming from Scranton to serve the congregation. A year later a church building was constructed. Among the family names prominent in the beginning years of the church were Bergmann, Bolinger, Buchholz, Disterheft, Drews, Koenig, Janz, Lund, Markwardt, Mehloff, Ohlrich, Schimmel and Zerbst.

As the years passed, it became clear that families could not be supported on a half-section of land. Many families moved; the early roster of church membership changed drastically. From a baptized membership in 1917 of 117, there were only 56 remaining in 1923. From that time on the membership total remained fairly stable, but the old names began disappearing and new members were added. Communion records began to show names now familiar in the membership: Ehret (1917), Hoenke (1917), Leischner (1925), Bohle (1927), Pinnow (1927), Christman (1927), Schweigert (1928), Quincer (1935), Schuetzle (1936), Ketterling (1949), Rieger (1950), Duneman (1952), Ellingson (1952), Wiseman (1953), Petersohn (1954), Schell (1954).

During these years there were frequent changes of pastors. Sometimes the pastor was resident in Plevna; more often, pastoral services were shared with the congregations in Fallon and Marsh.

In 1965, the congregation decided to call an Intern. We have had several since and each has served the congregation for one year before leaving to complete his schooling. Our Interns and their wives were fine young couples who added a great deal to the church. They worked hard to have a choir whenever possible, to maintain an active Luther League, and to conduct both adult and junior confirmation classes. They also attended the district conventions.

Pastor Earl Barnard from Baker helped to sponsor these Interns and has been a great help to them throughout their year here with us. He has performed marriage and funeral services and baptized many of our young. We appreciate all he did for us.

In the years when Peace Lutheran was served from Fallon, it was possible for the pastor to come only every third week. Often services were held in the intervening weeks with laymen conducting the service and preaching the sermon. Memory recalls several who did this: Gottlieb Ehret, Phillip Janz, Adolph Janz, Peter Christman, Ervin Ehret, John Schueffle.

With the congregation predominantly German in membership, services were conducted in both English and German if the pastor was able to do so. German services were a rarity.

In the late 1940's the church began to grow substantially in membership. In 1941, there were 56 confirmed members, and by 1953 this had grown to 86. It became apparent that the church building was no longer large enough, so in 1950-52 the church was substantially rebuilt; a new basement was made and the church was lengthened to nearly twice its former size. Dedication services were held July 6, 1952.

Several parsonages were used through the years. A small building on the same lot as the church served several single men who came as pastors. Sometimes a house was rented for the pastor. In 1955, the church members purchased the present parsonage.

The women have also done their part. They have had dinners to honor the confirmation classes, to welcome our new pastors and for funeral services. The ladies have also helped by having bake sales, and lunches at the Baker Sales Auction, to raise money for special church needs. They were a big help in all the painting and cleaning necessary. The ladies honor silver and gold wedding anniversaries with a special get-together and a gift from the group. They hold regular meetings once a month.

When Peace Lutheran Church was organized, it established affiliation with the joint synod of Ohio and other states. This synodical tie has remained although since that time several mergers have changed the name. Current membership is in the Southeast Montana Conference of the Rocky Mountain District of the American Lutheran Church. Our church means a lot to us and we thank God for the many blessings we have received.

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Webster

The Robert Normen family of Webster, picture loaned by Mrs. Harry Hanson.

Hans Hanson at the first Webster store and post office, picture loaned by Mrs. Harry Hanson.

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WEBSTER

An elderly couple by the name of Webster, homesteaded and started the Webster Post Office and store. It was a two-story building with the dance hall upstairs. There were many good times and much fun in that hall. Anyone could rent the hall for a dance or a card party. Some times a dance was given to help some poor family.

The Websters sold out to John Shiskowsky and several years later John sold out to Kerney Rice. The town of Webster was started there. At one time there must have been about six houses and a Catholic Church. Preachers of other denominations held services upstairs in the hall. Then hard times came with 6 or 7 years drought. People sold out, the houses were moved away and the store itself was moved away to a place called Four Corners.

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Westmore

First buildings in Westmore, Montana, 1909, now a ghost town, picture loaned by Ernie Herbst.

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Map of Westmore, Montana

1920-1925, drawn by John Willman. Nothing left at Westmore, 1973

1. Stockyards

2. Farmers' Elevator

3. Columbia Elevator

4. Midland Coal & Lumber Co.

5. Earl Clark

6. Section House

7. Depot

8. Blacksmith Shop (Charles Fenner)

9. Bank

10. Primo's Restaurant

11. Al Honstain's Saloon & Hotel

12. Henry Hahn Grocery

13. Benjamin Dierckman Implement House

14. A. C. Long Store

15. Otto Stockfisch Residence

16. Honstain Residence

17. Post Office

18. Parsonage

19. Congregational Church

20. Residence

21. Livery Barn

22. Hahn Residence (now Dietz)

23. School

24. Harper Residence (Depot Agent)

25. A. C. Long Residence

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Willard

Willard, Montana, 1911 picture loaned by William Bergstrom.

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WILLARD-The Birth of a Community

by Marion Fost Hanson

"Go West Young Man, Go West"

Montana was opening up for homesteaders in 1909. The Chicago-Milwaukee Railroad was completed part way into Montana by 1908. A group of 22 men and women around Murdock, Minnesota had heard the word while attending a gathering in their community. A Railroad Promoter from Wilmar, Minnesota came to the community with the information on "Going West". On the first of April, 1909, several of the men came out to eastern Montana, located and went back. Albert Fost was one who gathered enough supplies for an Emigrant Car. The Minnesota people went south of Baker about 13 miles past the gumbo land to the fertile grassland. This land was part of Custer County at the time. Miles City was the county seat. The county was later divided and Fallon County was created with Ekalaka as the county seat. The reason for the forming of a new county was that many. folks found that it was too far to go to take care of their taxes and other business. Ted Bergstrom from this community was appointed along with others from Baker, Ekalaka and Plevna to set up a county seat and in the long run, in 1914, a group of men went to Ekalaka and brought the records and Baker became the county seat. There was a "hot time" doing it with friction at first. Many of the local people went to Baker that night to celebrate. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Fost had traveled in a wagon and were invited to spend the night with the Dick Johnsons. An organization of the county, elections and laying out of districts was necessary.

Inside the home of Elmer and Matilda [Roget] Anderson, early settlers of the Willard community, her sister, Ella Roget and brother, Ole Roget on the left. All were musical; the wall of the Anderson home reflected his love of music and also his picture taking ability. Photo loaned by Mrs. Harry Hanson.

Freighting grain in 1920, taken in front of Ted Bergstrom's home. Mr. Witts, the driver, later moved to Wisconsin, picture loaned by Mrs. William Bergstrom.

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There were very few children as most of the settlers were single. Social life centered around the shanties playing cards and music. Several had quite a flare for the guitar and violin. When the weather was nice the stove and the furniture were set outside and dancing prevailed. Picnics were held in the gulches at cherry picking time, fishing on Little Beaver Creek or O'Fallon Creek, or dancing at Medicine Rocks where a platform was laid up for the Fourth of July. Dances were the entertainment. Travel was by buggy or wagon but the distances were never considered too far. Lots of home cooking was enjoyed. Church was held when a traveling minister came out.

In 1909 Fred Anderson, one of the original boys from Minnesota, and a guy with a business education decided that since there was a distance of thirteen miles to Baker and since he was on the direct route to Ekalaka from Baker by stage, he would apply for a post office permit.

He sent his middle name, Willard, for the name of the post office as there was already a post office by the name of Anderson. His application was accepted. He had a two-room home since he was one of the few married men. The first post office boxes were in his bedroom. He proceeded to add groceries and other merchandise and set up a store. Here much of the plans for community gatherings were organized. Mr. Anderson also donated an acre of land for a cemetery. Only a few are buried there.

Stage coach and mail in front of the Willard Post Office, 1910, picture loaned by William Bergstron.

In 1915 after Fallon County was straightened out, the people from Baker came out to Willard and met with the folks to instigate the building of a community hall. They offered to furnish the money for the lumber and some help if the local men would take their wagons into town and pick up the lumber. Henry Beckman was hired as the main carpenter and each farmer took time to help with the work. William Moscrip insisted that a good hard wood floor be put in for dances but otherwise the building was just a shell with four windows at each side and doors on the south and east. The building was 40 by 60 feet and was put on land donated by William Moscrip. In the early years lanterns were the only means of lighting. Few evening meetings were held but many dances prevailed with local people taking turns with lunches, selling tickets, and with the cleanup chores. A community club was organized, and the Ted Bergstroms, the Albert Fosts, the William Moscrips and the Elmer Andersons held it together for many years.

Wesleyan Methodist Church held at Willard Hall, 1918, members were: the Shreves, Noftskers, Cates, Fred Anderson, Kreager and Enos.

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American Lutheran Church Services, 1916, held at the Lunder School House, members: Gregersons, Lunders, A. Fosts, E. Andersons, H. H. Hansons, Myhres, Molstads, C. Andersons and Strommons, picture loaned by Mrs. Harry Hanson.

The Lutheran and the Wesleyan Methodist Churches held services on alternating Sundays at the hall. The first session of school was held in the hall where it was kept until the Willard School was built across the road from it in 1917.

Ladies during World War I met at the hall and did much sewing with each bringing her own sewing machine. Dinners were served with babies and husbands sometimes in attendance.

J. 0. Hembre was the first County Agent. He organized a Homemakers Club and 4-H Clubs in the community in 1924. The ladies learned to can and use their pressure cookers. The 4-H had a program of canning, cooking and sewing. Mr. Ted Bergstrom and Mrs. Albert Fost led the first club, their daughters being members.

Improved grass and forage crops were being planted along with shelterbelts. J. 0. Hembre organized a tour and in 1924 touring cars made stops at the Nels Lees, William Steig and Albert Fost homes in this community.

Political rallies, turkey shoots, wrestling, baseball and horseshoe playing were early day gatherings at the hall.

Mrs. Henry Stenerson, who had a way with young folks, organized Summer Bible School for all children of the community. She was also asked to direct community plays. During the thirties a group of over three dozen young folks organized a club called the TNT Club. It was for social fun and to help with community affairs. Mrs. Stenerson directed several plays for them. Mrs. William Moscrip directed round dancing for the young folks through the years.

Willard team in the 30's, back row: Tom Eilek, Leonard Bergstrom, Bob Eilek, Reuben Myhre, John Bergstrom. Bottom Row: Herbert Bechtold, Edwin Nelsen, Sanford Myhre, Harry Hanson. Many dances were given to secure uniforms. Music was often supplied by Walter Schorsch, Walter Sering, Millie Lee, Clarence Myhre and others with musical ability. Plays and box socials were held.

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A ball team was formed and the team drove to several other communities to play ball.

For a dollar a "guy" could take his girl to a dance and also feed her. Most times the Willard Hall had a crowd of two to three hundred.

Austin Munday- William Beck- Harry Hanson

The Second World War came along and many of the young men had to go to war. A few who had been in the Civil Conservation Corps were called to the Service.

A few years previous to the 40's drought forced many to sell their land and move. Social life in the community was at a low ebb. The hall now was in disrepair. The Willard Store was now owned by the Farmers Union Co-op and social organizations took on the project of restoring the hall. John McPhee, manager, and with Harry Hanson organized public dances. A community auction was held and with the money earned, a new floor was laid. The inside was finished and new paint was put on the outside. Teachers and school children had many plays, Halloween Parties, Easter Egg Hunts, pot luck suppers, carnivals and Christmas parties in the hall. A propane-hanging heater was installed and with this many evenings were spent watching movies shown by the county agent. The Homemakers and 4-H clubs had reorganized and many community suppers, card parties and home talent plays, with Mrs. Frances Sikorski directing, were given.

The third generation of the fifties were now in grade school and enjoying the same entertainment at the hall as two generations before them had.

The Korean War was on and families were reporting airplane movements to the Government. Farming and ranching were making a comeback after a shortage of machinery and supplies. Young boys, back from war, were making homes, some of them with new brides from other countries.

Social life was carried on with more suppers and a series of whist parties during the winters. The younger generation with their cars and the shows in town cared less for dancing. Country schools closed for the lack of pupils or lack of good teachers.

Bringing in the 70's school buses are in. Young men completing their service are coming home. Trailer homes are being set up on the family farm. Most of the older folks plan to retire and live where they have been and let the younger folks take over.

Yes! The community will still be thriving with the young people in charge. The hall has again been repaired and future growth of a new generation will be making history.

Fred Anderson was the postmaster at Willard until 1926. He sold out to Charles Anderson, who moved the business and post office one and a half miles south on the new Baker-Ekalaka Highway. The Fred Andersons moved back to Minnesota. With more cars the Charles Andersons sold bulk gas and with more traffic on the new highway business increased. After the Farmers Union Oil Company bought out the private business Henry Stenerson, Lester Wolenetz, Bernard Martin, John McPhee came during the 40's as managers. There was again a change in the Baker-Ekalaka Highway and again the store and post office were moved and this time by the Willard Hall and School. Succeeding postmasters were Glen Tucker, Mrs. Harrington, Eddie Cook and in 1949 the Co-op sold the business to Harry and Marion Hanson. They run the country store and Mrs. Hanson became the tenth postmaster. She has put in 24 years (1973) at the job.

Randal and Russel Hanson in front of the Willard Store and Post Office, 1959, photo by Mrs. Harry Hanson.

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Flashbacks

On the Breeze

Excerpts From The Fallon County Times

August 3, 1944

-Some one reports he has Hollyhocks ten feet high. Has any one any higher?

Grasshoppers have popped up by the millions and doing a lot of damage to gardens despite the luxurious stands of clover and weeds here and there that they could have with everybody's blessings.

July 29, 1943

-Milwaukee Railroad's new Olympian, Hiawatha Speedliner to begin service July 29, 1947.

June 19, 1947

-Quads born to the Ed Randashes of Baker on June 16, 1947.

July 29, 1943

-Speaking of hail storms-Mrs. H. S. Proctor informs us that their apple tree, which was entirely stripped of leaves by the hail storm, has blossomed out again, so it is now bearing apples and new blossoms and leaves. How's that for Montana?

August 17,1944

-Jack Guth, the famous "Steer Montana" man, was in town for the circus. He says Baker is one of the best show towns there is.

August 8, 1943

- Mrs. Okes Ames of Lafayette, Oregon, prominent Fertile Prairie matron will observe her 79th birthday July 16. She sends greetings to her many old time friends here.

June 23, 1944

-Strawberries which require a great deal of water, are doing well this season in this locality. A number of folks have reported they are eating shortcake with homegrown berries.

George Grainger's garden is something to talk about, but the lovely Peonies on view in the Grainger's Cafe grew out at the Albert Fost farm. They are every color-large and beautiful.

August 3,1944

-Mrs. J. A. Berge does not enjoy her flower garden as much now as she did before Monday, for that day she found a "rattler" wrapped around the flowers. Her husband, The Reverend Berge, quickly disposed of it.

August 10, 1944

-Seeing snakes is becoming a general but far from popular pastime. Mrs. W. H. Blakemore recently killed a baby rattler in her yard and thinks its mama, brothers and sisters may be in the vicinity and kiddies had better be careful.

July 6, 1944

-Watch out for rattlers. On Sunday evening some children playing between Grandma Shreve's house and A. W. Cate's ran across a rattler and killed it. The venomous reptile had eight rattles on its tail.

July 27, 1944

-Snakes are showing up at all kinds of places and at all kinds of times. A road crew north of Baker had to change camp on account of rattlers. The men killed fifteen rattlers at the first camp.

A well known nervous fellow, who not so long ago, moved to Cabin Creek to work at the M.D.U. booster plant, went out in the garden to pick beans for his wife. As he bent over one bean hill, a rattler coiled up and looked back at him. The bean picker gave a yelp and didn't pause for breath until he reached the house and then he gulped " My - I almost bit a rattler.

ASH CREEK LAMB LICKER

by Oscar Keener

May 15, 1947

-There was a mangy coyote or coyotes who went in the Eurica School and shot the pictures of George Washington and Honest Abe, the clock, ink wells and windows. Some mother called him darling one day, but if she had knocked him in the head and fed the milk to a good pig, she would have had something she would have been proud of.

Every School Marro that has taught school at Carlyle for the last 18 years, except one, has got married. They board at Sparrow Stuarts and listen to his chatter. They are like an old balloon tire. They will pick up anything.

June 26,1947

Anybody that didn't like last night's rain should be sent back to Ireland. You all know, we have the best country in the world. A few years back we had the biggest steer in the world, we have the biggest gas field in the world, and now here is Ed Randash with quadruplets- I challenge the world to beat that.

July 3, 1947

-There was a school meeting at Melcher's last night. Everything went smoothly and no black eyes.

July 17,1947

-John Sartz called at Melcher's last night looking for a Guernsey cow for his mother. She is fine and is 82. There aren't many women 82 years old that want a milk cow.

August 28,1947

-There were about 3,000 people at the Fairgrounds. That is good for this country where neighbors are three miles apart.

September 11, 1947

-The boys of 47 never look for a girl's brain until they have seen everything else.

Murry Melcher got bit by a rattler while shocking grain, but Melcher's leg was so long and skinny that the rattle snake broke both fangs and got the insides trampled out of him. Didn't do much damage to Melch6r.

October 30, 1947

-Vergil Moline has a new well close to his home and on a hill so Vergil will have down hill to carry water. Vergil's head is working.

November 13, 1947

-Mrs. Melcher and Mrs. Vergil Moline both have new oil burning cook stoves and they are two happy girls. Their com bread tastes like Angel Food Cake.

November 20, 1947

- Leo Garoski keeps the roads so hot with that new red pickup that there is no snow left on them.

December 25, 1947

-Wayne Moline says the Baker Girls like to "neck" better than the Rattlesnake Road girls do. Will someone tell me why people go chasing all over Hades, looking for a nice place to spend the winter when they can stay right here in Eastern Montana in the Balmy Belt at Baker.

A Big Let Down

I dreamed death came last night

And Heaven's gate swung wide

With kindly grace an Angel came

And ushered me inside

And there to my astonishment

Stood folke I'd known on earth

Some I'd judged and called unfit

And some of little worth

Indignant words rose to my lips

But never were set free

For every face showed stunned surprise

No one expected me

Poem found in an old Bible of an Aunt of Cecil Combrink's.

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LOCAL PRETTIES

by Carol Karch

Of the hundreds of flowering plants that grow in this area we can show such a few. Most of these were used by the Indians and Pioneers. However, before using any plant for food purposes it would be wise to be absolutely positive of its identity. Poisonous ones also bloom and are pretty. Many wild flowers do not grow on soil that has been cultivated, but will abound in rocky virgin sod.

175 -A. Yucca, Soapweed Yucca glauca Lily Family

Indians used the root as a shampoo or soap for clothes. In some wedding ceremonies great bowls of suds were prepared for the bride and groom to wash each others hair. Leaf fibers furnished ropes, mats, brooms, needle and thread.

176 - B. Crocus, Pasque Flower A nemone patens Buttercup Family

Because it blooms so early the Indians revered the crocus offering a special song to it. The leaves appear after the flower has faded. They were crushed and applied as a remedy for rheumatism until blisters appeared. Many a homestead shack was brightened with these first blooms of spring.

177 - C. Purple Coneflower, Black Sampson Echinacea angustifolia Composite Family

This was a cure for numerous ailments. The root was used for toothaches, swollen glands, mumps, snake bites, bums, distemper in horses and in the smoke treatment. Even homesteaders relieved their aching choppers.

178-D. Wild Rose Rosa woodsii Rose Family

Its fragrance draws you to enjoy its beauty and usefulness. Rose tea was made from the leaves. A tea for colds was brewed from the roots. Inner bark could be used for smoking tobacco or a yellow dye. Fresh rose galls were put on boils. Rose hips kept many a wanderer from starving. Jams and jellies can be made from them.

179 - E. Sego or Mariposa Lily Calochortus nuttallii Lily Family

Spaniards thought the flower looked like a gay butterfly and called it "Mariposa". "Sego" is of Shoshonean origin. The bulb at the base of the plant was eaten raw or cooked by both Indians and pioneers. When boiled it is supposed to taste like potatoes.

180-F. Showy Milkweed Asclepias speciosa Milkweed Family

At any stage of growth milkweed was usable. Young shoots, buds and flower pods could be eaten. The juice of older plants would draw out poison from snake bites and sores on horses' backs. It also made chewing gum. The downy seeds made wonderful padding for the papoose in his cradle board. Pioneers stuffed pillows and mattresses with them.

181 - G. Mountain Star Lily Leucocrinum montanum Lily Family

Apparently this flower had no particular food or medicinal value. But its pure beauty thrilled the pioneers' hearts. They called it the "Star of Bethlehem". It can be grown in your garden.

182 - H. Spiderwort Tradescantia occidentalis Spiderwort Family

As a flower for love it was highly esteemed by the Sioux. When seeing it in bloom the brave sang a love song for the maid of his dreams. The stems were used as potherbs.

183-1. Gumbo Lily Oenothera caespitosa Evening Primrose Family

Prairie Indians cooked the tap roots for food. They also made a cough medicine from the roots.

184-J. Salsify Tragopogon dubius Composite Family

Like dandelions the salsify is good eating as greens or the wholesome root. The juice coagulated was a remedy for indigestion. Seed heads gathered and sprayed at the right time make lovely winter bouquets.

185-K. Tipsin, Breadroot, Indian Turnip Psoralea esculenta Pea Family

This plant was a staple for both Indians, trappers and pioneers. The peeled root could be eaten raw or cooked. In late June or early July Indian women and children gathered roots to dry for the winter food supply.

186-L. Prickly Pear Opuntia polycantha Cactus Family

How about a cactus stew? If you were hungry it might taste good. The peeled fruits of prickly pear can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. If desperate, eat the stems after removing the spines. Peeled stems can be bound on wounds for a dressing. A mucilage made from the juice fixed colors on hides or receptacles.

187-M. ChokecherryPrunus virginiana Rose Family

"The Month when Cherries Are Ripe" or "Blackcherry Moon" was the time when the Indians gathered chokecherries to eat fresh or to dry for winter's use. "Wasna", a type of pemmican, made from the crushed, dried cherry (with pit), mixed with pounded, dried buffalo meat and fat was the warrior's K ration. Red dye was made from the juice -yellow from the inner bark or branches. Trappers removed scent from traps by washing them in water from the boiled bark. Even today we gather the cherries for jams, jellies and pancake syrup.

188-N. Arrowleaf, Arrowhead, Duckpotato Sagittaria cuneata Waterplantain Family

Growing in shallow water it furnishes food for waterfowl. The tubers down in the mud are edible and when boiled or roasted taste like Irish potatoes.

189-0. Buffalo Berry Shepherdia argentea Oleaster Family

The fruits are very tart until after the first frost. Early settlers used to lay a tarp or sheet under the bushes and beating them shook off the berries. Sharp spines on the branches make hand picking hazardous. Excellent jam, jelly and even pie can be made. The Indians dried them for the winter.

Sources of information:

Booth & Wright-Flora of Montana, Part 11 Booth-Flora of Montana, Part I

Stevens- Handbook of North Dakota Plants

Staudinger- Wildflowers of Theodore Roosevelt National Memorial Park

Van Bruggen- Wildflowers of the Northern Plains and Black Hills

Gillmore-Uses of Plants by the Indians of Missouri River

Region

Reed & Stetler-Uses of Native Plants by Nevada Indians

Reiner- Flowering Beauty of Glacier National Park and the Majestic High Rockies

Craighead & Craighead-A Field Guide to Rocky Mountain Wildflowers

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