Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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A desire to bring the local artists together and furnish a place where they could work and paint their visions, led to the creation of the "Painters In The Potting Shed." (PIPS) Janet Chapman approached Patsy Jensen about using her potting shed and the idea soon became a reality. This local art group meets once a week in the fall and winter and shares their creative ideas. Kerry Kraha joined forces with Michele Franich and Patsy Jensen and the first Jefferson Valley Fine Art Show became a...
“I’d be in this great mood and then, at the snap of a finger, it just rains all over your parade. But rain it also cleanses, it washes everything clean. You can start all over and make things right. And out of that…hopefully there’s growth.” These inspiring words were spoken by Michelle Cory during the third annual ‘Lights On’ concert on Thursday, May 23rd. Shelly, a resident at Liberty Place, then inspiringly performed the vocals to the song “Have You Ever Seen The Rain Coming Down” (written...
How did Whitehall come by its name? Who owned the first car in Whitehall? Who was the first woman elected to the National Congress who also taught school in Whitehall? These and many other questions are answered within the walls of the Jefferson Valley Museum. These answers and stories were shared with close to 600 curious friends this season. They came from over 30 cities within 25 states and Canada, Germany and India. They came to learn the story of that Smoke Stack that stands so serenely...
"I pledge my head to clearer thinking; my heart to greater loyalty; my hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world." This pledge is that of the 4-H Clubs around the world but it can also be said to be that of the leadership and volunteers that have run the Madison County Fair and Rodeo for the last 116 years. This Fair began in 1903 and continues to grow and develop encompassing 4-H, FFA, Open Class, Food Vendors, Rodeo events, and...
In 2015 Michele Franich and Kerry Kraha launched a dream of a Community Art Show and the first two person show was held. Soon Michelle Tebay was added to the roster which grew rapidly to 30 artists willing to share their view of the world. Today there are 70 artists on the list from the Jefferson Valley area. In the 2018 show, 30 artists were presented in all mediums from watercolors to oils to pastels to bronzes and on. Enthusiastically the originators stated they have been able to add the...
Dear gentle and kindly citizens of the township of Whitehall gather round for I have a tale to tell of vows and scheming and cunning and love. T'was a mellow day the day of the 28th of July when the wandering minstrels came to town. They came representing the outreach program of the school of Montana State University just over yon mountain. They came to town to tell the tale written so many years ago by William Shakespeare. This play which is said to have been transcribed around 1598 was for a...
Forty-one students from thirty different schools across the United States are taking part in the current Indiana University's summer Geology course, explained Bruce Douglas, the Academic Director. Indiana University has had a presence in the So. Boulder area for almost 70 years. Douglas has been part of that intrigue with the Northern Rocky Mountains geological diversity for 32 years. The rock history in this area spans 3.5 billion years; the limestone cliffs' history goes back 350 million...
"To encourage individuals with brain injuries to reach their highest level of independence and to enhance the quality of their lives by giving them the 'Freedom To Try!' is the Mission Statement of Liberty Place, Inc. Their Arts Program with David Parker (MT-BC) at the helm of the Liberty Arts Ensembles and Barbara Lien as the volunteer art instructor with full support and encouragement of Executive Director Ann Geiger is helping to realize that lofty goal. Geiger explained that there are three...
The stories held within the walls of the JV Museum were enhanced during the 2017 Season. Most recently a Broad Ax that had helped to build a barn at the 18 Mile in the early 1900s and once again in the 1930s helped to build a barn in Cardwell joined the many artifacts contained within this historic building. A 1924 Model Ford TT Truck has also been loaned to the museum by Dick Roberts. This joins the collection of the Surrey with the Fringe on Top, the 1907 I.H.C. Model A Autowagon, a 1928 Model... Full story
"Feed your babies onions so you can find them after dark!" Or, how about "Ho Ho Hey, Don't take my boat, I got's fishin' when I get to Hare Bay." The audience was singing, laughing and clapping! We had been asked to sing along by Bob Ringler and Friends (Barb Pearson and Lynda Brannon) and by Rock and Flower (Bruce Goebel and Debra Christiansen). It would have been rude to not sing along – right?!? The Music by the Caverns' final 2017 season event was soaring along on a high note. This season w... Full story
Editor's Note: This article will also be published in the August 30 edition of the Whitehall Ledger. Slowly dusk fell over the land and the temperature took a noticeable downward turn. To add a bit more intrigue, a slight breeze began to blow. As one, the heads of the eclipse viewers turned to the sky with their 'in' glasses or a box or a welder's mask adorning those heads. It had been a glorious morning wending slowly through the Jefferson Canyon spotting deer crossing the river and a few...
In 1905 Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney, formed the first Rotary Club. His thought was for "professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas, form meaningful, lifelong friendships and give back to their communities." For over 110 years these directives have been met. Now composed of more than 34,000 clubs, the organization is known as Rotary International. In 1934 the first Rotary Club in Whitehall was formed. Since that time they have been very active in providing scholarships,...
What makes you think that is an Ameraucana? What color egg does it lay? What type comb does it have? What are you training it to be? I must admit I was drawn to the crowd that was witnessing this questioning period as I began my wandering through the many exhibits and buildings at the Madison County Fair. Judge Vicky Stevenson of Ulm, MT., was teaching a chicken training class to young Clover Bud 4-H Members. She has been involved for over 40 years in 4-H and travels throughout the United...
It was a time of anguish. A time of soul searching. A time of 'Woe is me!" Finally, out of shear desperation, you pull in your pride, approach the person in question and ask "Just who are you?" And another Gab Fest is off and running! This is a weekend in July that Whitehall pulls out all the stops and hosts the Frontier Days Celebration. There are games and music and food, vendors and parades, fine arts and rods. To top it off, there are class reunions. This is a time for old friends to get...
Since 1949 Indiana University has maintained a geological station in the Tobacco Root Mountains because of the diverse geological setting found in Montana. The current Director is Bruce Douglas who has a PHD in Geology, has taught in this area for 31 years – 25 of which as the Academic Director and the last 3 years as the Director. He is quick to point out that it is because of the generosity of the local ranchers in allowing the students access onto their land that this program is so s...
The sun had just begun its orb illuminating 'Nature's Tapestry.' From the muted blue of the mountains, to the yellow, gold and green of the rolling fields, to the variegated greens of the trees, to a silver accent of the irrigation lines to a shining blue thread winding through the picture which was capped by the clear blue of the sky above only dotted with the back silhouettes of a gaggle of Canadian Snow Geese on their flight, this magnificent Montana tapestry surrounded the seeker as they...
Judge Alan Williams slammed down his gavel and admonished the prisoner to "Stay out of trouble in this town!" The prisoner had been arrested on Bannack's Main Street when he was recognized as a claim jumper. The Judge had several options – whipping – hanging – or, perhaps, the remittance of a gold piece. Finally the wife agreed and turned over the gold coin and the man went free and the court was dismissed. Since 1976, the registered historic landmark known as Bannack, has celebrated its 'wild...
Winding down through the Jefferson River Canyon is an inspiring drive. The magnificent rock formations, the river so high and mighty and the vegetation as it highlights each curve brings a 'moment' to the traveler – if they take the time to breathe it in. It had been one of those days but I was determined to make at least the last half of the Cavern Music Day at Lewis and Clark Caverns. The weather wasn't co-operating, but the covered Pavilion with a fire in the fireplace made up for that i...
The beginning words of a song written by Liberty Place musicians "Music takes me to a different state of mind. Makes me feel pumped, relaxed, helps me unwind." . . . . echoes the goal of the Liberty Place Musical Therapy Program. Three years ago Musical Therapist David Parker approached Liberty Place concerning a special Musical Therapy Program to which they agreed. Ann Geiger, the Executive Director, is excited about the program as she has a background in musical therapy also. This program incl...
The new signs in town herald the twenty-first season of the Jefferson Valley Museum. Since 1996 the historical building has shared the history of this area with the many visitors from the 50 States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Within these walls of one of the oldest buildings in Whitehall is held the story of the town, the valley and the people. These buildings and grounds were "rescued" by volunteers and are still lovingly maintained by volunteers. Even though the season is from Memorial Day...
It was an evening of glitz and glamour with a bit of tap and ballet and hand stands, splits, back bends and somersaults thrown in. It was the "Dancing Through the Decades" Dance and Tumbling Recital held at the Star Theatre on Thursday, May 18th. The Christensen School of Dance presented their students in a high energy program that had the audience entranced. The majority of the young dancers not only took on the intricate steps of ballet but took on the challenge of tap dancing. If that wasn't...
The cry went up "They're nine miles out!" A hum of enthusiasm grew from the townspeople who had gathered to welcome the over 100 motorcycle riders who were taking part in the 23rd annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride. The riders who hailed from California, Texas, New York, Iowa and Colorado among many other states began in Portland, Oregon and will end up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday. They ride with their North Carolina police escort and crew cars and trailers about 416 miles a day in order to...
'Lend me your ears' dear fellow countrymen for I have a tale to tell you of mayhem, deceit and murder. The wandering minstrels had come to town to share their story not in a 'Wooden O' but on a beautiful wooden stage placed under the stars and trees so tall. These vagabond artists were from the Montana Shakespeare In The Parks organization – a theatrical outreach program of the University of Montana. They had come from far and near to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of William S...
In 1956 Roy Millegan and his wife, Vera, came to Whitehall. Roy worked for the Farmer's Home Administration as the County Supervisor stationed in Whitehall, for Jefferson, Madison, Beaverhead and Silver Bow Counties. He then completed his career in 1981 as the District Supervisor out of Great Falls. Vera was busy working for Dr. Morris, the local dentist, and for Al Feldsheim at the Dry Cleaners. She shared her love of music and talent as a pianist and organist with the community. For 63 years t...
The JV Museum opened its doors for the Annual Gabfest during Whitehall's Frontier Days Celebration. A warm welcome was extended to all the alumni that came to share stories and add to the history contained within the Museum's walls. In recent years genealogy has become a popular interest and one could hear interesting relative stories and how they had all come together in this small western town. Skip Clark and his sister Annette Rinehart of Helena came to share stories of the little red wagon t...
