Our Town 100 Years Ago: December 1921 Part 2

December 1921 Part 2

The years 1895 and 1921 are about over. In 1895, our town was still pushing past its infant stage of development. In 1921, we were feeling the growing pains of expansion and modernization. The accompanying photo from an 1895 ad for a local business has prices that sure would be nice to see today, provided these are the items on your Christmas shopping list.

Late December 1895: ZEPHYRETTES. Harry Miller says that indisposition sits no longer on his frame; that it threw him, however, in the last wrestling match, but he has turned the critter and is now the top dog in the contest.

Frank Miller says that Charlie Perrine completely ruined his new shot gun barrels by wearing them for overalls, while up at the mine recently.

Reverend Kincaid will occupy the pulpit of the M.E. Church on Sabbath morning, and Reverend Bateman, the lecturer of the L.O.G.T., will have the right of way in the evening.

Workmen are now engaged on the brick structure adjoining the Whitehall hotel. Dick Common now owns the structure and is having the work pushed forward to completion.

There will be a Grand Turkey Raffle at Tom Fox's place on Christmas Eve. A large number of fine birds have been secured. Come, your Christmas turkey may only cost you but 25c.

Shorty Davis is in receipt of a kind "jerked mermaid," or a mummified Gila monster, or a smoked muskrat, or something else. At any rate Shorty got the "what-is-it?" as a Christmas present.

State Auditor Cooke was over from Helena Saturday and Sunday on private business. Having completed their contract with the Parrot, Cook and Woldson have taken a contract for hauling lumber out from the Perry Canyon mill.

The Christmas Tree: Last Tuesday evening, Christmas Eve, the usual Christmas tree exercises were held at the Methodist church. About 7 o'clock, just before the commencement of the evening's programme, the "snow house" erected to represent the abode and storehouse of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, caught fire from the burning tapers on the Christmas tree, which partly o'er hung the structure. Fortunately the building is substantially built, plastered, etc. If the walls had been of cloth and paper there would be no church in Whitehall today.

Waterloo – Mr. McKensie, of the firm of Bumby & McKensie, has locked the doors of his blacksmith shop and quit the business. It would appear that the blacksmith's trade is overdone at this place. Mr. L.G. Foster, of Waterloo, was recently seen making his way toward the smoky little berg across the range from here. When interviewed by your correspondent, he stated that he was going where he could hammer out a few more of those worthless iron dollars.

Mr. Joy Foster, the well known four-legged man of Waterloo, is seen hobbling around on three once more. He says he is the most lucky man in the country, and I think he is.

Silver Star – the citizens of the Star were aroused between the hours of six and seven, Tuesday morning, by the cry of fire. It was the house occupied by Peter Edwards, owned by Mr. Trembalth of Butte. There was only a portion of the contents of the building saved and the building was burned to the ground.

The dance given on Christmas Eve was a success in every respect. Robert Edwards was acting as prompter, but tiring of his position, he resigned in favor of Prof. Anderson. Everything went smoothly until the Fireman's dance was called when the Prof. was stuck. He did not know how the dancers should be formed on the floor, and after they were formed on the floor for him he did not know how to call the dance. "Good boy, Charlie."

Late December 1921: The Whitehall school nurse has completed the examination of 258 children. The main problems reported for the children were enlarged tonsils, defective teeth, and defective vision.

The new gymnasium at the Cardwell school has been finished just in time for Christmas. The first official function was held on December 23rd with a grand holiday dance. Forty couples were in attendance. The structure was built by Mr. McIntyre of Three Forks.

In local school news, our young lady's basketball team faired well in games against Belgrade, Willow Creek, and Three Forks. The scores were WHS 17, Belgrade 15; WHS 17, Willow Creek 11; and WHS 26, Three Forks 5. George Mercer is coaching the team of young misses Tebo, Aiken, Houghton, Mosier, Micklethwaite, Jayne, McArthur, Cloos and Tidball.

Several high school students will be joining Mrs. Ted Sanders and Mrs. S.H. Wolverton to traverse the town singing Christmas carols. Consider having some hot cocoa ready to warm up the warblers.

Due to heavy snow, the Liberal Culture Club has had to cancel their outdoor Christmas program this year; but, the Christmas Tree will still shine bright for the town thanks to Montana Power donating the lights and to Mr. Lepp for stringing them from top to bottom.

Our town leaders are concerned about the safety of the railroad crossing on Division Street. They have requested that Northern Pacific install a gate and bell system to warn citizens of oncoming trains.

You may remember a young man by the name of Louis Eggleston who grew up here and then sought his future in the warm weather of California. He bought some property there 12 years ago, practically with his last dime, and of all the Christmas presents to receive, an oil strike on that property has him in deep clover for the coming year.

Goodbye 1895 and 2021. On to the news of Our Town in 1896 and 1922.