History

Radio Contests Used To Be a Real Challenge

I’ll never forget the time I was driving to the post office, and one of the radio stations played a lyric from “Long Cool Woman” by the Hollies. Just so happened I new the lyric: “Just a fine-nine beautiful tall.”

March 17, 2023

Montana’s Founding Father: Pierre-Jean De Smet

Pierre-Jean De Smet established the first church and permanent settlement in Montana, St. Mary’s, nestled in the Bitterroot Valley.

February 15, 2023

image from an old vinegar valentines card

Vinegar Valentines: Sour — Not Sweet — Nothings

Some pranksters used to enjoy mailing vinegar valentines, which involved gentle teasing—a little joke here, a little poke there—meant to produce a smile.

February 14, 2023

Architecture rendition of Helena's new Heritage Center

Changes Ahead with Montana’s Heritage Center in Helena

Helena’s new Heritage Center will house the Montana Historical Society, thanks to the efforts of MTHS employees and some kindred spirits in the legislature.

February 7, 2023

Riding Jane Crow: Black Women And The Railroad

Riding Jane Crow is a new book by Miriam Thaggert compellingly studies Black women’s train travel and work in the 19th and early 20th century United States.

February 1, 2023

Montana governor Sidney Edgerton, who signed a wide roads law with flaws.

Wide Roads: Thinking Too Big When Inking A Montana Law

Sixty-six feet wide? The average width of Montana’s roads in 1865 was about 10 feet. These 20 legislators were talking about making them six times wider.

January 13, 2023

Forceman of the First Special Service Force preparing rations in an improvised shelter during cold weather survival training, Blossburg, Montana, United States, January 1943. (Library and Archives Canada Photo, No. 3378685)

Helena’s Black Devils: Rugged Men with Rugged Training

The astounding history of the Black Devils is told at the Montana Military Museum at Fort Harrison, celebrating the 80th anniversary of their establishment.

January 2, 2023

homemade Christmas tree ornaments: string of popcorn with cranberries

Christmas Tree Memories: The Homemade Tree

Of all my Christmas tree memories, the most memorable had no lights or bright Christmas balls, but was decorated with homemade objects and covered with shimmering tinsel.

December 17, 2022

historic photo of two people from the 20s leaning against the front bumper of a car

A 1923 Cross-Country Road Trip

Any cross-country road trip in 1923 was an adventure. Starting from Montana—where there were few gravel roads much less paved roads—was a real undertaking.

October 31, 2022

A Law with Teeth

People complain about laws with no teeth—sentences aren’t tough enough, fines are too light, enforcement is weak. But one Idaho Ordinance definitely had teeth.

August 29, 2022