Tidbits and Tales, Part 12 December 1934 - April 1935 Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 6, 1934: Transfer of the ownership of the home of Mrs. Carrie Sanderson on Third Avenue East is being made to Charles Caverly, uncle of Mrs. A. W. Strickland, and when the deal is completed the Stricklands will occupy the property. This is one of the older homes of the city, having been built by Dan Wright, a bachelor restaurant man, several years ago. It is one of the most comfortable homes as well, with spacious grounds. Thanksgiving guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Pleun Roobol, on Work Creek, included: Mr. and Mrs. O.L. Todd and son, Lee Lionel, and Mr. and Mrs. Don Davison and daughter, all of Bozeman; Dr. and Mrs. Floyd C. Clark and son Robert of Butte; Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Birkeland and daughter Arlene, of Big Timber, and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Booth and son of Reed Point. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 13, 1934: Dicky Nicholson gave a birthday party for a grop of small boy friends when he was eight years old last Thursday. Members of the Surprise club were entertained last week by Mrs. C.T. Busha and Miss Lenore Busha at their home. Each one brought some antique for display, the prizes going to Mrs. Mart McLaughlin for a 150 year old Bible, and Mrs. Roy O. Traver for a glass pickle dish of the same vintage. The hostesses served lunch. Word has been received here that Irvin Miller's saw mill on Bridger Creek was destroyed by fire. Particulars are not available. One of the handsomest Christmas trees ever placed on the city streets was put up Tuesday in front of the Bailey Hardware on McLeod Street. The city truck, Albert Wagner driver, was sent into Big Timber Canyon to secure the tree from a sheltered spot near the J.W. Chattin ranch. It is 30 feet tall and full of tiny cones. The annual Christmas program and treat for the children, given by the Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters lodges, will be staged around this tree. Colored lights are strung by the Montana Power company. A Hard Time Dance will be held Saturday, December 15, at the Old Grey Cliff Hall. Music will be provided by Bovee Orchestra. Lots of old time music; tickets 50 cents, lunch will be served in the hall. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 20, 1934: Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Riedelbach, December 11, a son; to Mr. and Mrs. Marry M. Wordal, Big Timber, December 19, a son. From the classified ads: Maternity cases taken in my home. Rates reasonable. Graduate under Dr. Tash of Butte. Have had work under leading doctors of state; excellent recommendations. Mrs. Chas. Christensen, McAdams home, First Avenue. Will also go out. Mrs. Harold Boe and Mrs. C.E. Smart provided two pleasant evenings for some of their women friends on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. Dinner was served for seven, covers being laid for 20 on each occasion. After dinner, auction bridge was played. Rev. A.A. Holbeck officiated at two weddings of local young people this week. Sunday evening Beulah Branae, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Branae, and Waldemar Steensland, son of Mrs. Ethel K. Steensland, were wed. Last evening Alberta, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hoyseth of McLeod, and Charles Fallang, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Fallang, were united in marriage. J.S. Solberg Co. listed the following items in their suggestions for last minute shoppers: Shirts with Ties at $1.65 per set; Shirts and Shorts - athletic underwear - at $1 a suit; Sox - Wilson buffer heal and toe, 35 cents, three pair $1; and Billfolds - fine leathers, 50 cents and up. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 27, 1934: Ludvig Allestad and Bertha Raisland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sivert Raisland, were united in marriage Monday by Rev. A.A. Holbeck of the Lutheran Church. Under the auspices of the local Masonic lodge, Frank Cookson's Salt Lake "Old Mill" orchestra will put on a dance at Masonic Hall tomorrow, Friday evening. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, January 3, 1935: Announcement is made of the marriage, at Billings, of Harold McLauchlan of McLeod and Miss Ethel Philipson of the West Boulder. The groom is manager of the Nicholson store at McLeod, also new postmaster at that place. The bride is a trained nurse, daughter of Philp Philipson. The Pioneer joins many in congratulations. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, January 10, 1935: Scoutmaster Graff gave the boys an archery contest last Friday evening at the high school. Lloyd Ronning took first place with a score of 25 out of a possible 30; Robert Ryan second with 15, and George Shaver scored 10. Six boys were awarded Tenderfoot badges. Jesse B. Scyphers, who has conducted a beer parlor next to the Perrine barber shop, has closed the place temporarily, expecting to reopen about April. A wedding of more than usual interest occurred at the Lutheran church on Wednesday evening when Lillian, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Grosfield, became the bride of Maurice Knutson of Rosholt, Wisconsin, Rev. A.A. Holbeck officiating. Bridger Creek Breezes: Frank Berrie is carrying the mail this week while Chester is on a hunting trip. Melvin Flemming is riding to school on a new bicycle that Santa Claus brought him. Mrs. Newton Lay is the proud possessor of a new Home Comfort range. It is a beauty. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, January 17, 1935: A dance and dinner for friends was given at McLeod Saturday night by Mr. and Mrs. Harold McLauchan, newly weds. Practically all of the Boulder valley were there and had a delightful time. A traveling salesman who took a liking to Chief Ted Busha's dog, yesterday, and drove away with it, was arrested, brought back and fined $20, which he paid. His only excuse was that the dog looked good to him. L.C. Patterson, residing on the Ed Davis ranch north of the city, is out of luck but full of patience. He spent eight days at Jardine waiting for an elk, failed to get one, but is going back to try it again. Mrs. Waldemar Steensland, a recent bride, was honor guest at a miscellaneous shower given by Mrs. Dick Armstrong on Saturday afternoon. Twelve friends were invited. John P. Campbell, visitor in the city Monday from his ranch near Melville, reported 18 below zero, 10 inches of snow, 11 inches of ice on his pond. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, January 24, 1935: Reed Point Notes: The ice crop is being harvested this week by Carl Imlay and Fred Swift. It is not of very good quality and is only about 10 inches thick. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, January 31, 1935: Starting at midnight Thursday night, or the beginning of his 75th birthday anniversary, Frank Palmer of Boulder, who was here to celebrate it, was honor guest at this own party to about 20 old friends. He harked back to the days of old by serving Tom and Jerry, a beverage almost sidetracked when the highball supplanted the cocktail and Mumm's extra dry passed into history. Mrs. Floyd Bailey and Mrs. Ted C. Busha will entertain the Big Timber Lutheran Ladies Aid at the parish hall Thursday afternoon, February 7. The public is cordially invited. Olson's Terrible Swedes, one of the fastest traveling basketball organizations, will play the Independents in this city Friday evening, February 8, at the high school gymnasium. The team has been in Montana before, and everywhere they have appeared have given a first class exhibition of basketball as a fine art. They should be given a good crowd in this city. Reed Point Notes: The P.L. Mettling family is driving a brand new 35 Chevrolet car which they just purchased. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, February 7, 1935: One of the largest funerals in the history of Big Timber, Monday afternoon, was a fitting and appropriate farewell to Ole Birkeland, for many years a prominent stockman of this county, who died at the Big Timber hospital Friday night after a short illness with influenza and gall bladder trouble. Old friends from all parts of the county were here, and Grey Cliff, home of the deceased, attended en masse. Durign the funeral hour the Citizens Bank and Trust Co., of which he had been a liberal patron for many years, closed its doors as a mark of respect. Born, February 7, to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Mack of the Sweet Grass, a son. One of the most enjoyable lodge parties of the season was given by a committee of Royal Neighbors at their hall last evening. Cards and dancing, and playlet given by Mrs. A.A. Lamp, Mrs. Jerry Erickson and Mrs. John Conrow, featured the entertainment. Lunch was served to 125 persons. Measles are prevalent in this city and in the country, many children being confined at home. One peculiar case is that of Lloyd Harper, high school pupil and son of Mrs. Eliza Harper, who is enjoying them for the third time. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, February 14, 1935: Reed Point Notes: A number of lady friends of Mrs. Earl Askwig surprised her Friday afternoon at her home and helped her to celebrate her birthday. Cards were played and a lovely lunch brought along and served. Those present were Mesdames P.O. Nore, P.L. Mettling, O.O. Shutes, Chester Fraser, A.P. Brumfield, Jake Wagner, Clarence Anderson and Askwig. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, February 21, 1935: Bert Gardner, well known rancher, was seriously cut Saturday night by Herman Smith, sheepherder and ranch hand, whom he had befriended in various ways for ten years past. Smith wanted the Gardner car to attend the Grey Cliff dance. Gardner refused but later took Smith and two girls to the dance. Smith was sullen, drank a few beers and wanted trouble. He was persuaded to get in the car and the four started for Big Timber. About a half mile this way Smith jerked the key of the car and started a fight. One girl got a black eye, the other a pop on the head. Gardner though he was the victim of a fist attack also, but later discovered he was bleeding. A sharp knife in Smith's hands had struck him hear the point of the jaw and cut a serious gash clear around beyond his chin. The girls started for this city, pursued by Smith, but changed his course, went through a field back to Grey Cliff. He was brought to town and Sheriff Bartels went down, picked up Smith, and jailed him. Smith also slashed one sleeve and front of Gardner's coat in every direction. Born to Mr. and Mrs. William McKenzie of Big Timber, February 18, a son. Friends enjoyed the hospitality of Mrs. G.H. Gordon and Mrs. J. Egerman on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons of last week. Twenty guests were invited on each occasion, for luncheon and cards. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, February 28, 1935: Harold Sektan and Jack Clark, high school students, have started a lunch room adjoining the Coit Drug Co., open from 4 to 10 p.m. A near fire at the home of Dr. L.W. Baskett Sunday was caused by the sun's rays shining through a south window, then through a goldfish bowl, and igniting the fabric cover of a davenport in direct line with the rays. The hot spot was soon smoking a plenty. Smell of smoke brought members of the family and the blaze was soon extinguished. Had there been no one at home - this might have been a different story. George Washington Cook celebrated his 99th birthday anniversary at his home on the east side Friday of last week. During the morning a number of friends called to extend best wishes and found him in his best suit of clothes, all dolled up for the occasion. Two days before a visitor at the home found him at a log pile sawing like a man of 40, but Friday he took a holiday and cordially received a large number of old friends. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 7, 1935: Fire in the Sektnan and Snyder garage, starting at 4:40 a.m. today and continuing for more than two hours, gutted the interior and left but little except the stuccoed walls. Origin is unknown, but probably from a stove in the work shop in which it started. The ladies of the Boulder gave a miscellaneous shower for Mrs. Charles Fallang, a recent bride, at the home of Mrs. Louis Esp, on March 3. A delicious lunch was served to about 30 guests. Henry Hausserman of the Bridger creek country, a visitor in this city Tuesday, reported 12 inches of snow in his neighborhood, preceded by the heavy rain this city had. On top of the Bridger divide, in the old Stockade country, there was an 18 inch fall at the ranch of his brother, Carl H. Hausserman. Reed Point Notes: The high school student body gave a party to some friends at the gym Friday evening. Dancing and games were enjoyed, music being furnished by O.L. Shutes and Ster Findley. Shorty Faw has purchased the Boyles cafe building and started wrecking it last week. Norman Peterson is assisting him. Shorty plans to build a barn on the ranch with the stone blocks and lumber. An unusually large crowd attended the hard times dance at the Stockade school house Saturday night. Many good costumes were there but Carl Hausserman and Ollie Sinnock were voted as wearers of clothes that showed the hardest times and were given the prizes. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 14, 1935: A petition to close the highway from the city line on Sixth avenue to the Boulder bridge, which would be about from the Stubblefield fence corner on the north side of the avenue, a short distance this side of the bridge, has been filed with the commissioners by Lottie Stubblefield, owner of the land. The petition alleges that that part of the road "is no longer needed since the construction of the new highway." Herman Smith, who pleaded guilty to assault in the second degree upon the person of Bert Gardner, with a knife, was before Judge Berg Saturday morning for sentence. Friends of the defendant had testified as to his good character when sober, and Judge Berg decided that the enormity of the offense justified a prison sentence and gave him one year of hard labor in the state penitentiary at Deer Lodge. With Polly Cross, Yvonne Trower, Sigrid Solberg and June Campbell as hostesses, 130 of the younger set had a delightful party at the Masonic Hall Friday evening. Decorations were St. Patrick's colors, excellent music furnished a dance program and a cafeteria lunch was served. Chaperones were Mrs. Martha Haynes, Miss Elsa Marquardt, Mrs. Margaret Deegan, Mrs. Mervin Sell and Mrs. B.F. Henry. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 21, 1935: Eighty years of age, June 12, 1934, Lorin Frank Douthett, last of the prominent merchants of Big Timber 40 years ago, men who started Big Timber as a town should be started, passed at his home in this city yesterday morning. Death ended an illness of three years, the direct cause being a recent stroke of paralysis. For him Father Time ended the chapter yesterday, the book is finished, and with his passing ends the story of those, who, in the primitive days of Big Timber, furnished the backbone to build and start a town. Jake Magelssen is transforming the large barn on his lot on Sixth avenue east into a modern apartment house. The arrangement provides either two four room apartments or four two room ones, with laundry in the basement. Ears, not noses, of victims of the jack rabbit drive extending from March 2 to March 17, were counted at the Dugout, home of the American Legion, Monday evening. The grand totals were 472 rabbits for the squad of 40 men headed by Lavern Duncan, and 461 for Ross Snyder's 40. Recent snow storms made the hunt a hard one, deep snow and mud impeding the travel of hunters into the hills. Another feature was that rabbits became as gun shy as sage hens, and those who hunted had to take a long shot. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 28, 1935: Social affairs at Melville this past week have centered around Peter G. Neste and his bride, Miss Ruth McCleery, whose marriage occurred in Livingston March 13. The following Tuesday they were given a rousing chivari party at the Harry Hart home, more than 200 persons attending. A fat purse was the souvenir of the occasion. Saturday evening a party was given at the Tom Anderson home, with 70 guests. John Esp sustained a broken leg in a slide from a hay wagon at the Tjaaland ranch Tuesday. Reed Point Notes: Jim Stephens met with a peculiar accident here Tuesday afternoon. He had stopped his car in front of the post office. When he cranked it to start, it backed into a car owned by Clarence Phipps that stood behind it, then ran forward knocking Mr. Stephens over and breaking his leg, and stopped after running into and knocking over a gas tank of the Hollingsworth garage. Mr. Johnson took Mr. Stephens to Columbus to have the fracture reduced. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 4, 1935: Two dogs got into the L.L. Buchanan chicken flock this morning and killed all but four of 28. The chickens were high bred. Tuesday afternoon was devoted by the commissioners to hearing on the application of Miss Lottie Stubblefield to close Sixth avenue from the city line east to the Boulder Bridge. Many good reasons not to close were presented by opponents, mainly that it is one of only two oiled roads in the city, that stock men need it in driving sheep to the summer ranges, that the kids need it for use of the bicycles in the going to and returning from the Boulder river swimming pool, that residents of Sixth avenue do not want to drive a block or two extra to get onto the new highway, and that residents of other places east of Big Timber do not relish driving into town in order to reach Boulder resorts for a Sunday vacation, etc. Yesterday the commissioners denied the petition. The Bray variety store opened in the Motor Inn building Friday, with a big run that day and the one following. Mrs. E.L. Frang entertained friends on Friday and Saturday afternoons, last week, with sewing and lunch. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 11, 1935: Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. McKenzie of Big Timber, April 10, a son. The ranch home of Commissioner and Mrs. A.A. Lamp was the scene of a pleasant gathering Tuesday evening, old friends honoring the birthday anniversary of Mr. Lamp. A splendid dinner was served, a part of which was two birthday cakes brought by friends. Five hundred followed, Mrs. F.M. Lamp and Karl Bryan winning first prizes. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. W.D. McKenzie, Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Knapp, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Olmstead, Mr. and Mrs. Karl Bryan, Senator and Mrs. F.M. Lamp. Willis Clark, living on the Sour Dough road, 20 miles from Big Timber, came in Monday with his Ford bug for groceries. He traveled the worst route, by the school house to the Kelsey bridge, then around to the Gibson road, then by Tin Can Hill. He went home the same route. Any man with a modern car who kicks on country roads should have his car taken from him. Chief Ted C. Busha and Under sheriff Floyd McAllister acted as a firing squad Thursday of last week for two dogs, guilty of killing 24 chickens at the L.L. Buchanan home. One of the dogs was a large white and black, with a lop ear, property of Peter K. Petersen. The other was part police dog, unidentified. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 18, 1935: Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Pete Jerome, April 11, a girl; to Mr. and Mrs. Leo Overfelt, April 16, a boy. The old Sektnan & Snyder garage on Second Avenue, recently damaged by fire, is being put in shape for a blacksmith shop to be operated by John Lamach and W.H. Boyd. Wesley Snyder, junior partner of the firm now dissolved, will have a position as blacksmith with the new firm. NOTICE TO CHICKEN OWNERS: Owners of chickens are requested to remember that a city ordinance forbids chickens running at large at this time. Ted C. Busha, Chief of Police. The Big Timber and Deer Creek Lutheran Ladies Aids are sponsoring a shower for the Parish House kitchen to take place on Friday evening, April 26. Members and friends wishing to contribute may call on Mrs. H.B. Tetlie or Mrs. Hans Tjaaland, who lave a list of the articles needed. This is to be a get-together for all the congregation, men, women and children. Refreshments will be served. Mesdames Bob Lindsey, Jerome Erickson, Clarence Loftsgaarden, and Miss Frances Ballard entertained the Royal Neighbors last night at a most enjoyable birthday party at which Louise Ellingson, Marian Carl, Lillian Conwell and Lucy Lamp were joint honorees. Miss Ellingson, oracle, was also honored with a handkerchief shower. Reed Point Notes: Monday night an eight and a half pound boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Tool at Billings. Edward Whitford and James Friend left Monday to enter a CCC camp near Missoula. Gene Fuller and Tom Findley returned Sunday and Tuesday eves respectively to the CCC near Gallatin Gateway after a vacation at their homes here. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 25, 1935: Signa C. Bailey, county treasurer, received word this morning from the state highway patrol that delay in the printing of drivers' licenses will postpone issuance here until May 1. At that time, or before May 13, every car owner must take out a 50 cent license, also an additional one of 25 cents for each member of the family who intends to drive the car. More men were put to work on city improvements Tuesday morning, six out for a one day job on a part of the water system, with a prospect of work the latter part of the week and from then on. The crew is: George Tronrud, William Rhoades, Harry Coster, Henry Willum, Martin Nelson, Oscar Rostad. For additional help on construction of the airport the following were taken from the employment list: Russel Shaffer, Charles Sloan, William Briner. Blessed with an ideal day, the annual egg hunt of the Lions club drew a large crowd, old and young, to Fireman's island Sunday afternoon. Thirty-three prizes were awarded winners in different divisions, as follows: Thelma Larson, Raymond McArthur, Charles Fahlgren, Kenneth Fahlgren, Ray Bryan, Ruby Larson, Gloria Beley, Jacqueline Hinds, Alene Lovelace, Evelyn Tucker, Ruth Marion Cohn, Betty Hinds, Andrine Peterson, Constance Beley, Alice Clouse, Hazel Skaarland, Gertrude Holbeck, Velma Harper, Ardel Hoiland, Ernest Peterson, Ray Lee Traver, William Benson, Dan Faglgren, Ray Hogemark, Lee Overfelt, John Schofield, Earl Green, Oscar Ommundson. Return to Sweet Grass County Home Page. +++ This page was last updated on 4 May 2005. It was created on 17 December 2004. Copyright © 2004 & 2005 by Joan Shurtliff.