Sweet Grass County MT Archives Newspapers.....Feb. – May 1936 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mt/mtfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joan Shurtliff, dirtdoc@hur.midco.net Tidbits and Tales, Part 15 February - May 1936- +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, February 6, 1936: Clive W. Haas went jackrabbit hunting Monday afternoon, armed only with a .22 rifle, and came home with a good-sized bobcat. He sighted the animal and dashed from his car to get within a proper distance for shooting, and his young son, Jack, determined to be in on all the fun, followed him out of the car and into the bush. A shot in the back brought down the game. Ice harvesting by the Douthett Lumber company is in full swing this week. The crop is good, about 14 inches thick, clear and hard. Returns in the predatory animal contest will be counted tomorrow night at the Dugout, followed by a feed by the losers. The two teams are captained by E.J. Husebye and Ross Snyder. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, February 13, 1936: Paul Van Cleve, III, a visitor in this city yesterday from the lower Van Cleve ranch, states that Friday of last week the mercury stuck around 50 below all day. That night moon dogs, something new to him, put on a display. Catherine G. Harper, who was nine years old yesterday, celebrated her birthday with a tea party for some of her little friends at the home of grandmother, Mrs. J. Harper, and later in the evening took her guests to the picture show. At the predatory animal contest count, at the American Legion Dugout Friday night, the team of E.J. Husebye led by about 200, Ross Snyder, the captain of the other team, had about 175 rabbits stuck in a snow bank between here and Gibson, so the count was called even and each fellow put his 25 cents into a jackpot for all. The greatest number turned in was 175 sets of ears by Ed Crossfield, the result of efficient rabbit hunting by Herbert and Harold Tjaaland and Bennie Miles. This has been a hard week on rural mail carriers. Tuesday morning Fred Felenzer started on his regular run, this city to Melville and back by Glasston, got as far as the hill leading from Big Timber Creek, and quit. Yesterday his trip was canceled. Roy Moore, on the Gibson-Sour Dough route, made it Monday but didn't get far yesterday. On the McLeod route, Clyde Hunter got as far as the first bridge across the Boulder, eight miles south of this city, on Tuesday, and finished the route from there on horseback. Yesterday it took him all day to get to the bridge and back with his car. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, February 20, 1936: Big Timber received a real shock Monday in business, social and fraternal circles by an unexpected announcement from Billings of the death, in a hospital of that city, of Lawrence Furstenberg, well known and popular jeweler of this city. He had been taken to that city the previous Thursday for treatment of appendicitis, and everyone hoped and believed that he would return in better health. Funeral services, under the auspices of the American Legion, is being held this afternoon at the Lutheran church. Leo J. Cremer, Jr., wife and baby have been marooned here since Thursday of last week, on their return home from Butte, waiting for something to clear the highway from here to their ranch home, about 30 miles north. Other places in the county have been reached but that section is still isolated. A valentine party on Valentine day was enjoyed by a number of small friends of Buddy Arneson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer M. Arneson, when he celebrated his sixth birthday. Bridger Creek: Wild ducks in the community are suffering from cold and hunger. Several farmers are feeding them and some have taken them inside to warm them up. They were so cold they couldn't fly. Mrs. Johnson has one that has got to be a pet and doesn't want to leave. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, February 27, 1936: Mrs. Signa Bailey, county treasurer, is at home nursing a bruised head, presumably an attack from behind. Tuesday evening at 5:15 she locked the main door to her office, and while similarly engaged at a small vault door in the office of County Assessor Hathaway, in which books and papers are stored, was struck from behind, according to what recollection she has of what happened after she left her own office. When she did not arrive home a search was started at 8:15 p.m. Helen Boggs, deputy assessor, opened the locked vault in the assessor's office, and Mrs. Bailing was found inside, bordering on hysteria and unable to give any accurate account of just what had happened except that while locking the last door she felt something strike her in thehead from behind. Assessor Hathaway had left his office about 4:40 p.m., Miss Boggs at 5:10, the sheriff's office force had left the building, also the janitor. The sheriff's office has no clue to work on. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 5, 1936: Helen Irene Roquet celebrated her fourth birthday in 16 years at the Dugout Saturday night, February 29, with a party for about 72 guests. Little Jimmy Olsen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Olsen, got his first kick out of a birthday at the end of four years, having a party at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Mary O. Lamb. No new twenty-niners have been registered with J.A. Lowry, but the Livingston Enterprise reports the birth of two husky baby girls on that date. After being marooned here for 18 days, returning to their ranch from Butte, Leo J. Cremer, Jr., wife and baby, saw a car from home Monday and immediately started for the home ranch. The car was brought in by Leo J. Cremer, Sr., noted rodeo man, who stated that it took four horses, four men and four shovels to break a passable road from the Cremer ranch to the four corners on the Glasston- Melville highway, north of the John P. Campbell ranch. Mrs. Afton Ryan entertained at a dessert luncheon Tuesday afternoon, having 16 guests. About 40 members of the Livingston lodge of Elks came down Saturday evening to stage a party for local Elks at the Masonic Hall. They brought five candidates for initiation who, with Odell Barbour of this city, were given the third degree by the Livingston lodge. After the ceremonies a lunch of chili, hot tamales and coffee was served. Many local members of the Livingston lodge attended. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 12, 1936: One of the worst accidents ever happening here occurred shortly after noon today, with Johnny Boe the victim. He was sawing wood at the Jonas Mauland ranch two miles north of Big Timber, using a power-driven circular saw. When a log jammed, the saw broke from its bearings and flew through the air, striking young Boe in the head. Everything possible is being done to relieve his suffering and patch up his wounds, but the prospects of recovery are not very good at this time. The unfortunate young man is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Boe, and one of the most popular young men of the county. A surprise party for big Timber was given Wednesday by announcement of the marriage at Livingston, March 2, of Mrs. Eliza Harper and Ole Rostad, well known residents of this city for many years. The groom has been engaged in ranching, the bride as head chef at the Big Timber cafe, where she will continue temporarily. Many friends join in extending sincere congratulations. Harvey Woods paid a fine of $25, contributed by friends, in the justice court of Sam G. Webster Monday, for assaulting C.A. Bishop, reemployment agent with offices in the court house. The assault grew out of a dispute over assignment of Woods to local relief work. Mr. Bishop's face was badly bruised and his eye glasses broken. Bridger Creek – Mack Morris is driving a new 1936 model Chevrolet which he purchased in Big Timber on Saturday. The Woman's club met Wednesday at the Anton Nepstad home. The afternoon was spent in making quilt blocks, after which a delicious lunch was served. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 19, 1936: Big Timber and Sweet Grass county paid sincere and deserved tribute Tuesday afternoon to Johnnie Boe, victim of an unfortunate accident while sawing wood at the Mauland ranch about noon Thursday of last week. Although the sharp point of the saw had penetrated the skull, also removed an eye, his fight against death until 3 a.m. Saturday was valiant, one that few except a member of the Boe family, noted for their physical fitness, could have maintained. When word of his death was given out later in the morning, all of Big Timber mourned the passing of one so well known, so much liked, whose life offered so much promise. Early in the afternoon Tuesday a short service was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roy O. Traver, parents of Mrs. Boe, followed by a funeral sermon at the Lutheran church, by Rev. A.A. Holbeck. Long before the funeral hour the church and parish hall were crowded, standing room could not be had, and no funeral cortege was ever larger in the history of Big Timber. Reed Point – A baby daughter arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Les Booth Thursday afternoon. Dr. Claiborn of Big Timber was the attending physician and Mrs. Milo Collins is nurse. Mr. and Mrs. B.T. Deeney entertained at 6 o'clock dinner at their ranch home last Thursday evening, Mr. and Mrs. L.L. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. John Rash and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Deeney. Cards were enjoyed after dinner. A number of young folks were entertained at cards at the Askwig home Saturday evening. Present were Dwain Booth, Leo Thompson, Rollie Brumfield, Glen Askwig, Perry Moler, Emma Bjordal, Ruth and Thelma Askwig. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 26, 1936: Annette O'Leary entertained the Hobby club at her home Monday after school with games and lunch. The members are Annette, Rausie Lou Solberg, Elinor Jean Arneson, Betty and Barbara Hinds, Margaret Nicholson, Beatrice Patterson. When Tom Olson moves his restaurant from the Whalen Building into the old Commercial Bank & Trust Co., building, recently purchased and requiring a good deal of remodeling, John Wright will move the City bakery into the Whalen building, adjoining the Citizens Band & Trust Co. Mrs. Harvey Wood and daughter left Saturday for Butte to reside. Mr. Wood will join them after finishing as a member of the Bair Sheep Co. lambing crew at Martinsdale. Members of the Homeland Circle, at their regular social meeting last Thursday afternoon, had as the feature part of their program a quilt display. Forty-seven quilts were on exhibition, and strangely enough, in that number were 45 patterns. One brought by Mrs. Harvey Coit was over 100 years old, and there were several others nearing the century mark. The men of the church congregation were invited to the supper at the close of the session. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 2, 1936: Mr. and Mrs. Leo Cremer left the last of the week for Twin Falls, Idaho, to complete arrangements for a rodeo show in that city this fall. En route they stopped in Missoula and booked the Western Montana Fair association for four nights in connection with the fair to be held the first week in September. Joan Wordal, six years old last Friday, had a party for 12 little boys and girls at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wordal, in the afternoon. Orville Hathaway is moving a five room house from the Hartley place in Fish creek country, to a lot adjoining the American Legion Dugout in the south part of town, and fixing it up for a residence. Frozen brakes or whatever the cause, Mrs. Alva A. Lamp was unable to stop her car as intended, Monday afternoon, and went over the sidewalk into the front of the Churchill & Amery store building. The car was moving slowly so that the only damage done was a dent in the woodwork under the window of the building, a bumper and fender of the car smashed in. Streets have been icy since Saturday, with snow filling the gutters and making skidding not a possibility but almost a certainty much of the time. Reed Point – Celebrating the birthday anniversary of Joe Deeney and her husband, Mrs. Lewis Guthrie entertained a group of friends at her home Saturday evening. Cards were enjoyed. Lunch was served to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Deeney and daughters, Bess and Cecelia, and son Frank, Mrs. Ambrose Brumfield, Mr. and Mrs. O.L. Shutes and Ollie and Howard, Mr. and Mrs. B.T. Deeney, Sr., Mr. and Mrs. George Deeney and two sons, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Deeney, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Jake Wagner and daughter, Francis Ellen. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 9, 1936: The old Scandinavian American bank building, vacant since that institution went into voluntary liquidation, is being remodeled and refitted for an office for Dr. Yager. Reception, operating, X-ray and supplies rooms will occupy the front portion of the building, with living quarters at the rear. A dead lamb taken from its mother at the lambing pens of W.D. McKenzie, west of this city, had two bodies from the shoulders down, eight legs, one head with four ears. David Mattice, a rancher on Tin Can hill, deserves a gold medal for the best job of snow cleaning ever done in this city, with a snow plow and powerful team. Saturday morning he started out and when he finished every sidewalk in the town had received the once over as well as feeder streets without walks. It was a complete job. Born, April 2, to Mr. and Mrs. Dick Plaggemeyer, a son. Bridger Creek – Mr. Nelson celebrated his 85th birthday Sunday. Neighbors and friends from Big Timber and Billings came to eat dinner with him and wish him many more happy birthdays. Mrs. Henry and Mrs. Fred Hausserman, Irene Hausserman, Mrs. Willie Lay and Mrs. Karl Krone won a prize at the Townsend club dance Friday night. They were masked as the famous Canadian quintuplets. Miss Marjorie Marlow entertained the Womans club Wednesday afternoon of last week. Election of officers was held and all old officers were reelected except Mrs. J.A. Johnson, who refused to hold office again, and Mrs. Sidney Fraser Sr. was elected in her place. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 16, 1936: American Legion Auxiliary officers chosen at the meeting Monday night are: Ruth Rapstad, president; Inga Crossfield, first vice president; Alvhild Nicholson, second vice president, Aasa Furstenberg, secretary and treasurer. A son was born Friday of last week, at the Big Timber hospital, to Mr. and Mrs. Thorvald Anderson of Melville. Births: To Mr. and Mrs. Phil Hanson of Big Timber, April 1, a girl; to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Albert Fallang, April 11, a son; to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Goosey, April 11, a girl; to Mr. and Mrs. Mabray McDowell of the West Boulder, last week in Livingston, a son. Proof that the Lions Club Easter egg hunt is growing in popularity is shown in the attendance at that event at Fireman's island last Sunday afternoon. The official checker got tired and quit after he had counted 650 persons passed over the foot bridge. Five hundred at least were children, and they made a colorful picture as they spread over grounds searching for the more than a thousand eggs that had been tucked into every possible kind of hiding place. Thirty prizes were offered, 26 were claimed, but two lucky youngsters gobbled up their prize eggs before claiming their reward. First prize gold eggs were found by Shirley McKenzie, Louis May and Very Berger. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 23, 1936: Martin Crest, one of the old timers, and in charge of the plunge at McLeod during the summer, was accidentally drowned in the plunge Saturday forenoon. It is presumed that while attempting to shift a tub of water he became dizzy and fell, striking his head, then falling into water deep enough to snuff out his life. The Scovill Creamery of this city has bought a creamery at Absarokee, Stillwater county, and Henry Scovill will be in charge of operations. He left for that place the last of the week, accompanied by his wife. Alva Ewan of McLeod underwent an appendix operation in the Big Timber hospital, Saturday. On Friday, Jake Westre had a similar operation at Lott hospital in Livingston. During a severe electrical storm Sunday evening, the first of the season, the home of G.O. Schulz on Tin Can hill was struck by lightning. Evidentally the bolt came in on the radio aerial, as the radio was shattered and ground wires were burned out. Eight window panes on the east and south sides of the ouse were broken. Window sashes and draperies were charred but there was no blaze. The family was in the living room when the flash occurred, and was stunned but not injured. Plaster was torn from the walls. A peculiar thing about the storm was the absence of thunder. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 30, 1936: An exhibition of the art work of the Big Timber public school will be held May 1. The exhibition room will be open at 7:30 o'clock. Art work from grades one to nine will be displayed. The public is cordially invited to attend. At 8 o'clock a short art program consisting of the following numbers will be given: "The Value of Art," prepared by Elaine Boyd and presented by Billy Ellison, John Schofield and McLean Baskett. "The Knowledge of Color and Color Combinations," prepared by Marcella Boe and presented by Mary Jane Barnett, Gwendolyn Haynes and Erys Evelyn Smart. A picture study lesson presented by Joe Evans, Stuart Ellison and Raymond Ryan. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. William McKenzie of Big Timber, April 22, a son. Catherine, small daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald McKenzie, sustained a broken arm in a fall from a horse at the ranch. Fixtures and stock for the durg store to be opened in the Fair building, adjoining the Woodward store, arrived last week and are being placed. G.W. Cole, proprietor, wants to open Saturday. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 7, 1936: Concluding a membership attendance contest in the Young People's Fellowship society in St. Mark's church, a target shoot was held Sunday afternoon. George Shaver placed first and Harry Kellogg second. W.K. Amery and Charles Chase were judges. The contest was sponsored by Mrs. May Witten, who furnished ammunition for the practice, and gave the prize. Hot sun and hard wind has shot the Yellowstone river up several inches this week, also muddied it in good shape. The sand bars across from the dump ground at the lower end of town, where fishermen drove their cars to a fishing pool above and opposite the stock yards, are now under water in many places, and water is traveling down the north side by the Arneson land. Fifteen friends of Mrs. M.E. Dixon gave her a delightful surprise party on Thursday afternoon. Miss Myrtle Boettcher, popular first grade teacher in the public school, who leaves at the close of this term, after six years continuous service, was honor guest at a handkerchief shower Thursday evening of last week at the home of Mrs. Eric O. Busch. Winners of a double pool on the Kentucky derby were Mrs. Ted C. Busha and Severin Oie. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. F.K. Lance of Big Timber, May 2, a son; to Mr. and Mrs. Vernie C. Hathaway of this city, May 3, a son. Reed Point: A charivari was tendered Mr. and Mrs. George McKelvey at the Art Kerr home on Bridger creek Monday evening. Twenty-five of the neighbors and friends were present. Miss Ardith Robbins was united in marriage to Lewis (Sandy) Roberts of Big Timber Saturday evening at the Episcopal church at Miles City. Miss Beatrice Hollingsworth of this place and Harry Plaggemeyer of Big Timber accompanied the couple there and acted as bridesmaid and best man. On Thursday, May 14, eleven students who have successfully completed the work of the elementary grades will be graduated from the eighth grade. Honors for the year's work go to Joseph Bare, who has been the only eighth grader to attain the honor roll throughout the year. Those receiving diplomas are Joseph Bare, James Cain, Russell Cain, Lorraine Collins, Lulu Friend, Donald Lamb, Dwayne Luper, Donald Mysse, Tom Nutting, Helen Rash and Ralph Schuyler. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 14, 1936: Death claimed Harry Clouse, early day pioneer, in this city Tuesday, after several years of heart ailment. Funeral service is being held this afternoon at the home of his son, Harry Clouse, by Rev. A.A. Holbeck. He was a native of Spring Valley, Minn., born in 1866, and came to Montana and Sweet Grass county in 1884. Locating on the east side of the Boulder, above Big Timber, he lived on the ranch now occupied by John Brekke until eight years ago, since living in this city. In 1890 he married Lilliam Murray and to the union the son, Harry, and a daughter who drowned were born. Deceased was well known in every part of the county and many friends will mourn his passing. Mrs. H.P. Franklin entertained a group of friends at her ranch home near Melville Wednesday, celebrating her 70th birthday. A delicious luncheon was served and the afternoon spent in visiting. She had as guests Mrs. John P. Campbell, Mrs. Sigurd T. Lavold, Mrs. Mike Hoyem, Mrs. C.T. Busha, Mrs. E.R. Patterson. Under a gentlemen's agreement that, in the absence of money, local residents would clear the streets of rocks left by completion of the new water works, Sixth avenue between the Knapp and Dallman corners, was put in old-time form Tuesday. Residents who were not busy did their part, substitutes were furnished by others. The experimental drag of the county was used, also two trucks. East Boulder: A large crowd gathered at McLeod hall Saturday night, May 5, to enjoy the wedding dance given by Mr. and Mrs. Wright Ewan. The Boulder Valley Woman's club met at the home of Mrs. Madge Tronrud on May 7, with eight members present. Owing to the busy season the secretary was unable to be present so no business was transacted. The afternoon was spent discussing prospective projects. After a lovely lunch those present went home to meet at Mrs. Iserman's on June 5. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 21, 1936: Many friends in this city were apprised Sunday of a double wedding in Whitehall, Jefferson county, Saturday evening, the contracting parties being Forrest Ullman and Edna Braughton, and Ralph Wendelyn and Nellie Braughton. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Max Officer, May 17, a daughter. Floyd Bailey and Oscar A. Fallang were at the scene of the snowslide in which John Nordby lost his life, at the head of the Boulder, Sunday. They brought back a dozen or so pictures showing the amount of snow in various places. Their estimate is that around the place where Nordby was last seen, where Watchman Ernest Engle now has a tent, drifts are from 30 to 60 feet deep. Consequently there is no prospect of any real search being made before the middle of June. Kenneth Fallang, son of Mr. and Mrs. O.A. Fallang of this city, and Alice Miller of Harlowton, were married at the W.H. Donald ranch at Melville, Tuesday evening, by a Harlowton minister. They will make their home at the Donald ranch. Reed Point: A number of young people went to McLeod Friday afternoon to enjoy a plunge. The party consisted of Rex Guthrie, Howard Shutes, Raleigh Brumfield, Dan Schuyler, Perry Moler, Glen and Ruth Askwig, Tom and Lois Findley, Jack Collins, Emma Bjorndal and Geraldine McGinnis. Saturday evening Mr. and Mrs. Bernerd Deeney, Jr., entertained at dinner the Big Timber teachers with whom Mrs. Deeney taught school last year. Guests were Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McDonald, Mr. and Mrs. Sam G. Webster, the Misses Myrtle Boettcher, Ina West and Elsa Marquardt. The hostess was assisted in serving by her mother, Mrs. Henry Wullum, also of Big Timber. The evening was spent in visiting. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 28, 1936: A woman member of a band of Gypsies was taken into custody yesterday by Sheriff Bartels on complaint of a resident of Grey Cliff, who stated he had been gypped out of a watch. Other members of the tribe, many in number, were at the court house to prove the innocence of the accused. Finally the demonstration got so strong that Sheriff Bartels locked the suspect in jail. Then the king of the band appeared, made a good sensible talk, offered to pay $15, claimed as the value of the watch, also $15 to Sidney Fraser of Bridger creek for parking purposes. The offer was acceptable and the king produced a huge roll of bills and paid both amounts. Reed Point: Tony Dahl and Melvin Peterson started their shearing operations Wednesday with the Louis Krone sheep. Thursday evening they move to George Deeney's band. At the home of Tom Deckert, a number of young folks enjoyed a party Tuesday evening for his niece, Geraldine McGinnis. Cards were played and a nice lunch served. Guests included Raleigh Brumfield, Kenneth Goddard, Perry Moler, Rex Guthrie, Clarence Ostenson, Bernard and Cecelia Deeney, Glen, Thelma and Ruth Askwig, Ollie Shutes, and the honor guest. Announcement was received here of the wedding of Floyd Farr of this place and Miss Helen Wullum of Big Timber which took place at Big Timber Monday evening. They left for a short trip and will make their home on the ranch the groom has rented of his mother, Mrs. Mabel Farr. Other details of the ceremony are not available. The best wishes of the community are extended to the happy couple. +++ This page was last updated 14 June 2006. It was created on 11 February 2006. Copyright © 2006 by Joan Shurtliff.