Sweet Grass County, Montana Tidbits and Tales, Part 7, July 1932-December 1932 Made Available to the Montana Archives by: Joan Shurtliff dirtdoc@santel.net +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, July 7, 1932: At this morning's meeting of the commissioners, the question of retaining Miss Orpha Brown as home demonstration agent was settled by a vote to discontinue the service. Occasionally a newspaperman hears something on the side worth publication. Saturday afternoon just after Garner had been nominated for vice president by the democratic convention, Fred Felenzer crossed from the postoffice to the Paulson grocery. Harry Shipton, driver of the delivery truck, was on the front seat with a big slice of watermelon. Fred noticed him and remarked: "Well, good times are here already." J.J. Lacklen, who went to the democratic convention in Chicago as an alternate delegate, returned this morning with a brand new Ford. It would take a week for him to tell all he saw, but he was on the job all the time and got a dollar's worth of information and instruction for every penny it cost him. Several outbreaks of the sugar beet webworm throughout the country have come in but no serious damage has been reported as yet, according to Ben Slanger, agriculture instructor. Some damage to gardens has been noticed but most ranchers where the webworms have been noticed have begun cutting their alfalfa at once, thus preventing further damage to the first cutting. Estella M. Barnes has purchased the J.M. Carvin house and two lots on Seventh avenue east for $1,000. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, July 14, 1932: L.J. Strafus, living southeast of Gibson, toward Rapelje, was in Big Timber yesterday on a business visit. He states that webworms cleaned up 40 acres of wheat for him. What he does not understand is that they never touched an oat field adjoining the wheat. He also stated there had been little rain there of late. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. McKenzie, Big Timber, July 7, a daughter; to Mr. and Mrs. John Kremper, Big Timber, July 11, a daughter; to Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Clouse, Big Timber, July 12, a son. The Johnson store at Melville was held up between 6 and 7 o'clock last evening. Andy Johnson being robbed of $57 in currency. Word was phoned to this city and Sheriff Brannin and Under Sheriff Whitsel started for Melville, meeting the robbers, traveling in stolen car, at a culvert near the Hathaway ranch, eight miles north of this city. The men were taken into custody and are now in the county jail. They hail from Minnesota. Miss Anna Buster of Big Timber and Torlief Taaland of Livingston were united in marriage at Sunday evening. Ronald Skillman, Ian Elliot and Burton Amsberry are going it together, alone, on a camping trip up the Boulder this week. They were taken up yesterday by Mr. and Mrs. Guy F. Skillman and Mrs. James Elliot. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, July 21, 1932: Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Aldis Hiller of Reed Point, July 15, a daughter; to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hoffman, at Melville, July 21, a son. The heavy hail storm of Monday night, after damaging everything it could west of this city, went south, then crossed over to the east side of the Boulder. C.R. McKenzie lost his hay and 150 acres of grain. A.G. Braughton lost a garden and had a big hay damage. The same work was performed at the ranch of Guy P. Officer. The board of commissioners filled the vacancy of the officer of justice of the peace for Big Timber township, occasioned by the resignation of T.K. Baker, by the appointment of J.A. Lowry. This gives the township two justices, Sam G. Webster having been elected two years ago. Commenting on arrest of the three men who held up the store at Melville, the Harlowton Times adds the following: "These are the same men who flourished a revolver on H.R. Thomas, proprietor of the garage on the main highway north of Twodot, and demanded and took ten gallons of gasoline. They evidently pursued their way to Harlowton and over a side street took the road to Melville. At Twodot they drove up first and asked for a road map, evidently to survey the situation, circled around and returned, one of the men sticking a six-shooter into the ribs of Thomas and demanding the gas." +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, July 28, 1932: J.A. Lowry, newly appointed justice of the peace, performed his first marriage ceremony yesterday afternoon in the office of clerk of the court. Charles C. Sage and Mildred Elizabeth Romene, both of Livingston, were the contracting parties. Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hruza and Mr. and Mrs. E.O. Overland celebrated their weddng anniversaries Sunday at the Campbell ranch on the Boulder. Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Emil I. Frang surprised them Friday evening by appearing at their cabin on the Boulder with refreshments, to celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary. Born to Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie H. Bryan, July 22, a daughter. Nolan Bros., who have the contract for oiling the Yellowstone trail between the courthouse in this city and Livingston, are at work on this end, a two mile stretch, and expect to have that part complete by tomorrow. Work started near the Prather ranch, about 10 miles from the city, and had been completed yesterday four miles this way. The gallery furnished a fair crowd all the time, in this city, to watch operations. While fishing last Sunday C.D. Graff threw his spectacles in the rear seat of his car. The big spaniel of C.O. Loftsgaarden also placed himself in the rear seat. When Mr. Graff returned home, he was unable to find his glasses. The next morning, Mr. Loftsgaarden returned them. He had cut them from the shaggy hair of the spaniel. W.D. McKenzie, who was written in for state senator on the democratic primary ticket by about 35 democrats and republicans, accepted the honor and filed as the candidate of that party. Mr. McKenzie is one of the best known of Sweet Grass county ranchers and stockmen. He came to Montana from New York in 1890. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 4, 1932: Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Harlan Clark of Glasston, July 28, a son; to Mr. and Mrs. Harold H. Kenison of Big Timber, August 3, a son. John Forster of Grey Cliff this week purchased a 320 acre tract adjoining his ranch below Grey Cliff, for $350. Robert Cosgriff, who was written in as the democratic candidate in commissioner district No. 2, in which Sigurd Lavold of Melville is the republican candidate, filed his petition with County Clerk Conwell the latter part of last week. Mr. Cosgriff was raised on Deer creek, has followed farming most of his life, and is now owner of the Van Goor ranch on Otter Creek. Low water in some tributaries of the Yellowstone river has started water commissioners on their daily travels. Those now working on various creeks are Ed Bartels on the Sweet Grass, John E. Campbell on Big Timber and Swamp creeks, and C.E. Fahlgren on the Harrison ditch. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 11, 1932: Clyde E. Davis has been chosen treasurer of the Lions club to succeed F.N. Sauer, removed to Livingston. A.M. Grosfield, through attorney C.W. Campbell, has started suit in the district court against Jacob Johnson. It is to prevent the defendant from building a fence on land the plaintiff claims to be the owner of. At the Tuesday luncheon of the Lions club a movement to start a state wide campaign for reduction of the price of gas was started. A committee of R.A. Bray, chairman, and Attorneys C.W. Campbell, John N. MacFarlane and E.O. Overland was named to inaugurate the movement. County Treasurer F.R. Hickman has received a check for $268, the share of Sweet Grass county in the state collections of gasoline tax for July. The section of the John P. Hanson ranch, eight miles north of this city, and the territory around the Lazy K Bar ranch had a cloudburst yesterday afternoon. Fred Felenzer, with the Melville mail stage, caught it at the Snyder ranch, just beyond Glasston, and had it all the way down to Seven Mile. A bull snake, equal in length to a window sill, was discovered yesterday morning on a sill at the office of Mrs. Emma B. Rees, clerk of the court. Evidently it had climbed a nearby vine and was taking a morning sun bath. Male inhabitants of the courthouse poked it loose with sticks, but instead of falling it went back down the vine. Later it was killed on the concrete walk in front. Robert Brownlee, who was here Tuesday from his ranch 10 miles south of this city, stated that country had a regular cyclone for about five minutes Monday evening. He and his son Bobby were engaged in milking when it struck and the barn was so filled with dust it shut off all vision. Mrs. Brownlee was outside and had to take refuge under a heavy wagon. A lighter wagon with a hay rack was upended, and when he came down Tuesday was still upright, all wheels in the air. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 18, 1932: Members of the local chapter of Future Farmers of America returned last Thursday from a very successful and enjoyable four-day camping trip up Big Timber canyon. Those who went on the trip are Gillman Aller, Alva Ewan, Frank Duffy, Van Moschelle, Kenneth Boe, George Moschelle, Kenneth Boe, George Crum, William Liebel, William Chase, Barney Warp, Robert Kellogg, Harold and Edwin Riveland, Henry and Paul Stole, Tom Nevin and Harry Jones. Thieves raided the county caterpillar, left in Big Timber canyon where the road crew is working, Tuesday night and got away with between 20 and 30 gallons of gas, besides oil. Pipes were broken by the thieves in order to get at the gas. There was a hard rain in the section that night, 18 miles from here, and yesterday Sheriff Brannin and Foreman Arthur T. Ellison drove up and tracked the car of the thieves as far as the regular highway, where the track became indistinct. County Clerk W.A. Conwell is at the state fair at Helena this week with Sweet Grass county'swool exhibit, and also as one of the managers of that department of the big show. Nate Howe and C.C. Johnson, who were up the Boulder the latter part of last week, flushed a large moose in the timber. It jumped down an embankment and went into a creek, and then they crossed the stream the water was still murky. West Gibson Notes: Dave Nevin was attending to business matter in the county capital Tuesday. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 25, 1932: Under Sheriff Frank Whitsel, four years undr the late Sheriff H.G. Lyon and ending his tenth consecutive year under Sheriff Ed Brannin, was shot and instantly killed on West Bridger Creek, about 26 miles southeast of Big Timber, yesterday afternoon, and Sheriff Brannin was seriously wounded, apparently by Sam Regland, evidently insane, who also killed himself. Three new teachers on the high school staff are Martha J. Haynes, who succeeds Myrtle Schump as home economics instructor; G.F. Lamb, who will teach mathematics and science and coach athletics; and Ellen Rein, who will teach history and classes in music. Mrs. Fallang, city librarian, is enjoying a week's vacation beginning today. The library will be open on Saturday evening for the exchange of books, then not again until Thursday evening, September 1. Lawrence Furstenberg will move his jewelry store September 1 from the Steiner building, adjoining the Motor Inn, to the Bailey building, next door to the Crest barber shop, recently vacated by the Royal Lunch. County Clerk W.A. Conwell, who had charge of Sweet Grass county's wool exhibit at the state fair, returned Saturday evening with the exhibit and a $50 cash prize for the best collective exhibit. For three years this county has won a silver cup, which went to Broadwater county this year, but this time it carried off a cash prize sufficient to pay all expenses of making the exhibit. Commissioners T.T. Olson, C.C. Nicholson and A.A. Lamp were at Bridger Creek Tuesday deciding where the new road is to be. It certainly will be most welcome wherever it is. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 1, 1932: Joe Keeney of Contact was here Thursday of last week en route home from Cooke City, where he celebrated his 84th birthday with old friends. Dr. A.P. O'Leary, Mayor G.H. Goosey, John N. MacFarlane and Ross E. Shaver started for Missoula early this morning to confer with the heads of the forest service for an extension of the Boulder road from Cowles to Independence. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Evans Forsythe, August 23, a daughter; to Mrs. Alma (Martin) Eik, in this city, August 29, a daughter. At a meeting of the county commissioners and Under Sheriff Fallang Saturday afternoon, held to select an assistant to the under sheriff, who did not care to continue the work of Sheriff Brannin without help, Leo Overfelt was named deputy sheriff, and has qualified. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 8, 1932: Lester P. Work had purchased the hay of the Ringling estate at White Sulphur Springs, which also includes the vast Ringling range. He will winter 24,000 head of ewe lambs and ewes at White Sulphur Springs and on the Madison River. Marshall C. Hoppin, with the aeronautic branch of the department of commerce, and brother-in-law of Jake and Chris Magelssen, was here Friday checking up on the airport field, which he found in first class condition. Other airports, west of this city, were not in as good condition. Guy E. Neal, lessee and manager of the Arcade theatre, and Betsy Miles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Tjaaland, were married in this city Friday evening by Justice Sam G. Webster. A porch and shed in the rear of the G.A. Loasby home was damaged Saturday evening by an ignition of gas. Sigurd Lavold of Melville was just moving his family in for the winter, and P.J. Deegan was connecting the gas. There was no light and Mr. Lavold went to his car to get a flashlight but failed to find it. When he returned Mr. Deegan lighted a match and the fire started. Somebody had slept at the switch and failed to put a plug in the gas pipe when the gas was shut off during the summer. Miss Virginia Nurmberg and Jesse Langston, Jr., (Long Jesse) were married at Livingston last Saturday. They were given a royal reception by the people of Melville upon their return from Livingston. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 15, 1932: The twenty-fifth anniversary of the Big Timber Lutheran church last Sunday was a big success both from the standpoint of weather conditions and attendance. A historical sketch of the congregation from the time of its organization in 1907 up to the present was read by Rev. A.A. Holbeck, present pastor. It showed 23 heads of families had signed the constitution and thus become charter members. The Crest Trio - Mrs. Signa Bailey, Mrs. Margaret Busha and Mrs. Alvhild Nicholson - won second place in the Trio contest at the American Legion Auxiliary national convention in Portland, Oregon, to the delight of local admirers, Oregon taking first. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Mahoney of this city, September 12, a daughter; to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Reid of Big Timber, September 13, a daughter. Three prizes were received Wednesday by Ben Slanger, instructor of agriculture, from the Billings Midland fair: first in welding, second in rope work and second for shop made meat hooks. This makes a total of 11 ribbons won at Billings by the SGHS agriculture class. The Sweet Grass county stock judging team, Amos Cook, Bill Roberts and Kenneth Boe, placed third in the Smith-Hughes vocational agriculture judging held at the Midland Empire fair in Billings by taking second place in all beef cattle, second and third for Hereford breeds, second in all hogs, with a second for Duroc and third for Poland breeds. Ben Ranum, employed at the oil well northeast of town, lost his Reo coupe by fire yesterday. Mr. Ranum was taking his sons to school, when the car turned over in a ditch near the Larson ranch. He extricated himself and the two lads just in time to escape the flames which burst out immediately. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 22, 1932: Death made a heavy inroad on the real old timers of this county during the past 28 days - Josiah T. Dillon, Frank Whitsel, Olaus O. Finstad, Mrs. H.O. Kellogg and Peter H. Becken. Tom Currier, a former Sweet Grass high basketball star and son of Mrs. Rosa Currier of Springdale, and Mary Hyland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hyland of Springdale, were married at St. Mary's church in Livingston Tuesday morning. Paul B. Hoffman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Claude C. Gray, and Miss Effalane Bryant, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Bryant, were married at St. Helena Cathedral September 19. Mr. Hoffman is well and favorably known in Big Timber and vicinity, he in recent years having been manager of his father's ranch on the Boulder. Reed Point Notes: John S. Campbell, John L. Rash, Joe Deeney and Burt Mitchell returned Wednesday morning from Chicago where they went with cattle shipments. They report the market none too good. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 22, 1932: Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Olaf A. Ostrom of Big Timber, September 22, a daughter. Major Kelly, in charge of government road work in Montana, announces an allocation of $4,000 for extension of the Boulder road from Cowles to Independence, a distance of about five miles. The sum of $15,000 was requested, but the forest service figures that by leaving out an expensive bridge the road can be built for the above amount. The commissioner have arranged for a survey by County Surveyor Busse and work, under the supervision of Forest Supervisor Martin of Livingston, will start soon. It is expected to finish the job this year. Credit for the work is due the woolgrowers and Lions club. Albert Bilstad and Sam Olson left last week for New York City, where they sailed yesterday for their old homes in Norway on the steamer Stavangerfjord. Peter Sorenson, one of the earliest Northern Pacific engineers in Montana who retired a few years ago at the age of 70, and family drove down yesterday morning from Livingston to try the new highway. Mr. Sorenson said they drove it in an hour, "plenty fast enough for an old engineer on a highway." Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, October 6, 1932: A very pretty wedding was solemnized at the George O. Rostad home at McLeod on Wednesday evening when the daughter Alice became the bride of Carl E. Erickson of Northfield, Minn. Henry Stole, sheepman and pure bred cattleman, died of monoxide poisoning at his ranch on Little Timber creek a few miles north of this city Friday morning. Seven cars of sheep comprised a shipment out of here Tuesday on the Northern Pacific livestock special. Four cars belong to Carl Myrstol, three to C.W. Voges. A baby girl was born Sunday to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Case of McLeod. Homer Wheeler has succeeded Guy F. Skillman as manager of the Continental Oil company's station on First Avenue. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Elia Holen of Howie, Oct. 1, a son; to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ostrum of Big Timber, Oct. 6, a daughter. At a pretty ceremony performed at the parsonage of the Congregational- Christian church in Livingston Thursday evening, Miss Beatrice R. Morgan of Boston, Mass. became the bride of John M. Carney, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Carney of Springdale. The newlyweds will make their home in Springdale. Reed Point Notes: The Reed Point lamb pool sent out a shipment Tuesday. Fifteen hundred head of lambs were pooled by 18 farmers. The pool was offered 3 1/2 cents here for the lambs but refused it. Sidney Fraser shipped a car of lambs and a car of cattle with the same train. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, October 13, 1932: Six cars of stock went out on the livestock special from this station Tuesday. A.M. Grosfield loaded five cars of cattle and Leo Overfelt one car. County surveyor C.E. Busse, Ed Crossfield and John Goosey left yesterday afternoon, with a camp outfit, for Cowles to make a survey of the extension of the road from that point to Independence, about five miles. It is figured it will take from 10 to 14 days to make the survey, and Forest Ranger Harry Kaufman says the federal forest service will start on the road as soon as the survey is complete. Barring too much bad weather, much of the work should be done this fall and early winter. David Kinder, who sold his personal property Monday, has sold his ranch northeast of Stockade to Carl Bue. He will return to the Madison, his former home. Mr. and Mrs. Anton Solberg of the old Franklin ranch at Melville, who were driving to town Saturday with two dozen chickens and five dozen eggs, had an accident at the railway crossing east of town which furnished many thrills but ended well. Just before the crossing was reached Mrs. Solberg remarked the chickens in the rear seat of the sedan were doing well. Mr. Solberg turned and looked, then turned back to find he was heading into a long freight train, going east. He tried to turn, but sideswiped the train, the car being carried along a few feet, then turned around and over. There was one dead chicken out of 24, one dozen broken eggs, and no injury to the occupants of the car. Mr. Solberg says he did not see the train. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, October 20, 1932: Tom Anderson and Sigurd Lavold tackled the Melville road Tuesday, riding, sliding and climbing from that point here over one of the worst Melville roads they could recall. Jake Plaggerman has bought and moved the old Ammerman house on the Trail west of town to the Steensland place on the Boulder road, where he will add it to the present house and make an attractive home. Guy F. Skillman has leased the Lacklen filling station, corner of First avenue and Harris street, opening it for business Saturday morning. Winston Bros., contractors for the new highway between the city and Livingston, through Attorney James F. O'Connor of that city, have filed suit in the district court of this county against E.R. Tuttle and the Fidelity Guaranty Co. for damages in the amount of $1,366.08, alleging a breach of contract. An afternoon rain in Sweet Grass County turned to snow Sunday night, striking practically every section of the county. Fred L. Webb, weather observer, estimates the total fall at 12 inches. The foothills were covered, and the Crazies received the first installment of irrigation for next year. Roads everywhere were in a bad condition, being almost impassible with a car. A Buick sedan, stolen from B.L. Acton, undertaker at Roundup, was abandoned in front of the courthouse Saturday night. The fellow had been around the courthouse, but no word of the theft had been received from Roundup by Under Sheriff Fallang or Deputy Sheriff Overfelt. When they finally got information regarding it, the man had disappeared. The owner came for the car. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, October 27, 1932: Born, to Mr. and Mrs. George Lamach of this city, October 25, a son. A district American Legion Auxiliary meeting is being held in Manhattan, Gallatin county, today. The Crest Sisters Trio - Mrs. Signa Bailey, Mrs. Alvhild Nicholson and Mrs. Margaret Busha - will sing, accompanied by Mrs. O.C. Batch. Country roads in different parts of the county are reported in bad condition, due to recent storms and heavy travel. Most of them are dry but terribly rough. The Meister Lane, always bad whenever it rains, is in bad shape but is being straightened out by Fred Boddy. New members of this year's agricultural classes took the oath of Future Farmers of America and were initiated as Green Hands into the organization. Those initiated were John Deegan, Dean Curtis, Frank Duffey, Kenneth Heriem, Harmon Jones, Harry Kellogg, Percy Lavold, Sigurd Lavold, Ray Mosier, Telmar Olson, Forrest Sandage, Emery Steensland, Garreth Swiney and Kenneth Blackwell. Stockholders of the Silver King Mining company met in this city Monday evening. All old directors were reelected and Ernest Patterson was added to the board to make the number seven. On the last work done at the mine, about 18 feet of open cut was made and about 14 feet of tunnel work done. The lead is six feet wide and the ore carries gold, silver, lead and zinc. New assays are being sent away to determine the value of the ore at this point. However, the miners are confident an even better grade of ore will be found a few feet ahead. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, November 3, 1932: In the window of the Pioneer is a good representation of a human hand, formed by nature in the growing of a carrot. It was picked up by C.D. Paulson among a bunch of carrots in his grocery, has a thumb and five fingers and is as cleverly done as if someone had used a knife to form it. The name of J.A. Lowry, who was named justice of the peace for this township by the commissioners, will not appear on the ballot as he was appointed after the date for filing had expired. However, he will appreciate it if you write his name on the ballot. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Robert O. Williams of Gibson, October 30, a son. John S. Solberg, veteran Big Timber merchant and one of the most highly respected residents of Big Timber since this city first saw the light of day, and bride arrived Sunday night from Livingston and have been the recipients of the heartiest congratulations. The bride's mother, Dr. Eva M. Hunter, now as osteopathic practitioner, taught in the first school in Big Timber, about where the old stone Commercial bank building stands on McLeod Street. A joint Hallowe'en party was held Friday night of last week by the Duffey and Dry Creek schools, of which Miss Louise Ryan and Miss Gertrude Conwell are teachers, respectively. The program of games and lunch was well attended. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, November 10, 1932: Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Roy Noon of McLeod, Nov. 10, a boy. Joe Morstein in completing the building of a modern, five-room home at his ranch on the Sweet Grass. Four grade school students, Mary Evelyn Deegan, manager, Bud Deegan and Frances and Helen Cort, handled the sale of the forget-me-nots for the benefit of the Verterans' hospital at Helena, Saturday. County Survey Busse and a crew of men came down Saturday from the Boulder where they have been staking a survey for the extension of the road to Independence. Work has been suspended for the winter months, but will be taken up in the spring as soon as weather conditions will permit. Roy Blanchard, in charge of operations, has the work well started at several points. A $3,000 for a bridge just above the Cowles place has been granted. Judge Berg spent a busy day in court here yesterday, with estate and other matters. Torger Lomeland was granted citizenship papers. One election bet of which their friends are getting a great kick was paid yesterday as per agreement. Dr. L.W. Baskett, an ardent Roosevelt supporter, and Jake Magelssen, standing for Hoover, offered as stakes the shirts they wore, the forfeit to be paid wherever they happened to meet after the election was decided. Yesterday afternoon the doctor met Mr. Magelssen on the walk in front of the Bailey hardware and promptly disrobed him. The shirt is now on display in the doctor's office. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, November 17, 1932: Mrs. Gertrude Bailey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.R. Dillon of this city, was married in Billings on Saturday afternoon to Bud Scribner, under sheriff in Big Horn county. Mrs. C.E. Fahlgren had a narrow escape from serious consequences Monday morning. While washing with a gasoline motored machine she was overcome by fumes which filled the room in spite of the fact an exhaust outlet was provided outside. Feeling herself become faint, she moved to the door and asked the baby to open it for her. As he did so, she fell outside on the porch, where she was discovered by passersby and given aid. Tuesday night marked the close of the season on big game in this section. Park county, in the Yellowstone park area, will remain open until December 20. W.J. Knapp and Oscar Fallang were among the last to bring in a buck. Shipments of stock from this point this week included: Frank Mackey, 1 car sheep; Dutton and Schmidlkofer, 1 car cattle; L.P. Officer and Larson, 1 car cattle. Ranchers of the Bridger creek section made of a shipment of three cars of cattle which were loaded out of Reed Point Tuesday. Among those putting in stock were Henry Hausserman, Carl Mysse, Newton Lay, M.C. McGreevy, Jack McLean and William Langford. High school pupils making the honor roll the first quarter were: 2-A, Kenneth Blackwell, Irene Brownlee, Retta Buchanan, Donald Clegg, Margaret Clouse, Pauline Cross, Barbara Duffey, John Ellison, Mary Fallang, Bill Hruza, Robert Kellogg, Edna Peterson, Bill Roberts, Ruth Ryan, Paul Snyder, Sigrid Solberg, Mary Steensland, Mary Tronrud, Gale Wick, Lucille Weipert; 3-A, Wilbert Carter, Jack Clark, Dean Curtis, Ida Esp, Bill Rees, Helen Roquet, Dorothy Roukema, Lillian Tucker; 4-A, Elsie Ellingson, Audrey Graff, Phyllis Johnson. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, November 24, 1932: Born, November 15, to Mr. and Mrs. Victor Treadwell of Glasston, a son; November 20, to Mr. and Mrs. George O. Campbell, Big Timber, a son; November 18, to Mr. and Mrs. Chris Boe of Springdale, a son; November 19, to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Coster of Great Falls, at the S. Warp home in this city, a daughter. R.H. Cartwright, who with Bob Davis is operating a mill on gold properties on Upper Deer creeks, was in the city Tuesday on a business visit. He states that five tons of ore have been put through the mill, averaging $50 in gold to the ton. Operation of the mill has not been as thorough as it could have been, Mr. Cartwright having been away, but he expects the showing to be better from now on. Plans are being arranged for County Attorney-elect Overland at the courthouse, when he takes charge January 2. It is probable he will take the upstairs front office, and Mrs. Rees will take the one on the west side. One of the worst wind storms we have had in many a day held forth here Saturday afternoon for several hours. The old Stone barn, owned by S. Oie, was unroofed, huge pieces of twisted tin landing across and up the street by the Big Timber Supply House. George Cross of Glasston took a bunch of the best looking two year old steers we've seen through here last week en route to Absarokee to feed during the winter months. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 1, 1932: Clarence Shipton, manager of the City pool hall, met his congratulatory friends with cigars yesterday morning, the occasion being his marriage at Billings to Miss Doris Oberg of that city. They arrived Tuesday from Billings and will make their future home in this city. W.J. Hannah, who paid a business visit to the Stillwater valley yesterday, visited at Absarokee with Ed Runner, an early resident of Big Timber whose wife was one of the first in charge of the local post office. Guy F. Skillman shipped a car of horses to Indiana last week. A well arranged program for the annual meeting of the Federated Womens Clubs of Sweet Grass County, held in the high school auditorium Saturday, drew a good attendance from all parts of the county. Election of officers resulted in the reelection of the following: Mrs. Henry Hausserman, of Bridger, president; Mrs. J.E. Mitchell of Gibson, vice president; Mrs. C.C. Nicholson of Howie, second vice president; Mrs. Frank Berrie of Bridger, secretary; Mrs. Carl Ewan of East Boulder, treasurer. Reed Point Notes: One of the nicest events occurred at the rural school just west of Mehlbergs when all the folks of that district took their dinner there Thanksgiving day and enjoyed the feed together. From the looks of the table prosperity had got around the corner to them. Bob Cunningham proved himself the best pie eater, and Mrs. Mettling won the championship title in the game of horseshoes. Those present will long remember this day. A baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jack Deeney. Jack is the son of Mr. and Mrs. B.T. Deeney and has been residing at the parental home for a few months until a couple of weeks ago. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 8, 1932: James Thomas Miller, weighing 9 pounds flat, arrived Monday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Earl Miller of this city. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Lewis of Reed Point, Dec. 4, a son; to Mr. and Mrs. Ben A. Hereim of McLeod, Dec. 4, a daughter; to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Imlay of Reed Point, Dec. 5, a son; to Mr. and Mrs. Donald Rees of Big Timber, Dec. 6, a daughter. W.H. Donald, in the city today from Melville, reported 40 below this morning at his ranch, two miles from Melville, and 42 below in Melville. Offical bonds filed so far with County Clerk Conwell by officers-elect are: C.E. Busse, surveyor, $1,000; C.L. Crest, public administrator, $5,000; E.O. Overland, county attorney, $1,000; W.A. Conwell, clerk, $5,000; J.A. Lowry, justice of peace, $2,000; Emma B. Rees, clerk of court, $5,000. The annual meeting of the Bridger Creek Telephone Co. was held Saturday. Election of officer for the following year was the principal business. A.C. Boyles was elected president, Ike Lay vice president, J.A. Johnson secretary- treasurer and John Forster, J.H. Hausserman and O.P. Terland trustees. J.H. Hausserman was appointed lineman. Return to the top of the page. From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 15, 1932: Andrew H. Murray, who passed away last week, was one of the early pioneers of Montana. Born at Marshall, Mich., November 25, 1849, he came to Montana as a youth of 17 years, arriving in the Treasure State September 9, 1866. He had the distinction of being the first white man to build a home on Big Timber creek. He built a cabin on what is now the Hathaway ranch. W.G. Robinson, living at the east of Dead Man's canyon, was here today on a business visit. He passed up the canyon this time and came around by Reed Point to get the benefit of a real highway. Sam G. Webster, justice of the peace, present and elect, has filed an official bond in the sum of $2,000 with Will Churchill and J.B. Broker as sureties. John P. Wilson of the West Boulder, here today, reports 54 below at his ranch last Thursday morning, and 50 below for three nights. Three members of the high school board were named by the county commissioners before they adjourned last week. Ralph S. Jarrett, living on the north side of the river, asked to be relieved from further service, stating that he had served continuously for 15 years and considered that a sufficient time. Tom Anderson, one of the best known and most highly respected residents of Melville, was named in his place. Dr. D. Claiborn of this city and George O. Rostad of McLeod were reappointed. Ed Bartels, sheriff-elect, announced that when he takes office January 2, Floyd F. McAllister will become his undersheriff. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 22, 1932: Mr. and Mrs. Tom Anderson of the Melville community were the honor guests at a silver wedding party on December 18 at their ranch home. It is estimated that over 100 guests were present. J.A. Lowry has received word from G.R. Marlow, clerk of the federal courts of Montana, that he has been reappointed United States commissioner of Sweet Grass county for a term of four years. Mrs. Oscar A. Fallang, named as city librarian during the first term of Mayor A.P. O'Leary, nearly six years ago, has been reappointed by the library board. The W.T. Mahoney ranch home on Otter creek, about five miles north of this city, was burned Friday evening. Mr. Mahoney started a fire in the kitchen stove, using tractor fuel as a helper. The can exploded and the house caught fire, burning most of the contents except a small amount of bedding. No injuries resulted from the explosion. Cars belonging to Charles Blevins, a former resident of Melville and of this city, and Peder Egeland of Big Timber came together near the Dry Creek school house about midnight Saturday, both cars losing a front wheel. Aside from that there was not much damage. After the cars met Blevins got out and walked into the road to flag the Yale Oil Co. Truck, en route to Billings. He failed to get out of the way and the driver of the truck did not see him in time to stop, the truck knocking Blevins out. The driver immediately brought the injured man to the Big Tmber hospital, where a broken rib and several bad bruises were attended to. Roy Webber, who visited in the city Tuesday from his East Boulder ranch home, stated that 42 below, two mornings, was the lowest drop recorded in his neighborhood. Return to the top of the page. +++ From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 29, 1932: Born, Christmas morning, to Mr. and Mrs. Graham Woolsey of McLeod, at the Barnes maternity home, a daughter; to Mr. and Mrs. Clark Lafon of this city, at Big Timber hospital, December 28, a daughter. Ian Elliott entertained a number of classmates from the grade school last evening. Turkey dinner and games were enjoyed. A deed from W.A. McDowell of Minneapolis, to E.A. Warner has been filed with County Clerk W.A. Conwell. The deed transfers the ownership of the old Van Cleve ranch, embracing about 8,000 acres, and one of the earliest ranches operated in the Melville country. Return to the top of the page. This site was created on July 22, 2002 and was last updated on January 3, 2003. Copyright © 2002, 2003 by Joan Shurtliff.