JV Museum Opens Its Doors on 21st Anniversary

The new signs in town herald the twenty-first season of the Jefferson Valley Museum. Since 1996 the historical building has shared the history of this area with the many visitors from the 50 States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Within these walls of one of the oldest buildings in Whitehall is held the story of the town, the valley and the people.

These buildings and grounds were "rescued" by volunteers and are still lovingly maintained by volunteers. Even though the season is from Memorial Day Weekend through Sept. 15th, the volunteers work tirelessly through the winter months, cleaning, rearranging and logging new items. Once again, the public is cordially invited to come and explore the stories that have formed this small western town.

One can explore the stories within the War Room which holds items and pictures and newspapers from the Spanish American War through the current conflicts. There is even a 42 Star Flag that demands one's attention. On through the kitchen, the doctor's office, the music room and the railroad room and then on to the new addition with an intriguing iron collection and wedding gowns glowing in the light of a stained glass window to the new Flat File which was purchased from a generous grant from the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation.

The story of the Sugar Beet Factory which was completed in 1919 and closed down in 1920 shares space with new stories and acquisitions that include collections of Avon Dolls and Piano Mirrors and an intriguing autographed poster of the movie "The Return To Lonesome Dove" which was shot in Montana and in which our own Robert "Peachy" Lombardi was among the many extras hired for that movie.

If that isn't enough, you may wander through the Jardine Building which features the Cowboy Room, the old Ice Box from the Pipestone Social Club and old time buggies and cars. There is an unusual outdoor 'john' and a Blacksmith Shop that demands some attention on the way to the Jardine Building.

As an extra bonus you have the opportunity of purchasing a copy of the original Montana Road Map or of obtaining a copy of one of the recipes contained in the 1915 Whitehall Cook Book of the Ladies' Aid Society of St. Teresa's Catholic Church:

BOSTON BROWN BREAD 1 cup rye flour, 1 cup graham flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, 3 ½ tsps. of baking powder, 1 tsp. salt, 2/3 cup molasses and 1 2/3 cups milk. You then steam the dough in molds 3 ¼ hours. (Submitted by Mrs. Ed Wolverton)

This Free History Museum is open from Tues through Sunday, 12 (noon) through 4 P.M. Special tours are welcome (please call ahead to schedule - 406-287-7813).