Our Town 100 Years Ago - May 1921

May 1895

The following is taken as written from the May 3, 1895 Whitehall Zephyr. The accompanying photo is of an ad from the same edition.

Charlie Wagonbreth is constructing a fine ice-box in his market. He calculates there will be "no flies on his meat" at any stage of the game.

As soon, it is reported, as a suitable hall can be secured, three new lodges will be organized in Whitehall, Knights of Pythias, Free Masons and Odd Fellows.

Luke Dear is up at Pipestone Springs for a time-that is for a while; he is serving as clerk, we believe, on the starboard watch. Some say that Luke went into exile because a young lady in town in addressing him would not say "Luke, dear," instead of Luke Dear-he wanted the comma used after Luke.

That young man who attended the ice cream social the other night and made the statement there that there was not one good-looking woman present had better buy an iron mask and wear over his frontispiece, as the ladies are allowing their finger-nails to grow, and to grow sharp at that. If it were not for fear of being made accessory to a case of murder or manslaughter, we would inform the ladies that the letters J, O, E occur in his name.

May 1921

The following news is rewritten from notes made by Roy Millegan, Sr. of the first two editions of the May 1921 Jefferson Valley News.

Whitehall city officials are proud of the accomplishments made over the past couple of years. Mayor Tait explained that these include the new one mile of concrete pavement on Railroad and Division streets (the city put in $16,000 of the $29,000 project); the City Park has been renovated with 1300 feet of curbing that is topped off with a substantial iron fence. The entire grass plat has been reseeded, a concrete walkway built down the center and adorned with large flower beds; a drinking fountain installed in the east section and in the west, there will soon be a World War I Veterans monument. Thanks to volunteer labor from our citizens, the 48 trees added to the park only cost $1200 instead of the anticipated $2100. The ornamental flagpole in the park adds another nice touch to our community. Another significant saving of funds was made when the city purchased a $4000 surplus government truck for only $1200. This is being used to grade the sides of the new concrete street and clean greasewood from other streets.

The Sanitary Dairy (now the museum) has been sold by G. W. Ary to J. W. Letchworth of Bozeman for $51,000. The sale includes 340 acres of land, 65 head of dairy stock and all the buildings and equipment associated with the dairy operation. Mr. Sanders will help operate the dairy along with the new owner. Mr. Ary is moving to Bozeman.

Mrs. McFadden has been ordered by the city to make some improvements to her residence on the west side of Division Street that is across from the Noble-King house. This includes removing overhanging branches and fixing her broken down fence.

The population of our community along with others in the area, as reported by the school district are as follows: Whitehall 1133, Pleasant Valley 148, Cardwell 167, Cavern and Hubbard 81, Nigger Hollow 35. Total county population is now at 5,203.

The Christian Church will be holding a special Mother's Day service. Worshipers are asked to wear a flower or bow of pink if your mother is living or white if your mother has departed, as a sign of affection and tribute.

Mr. E. C. Woodward of Cameron is looking to buy some small pigs. He prefers red- headed ones.