Becoming a Fan of History

Hey there. Another week into 2025. Trusting all is well in your camp as we peel around the corner, knowing it is 70 some days ‘til spring.

The county isn’t without some excitement ~ the sirens go blaring by the office more than one might think is necessary in Mayberry, Montana…however, the sound of a screeching ambulance is one that I could not hear for a long time.

Walking my fingers through the archives over the last couple weeks, several things some to mind. First, I am beginning to become a history follower and fan. I find myself looking back and wondering where former families lived or businesses were. It is like when one takes time to stroll through a cemetery…plenty of history is often lost because no one shared or cared and a family name might come to an end.

I have several families, most of them out of state, that have written and said that they appreciate it when I have included something that their family member had done – it helps with the loss as well as the history.

Have you taken a look at what your family knows about you? When traveling with my grandkids…when they rode with us…at a young and tender absorbing age…I always tried to share with them some history. Now, dear people, and granddaughter, Lauren, forgive me for sharing this little interesting whimsical.

Lauren was probably 5 or so and we are approaching the junction south of Malta, where the South Wagner highway meets 191 and I told the kids to look at the white crosses in the grass. I then told them that one of those crosses was erected in memory of John Palm, who was supposed to be the best man in Uncle Dennis and Aunt Sherry wedding, and that there was a wreck a week before the wedding and John was killed.

Lauren asked, “Was it a bad wreck?” To this I responded, yes, besides John’s death, Aunt Sherry had her jaw broke in 5 places and her hip in three places.

From the back seat in all her innocence, Lauren then asked, “Is that why Aunt Sherry has whiskers?”

I love the innocence of children!

That was off the subject but for some reason seemed to want to be included.

Maybe it was because it was history.

The last big search was to see how many hospitals there used to be in town. I know of two besides the current “new” one…how many others were there?

History has been falling down in our little town and it will not be here for the next generation. That is a sad thought. Have you ever driven by your old grade school? Mine are moved, one further south at Content and the South Wagner School, what remains of it, is a cabin belonging to the Bebee family at Nelson.

We visited years ago, perhaps when Grandma Leeila was 80 (?) her old homestead out in the break near Fourchette, where their home stood, before they were moved off to put in Fort Peck. I still remember her telling about the “sick house” or room, where one was put if they came down with an untreatable disease. She said they would open the door every day or so and put food to the person. If they lived, they came out. If not…

Times back then were downright hard. Flat out nasty in some lives. Think as you look around the room…what would you do if you didn’t have the items you do? Your coffee pot? Electric stove? Dishwasher (not your hubby, one that is mounted in the counter)? How about RUNNING water, despite the claims for the local not tasting good. I remember a friend who was ‘roughing it’ and bought a gas operated curling iron for out in the mountains, or on the lake. Whatever happened to triangular bandanas?

Stay safe, stay upright and stay in touch.