March 1 – On this day in Montana
History in 1932 14-year-old Janis Salisbury died in Sheridan County from
complications due to appendicitis. But she is remembered in history for her
funeral that was held a few days later. It was not held in a church, but rather
in the local Farmer-Labor Temple. Socialism and communism had secured a strong
foothold in the area stricken hard by the Great Depression. The local Producers News headlined: “Bolshevik Funeral
for Valiant Young Pioneer.” The event shocked many and bitterly divided the
county and surrounding area. The funeral and the history of those troubled
times are chronicled in “The Red Corner” published by the Montana Historical Society
Press and available by calling toll-free 1-800- 243-9900.
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