Jan. 29 – On this day in Montana history in 1953 Montanans awoke to the news that Belle Anna Conway,

who was 66, had died in Helena. She was the last survivor of the Fort Shaw girls’ basketball team made

up of Native American girls that won what was called the world championship at the St. Louis World’s

Fair in 1904. She later served as a practical nurse in hospitals in Browning and Blackfoot, and was in

government service for 23 years. The story of the team is told in “Full Court Quest” available in the

Montana Historical Society Museum Store or calling toll-free 1-800—243—9900.