March 13 – On this day in Montana history in 1962 the World Theatre opened in Billings to “show unique films from all over the world.” One of the movies was “Seven Little Sins” a French film starring Maurice Chevalier. “Like other art theaters the World will have a coffee hour before showings,” organizers said. And you thought coffee shops were a new thing.

March 12 – On this day in Montana history in 1854 George Gore reached St. Louis where he introduced himself to leaders of the American Fur Company. They helped him hire 40 men with wilderness experience for his hunting trip into Montana. The English royal from his luxurious tents enjoyed fine wine and other comforts on his trip. He left more than 4,000 bison, 1,500 elk, 2,000 deer and 500 bears dead during his “gory” hunting trip.

March 11 – On this day in Montana History in 1962 “throngs were attending” the Building Material and Home Show in Billings. The show offered the latest in home building and furnishing materials. The want ads in the Billings paper of the day show how much things have changed. 3-bedroom homes were going for as little as $50 down and $71 a month. “Fabulous Colonial Casual” divan and matching chair was selling for $75 or only $7.20 a month. In contrast, the latest in “quality picture and stereo high fidelity” televisions were going for $328 – if you had a good trade in!!!!  

March 10 --  On this day in Montana History in 1864 J.A Slade was the victim of what became known as “A Decent, Orderly Lynching” in Virginia City, Montana. Slade had developed a reputation for toughness and some said meanness as a boss on the Overland Trail. He came to Virginia City, Montana, in 1863 and his drinking and problem behavior soon had him at odds with the Vigilantes who administered and carried out their justice in the boom town.  On March 10, it came to a head when he took a leading member of the vigilantes hostage and threatened to kill him. He was convinced to free the man, but was immediately taken prisoner and told the Vigilantes’ executive committee had just met and voted to hang him. A friend sent for Slade’s wife, but before she could get to the makeshift gallows behind Pfouts and Russell’s Store to say her goodbyes, the order was given “Men, do your duty.” The box was kicked away and Slade was later carried off to boot hill.

March 9 – On this day in Montana History in 1880 the first railroad was completed into Montana. The Summit of the Rocky Mountains Utah and Northern Railroad brought a special train filled with dignitaries to Monida Pass south of Butte on the Montana Utah border for the driving of the Silver Spike. Yes, silver spike, apparently the golden one used for completion of the Union Pacific was not available. Corrine, Utah, had been the terminus for getting equipment, supplies and people to the booming gold towns of Montana. The line eliminated most of the 500-mile stagecoach route that ran from Corrine to Virginia City, Montana.

March 6 – On this day in Montana history in 1905 Gov. Joseph Toole signed an act providing for the nomination of candidates in primary elections to be elected by direct vote. The law was backed by progressives and had huge statewide support. It was designed to prevent powerful entities like the Anaconda Company from selecting candidates in the legendary “smoke filled back rooms.”

March 5 – On this day in Montana history in 1913 Gov. Sam Stuart signed a bill providing for an Executive Residence for the governor – himself. For $30.000 the state purchased what is now known as the Original Governors’ Mansion in Helena operated as a house museum by the Montana Historical Society. Before the act any place the governor lived was deemed the “governor’s mansion.” They ranged from a log cabin in Virginia City to a Helena duplex apartment.

March 4 – On this day in Montana history in 1895 a law was passed allowing the creation of official Montana symbols. The first symbol approved was to declare the Bitterroot Montana’s official state flower.

March 3 – On this day in Montana history in 1932 Crow Chief Plenty Coupes died at his home on Pryor Creek at age 84. He had lived through the time when the Crow still lived free on their historic homeland into the reservation days. His home is now a State Park honoring the “Chief of all the Crow.”

March 2 -- On this day in Montana history in 1922 the Montana Supreme Court ruled that a “bachelor tax” of $3 a year for unmarried men that was passed by the Legislature as a poll tax was unconstitutional. They ordered money collected under the law be returned. There was no report on how many bachelors without wives to remind them asked for the refund.