I have been writing a column for the Havre Daily News about Havre and Hill County’s history since 2012. My column appears weekly in the Friday paper, and I enjoy selecting articles from old newspapers to share with readers! One of my 2017 Resolutions is to post that column weekly on my blog as well, and there sometimes may be additional information found only here. Here is the first Celebrating History article for 1917/2017! The picture is of the Masonic Temple, now the 305 Building, site of the Eastern Star dance.
The year 1917 rolled into Havre history on a cold note. Local news reports that December 1916 was the coldest in 32 years, and the entire year was the coldest in 37 years. The reports also note that 1916 had more rainfall than normal.
Weddings were the big news in Havre’s social circles this week 100 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. H. B Atkinson and Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Kelly were busy with two weddings, those of Mrs. Atkinson’s and Mrs. Kelly’s sisters, Hazel and Marian. Unfortunately, portions of their announcements found in The Havre Plaindealer’s Society column of January 6, 1917 was ruined by tape, therefore rendering the portions unreadable. However, what can be read of Hazel’s announcement was that she married Mr. Clarence Reasman of Great Falls. They met in Great Falls when Hazel was a student at the business college in that city. The wedding ceremony was performed by Reverend P. H. Case of the Presbyterian Church, and the bridal party and guests enjoyed a wedding breakfast in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Kelly, and that Mrs. Kelly is a sister to Hazel. The couple were to make their home in Great Falls.
Marian’s announcement was a little more complete, and what can be read is here:
“Lindhe-Auld
“Beneath a bell formed from evergreen and lilies, and to the soft strains of Lohengrin’s wedding march rendered by the skillful fingers of Mrs. P. A. Brainerd, Miss Marian Auld and Mr. Fred W. Lindhe made the vows that united them as man and wife on Wednesday morning. The ceremony was performed at the home Mrs. Harry Atkinson, sister of the bride, and Rev. P. H. Case used the Presbyterian service in uniting the young couple.
“The bride and groom were attended respectively by Miss Margaret Auld and Mr. W. C. McKly.
“Mrs. Lindhe was one of Havre’s most popular young ladies, and has endeared herself to everyone whose privilege it was to meet and know her. For the past two years she was engaged as assistant cashier in the Security State Bank of Havre. She is the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Auld of this city.
“The groom is one of the young and prosperous business men of Glacier, west of Havre, and has a large number of friends throughout northern Montana.
“Following a wedding breakfast served at the home of Mrs. Jas. Kelly, the bride’s sister, Mr. and Mrs. Lindhe departed on train No. 1 Wednesday for California, where they will spend the honeymoon. Upon their return they will be at home at Glacier.”
The other two weddings were:
“Brown-MacFarlane
“Rev. T. S. Dulin, pastor of the Baptist church of this city, said the impressive service that united in marriage Miss Jeanne Florence MacFarlane and Mr. Chas L. Brown at the ranch home of the bride’s parents three miles south of Havre, on Sunday night last. The wedding was a unique one in that it was being performed just as the year 1916 was giving place to the new one of 1917, and the happy couple started upon their mutual life course with the new year. It is hoped by the many friends of the young couple that their married life may be fully as roseate as are the promises of the year that dawned as they began their journey upon the matrimonial seas.
“Mrs. Brown is the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. D. MacFarlane. For several years past she was engaged in teaching in the public schools of Hill county, and in this capacity endeared herself both to the pupils and to their parents. She has a wide circle of friends in Havre who join in congratulations and best wishes. Mr. Brown is one of Havre’s young and promising business men, and is also the owner of a valuable farm north of this city. After February first Mr. and Mrs. Brown will be at home to their friends at the farm.
“Morrison-Brendgord
“Miss Jeanne Brendord and Mr. E. C. Morrison, both well known in Havre, surprised their local friends by slipping away to Great Falls, where they were quietly married last Friday.
“Mrs. Morrison has for some time been associated with the Buttrey store in Havre, and Mr. Morrison is a conductor on the Great Northern railway running out of this city. Mr. and Mrs. P. M. Lunney of Havre were attendants upon the wedding, and the party are now visiting with friends in Butte and Anaconda. Upon their return Mr. and Mrs. Morrison will be at home in Havre.”
For those not getting married, hosting weddings, or attending weddings, there were always other gatherings taking place in Havre, such as this one:
“Eastern Star Dance.
“About sixty couples gathered at the Masonic temple last Tuesday evening at the dance given by the ladies of the Eastern Star.
“The ball room and the booth where punch was served was decorated in the Eastern Star colors and the music was furnished by a three piece orchestra.
“Tables were placed in the reception rooms and a great many enjoyed card games during the evening.
“This is the first of a series of dances to be given each month thru the winter.”
I hope the year 2017 is a happy, healthy and prosperous one for everyone in Havre and Hill County, Montana!