Havre of the past: School starts in 1898

We continue this series celebrating Havre’s 120th anniversary in 1898, as for some reason The Havre Advertiser’s corresponding issue with this week in 1893 is not available on microfilm at the Havre-Hill County Library. The following comes from The Milk River Eagle’s Sept. 2, 1898 edition.

Last week’s article mentioned a reward for the apprehension of the person responsible for what was apparently an arson-set fire. Little information was contained in the reward offer, but in this week’s “Town and Country” social pages, we find this entry complete with misspelling:

A. Decker, the portly ex-host of the destroyed Windsor hotel, for years one of the most successful business men in Havre, but now of Seattle, Wash., is at present in the city enjoying the society of old associates and incidentally superintending the repairing of the Palace hotel, which excellent hostelry he is repapering and refurnishing. He will remain in Havre for a couple of weeks before returning to his western home. Affable “Deck”, as he is known, has all the outward aprearance of prosperity, and while his anatomy was never in the least bit emaciated, present indications are that his avoirdupois will tip the beam of the standard Fairbanks at 300 pounds.

One could come to the conclusion that it was the Windsor Hotel that burned, however, the information available through only the reward offer leaves more questions than answers.

The Windsor Hotel was located on the south side of 1st Street between 3rd and 4th avenues, toward the center of the block. Later, the Havre Hotel would be built on that location. What is not in doubt was that “Deck” was a big man, and for those that do not know, Fairbanks was a brand of weighing scale popular at the time.

Seems the proprietors of the Great Northern Beer Hall found themselves in legal troubles again:

Thomas Coatsworth, the popular and efficient turnkey of the Fort Benton county jail under the able administration of Thomas Clary, Chouteau county’s high sheriff, was in Havre, Monday, and placed under arrest W. E. Grant and Nathaniel Lee, proprietors of the Great Northern Beer Hall, and conducted them to the county seat where they were taken to answer to the charge of running a variety theater without paying a county license. The case was heard before Justice Crane, and a change of venue was secured to Judge McIntyre’s court. Bonds were promptly furnished and the trial will occur Monday.

Other entries include the following:

The fall term of the public school will begin Tuesday, September 6th, Monday being a holiday.

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Hot stuff at Broadwater-Pepin Co.’s, such as blankets, comforts, heavy lined duck coats.

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The best meats are to be had only at the Havre Meat Market. There you will find fresh fish, poultry and in fact everything to be found in a well apportioned market. Just stop in and give them a call.

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Jack Emerson, an expert twirler of the lariat and as graceful a rough rider as ever rode the Milk river range in pursuit of the festive bovine, was in the city Monday. He is a first lieutenant in the company of range riders headed by the fearless Captain Frank Plunkett.

Advertisers in this week’s paper include with misspelling: Wm. Means, Tonsorial Parlors “Well Appointed Bath Rooms in Connection;” Dr. J. S. Almas, physician & surgeon; H. A. Wilkinson, atorney at law “Collections Promptly Attended To”; P. J. McIntyre, justice of the peace; Allandale Lodge No. 35 K. of P., Martin O’Neil, C. C. and C. W. Ling, K. R. S.; Krah’s Boot and Shoe Store, “Railroad men should inspect my stock before purchasing”; R. F. Lussier, jewelry, watches, clocks and silverware; and L. C. Wallis, tailor, “Suits made to order.”