Miller honored for preservation efforts

Becki Miller is kind of an all-purpose participant in Hill County preservation efforts.

The Gildford architect, as the preservation officer for the Havre/Hill

County Historic Preservation Commission, designs plans to restore older buildings in the county.

She actively advocates for older buildings, stressing the importance of preserving the county's rich history.

She helps precure grants to fund the efforts.

And you might see her on a ladder with hammer and nails doing some of the work needed to keep Fort Assinniboine alive.

"This is where Havre started," she said of the 145-year-old fort.

For her work, she has been given a 2015 Historic Preservation Excellence Award from the Montana Preservation Alliance. She is among seven from throughout Montana to win the award.

She will be in Lewistown Wednesday to receive the award.

The announcement was greeted with applause from fellow historic preservationists.

"She certainly deserves it," said Keith Doll, a member of the local historic preservation commission.

Her tireless efforts have benefited Hi-Line business owners, the chapel at Beaver Creek Park and, of course, Fort Assinniboine," said member Candi Zion, who nominated Miller for the award.

"She is the preservation Energizer bunny that keeps all of us on the Hill County Historic Preservation Commission motivated and moving forward," Zion said.

A Montana State University graduate, Miller has long been active in preservation efforts, long before moving to Gildford. She had a business in Bozeman, then married a Gildford farmer.

"I could move my business," she said, "and he couldn't move the farm."

Since arriving here, she has been instrumental in the creation of Havre's Historic Business District and the Railroad District.

She is involved in the sale of Christmas tree ornaments that highlight a different historic building in Havre.

But, she said, her real love is Fort Assinniboine.

The fort was established before the city of Havre was created, and it had fallen into disrepair after it was decommissioned in 1912.

Fortunately, though, some buildings remain standing, and because of the preservation commission's work, she said, they are in better shape today than they were years ago, she said.

Miller credits her passion for the fort to Gary Wilson, who recently died. He worked for decades as the president of the Fort Assinniboine Preservation Association to renew interest in the fort.