Celebrating history:

The new year of 1916 had come and gone, and Havre’s progress continued to march on.

Believe it or not, Havre had four newspapers at this time 100 years ago. We are blessed to have three of the four newspapers on microfilm at Havre-Hill County Library.

In the interest of keeping the cost of copies reasonable for me, we will focus on what was printed in the Havre newspapers 100 years ago of local interest, as well as try to include news from the communities around Hill County.

Out of the three, I personally like The Havre Plaindealer, as its local stories usually contain more information than the other two newspapers. In the Jan. 8, 1916 issue, we learn the local Odd Fellows elected new officers:

ODD FELLOWS LODES INSTALL

NEW OFFICERS

On Monday evening, Jan. 3, there was a joint installation of officers of Assinniboine Lodge No. 56, I. O. O. F., and Lillian Rebekah lodge No. 47, auxiliary to that body. District Deputy Thos. A. Kirkland of Great Falls was present at the installation ceremonies. After the regular lodge services the Rebekahs brought out a very fine lunch, and when this was finished the whole company indulged in dancing to music furnished by the Odd Fellows orchestra.

The officers for the respective lodges are as follows:

Assinniboine lodge No. 56-Joseph Murphy, N. G.; E. J. Bronson, V. G.; H. E. Gomes, secretary; E. P. Patten, treasurer.

Lillian Rebekah Lodge No. 47-Anne Colier, N. G.; Esther Rudie, V. G; Mrs. Thomas Finch, secretary; Olga Johnson, financial secretary; Joe Linder, treasurer.

Of course, the Plaindealer had the “Society” column, still written by someone with the awkward name of “Scrum.” Here is one of several entries:

Woman’s Club Notes

An interesting and well attended meeting of the Woman’s club took place last Thursday evening at Carnegie library.

The remaining piano debt was paid; several deserving charity cases were aided by the charity committee under the able direction of Mrs. Whitlock.

The Havre club will have the honor of entertaining the District Federation in the early spring, the local club being the largest in the district. Mrs. Lange was appointed corresponding secretary, while a program and social committee will have charge of the entertainment.

The regular social committee of the club, enlarged, will plan money raising entertainments for the near future. The entire club is invited to contribute ideas along this line.

An entertainment will be given at Carnegie library next Monday evening, Jan. 10, to which the gentlemen friends, as well as others well wishers of the club, are most cordially invited. The program for the evening will be in charge of Mesdames Bossout, McCormick and L. R. McKenzie, and promises to be most enjoyable, while the refreshments will be planned and dispersed by Mesdames Wright, Ward and Henry.

A full-page ad appeared in the Plaindealer, letting people know the Fort Assinniboine Agricultural School was starting. Courses were scheduled to start Feb. 7 and run through the 12th. The ad further stated:

Every farmer in Hill county will have a chance to hear the best specialists of the country during this week, and not a farmer can afford to miss it. Be sure to write Paul P. Banker, county agent, at Havre and tell him how many days you can attend so that arrangements can be made for your entertainment. The speakers will include Prof. Smith of St. Paul, Gov. S. V. Stewart, Prof. Alfred Atkinson, Prof. F. S. Cooley, Prof. Arnett, and other notables in their line.

Anyone who is farming, or expects to farm in Northern Montana, cannot afford to be absent themselves from the course.

Classes from 9 to 12 in the forenoon and from 1 to 4 in the afternoon of each of the six days, with two or three evening lectures. Watch this space next week for program. Course is absolutely free.

The Havre Promoter reported Joseph Gussenhoven was a busy man:

JOS. GUSSENHOVEN DISPOSES OF BANKING INTERESTS

The interests of Jos. Gussenhoven and the other stockholders of the former Citizens bank, whose name was submerged when it consolidated with the Havre National bank, were yesterday acquired by directors of the Havre National bank of this city.

The “Locals” column further reported:

Jos. Gussenhoven of this city, purchased the Rex Café that was sold at sheriff sale in the city Saturday.

The Hill County Democrat, in its “Local News” column, stated:

The Lyric Theatre has been completely remodeled and one of the most interesting features of the new management is the employing of two ushers, from the gentle sex, who with broad ribbons bearing the word Lyric quietly guide you to your seat.

Mr. Williams has rented the Sunday building formerly occupied by the Riverside Club, and will use the same as a boarding and rooming house. The property has recently been repaired and put in fine shape and presents a pleasing appearance.