Celebrating History: Construction and openings in the headlines

By Emily Mayer

There were a number of interesting articles in the newspapers this week in 1916. Several people became naturalized citizens, mostly coming from Great Britain and Norway. Names of those applying for land formerly part of Fort Assinniboine were released. Some lands were secured right away because only one person applied for the parcel. Others had two or more applicants, the successful applicant would be chosen at another date. Several weddings were noted in the papers as well.

The memorial service for the late R. X. Lewis was finally scheduled to take place at the Courthouse the coming Sunday and had a grand and impressive program.

Building and new businesses continued in Havre. The following articles were published in the Nov. 25, 1916, issue of The Havre Plaindealer:

NEW LUMBER YARD STARTED AT LOREDO

The Pyper-Howe Lumber Co. of this city established a branch yard at the little town of Loredo, on the Assinniboine reservation. J. J. Fallon has accepted the management of the new yard.

NEW STORE TO BE OPENED IN HAVRE SOON

For the Dispensing of General Merchandise

This week a co-partnership was formed between A. L. Britton and Mark Korkin for the purpose of conducting a general merchandise business. The new firm has leased rooms in the Masonic Temple, and will open to the public about December first.

Mr. Korkin left for the east Wednesday for the purpose of purchasing a complete stock of goods.

Both men have had extensive experience in the mercantile business, both in Havre and the east. Before coming here, Mr. Britton was connected with the Marshall Field people of Chicago, and Mr. Korkin was connected with the Golden Rule stores in St. Paul for several years.

HAVRE TO HAVE LARGE NEW APARTMENT HOUSE

Pat Yeon Constructing Modern Building in City

Contractors Fuglevand, Haberger and Sundberg are rushing to complete the fine apartment house being built by Pat Yeon at the corner of Second street and Sixth avenue. There are to be ten apartments in the building, which is being built of cement and brick. They will be modern and up to date in every particular. Each apartment will be equipped with the latest modern devices including gas, and electric appliances, and each will have an open fire grate built in them.

This structure when completed will cost to exceed $20,000 and will be one of the finest structures in the city of Havre. Mr. Yeon states that the building will be ready for occupancy about the first of January.

This is the second apartment that Mr. Yeon has constructed in the city in the past two years. The other one is at the corner of First street and Seventh avenue, a two story structure, the top story being divided into spacious and well appointed apartments, and the lower story occupied by several business firms.

ST. MARKS CATHEDRAL TO BE FINISHED SOON

Local Contractor Has Charge of Construction Work

C. E. Richmond will start work on St. Marks Cathedral the coming week and will finish up the fine edifice at the corner of Third avenue and Sixth street.

This building was started some eight years ago and brought to its present state of construction, when the funds available run out, and since that time it has stood in an unfinished condition, although the congregation has been holding its meetings in the basement.

Rev. Christler says that they have nearly funds enough on hand to complete the building now, and he hopes that before the first of the year that the small addition sum will be forthcoming.

When completed St Marks church will be one of the finest edifices in Northern Montana.

Rev. Christler has worked unceasingly for the erection of this church and deserves a great deal of credit for his efforts and accomplishments.

A short paragraph on the Plaindealer’s front page records Mr. Christler’s dedication to St. Marks:

Yesterday Rev. L. J. Christler celebrated his 40th anniversary. He put in most of the day in receiving pledges and donations for the purpose of completing the church edifice at the corner of Third avenue and Sixth street.

Laredo was once a bustling little city between Havre and Box Elder. Mr. Yeon’s apartment building would be called the Virginia Apartments, named after his wife, the former Virginia Wray. They are still standing today. While Mr. Yeon was busy with his new apartment building, Mrs. Yeon was hosting a party. It was outlined in the Society column of the Plaindealer:

Farewell Party.

Mrs. Pat Yeon entertained complimentary to Mrs. Wm. Sams, who leaves today for Seattle, Wash. The afternoon was spent in card playing accompanied by music. The invited guests were: Mesdames Hanley, Ward, Halverson, Baker, James Yeon, Aldrich, Kaste, Toney, Bramble, Patrick, Wray, and Misses Marie and Gladys Yeon. Mrs. Kaste was the recipient of the first prize, Mrs. Aldrich second, Mrs. Baker third. Mrs. Sams received the guest prize. At five o’clock a delicious five-course dinner was served. The color scheme of pink and white was harmoniously carried throughout the entire decoration of rooms and tables.

Have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone!