Celebrating History: Farmers' Short Course well-attended

By Emily Mayer

In last week’s column, I mentioned a Short Course for farmers that was scheduled in Havre. It was well-attended and was described in The Havre Plaindealer’s Feb. 10, 1917 issue:

SHORT COURSE IS LARGELY ATTENDED

Farmers and Business Men Take Advantage of It

Attendance at the Farmers Short Course which opened in Havre last Monday and has continue each day is a flattering indication of the interest that Montana’s new residents are taking in the efforts put forth to make their work in the state rebound not only to their own but to Montana’s good. At each session there has been a good attendance and all have shown great interest in the lectures given by authorities from both the state and federal departments of agriculture. The sessions have been held in Chestnut hall, the change being necessary because of the fact that court is being held in the county court house this week.

The final sessions of the course will take place today, and will consist of lectures bearing upon the demonstration work that has been gone through during this week.

Not the least encouraging feature of the week’s work to the lecturers and those having in charge the arrangements for the Short Course is the interest shown by local business men. At each session there has been a large attendance of merchants and others, who evidenced as great an interest in the demonstrations as those actually engaged in farm work. This augurs well for the co-operative spirit between farmers and business man so essential to the ultimate success of northern Montana.

It is important to keep in mind that many who chose to take Uncle Sam’s offer of a “free farm” during the homestead era were first-generation farmers. Many didn’t have an agricultural background, and most of the ones that did have an agricultural background had been farming in a different climate. Like their ancestors, they sought opportunity to better their lives, and many thought that “free farm” would make them successful. Since many didn’t have experience in farming, instructional and informative gatherings such as the Short Course sought to educate the new farmer.

Montana’s voter-approved referendum for prohibition was starting to take hold. This article was on the Plaindealer’s front page:

WINE ROOMS MUST CEASE OPERATION

County Attorney Issues Order to the Parties Affected

County Attorney Griggs this week issued an order closing the wine rooms in Havre. This move was not undertaken at an earlier date because things in his office had not so shaped themselves that the county attorney was in a position to take action in the matter.

Early in the week a tour of the city was made by the county attorney, the mayor and the chief of police in order to definitely locate the alleged wine rooms before issuing any orders. It is said that the night when this trip was made business was evidently quiet for no violations of the wine room law were encountered by the officers, although a number of rooms were open for business. The order affects a half dozen or more places to which men have been able formerly to take women and young girls for the purchase of drinks, and there has for a long time been strong sentiment in favor of closing these places.

The parties keep coming in Havre! The following gatherings were reported in the Society column of the Plaindealer:

Eastern Star Masquerade.

A crowd that taxed the capacity of the Masonic hall was present in varied costumes last Tuesday evening when the Eastern Star entertained with a masquerade.

Punch and waffles were served during the event and dancing was enjoyed for several hours.

Havre Social Club.

The members of the Havre Social club were out in full force on Thursday evening to enjoy the dancing party given by that organization.

These dances have added much to the social life if Havre during the winter.

Personal Mention

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Williams have issued invitations to a large number of friends to a dancing party to be given in the Lyceum hall next Wednesday evening, Valentine’s day.

Among the Clubs

The Presbyterian Ladies Aid was entertained yesterday afternoon by Mrs. P. A. Brainerd a her home on south Sixth avenue.

The Van Orsdel Ladies Aid of the M. E. church served a silver tea at the home of Mrs. A. McDonald on Third Street, Thursday afternoon. A neat sum was realized, and this will be devoted to church work.

And in the “Of Local Interest” column, we find:

The engineers of Havre are making arrangements for their annual ball to be given in the near future.