Retired teacher to unveil Havre history Monday

Retired Havre High School teacher Jim Magera is showcasing his Havre’s Early History presentation for the community Monday at Havre High School Auditorium from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Magera said the presentation will specifically be about Havre and its surrounding area, such as Bullhook Creek, Bear Paw Mountains, Saddle Butte and Black Butte, in addition to some commentary on legends and the towns that were in the area before Havre was established.

Magera first came to Havre in 1963, attending Northern Montana College. He said the first person he talked to told him, “nothing had ever happened in Havre and nothing ever will.” 

“I took that as kind of a challenge, I loved history,” Magera said.

“I always believed we have a sense of place,” he added. “Where we are at is our sense of place and if we don’t know about that, then we are going to be told a lot of things that I would call fables,” Magera said.

He added that there are a number of different fables he will be discussing with the community in his presentation, such as how Havre got its name, and how the name Blue Pony — the Havre Public Schools mascot — came about.

Magera taught Indian culture and local history at Havre High School, both of which he established at the school.

Magera retired in 2011, but since then has served in many capacities among the school district, Havre Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Craig Mueller said. He added that he considers Magera the Indian education consultant. Magera continues to be in the classroom working with students and teachers, and is continuing to put the emphasis on Indian education for all.

“Every time we get the chance to talk, he brings me something I’ve never seen before (that) we are able to talk about, and everyone at the district really appreciates all the work he does for us,” Mueller said.

The district is hosting Magera’s presentation as part of their August Institute, and though Magera has not been involved for a while, this will be one of the first times that the presentation will be open to the public. The presentation will be in the auditorium, and Magera will be hooked up to a microphone.

This presentation is an extension of a speech Magera gave two summers ago in conjunction to Festival Days.

“He is going to share some old newspapers and some work that he has done in the past that interests me,” Mueller said.

Magera added that along with the stories being told, he will be telling a few jokes throughout the presentation.

“Magera is an incredible man and, so people shouldn’t miss the chance to see him,” Mueller said.