Celebrating History: Prohibition violations in the court and lots of birthdays

By Emily Mayer

More cases pertaining to violations of the Prohibition Act appeared in the Hill County Democrat’s March 4, 1920 edition. This had become the “new normal” in Havre, with more certainly to come as the years progressed.

COUNTY ATTORNEY GETS CONTINUANCE OF CASE

County Attorney Stranahan has filed with the district court an affidavit for the continuance of the case of the State of Montana ex rel Stranahan, county attorney vs. Havre Hotel Co., and Pat Yeon.

Among other allegations set forth in the affidavit are:

During the month of May, 1919 one Jesse D. Fostor and N. W. Greer were employed as secret service men to secure evidence of law violations, that they were employed on the recommendation of Attorney General Ford, that they appeared in some cases, that they both informed the county attorney they could get large sums of money to forget what they knew or remain away and not testify, that in August when affidavit was ready to try certain cases, he was unable to secure the said witness Foster, and they knew naught of his whereabouts, that there was due Foster for services the sum of $65.00, payment of which was stopped, and he had never appeared to claim the same, Foster can not be located, but affiant has probably gone to Washington, that Foster has been induced not to testify, as agreed, that Foster can not be secured, that he had a like agreement with Greer, who is expected to return to Montana in March, that Greer has been doing some work for the attorney general’s office, that Greer resides in Butte and that he will be able to secure his services if granted a continuance for 15 days.

The court granted a continuance for 10 days of the trial.

FIVE INFORMATIONS FILED

Five new informations were filed in the district court by County Attorney C. R. Stranahan today against Gene Fenton, Jacob Shockney, Edward Marshall , Joe Lucier, and Joe Moe, all of which charge each defendant separately of selling intoxicating liquors in violation of law. Bench warrants were issued in each action.

Birthdays were popular in the society column 100 years ago.

Mrs. O. G. Skylstead of Third street was pleasantly surprised on Saturday night by a few of her friends who dropped in to celebrate her birthday. An enjoyable evening was spent playing bridge, after which delicious refreshments were served. Mrs. Skylstead was presented with a handsome cameo brooch by her friends as a token of the esteem in which she is held.

The Skylstead home is located at 210 Third Street and is currently Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.

Mrs. Frank Bossout of 4th avenue, entertained several friends at supper on Sunday evening, in honor of her husband’s birthday. A birthday cake with candles and red and white carnations effectively decked the table. At six o’clock tempting supper was served after which music and story telling pleasantly occupied the time until a late hour.

Mrs. Bossout was presented with a silver pencil by the lady guests and a box of cigars by the gentlemen.

Frank Bossout was one of Havre’s most prolific architects, being responsible for the design of several public buildings, businesses, at least one church and several private homes in Havre. The historic Bossout home is located at 620 Fourth Avenue.

Mrs. Pryde Skinner was pleasantly surprised by a few friends at her home Thursday night, the occasion being her birthday. The evening was spent playing cards and at eleven-thirty a dainty lunch was served.

A surprise party was held on Friday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Place, in celebration of the birthday of Mrs. C. J. Lewis. The evening was spent with music and chatting, after which refreshments were served.