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'''HALF CENTURY CLUB OF SOUTHEASTERN MONTANA'''

By Helmer Herigstad, President, 1968

[[Fanning the Embers]], 1971, Range Rider Reps, Miles City, Montana

January 4, 1931 -- Monday:

Memories raced back to periods of 50 and 60 years ago in the minds of the pioneers who were the guests of the Kiwanis club on Monday evening at the first annual banquet of the 'Half Century Club of Southeastern Montana' at the Miles City Club.

Dan LeValley of Miles City was awarded the silver-tipped cane for being the resident present who showed the longest residence in the state-since 1870. The walking stick was fashioned from compas cherry wood taken from a tree planted by R. R. Clarke 35 years ago on a lot at the corner of Tenth and Washington streets.

The banquet opened auspiciously under the mellowing effect of orchestral, old time organ and vocal music. Rev. Martin E. Van de Mark, president of the Kiwanis club, led the flag salute, then gave the invocation. Following this the echoing strains of "Hello! Hello!"; brought a unison of thought in greeting to each other, and it was announced that Mrs. Walter Martin was the first "Hello Girl" of Miles City. She was introduced and the melody was repeated in her honor. She had charge of the first telephone switchboard in the city. Her name before her marriage was Mary Dunnigan.

Inquiries were made as to the manner of arrival of the pioneers in the area. Judge C. H. Loud, who was working as a surveyor, walked overland to Miles City. Others came by buckboard, ox wagon, team and covered wagon, stage or river streamer, and the later ones had come by train.

A tribute of memory and respect was paid to the fives of two prospective members who died just previous to the banquet. They were Laton A. Huffman and James K. Whitbeck.

George M. Miles sent his greetings in a telegram from Portland, Ore. Mrs. William Dominy, secretary, read a letter from Mrs. Nanme Tiffany Alderson, who was traveling in Arizona.

Kiwanian Rudolph Nelstead gave the address of welcome, and Judge Loud the response. A three-piece orchestra composed of Axel Lindeberg, G.E. Heckman, and Karl Krutt played old time melodies.

Early day musical instruments were exhibited. Mr. Krutt showed his violin made in 1721 and given to him by his father. John Nigro displayed a harp made in 1819 in France and played for many dances in Miles City in the early days by Mr. Nigro. Miles W. Milligan showed his old music box, 150 years old, and used here 50 years ago. An old reed organ was displayed by the First Methodist church, over 75 years old, and was formerly the property of the Alex Noble family of Kinsey. H. P. Bean of Moon Creek exhibited his drum, over 100 years old.

J. D. Scanlan spoke eloquently of the appreciation of the pioneers and himself for the gathering in the city and the organization of the Half Century Club.

John S. Truscott talked on the subject, ','To the Ladies," and expressed appreciation to Mrs. Kenneth McLean, who was dubbed the "Queen Ann" of the Court of the Pioneers of southeastern Montana. and to Mrs. W. W. Andrus for being hostess to the pioneer group.

John Oliver of Ekalaka spoke of his pleasure at being present, and W. P. Lakin read, "Take Me Back to Old Montana," in an effective manner.

It was pointed out that Col. Nelson A. Miles in the late 70's was in charge of laying out the military reservation at Ft. Keogh, and that old Milestown was on the Yellowstone River just north of the Yale oil refinery.

The first postmaster in Miles City was Louis Payette and his daughter, Mrs. Charles Daily, was present and was introduced.

Mayor Fred W. Woolsey spoke and expressed his delight at so large a meeting and hoped the idea would be continued. N. P. Sorenson, early day arrival, related some exciting experiences he had with the Jesse James gang during the 70's on Goose Creek near Sheridan, Wyo.

Many native born sons and daughters of Montana were present, but only one attending was born at Ft. Keogh. He was Tom Butler.

At the Elks Home on Monday afternoon the incorporation of the club was discussed by Judge Loud who had written the Articles of Incorporation. The committee named to carry on the organization work was Otis Haynes, C. A. Lindeberg, John Truscott, Mrs. Kenneth McLean and Judge Loud, with Mrs. William Dominy elected secretary.

At the banquet acknowledgements were made for the work performed by the many persons who had helped with plans for the meeting and organization: Alva Hiers, who was in charge of banquet arrangements; Rev. Van de Mark. who thought of the idea and suggested it to the Kiwanis club to sponsor: Judge Loud and his staff at the offices of Loud and Choate and many others who had helped.

Following is a list of the "old timers" who sat at the banquet tables in company with the sponsoring Kiwanians, and many native born sons and daughters: Mrs. James Coleman, 1879; Mrs. Laura Zook, 1878; William Dominy, 1882, Mrs. William Dominy, 1877; Mrs. Charles Daily, 1879; Mrs. Fannie Fahringer, 1882: Grant Brown, 1881; Otis Haynes, 1881; John Truscott, 1879: R. R. Clarke, 1882; Judge C. H. Loud, 1880; William Hawkins, 1879; Col. H. C. Thompson, 1876; George Cahoo, 1876; N. P. Sorenson, 1879: Arthur C. Eichhorn, 1881; Mrs. Emma C. Eichhorn, 1881; Corrydon Wilson, 1880; Axel Lindeberg, 1882; Nils Lindeberg, 1882; Leo Orschel, 1882; Mrs. Fred Stein, 1880; Mrs. Frank D. O'Neill, 1880; Craig McDowell, 1881; Mrs. Flora Ulmer, 1876; Dr. W. A. Gibb, 1882; Roy McKenzie, 1882; A. G. Schmalsle, 1879; Mrs. Mary Martin, 1877; Fred J. Fritz. 1881; Mrs. Fred J. Fritz, 1881: Dan LeValley, 1870; Lillie Darcy, 1882; H. N. Gilmore, 1882: Charles Decker, 1877: Mrs. Williams. 1881; W. R. Hurley, 1877; Tom Butler, 1878; 'Mrs. Kenneth McLean, 1880; Kenneth McLean. 1882: R. C. Morrison. 1880: Ed Whitbeck, 1882; Guy Whitbeck, 1882; Mrs. Anna William Wolf, 1882; Bob Cross, 1879; Mrs. Bob Cross, 1881: Mrs. L. D. Kelly. 1882: Mrs. Catherine Perham, 1880; John Oliver, 1880; Matt Elgin, 1877; Peter Jackson, 1871; William Stone, 1880: Sam Stone, 1877; J. P. Hedges, 1879; Septon Cady, 1880; Chauncey Weaver, 1882, a total of 56 charter members.

Corydon Wilson of Thurlow, pioneer, author of a book of poems, "Romances of the Trail." dedicated the following poem to the pioneers present at the banquet. He said, "I dedicate the following poem to the pioneers of Eastern Montana and to those who made this organization of the "Half Century Club" possible."

    In these 'Montana hills and valleys, Where the Red Men fought the blue and grey,
    Is where the valor of our nation, Laid the cornerstone of homes today.

    The spirit of their Pilgrim fathers, Lay beneath the vest of sons inclined,
    To brave the hardship of adventure, In a land remote, and treasures find.

    And when we glance around about us, Sadly now we note how few remain,
    Who paved the way for generations. To abide in peace and ever reign.

    Those only who have long abided, Neath the Western skies can note the change,
    In this wild unsettled country. Since the bison grazed upon the range.

    The Pioneer who carved the places, Marks the change of fifty years or more,
    He's seen the wheels of progress moving, Since the primitive stage days of yore.

    Old timers lamps are burning lower: One by one they answer to the call,
    Ere long a grave will bear the inscription: An old Pioneer the last of all.

    And those tonight at this reception, Feel Kiwanians of the old cow town,
    Have shown a spirit ne'er forgotten, Till the Pioneer has laid it down.

    With clash of hand they bid a welcome, To the sons who've come to take their places,
    And trust their bark may keep on gliding, Till they meet old Gabriel face to face.

    We thank you now for your attention; Wishing you all a Happy New Year,
    And hope the sun may keep on shining, On Kiwanians, and the Pioneers.

    May there be joy in lieu of sorrow, Long the trail of life in after year,
    In this new born and modern country, Bidding farewell to the old frontier.

    Now may the grace of God be with us, One and all while we on earth remain,
    And when our worldly task is finished, May we meet on that celestial plain.

This unique club composed of persons who have lived in southeastern Montana for at least 50 years has met annually each year since its organizational meeting that night in January, 1931.

William B. (Billy) Clarke, the son of R. R. Clarke, was present at that first meeting but was not old enough to be a charter member. He has been very instrumental in keeping the club going down through the years since 1931.

Mrs. Anna Nugent, the daughter of charter member Matt Elgin, has also been very active in the work of keeping the organization together during the nearly 40 years that it has existed.

The following is a list of the persons who have been presented the now famous cane: Dan Levalley, Matt Elgin, Sophie Mallett, Mary D. Martin, Clara E. O'Brien, Lula Dominy, Flora B. Stein, W. R. Woodson, W. R. Hurley, P. J. Wittmayer, H. Schlosser, Laura Zook, H. V. Beeman, Sam Hotchkiss, Mae Hollenbeck, Christine Vannett, Maude M. Miller, A. C. Eichhorn, Mrs. Gussie Bement, Mrs. Mabel E. McRae, Dr. S. B. Lindeberg, A. Sidney Johnson, Mildred Schlosser, H. D. Brown, Carter Snell, W. B. Clarke, Anna Nugent, Matie Elliott, Edith Farnum Milroy, Edla Farnum Billing, Frank Bircher (1968).

The Half Century Club donated $100 each to the Range Riders and the Fort Keogh Museums during the annual meeting on Oct. 5, 1968. The members expressed their desire to help save the rich historical treasures for future generations. It was my privilege to be the president of this wonderful organization for that meeting. About 165 persons attended the banquet which was held in the Memorial Hall at the Range Riders Museum. My wife, Audrey Herigstad, was program chairman. Glenn Denton was master of ceremonies. Traditional old time songs were sung by the group to carry out the program theme, "Sounds Heard Where Two Rivers Meet."

Officers elected for 1969 were Helmer Herigstad, president; John Gilman, vice-president: Mrs. Newt Perkins, treasurer, and Mrs. Elsie Miller, secretary.