30 Years Ago

Thursday, July 20, 1989

Broadus well represented at Big Sky games in Billings

This small community had the most people per-capita of any town in Montana at the Big Sky State Games in Billings over the past weekend. And, it was well worthwhile for those attending as local individuals and teams brought home a total of 12 medals.

Kristie Coulter brought home three medals for individual competition, more than any other local participant. The young lady placed first in the triple jump, second in the high jump and third in the relay.

Shayleen Vivian and Shay Rogge were double medal winners. Shayleen placed first in the high jump and first in the relay, and Shay won second in the 50-yard dash and third in the triple jump.

Jason Coulter and Philip Emmons both placed second in the relay.

The team of Lauri Morella, Lori Ann McGill, Anna Vernon and Rhonda Raschkow placed third in the relay.

Former Broadus high school coach and instructor Joan Jilka, who has accepted a college position at Colby, Kansas, placed first in the half-marathon.

And, the junior high girls’ basketball team, competing against 20 other Montana squads, won fourth place. The Bozeman Warriors won first place while the Lady Generals of Great Falls took second and Winifred (Fergus County) placed third.

The Broadus girls won all three of their games on Saturday to advance to semi-finals and consolation games on Sunday.

In their first contest at the Games, Broadus downed the Sassy Slammers of Great Falls, 34 to 24. The girls went on to beat Colstrip, 33 to 28, and Box Elder 48 to 43. Then, in an overtime contest, Broadus lost 35 to 33 to the Lady Generals. Broadus led all the way through, with the Generals coming back to tie the contest with 10 seconds left on the clock. The local girls then fell to Winifred, 32 to 23, in loser-out competition.

Museum did land office business over Fourth

As the site of the Post Office for A Day July 4th at the Powder River Historical Museum, the restored Ridge Store literally came to life as Centennial Postmaster Sam Kings and helpers did a “land office” business, affixing the First Day of Issue Cachet cover designed by Connie Barnhart on over three thousand envelopes and postal cards.

Several hundred requests had arrived previously from all over the United States, and the “post office” was filled continuously throughout the day with customers who secured the special souvenirs.

Many favorable comments were received about the design, according to Historical Society members who, with volunteers, manned the museum during the activities.

In addition to the postal activity, the museum and visitors center was buzzing during the Centennial festivities, with over a thousand guests enjoying the exhibits and reminiscing over pictures. Returning alumni browsed through the old school annuals and viewed photographs of school groups. Noted among the visitors were many Powell and Williams names, here for Tom and Isabel Williams’ 60th wedding anniversary celebration. Other homecomers included also members of the Forrest Cole family, as well as many others.

Acquisitions continue to come weekly into the museum, and plans are underway to complete the Western Room. The century old Pal Aimone baritone horn recently donated by the J.L. Wilson family made its debut on the Fourth of July Parade with the band, with musician Larry Heidel at its controls. Heidel pronounced the horn in “excellent condition” and said he enjoyed playing it.

Visitors are continuing to come in from all corners of the country, according to Society members, and often remark at the wide variety of items being displayed.

1989 Fairbook dedicated to Bob and Vera Archer

Robert (Bob) and Vera (Benge) Archer were married in September of 1941. They settled in Powder River County approximately 40 years ago, however, both were raised in the community. They have four children; Walter, Ione (Donohew), Elaine (Gotfredson) and Gordon. Walter, Elaine, Gordon and their families make their homes on the family ranch.

Bob was born in South Dakota and raised in Montana and went to school in Miles City. He served on the 79J School Board, REA Board, Congregational Church, on the ASC County Committee and served as a 4-H leader for several years as well as on the Montana 4-H Local Leaders Association Board on the state level. Bob and Vera both attended 4-H Congress with the Powder River 4-H Delegation.

Vera was born and raised in the Coalwood Community and attended school in Miles City. She was an active 4-H leader for eight years, 4-H Council President, taught Sunday School, served as treasurer for the Coalwood Community Church, and has been involved with the Coalwood Ladies Aid for many, many years. She also served as the secretary for the local BWBA Bowling League for many years. Bob and Vera are still active bowlers.

Farming and ranching have always been their way of life. They are both still involved in the ranch, but at a “slower” pace. They both enjoy gardening and raise a large vegetable garden every year. They also thoroughly enjoy all their grandkids, which takes up a lot of their time! They both enjoy traveling and have taken trips to Hawaii and a tour through the Southern States. They always enjoy visiting any time.

Dedication by: Walter & ArLynn Archer, Gordon & Deb Archer, Don & Ione Donohew, and Ed & Elaine Gotfredson.

Georgia Damm honored at artist’s reception

Georgia Damm and husband Stanley of rural Broadus drove to Sheridan, WY, early July 7 for a reception honoring Mrs. Damm and Salley Rajo of Sheridan as Artists of the Month of July, at Gallery 348.

Mrs. Damm had twenty-four landscape, western, rustic and wildlife paintings on display at the gallery during the month.

Also on hand for the reception were Kathy Damm and daughters Jodi and Julie, Bonnie Powell (Georgia’s daughter) and sons Bradley and Ryan, Spencer and Heather Hay, Frances Mitchell and Faye Denson and Larry and Dianna (Damm) Hay.