30 Years Ago

Thursday, October 4, 1990

Late season acquisitions arrive at local museum

Late-season acquisitions and recognition of volunteers highlighted September activities at the Powder River Historical Society Museum as preparations are being made for its scheduled fall closing on October 1.

The museum is available for visiting by individuals or groups during the off season by appointments, with telephone numbers to call posted on the front door.

Historical Society president Ann Carroll and husband Bob and Slim Frandsen traveled recently to the Elsie Reder Ranch to acquire a dinner bell owned by Mrs. Reder’s late husband Dean. In addition to being used to summon hungry ranch hands, this bell served as sort of extension when rural telephones were installed in recent years. The bell will be mounted on its original post, in an appropriate place for viewing at a later time.

John and Catherine Giacometto loaned several articles, consisting of a doll buggy, doll bed and table. The diminutive buggy, in excellent condition, was reportedly to be used to haul Lawrence Capra in his infant years according to Mrs. Giacometto. The doll furniture was constructed by her uncle, the late Jim Trucano, a well known local artisan.

Sharing space with Mary Washburn’s 1886 crystal set in the recently renovated show case done by Mardee Gaskill is a small collection of very old and personal items which belonged to Bettie Haston Broaddus. These items, donated by former Powder River resident Rose Wilson, now of Miles City, were owned by her grandmother Bettie, who was also the grandmother of local residents Tom Daily and Eddie Marston, and museum benefactor Horace Broaddus, who is currently residing in Miles City.

About a dozen of the approximate twenty museum volunteers were honored last week by the Historical Society at a reception in the museum’s Western Reading Room. President Carroll presented each with a certificate recognizing their faithful service to the museum and public during the season, noting that visitors were impressed with the volunteer’s knowledge and information of the area and that the hospitality was especially heartwarming. Mrs. Carroll also welcomed faithful morning volunteer Ruth Newmiller back after a ten-day absence with her hospitalized husband Carl early in September. Ruth’s morning coffee was a welcome addition to the daily activities during the year.

Thursday, October 11, 1990

Jaws of Life equipment purchase has been made

The Jaws of Life equipment purchase has been made, and the equipment will be displayed at an open house, set to take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fire Hall this Saturday, October 13.

Refreshments will be served and questions answered by Volunteer Fire Department members.

The Jaws of Life fundraiser easily surpassed its initial goal of $12,000, but committee members have plans for spending additional money collected.

Last week, $9,160 had been collected through donations. The Charles Russell family has since donated $100, Gary and Faye Ellen Thompson, $20 and the Lex Denson family has donated $50. Also, $4,000 had been received from Montana Highway Safety Association monies, bringing the grand total raised to date to $13,330. A $10,000 grant proposal through the Montana Coal Board has proceeded through pre-application and is now considered to be in the full application status.

Any additional money will be used, primarily, to purchase a truck to be utilized as a combined Jaws of Life transportation and fire fighting unit. The Broadus Volunteer Fire Department already has the necessary tank and pumper, all that is needed is the vehicle.

The Fire Department is looking for a one ton four wheel drive, according to member George Bailey, Broadus Schools Superintendent.

“At the current time the fire department doesn’t have a reliable vehicle that can be used to transport the Jaws of Life equipment and as a fire response unit,” said Bailey.

Bailey explained that with a combined unit, the department can respond to nearly any type of situation despite limited manpower. He said at present manpower can be especially limited during business hours, and that with the new unit the department could respond with the usual four man crew, but could also function with as few as two.

A training session was held last week using the Jaws of Life equipment on abandoned cars at the city/county landfill. Bailey said they were able to pop stuck doors off and raise the steering column, the two most needed used life-saving tactics, in about a minute, with little effort. He expected that the time will be reduced as the crews become more familiar with the equipment.

Also, an extra power source many be purchased, so that two sets of tools can be used simultaneously.