Voices from the Past

December 22, 1922

Electric Light Service Resumed in Broadus

Public electric light service was resumed in Broadus Friday night of last week by G.E. Franklin and his three associates. The poles and wires were repaired. Service is supplied from the basement of the Powder River hotel where there is a large gasoline engine and two generators, one of which was in use at Shorty’s hall last spring when the service was discontinued. Franklin understands the electric service thoroughly. The lights are turned on early in the evening and run without interruption or flickering until late at night. Franklin wants to convince people that a light plant may give the service here. Reassured in that respect it is probable several additional residences will be wired for electric lights.

December 19, 1947

Boyes Business Man Victim of Sharpers

Gene Mertz, proprietor of the Boyes Bar at Boyes, was the victim of a sharper two weeks ago. The man called on Mertz at his place of business in the morning and sold him several punchboards. During the afternoon a young woman, a stranger to Mertz, dropped into the bar and took a number of punches on the new punchboard with the result that she won $250 in cash for her efforts. This is the story as told to the writer and is unconfirmed. The racket is an old one and has been lately revived in Montana since punchboards have become legalized. Working in pairs the sharpies can get a sizeable sum from unsuspecting operators.

December 26, 1947

Weather Favors New Buildings

Mild weather during the past three weeks has been favorable to construction and much progress has been made on several construction projects that are under way in Broadus at the present time.

The brick and tile building being erected by the McCurdy Motor Company at the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Holt St. has reached the point where the tile can be laid for the second story over the parts department. The building will house a parts department, office and shop and a second floor will be built over the parts room and office to provide living quarters for an employee.

The tourist cabins being built by L.A. Huckins in the Trautman addition west of town are taking form. The headquarters building that will house the office and wash rooms has been completely enclosed and one cabin has reached the same stage. The foundations have been poured for two more cabins. There will be six cabins in the unit now under construction and Mr. Huckins hopes to have them ready for occupancy next summer.

The five room modern dwelling being built by W.A. Helm for Mr. and Mrs. G.L. Sullivan in the Trautman addition has been completely enclosed. The heating plant will be installed so that work can be continued during the winter months on the interior of the building.

W.R. Camper is building a tourist camp in South Broadus just outside of the town limits. The framework for several of the cabins is up and a headquarters building has been enclosed and is being used as a shop while the cabins are under construction.

R.K. Bates, manager of Yellowstone Lumber Company, expects to complete the alterations to their store building in Broadus shortly after the first of the year and plans to have the grand opening of the store on Friday, January 9. The floor space has been doubled and the new fixtures being installed will make it one of the most attractive salesrooms in eastern Montana.

Work continues at the Pastime theater building and when all of the work is finished Broadus will have one of the finest theaters in the state. The apartment over the theater lobby will not be finished for several months but work in the theater interior should be completed in less time.

December 21, 1972

Judging Score Finally Arrive

The final scores for the 4-H NILE Livestock Evaluation Contest arrived in the Extension Office last week. The Powder River County 4-H team tallied 1,709 points to place in the top 20 percent.

The judging event was held in conjunction with the Northern International Livestock Exposition in Billings on October 25 and 26. Approximately 600 4-H and FFA members participated.

The Powder River County team consisted of Ken Kolka of the Liscomb Mountain Club, Mona Holst of the Mizpah Club and Jeri and Bob Janssen of the Coalwood Happy Hours 4-H Club.

December 18, 1997

Class B Picks

Broadus Hawks picked to the Montana State Class B Football team were Matt Borchgrevink, First Team, defensive end and tight end; Lucas Dow, First Team, full back and defensive tackle; Tanner Miller, First Team, wide receiver and kick returns; Coy Tinsley, Honorable Mention, tackle and Ray Randall, Honorable Mention, defensive end; Jiggs Bilbrey, Second Team, tight end and linebacker; Skyler Gali, Second Team, quarterback and defensive back; and Shawn Bright, Honorable Mention, linebacker.