Voices from the Past

September 28, 1923

Ship Poultry by Parcel Post

A poultry raiser residing near Broadus has found that dressed chickens, ducks and turkeys may be marketed with good profit by using the mail, sending them via parcel post to Chicago. Last year 15 fat White Rocks under six months netted him $1.75 each and large Rhode Island Reds gave him $1.40 each. Not even half as much money could have been realized by marketing the chickens in Miles City or other nearby points.

The fowls were shipped to C.H. Weaver, 65-67 Water Street, Chicago, a poultry commission house that has a reputation for honest dealing with all its customers. This firm sends out a bulletin giving directions in the shipping of poultry that is mailed upon request to anyone. The local shipper followed directions to the letter in dressing and packing the chickens for transmission as parcel post through the mail and this year he will have many such packages going to the Chicago firm. Another local shipper failed to comply with all instructions of the preparation of his fowls for shipment with the result that the birds had started to sour upon arrival at the Chicago destination. They were not entirely rejected, however, but accepted at 17 cents a pound. After deducting a small commission and parcel post charges the shipper netted 10 cents a pound. Additional money would have been paid had the chickens been received in better condition.

Dressed poultry may be transmitted through the mail within about a month or with the advent of cold weather. Many farmers this year have turkeys that were practically matured on a grasshopper diet and most of these farmers are planning on a Miles City market at the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. If they carry out their plans the belief is expressed that the Miles City poultry market will become demoralized with a supply greater than the demand. Last year turkeys netted farmers of this county $4 each. It is the belief that all the local turkeys may be consigned to the Chicago market even with a greater profit than received at Miles City last year. The recommendation is made that poultry raisers investigate the feasibility of the Chicago market for their dressed chickens, ducks, and turkeys and to co-operate if possible in shipments. Should the quantities be large enough additional revenue could be secured through express shipments.

September 24, 1948

Tom Scott Mansion Destroyed By Fire

The Paul Fetter ranch home on Little Pumpkin Creek near Stacey was destroyed by fire last Friday evening. It is believed that the blaze was caused by burning paper in the fireplace which carried to the roof through the chimney and set the shingles on fire. This place is better known as the old Tom Scott ranch and the home was one of the few mansions in the county. The house was built about 30 years ago and was one of the show places in southeastern Montana. It is believed that the loss is partially covered by insurance.

Two Cafes Close Doors

Closing of the Broadus Cafe Sunday, September 19, marked the second closing of two local cafes in twenty-four hours here. The Hotel dining room in the Powder River Hotel closed early Saturday evening.

Sale of the Broadus Cafe, over two weeks ago, to Guy Parker of Miles City by A.V. Baker made necessary the closing.

The Broadus Cafe was started by H.R. Cook in January, 1945 and it was opened for business April 1. Within a month the establishment was purchased by Mrs. Harold Miller and operated until July 1, 1946 as the Frances Cafe when Baker bought it from Dwight Riley of Plevna.

Complete remodeling of the building by the new owner has been reported under consideration and it will open in the near future under a new name and business.

Prospects for an early re-opening of the Hotel dining room are dim at the present but plans are under consideration for a re-opening under new management. Mrs. Ted. Wallace and Mrs. Don Burley have been operating the dining room since early last summer when Baker dropped his interest in the dining room because of other business. He had operated both the Broadus Cafe and dining room during the late winter and early spring months.

September 27, 1973

First Annual Krazy Dayz Termed Huge Success

With over 900 people attending the free pancake feed provided by the business and professional people in Broadus, and large crows attending all other activities, the first annual Krazy Dayz was termed successful by all participants. Shoppers appeared pleased with the special bargains and special events which were provided on their behalf and many commented that they hoped it would be an annual event. (Dick Rolfson said once a year is often enough to cook that much sausage.)

Mrs. Velna Traub was the winner of the propane barbeque grill from Cal Gas, and Mrs. H.R. Cook was the winner of the globe at the Reliable Drug. Christianson’s reported a “fabulous” day and said the outside bargains were snatched up by eager buyers before they could be properly displayed.

Mark Wetherelt, chairman of the horseshoe tournament, said that entry fees were split among the winners. Winning the singles were Wayne Wetherelt, Glen Wetherelt and Dick Rolfson, and winners of the doubles were Frank and Barbara Rosencranz and Gerald Alderman and Walter Ferguson.

Keith Stevens reported that about 55 people kept him busy during the afternoon as he swooped and soared over Broadus and surrounding countryside with passengers riding for just two cents a pound. The Jack Jeakins Memorial Clinic was formally dedicated and the check from Bill Lehfeldt was presented during the ceremony.

Merchants were pleased with the shoppers; shoppers were pleased with the merchants; and all in all, the first annual Krazy Dayz in Broadus was an enjoyable day.

September 24, 1998

Homecoming Royalty

Lucas Dow and Mandy Samuelson were the 1998 Powder River County District High School King and Queen. Royalty included Shilo Capp, Matt Borchgrevink, Skyler Gali, Karen Stanley, Leslie Bird, and Steph Sonsalla.