Voices from the Past

February 1, 1924

Horse Kicks at Bull and gets Gored

Sunday forenoon at a barn to the rear of the Courthouse, a two year old Holstein bull was walking past a two year old horse when the latter made a kick in the bull’s direction but missed its mark. The bull’s anger was immediately aroused, however, and immediately it retaliated by lunging at the horse from a distance of a few feet. The sharp bull’s horn caught the colt between the ribs on the left side and went in several inches, making a gash about three inches in length. The colt was thrown about six feet by the impact. Internal organs of some kind protruded through the gash for several inches until someone did a little impromptu surgery by pushing it back. After it had been impaled by the bull’s horns the colt gained its feet and moved away but the bull after its first flush of victory stiffened its body as it to receive an assault, shaking its head with its rigid neck and furiously pawing the snow. The vanquished colt had enough of the combat and did not return to battle so after a while he joined his own special group, more supreme than ever.

It subsequently developed that the colt was not mortally wounded for it was still alive four days later. It is owned by J.B. Neil while the young bull is owned by Moody Harrington, who says that up to now he had never known it had such a temperament. In order to prevent his bull from doing further damage to livestock or possibly to thwart its attack upon children or women, Mr. Harrington will dehorn his bull at the first opportunity.

February 4, 1949

Montana Legislative News

The Montana Association of County Commissioners this week made several recommendations to the state lawmakers, most controversial of which is the proposed enactment of a sales tax which, the commissioners state, would replace other taxes now becoming burdensome.

In a pre-inaugural talk Governor Bonnor stated he would veto a sales tax if enacted by the legislature. However, with much additional revenue to be raised to meet the costs of state government, the sales tax is winning many new friends among those formerly on record as opposed to it.

The Senate acted Friday on the bill which would levy an excise tax of six per cent on liquor sales, the funds to be returned to the counties and towns. It was approved without a dissenting voice. The House had previously approved the bill which will be soon on its way to the Governor’s desk for final action.

The proposed Constitutional amendment which would permit Montanans 18 years of age to vote was killed when Taylor and Daniels moved to strike the enacting clause. The House supported the motion. Said Taylor later, “sometimes I wonder if a lot of us are yet mature enough to vote intelligently.”

Favorably reported by the committee was a bill which would set a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $10,000 fine for anyone convicted of bribery in any athletic event.

January 31, 1974

Two prominent Hammond area ranchers were killed instantly Sunday when their light plane crashed and burned near their ranch home. Roger Williams, 53, and Ben Williams, 46, were born and lived their entire lives in this region. They were the sons of the late W.C. and Annie Williams, pioneer ranchers of Carter County. A.O. Pemberton, accompanied by Don Heidel and John Nisley, accompanied by Dan Nisley, began the search for the missing men Sunday evening after the victim’s brother Hank Williams reported the accident. The search began again Monday morning with Cap Hough from Broadus joining in. Norman Lambert reported seeing a black puff of smoke Sunday at 11:00 a.m. south of the Williams ranch and north of the Bob Robinson ranch. The wreckage was spotted at 8:30 Monday morning, about three miles south of the Williams ranch. The plane was equipped with an ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter), but local pilots believe it was consumed by the fire, for no signal was received by any of the searching planes.

February 4, 1999

Homestead Inn has new owners, New name

Shane and Julie (Russell) LaPlant have purchased the Homestead Inn from owner Gib Lloyd. The new owners have also changed its name to the Highway 212 Restaurant and Lounge.

The Homestead Inn was built in the 1970s by Ray and Chris Mace, who operated it for a number of years before moving to Billings. Other owners have included Dennis & Cheryl Schaffer, and most recently Mr. Lloyd.

Julie stated they plan on adding specialty items to the current menu, such as fresh seafood dishes and homemade pies and other desserts.

As the gambling license takes about 90 days to transfer ownership, the poker machines have been temporarily moved out. Julie said in the meantime they have put in several video and kids games, along with a pool table.

Music and other Disasters by Kathy Biesheuvel

Lately I have been writing about train wrecks and disasters in the music world, leading my family to remind me of other faux pas I have pulled off in my life. They seem especially gleeful in reminding me of cooking disasters and I can’t blame them.

One year I had come across a beautiful aspic photo and recipe. I should have known it wasn’t going to taste all that great, because it started with unflavored gelatin and chicken stock.

Undaunted, I arduously cut out tiny flowers from thin carrot sticks; I fashioned leaves from celery parts, and I lined up clear glass bowls with a dab of the gelatin mixture in the bottom. Just before dinner was served I unmolded the aspics onto beautiful beds of greens. I sat the family down and withered little 4-year-old Rich with one glare when he opened his mouth to complain. All the family got a bit of this junk before I did, and Leroy had to make a fast dash to the bathroom with little Rich. When I finally sat down to try my own portion, I found out why. It was really, really bad, but beautiful!