Voices from the Past

October 17, 1924

Vital Statistics of Powder River County

Powder River County in 1923 had a birth rate of 8 per 1,000 of population as against the state average of 19 per 1,000. Such an absurdly low rate caused the Department of Health at Helena to send an investigator to check the births of the county and to ascertain the reasons why the rate should be so low. The population is not overestimated because it is based upon the school census of 1923.

Mr. Benepe of the statistical division accompanied Mrs. Ann K. Waring, District Field Nurse, who was holding baby clinics in several school districts of the county, to make the birth check. The names, dates and places of birth were taken for all babies under 2 years of age obtainable in the districts visited. These were checked against the records on file with the State Board of Health at Helena.

In the district visited, 18 babies born in 1923 were found and only 7 or 38.7 percent were on record at Helena. Twenty-seven babies born in 1924 were found and only 12 or 44.4 percent were recorded.

Disregarding other circumstances which would tend to give Powder River County a low birth rate, such as being born in Miles City, South Dakota or Wyoming, or an overestimation of populations, this survey showed that probably two-fifths or 40 percent of the births actually occurring in Powder River County are registered; three-fifths, or 60 percent not registered. Figuring the rate for this county would be about 20 per 1,000, or one per 1,000 greater than the state average for 1923.

The law requires that all births must be registered with the local registrar of the district in which the birth occurs within ten days after the birth. The person responsible for the reporting a birth, who neglects to file a birth certificate within the time set by law, has committed a misdemeanor and is liable to a fine not less than $5 or more than $50 for each offense. It will be the policy of the state board of health in the future, to file complaint against any person responsible for registry of birth, and who neglects or fails to do so.

It is important that births should be filed for the following reasons: to prove age and citizenship; to prove right to go to school; to prove right to work; to prove the right to inheritance; to prove the right to marry; to prove the right to a passport for foreign travel; to prove a mother’s right to a widow’s pension, and for accuracy of statistics and movements of population during intercensal periods.

The Board of Health sends all mothers a “Certificate of Registration of Birth” when the certificates are filed at Helena. If any mothers have not received these certificates, it is probable that their babies’ births are not recorded. You may be certain by writing the Division of Vital Statistics, State Board of Health, Helena, Mont., stating name, date and place of birth.

It is also required that deaths be registered. A death certificate must be filed and a burial or removal permit issued by the local registrar of a district before a body is disposed of in any manner. The penalty for not conforming with this regulation is a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100 for each offense.

Dr. Chas. H. James of Broadus has been the only local registrar in Powder River County for the past two years. Registrars will be appointed at the following places in the near future: Coalwood, Selway, Graham, Biddle, Moorhead, Stacey, Epsie and Sayle. Ashland in Rosebud County and Boyes in Carter County will also have local registrars, these latter being in territory which is adjacent to Powder River County.

October 14, 1949

Three Day Deer Season Will Open October 15

The entire county with the exception of the Powder River Game Preserve shall be open to the hunting of Buck Mule Deer, from October 15 to October 17, 1949, both dates inclusive. Closed on Whitetail Deer. Deputy Game Warden Linville would like to remind hunters that the Fish & Game Laws of Montana require those who hunt to wear a red cap or jacket. This of course is for the hunter’s own protection. The importance of securing permission of the land owner before you hunt cannot be over-emphasized. As the game warden stated that there have been a good many ranches posted during the past year which has no doubt be caused by an act of some former hunter.

VFW Party Was Well Attended

One of the largest crowds ever to attend any affair in Broadus, jamming into the new V.F.W. basement to capacity last October 1st at the Grand Opening Dance held by Chas. H. James Post No. 1595.

Wm. Janssen Commander acted as toastmaster. Mrs. Harold Miller, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, gave a short talk and Ashton Jones addressed the crown with a five minute review of the accomplishments of the Veterans Post here in Broadus. Father Berther gave a dedicatory prayer in closing the ceremonies.

Good music by a Miles City Orchestra and fine calling of the old time dances by Fred Mackaben was enjoyed by the crowd throughout the evening.

The Ladies Auxiliary served over 300 suppers. The Post and Auxiliary are deeply indebted to Mildred Burke who did such a fine job of decorating the cement walls of the basement in such a unique manner. Proceeds from the dance totaled $250.00. Recent donations toward the building fund, George Strang $5, Ward Means $5, Shirl Tanner $5, Ed Barker $5, E. Lee Wilson $25, John Chiesa $25, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Burley $10, Lloyd Rue $10, Otis Nisley $10, Lawrence Thompson $10.

October 17, 1974

Thank You Reeves

Powder River County High School received their new Driver’s Education car last week compliments of Reeves Chevrolet. It is a mint green, 1974 Chevrolet Impala, four-door sedan equipped with a V-8 motor and automatic transmission.

Mr. Coulter, Driver’s Ed. Instructor, says that the car will be used by approximately 75 students throughout the year. The auto will travel an average of 150 miles a week, and will be driven in all weather conditions. Students will drive both daylight and night hours and over both rural and urban streets.

School Board

Discussion of activities brought out that the gate receipts for the homecoming football game were $594.05. This compared to the 1973 receipts of $375. The Letterman’s Club took in $415.25 on their barbeque and realized a healthy profit after expenses were deducted. The Lettermen purchased a $3,000 weight machine four years ago and have this paid for now. Ray Mace said they are now discussing plans to purchase a new whirlpool so that the girls may also have one.