H A Publication of the Spring 2020 SocietyMontana Historical Society ST R Good Beer Here Exhibit Opens The grand open- through the earliest beer brew- The exhibit opening was a family- ing of the new ing years, which took place a few friendly event that celebrated exhibit “Good Beer decades before Montana achieved Montana’s beer history with Here: Montana’s statehood. It shows early brewing brewery-themed decorations crafted Brewing History” equipment, along with slogans and by MHS volunteer coordinator Katie drew a standing- sales pitches. White, trivia, games, and samples room-only crowd Two wooden saloon doors that of root beer from Canyon Ferry to the Montana Historical Society graced the Mint Bar in Great Falls Brewing in Townsend, Montana. on February 27. — one of Charlie Russell’s favor- More than 350 people spent the ite hangouts — lead into a room evening quaffing cold brews while that explores the 1916 passage of eating beer-related appetizers and the state law prohibiting alcohol MHS Closes Galleries learning about Montana’s com- sales by 1918. The exhibit explains The Montana Historical Society plicated yet longtime love affair how, during Prohibition, many of has closed its museum galleries, with beer. Montana’s brewers turned to dairy Research Center, Museum Store, Director Bruce Whittenberg or soda products, while other small and the Original Governor’s noted that this is a fun exhibit for breweries closed shop. Mansion until further notice to all involved, and probably historic That wasn’t the end of Montana’s protect the public and staff during in that it’s the last one that will be connection to brewing, however. the COVID-19 outbreak. created in the Northeast Gallery. The exhibit also explores the syner- The closures are in line with Gov. The exhibit is expected to be in gies between beer and agriculture Steve Bullock’s recommendations place for two years while the new as the state grew to become an on social distancing to slow the Montana Heritage Center is under industry leader in barley produc- spread of coronaviruses. construction. tion, selling to brewing giants like “We will continue to serve the The idea hatched as Anneliese Budweiser. public by staffing the Research Warhank, an MHS archivist and In addition, the exhibit reviews Center desk for calls and email oral historian, was working on an the recent rise in home brewing and encourage access to collec- oral history project a few years ago. and microbreweries, featuring tions through our various digital Her work included recording MHS oral histories with some of those channels,” MHS Director Bruce board member and beer aficionado instrumental in passing legislation Whittenberg said on Tuesday. Steve Lozar. Whittenberg teased that legalized brewery taprooms in “Remember that access to the the two about coming up with the Montana and those who hopped Montana Historical Society col- idea for the exhibit in one of the on board during the latest brewing lections is not just about walking local taprooms. boom in the 1990s. through the door.” “I’m not sure which taproom Displays include historic cans, The research center can be reached Anneliese hatched this idea in, but bottles, and beer steins; a wide by phone at 406/444-2681 or 444- I’m pretty sure Steve was involved,” range of historic brewery signs; a 3112 or by email at mhslibrary@ Whittenberg said, laughing. “She home refrigerated “Serv-O-Draft” mt.gov. Montana Historical Society took two years doing deep research keg case from the 1930s; and a is online at mhs.mt.gov. From there, exploring and engaging the beer risqué Italian marble statue that navigate through the tabs at the top industry.” may have graced one of Helena’s of the page to access online collec- The exhibit walks visitors barrooms. tions and information.

1 DIRECTOR’S CORNER, BY BRUCE WHITTENBERG Changing the Tires While the Car’s Moving … Fasten your seatbelts, members and friends! Exciting times are ahead! At this writing, plans are going “full blast” (to borrow a term from K. Ross Toole) in the planning of your new Montana Historical Society complex, which includes the Montana Heritage Center. After some fifteen years of alter- nating excitement and frustration, we are now in the process of design- ing a new campus for the Montana Historical Society, across from the State Capitol in Helena. We know you share our excitement that the project is, at long last, under way. Even with the magnitude of Bruce Whittenberg made a few comments about the origin of the Good Beer Here brewing a major development like the exhibit. Behind him are Steve Lozar and Anneliese Warhank, who came up with the idea for Montana Heritage Center, we don’t the exhibit. have the luxury, or the desire, to goes where. That includes parking, together. make that our sole focus. We’re sim- galleries, archives, collections stor- At the same time, we are work- ply not going to pull the car to the age, education space, museum store, ing to keep our commitment to the side of the road while we change café, event center, and offices and legislature and the community to the tires. public spaces. We expect this phase raise $10 million in private dona- At the Montana Historical to continue through the summer tions. These private gifts generally Society, the work in each of our and construction to begin this fall will be applied to the interior of the six programs will continue, right or early next year. building — galleries, public spaces, through the disruption. A major Construction will be completed and exhibits — and provide naming exhibit, “Good Beer Here: Montana’s in phases. The first phase will estab- rights for generous gifts. Brewing History,” recently opened lish the new parking area to serve To keep tabs on our prog- in Montana’s Museum. This spring, the Montana Heritage Center, the ress and give comments on the an exhibit of portraits from the Capitol, and the entire campus. design process, visit the Montana fine art collection will debut. Book The second phase will build the Heritage Center website at projects are under way at the MHS new 65,600-square-foot Montana https://heritagecenter.mt.gov. Press, the Research Center is work- Heritage Center. The third phase will You don’t have to stand on the ing on major acquisitions, the State renovate the Veteran’s and Pioneers street corner as this car whizzes Historic Preservation Office will be Memorial Building, originally con- by. Hop in and come along for the awarding grants for historic pres- structed beginning in 1950. As much ride. ervation projects, and Montana The as we love this building, we’re sure Magazine of Western History will that will be an interesting process keep winning national awards. with a seventy-year-old building. About Us Now, here’s an update on the The total 159,000-square-foot project. TheSociety Star is published quarterly complex will significantly increase by the Montana Historical Society as a The siting process was completed available parking on the Capitol in December with the selection of benefit of membership. Campus while adding amenities and 7 the “6th and Roberts” site across ensuring room for future expansion. MHS Director: Bruce Whittenberg from the Montana State Capitol (see This process is not ruled by archi- 7 Membership Services: the last issue of the Society Star). tects and engineers. Virtually every Jodel Fohn (406) 444-2890 We are now in the “design phase” member of the Montana Historical 7 Editor: Eve Byron of the project, which involves, to Society staff and Board of Trustees montanahistoricalsociety.org put it simply, determining what will be heard as the design comes

2 Society Star: Spring 2020 Pete Brown to Head SHPO Governor Steve Bullock appointed equally fascinating to learn about a Pete Brown as Montana’s newest prehistoric stone tool and consider State Historic Preservation Officer what it says about its maker.” (SHPO) at the end of January. Brown obtained his Master of In addition to his work as his- Science degree in historic preserva- toric architecture specialist, Brown tion from Ball State University in has served as Acting SHPO since 2001 with a focus on historic build- Mark Baumler’s retirement in July ing technology. He joined SHPO in 2019. He’s eager to move into his 2002 but worked in historic preser- new position full-time and take on vation since 1996 in Philadelphia, a broader role. Indiana, and Boston. His introduc- “Work at the SHPO constantly tion to preservation was through presents new subject matter and hands-on work as an AmeriCorps learning opportunities. In my time member in Philadelphia. His favor- at SHPO, I’ve seen the Modernist ite aspect of preservation is righting architecture that early preserva- the wrongs in old houses wrought tionists rallied against become by the elements and neglect. historic in its own right,” Brown He and his wife, Christine said. “Modernism’s pragmatism, Brown, MHS interpretive histo- their current 1954 transitional idealism, and use of post-war man- rian, have rehabilitated a couple ranch-style house, which they live ufacturing capabilities, crystalized of houses, including a 1912 Arts in with their son, daughter, and America’s post-war mindset. It’s and Crafts–style four-square, and mutt Gus.

Sad Farewells to Friends We were saddened to lose two dear friends recently. Betty Jones died in January and Chuck Jezick died in December. Serving for forty years, Betty Jones was the longest active volunteer at the Montana Historical Society. Betty started volunteering in 1980 as a docent conducting tours. She later coor- dinated museum tours, assisted at receptions, and helped in many departments. Betty sat on the Friends of the Society Chuck Jezick Betty Jones volunteer board four different times during her tenure. She was an extremely dedicated volun- years. He loved history and espe- feeling was mutual. The staff teer, most recently assisting the cially enjoyed telling stories of embraced his knowledge and Research Center in collating the his youth growing up in Helena. enthusiasm for history. Chuck newspaper collection. We will Although Chuck donated his never missed a history confer- miss Betty’s smile. We were lucky volunteer hours to the Original ence or historical program. It’s to call her a friend. Governor’s Mansion, where he not the same around here with- While Chuck Jezick was only worked as a docent, the entire out him. a volunteer for two years, he was Montana Historical Society was a member of the Society for fifty like family to Chuck, and the

Society Star: Spring 2020 3 New Employees at MHS Evilsizer Promotes Compliance Byron Raising Awareness of suing short-term project positions Laura Evilsizer is MHS around the country. His most recent the new review Longtime Montana journalist effort involved a six-month position and compliance Eve Byron is the new public infor- at the Yellowstone National Park officer for the mation officer for the Montana archives. State Historic Historical Society. Those familiar with the Jeannette Preservation She brings Rankin collection will find new Office (SHPO). more than thirty aspects of Rankin’s career, including Evilsizer said years of commu- her second congressional term and she is thrilled to join the team nication expertise antiwar activism. The Wellington at SHPO. She has worked as an to the position, Rankin collection also will be archaeologist for the U.S. Forest including twenty- expanded with more material from Service and for an archaeological three years at the his political campaigns, ranching consulting company. Independent Record enterprises, and legal profession. Evilsizer earned her Master of in Helena and three years at the This project has given Codieck Arts degree in anthropology from Missoulian and Ravalli Republic. valuable experience working with the University of Montana. She She also served as the communi- historic manuscript collections, grew up in Helena and currently cations director at the nonprofit touching on all aspects of archival lives in the valley with her husband, National Institute on Money in processing including arrangement, one-year-old twins, and a tiny dog. State Politics, and as the informa- description, and outreach. He tion officer for the Montana State said he’s grateful to the Montana Grotzke Helps with Exhibits Library. Historical Society for giving him Robert Eric Byron will conduct outreach to the opportunity to further hone Grotzke is the new journalists across the state and his professional skills working exhibit technician the nation in her new role, sharing with the records of such fascinat- at the Montana the stories of Montana’s people ing people. Historical Society. and places. For more information, Grotzke is a life- contact Byron at (406) 444-6843 or Meredith Brings Library Skills long Montanan. [email protected]. to MHS He was born in Lewistown and Maggie Meredith is the new library grew up in Ennis, where he spent Codieck Updating Rankin technician at the Montana Historical many hours in nearby Virginia Collections Society’s Research Center. City and developed a deep respect Intern Barrett Codieck is currently Meredith is a native Montanan for the efforts involved in the pre- processing addendums to the who has lived all over the Treasure sentation of Montana’s history. Jeannette Rankin and Wellington State. She has worked in public, He and his family, including his Rankin collec- academic, and special libraries as wife, three children, a dog and two tions, making well as in a variety of records man- cats, moved to Helena eight years new material agement positions. ago. Grotzke has worked in a range on our nation’s She also previously worked in of construction fields, including brick first congress- state government, as a reference masonry, before being hired by MHS. woman and her librarian and statewide technology “In construction and as a brick brother available consultant at the Montana State mason, I saw firsthand some of the for researchers in Library. Meredith said that after challenges involved in maintaining time for the 100th anniversary of working outside the library world and or restoring parts of historic the 19th Amendment’s ratification. for the past several years, she’s buildings,” Grotzke said. “I value Codieck is a native Oregonian with excited to be back in her field again. working with good people, and I an academic background in history “I am looking forward to work- strive to be a positive influence on and archival studies, and recently ing with the amazing people and those around me. I look forward completed a post-master’s degree materials at MHS,” Meredith to the opportunity to learn, certificate in archival studies from said. contribute, and grow with the Western Washington University. As Montana Historical Society.” an early career archivist, he is pur-

4 Society Star: Spring 2020 MHS Staff Offer New Book Kate Hampton and Tom Ferris, continue to play an integral role His newer photos provide insight two Montana Historical Society in their respective communities’ into how the libraries continue to employees, recently collaborated cultural and educational lives. provide for their communities. to create The Best Gift: Montana’s Hampton wrote the stories Purchase the book in the Carnegie Libraries. about the buildings’ construc- MHS Museum Store in Helena Hampton is the commu- tion, the role of women in their or at local bookstores. All book nity preservation officer at the establishment and use, and the proceeds will benefit Montana’s Montana Historical Society’s individuals who carry on the leg- public libraries. State Historic Preservation Office. acy of the libraries. Along with Ferris is MHS’s longtime archi- the people, Hampton explores the val photographer. The project was architecture of the various build- funded by the Montana History ings, providing opportunities to Foundation. understand the significance of the The book looks at seventeen structures and the importance libraries in Montana that were of preserving them for years to built using financial contributions come. from industrialist and philanthro- Photographs in the book pist Andrew Carnegie in the late include architectural renderings nineteenth and early twentieth and historical snapshots, as well centuries. Today, those libraries as present-day photos by Ferris.

MHS Accepting Applications for Centennial Farm and Ranch Properties The Montana Historical Society define our rural communities. (MHS) is accepting applications for Requirements for induction “Meanwhile, Back at the the Centennial Farm and Ranch pro- include: Ranch,” a presentation by gram. New inductees will receive a • Must be a working farm or MHS historian Christine framed certificate signed by the gov- ranch with a minimum of 160 Brown featuring the stories of ernor, recognition at the “Ag Day” acres or, if fewer than 160 Montana’s intrepid Centennial ceremony in the State Capitol dur- acres, must have gross yearly Farm and Ranch families, may ing the 2021 legislative session, the income of at least $1,000. be coming to your town. Save ranch/farm history printed online • One current owner must be a the date! and in our periodic Centennial Farm Montana resident. and Ranch yearbook, and a durable • Proof of founding date and • Tuesday, April 21 at roadside sign. These 24-by-36-inch continuous ownership by noon, Sheridan County UV-coated metal signs are a new members of the same family, Courthouse, Plentywood addition to the program this year, spanning minimally 100 years. • Tuesday, April 21 at 7 thanks to support from the Montana For homesteaded properties, p.m., Mondak Heritage Department of Agriculture and the ownership begins with claim Center, 120 3rd Ave., Sidney Donnelley Family Foundation. filing date (not patent date). • Thursday, April 23 at Since 2009, the MHS Centennial 7 p.m., Huntley Project Applications for this year’s cycle Farm and Ranch program has rec- Museum, 770 Railroad Hwy., will be accepted until December ognized our state’s agricultural Huntley traditions by celebrating the per- 1, 2020. To download all require- severance and stewardship of ments and the application, visit Montana families on their farms http://bit.ly/MTCFRapp. and ranches. By honoring families For more information, contact who have owned their land for 100 Christine Brown, Interpretive years or more, we help preserve Historian, at (406) 444-1687 or Montana’s strong agricultural roots [email protected] and the stories and traditions that

Society Star: Spring 2020 5 Trainings for Teachers Save the date for these Montana students in active learning while “WWI 360: Teach Like an Historical Society professional integrating math, art, geography, Ace” is June 25 at the Montana development trainings for K-12 edu- and English language arts with Historical Society in Helena. This cators in Great Falls, Butte, Billings, Indian Education for All content. National World War I Museum and Helena this spring and summer. “What’s Hot in History!” hap- seminar, offered by the U.S. World “Integrating IEFA: Inter- pens June 8 at the Western Heritage War I Centennial Commission, disciplinary Approaches,” by Center in Billings. This six-hour will highlight MHS and National award-winning educator Jim workshop features presentations World War I Museum resources. Schulz, takes place April 21 at the by members of the Society’s Teacher For more information or to C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls Leaders in Montana History Fellows. register, visit the “Conferences, and April 23 at the Butte-Silver Bow Join our outstanding fellows and Workshops, and Special Events” page Archives in Butte. The six-hour share their enthusiasm for Montana on the Montana Historical Society’s workshop offers new resources history education with colleagues website, or contact Martha Kohl at from MHS to help teachers engage across the state. [email protected] or (406) 444-4740.

New Website, App, and Exhibit Showcase Montana’s National Register Properties The Montana Historical Society and schoolhouses to railroad depots, (MHS) is pleased to introduce brothels, mansions, homes, and Historic Montana (HistoricMT.org), more. Most properties listed in in our expanded and redesigned web- Historic Montana also have at least site, mobile app, and iPad exhibit. one photograph and links to fur- Historic Montana features narrative ther reading and additional images. histories, photographs, and links to Users can also choose from 75 differ- sources for hundreds of Montana ent curated tours, including historic buildings, neighborhoods, and cul- districts such as Butte, Red Lodge, tural sites listed in the National and Virginia City, or themed tours Register of Historic Places. Its abun- such as early Montana, railroads, dant content is reproduced from courthouses, or labor temples. the thousands of National Register Visitors to the Historical Society interpretive signs at properties can try out the app on a dedicated gists, and curious travelers delving across the state. iPad outside the second-floor MHS into place-based Montana history.” MHS first published the histo- Research Center. Anyone can down- Work on Historic Montana is ongo- ries from our collection of National load the app for free from the Apple ing. MHS historians create about 50 Register sign text in 2017 with the or Google Play stores to any per- to 100 new National Register signs launch of ExploreBig.org. This website sonal device. While the app requires every year and that content will be and app initially included informa- an internet or cellular connection to added to the site monthly. The pub- tion on 250 individual properties fully function, users who plan to be lic is also invited to submit historic and several historic district and offline but still want to use the app and contemporary photos for inclu- themed tours. In January 2019, the can download the text before head- sion in the website and app. Email MHS Outreach and Interpretation ing out to explore. jpeg files (max 1 MB per photo) with team began efforts to make a good “Whether you’re sitting in your the property name and address to thing even better by uploading our living room, shopping downtown, or [email protected]. Mail print entire treasure trove of National driving down a rural road in Eastern copies to Christine Brown, Montana Register sign texts compiled during Montana, Historic Montana is the Historical Society, PO Box 201201, the past 30 years. go-to resource to learn about many Helena, MT 59620. Print copies will Historic Montana now comprises of Montana’s National Register his- not be returned. For more infor- nearly 1,800 colorful essays on a toric sites,” said Christine Brown, mation about purchasing a MHS dizzying array of Montana historic MHS historian and project manager. National Register of Historic Places sites that include everything from “It’s an invaluable tool for students sign for your property, visit https:// grand business blocks, churches, and teachers, researchers, genealo- mhs.mt.gov/Shpo/Signs.

6 Society Star: Spring 2020 Museum Store Spring Clearance Sale The Museum Store offers select overstock Montana books and DVDs at clearance prices. You’re sure to find something interesting on this list! Frank Little and the IWW: The Blood That Stained an American Family, by Jane Little Botkin, $21. An Antietam Veteran’s Montana Journey: The Lost Memoir of James Howard Lowell, edited by Katharine Seaton Squires, $15. Montana Americana Music: Boot Stomping in Big Sky Country, by Aaron Parrett, $12. Over There! Montanans in the Great Stop in and check out our new handmade buckskin and leather items from Buckskin Jim, a War (World War I exhibit catalog), by new “Made in Montana” vendor from Great Falls. We have a great selection of leather drink cozies, coasters, luggage tags, key rings, buckskin bags, arrowhead necklaces, wallets, jour- H. Rafael Chacon and the Montana nals, and nostalgic games for the kids! Museum of Art & Culture, $12. Against the Darkness: A Tribute to Order online at www.montana- Statue of Jeannette Rankin, Presented the Montana Coal Miner (DVD), historicalsociety.org or call (800) in the Rotunda, United States Capitol hosted by Joseph Campanella, $10. 243-9900. (Member discounts do (official program), $10. not apply.) Pauper’s Dream: A Tribute to the An Honest Try: An Essay in Bronze (The Montana Hard Rock Miner (DVD), Rodeo Series), by Bob Scriver, $10. directed by John Wheeler, $5.

History Conference Coming to Butte Montana Preservation Road Save the date for the 47th annual Show Montana History Conference! Join us in Butte, September 24–26, 2020, where we will be “Looking Clearly at the Past.” The full program will be posted online, and conference registration opens July 1. Venture into the field with scholars, Connect with your Montana preservation leaders, and local his- Historical Society on Social Media. torians for a behind-the-scenes look Like our three Facebook Pages: at White Sulphur Springs’ and the Montana Historical Society; surrounding area’s most spectacular Montana The Magazine of Western historic sites this summer during the History; and Montana Historical Preservation Road Show, June Society – Museum Store. Follow 10-13. This award-winning, three- us on Twitter @MTHist and on day conference takes participants out Instagram at mthistoricalsociety. of the conference room and into rural Don’t forget to check out our landscapes to see where history hap- YouTube videos, and if you can’t pened. More information at http:// come to us you can always stay www.preservemontana.org/2020- informed at mhs.mt.gov. road-show.

Society Star: Spring 2020 7 Non-profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No. 151 225 N. Roberts, P.O. Box 201201 Great Falls, MT Helena, MT 59620-1201

This document was printed at state expense. Information on the cost of publication can be obtained by writing MHS, Helena, MT.

Inside 7 Good Beer Here Exhibit Opens 1 7 Changing the Tires While the Car’s Moving … 2 7 Pete Brown to Head SHPO 3 7 Sad Farewells to Friends 3 7 New Employees at MHS 4 7 MHS Staff Offer New Book 5 7 MHS Accepting Applications for Centennial People of all ages enjoyed playing games and eating popcorn at Farm and Ranch Properties 5 the Good Beer Here: Montana’s Brewing History exhibit opening.

7 Trainings for Teachers 6 The Society’s newest 7 temporary exhibit, “Good New Website, App, and Exhibit Showcase Beer Here: Montana’s Montana’s National Register Properties 6 Brewing Industry,” opened Thursday, February 27. 7 Museum Store Spring Clearance Sale 7 Don’t miss the opportunity 7 History Conference Coming to Butte 7 to learn about the state’s long brewing history!