Cosley collection bound for Columbia Falls

The Joe Cosley Collection has found a perfect home at Glacier Discovery Square in Columbia Falls. As part of a partnership between the First Best Place Task Force, a non-profit community organization here, the Northwest Montana Historical Society and Glacier Park Books and Videos, it was announced Friday that the story of the legend of Joe Cosley — mountain man, trapper, one of the first Glacier Park rangers, and larger-than-life hero of Columbia Falls — will finally be on display at a new space in Discovery Square, the local community center.

Brian McClung is co-owner of Glacier Park Books and Videos and has spent decades carefully researching the story of Cosley and his dramatic life here in the Flathead. His book, "Belly River's Famous Joe Cosley," details the life of the legendary man, and he has tirelessly tracked down many of artifacts from the life of Cosley.

"We are so excited to finally have a place to share this wonderful collection, and to have the story of this great man told, especially in a place that he called home for so many years, and where much of his legend was brought to life," McClung said while visiting Discovery Square last week.

COSLEY WAS a true renaissance man of the late 1800s. He was both a lawman and an outlaw. The story of Cosley's Great Escape — when he snowshoed over the top of Ahern Pass to escape capture by the law — is truly an astounding tale of intrigue, athleticism and adventure. Cosley represents an era in the West that was rough, rustic and ever-changing.

The display area for The Cosley Collection will be complete and ready on May 11, 2010, to celebrate Glacier National Park's Centennial in Joe Cosley style. Not wanting to compete with Glacier National Park's official centennial activities, The Cosley Collection official unveiling will take place on July 24, 2010. The Mountain Man Rendezvous-Cosley Camp will also take place on that date. These events will be a spectacular celebration of Glacier Park's Centennial and the famous Joe Cosley.

The First Best Place Task Force is a grassroots organization seeking to develop quality of life amenities in our community. The Task Force is dedicated to maintaining the unique small-town character of Columbia Falls, while building on opportunities for outdoor adventure and economic prosperity. The Task Force's Web site is www.firstbestplace.org.

Glacier Park Books and Videos specializes in books about the history of Glacier Park and Montana. Learn more and check out their books and videos at www.glacierparkbooksandvideos.com.