Recalling Columbia Falls history

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

This original column was written in July, 2002. I discovered it when perusing files in my computer and felt it as timely today.

It is still interesting that Nucleus Avenue was name of the town's main street so many years ago.

Recently rediscovered copies of 1892 letters used when compiling a history of Columbia Falls in 1968.

These were written by E. J. Mathews, manager of the Northern International Improvement Co. in Columbia Falls.

The following, dated March 4, 1892, was addressed to James A. Talbott, Esq., Butte City, Montana. Talbott was president of the company.

"Mr. Read is desirous of securing a lot for a residence. I offered him one of our reserved lots — on Fourth Avenue West (100 ft. street) for $500. Our price on this lot to any one else would be $1,000. While I did not feel like taking the responsibility of so doing myself, I would recommend that we let Mr. Read have this lot for merely a nominal price — say $200 or $250.

"Can't we make some arrangements with the Bank here so that checks issued by our Companies will not be discounted? It creates an endless talk, which is not warranted by the small amount to be made. I know of instances where Kalispell Banks have cashed our checks without any discount. Kindly advise me at once.

"P.S. Sold an inside lot on Nucleus Avenue yesterday for $2,000."

Letter to Henry Halverson, Esq., Glasgow, written March 25, 1892, stated:

"Yours of the 21st at hand. We send you by mail today plat of the town and papers descriptive of the resources of this section of country.

"All lots on Nucleus Avenue are 25 ft. x 125 ft. Lots on other streets are 50 x 125 ft. Prices range from $300 to $2,000. Terms one-third cash balance one to two years at 7%."

News concerning railroads and brewery in Kalispell had comments in an April 4, 1892, communication to Henry Lindlahr, Esq., Marysville, Montana.

"I received a telegram from J. A. Talbott of Butte yesterday, stating that all arrangements were about completed for building the Northern Pacific Branch from Jocko to Columbia Falls and the North Fork Coal fields this season. Now that the building of this road the coming season is assured, the future of Columbia Falls is very bright.

"Jas. Trimborn of Dillon was here today but was unable to remain longer than an hour or two as he is required to reach Spokane by a certain date.

However he intends to return again in a short time and look the situation over thoroughly with a view of engaging in business.

"I was surprised to learn that you were going to build a brewery in Kalispell. I would frankly advise you to defer this project for three weeks, and I am satisfied you will abandon it altogether and be very thankful that you did not get your money tied up in that town.

"We look for a season of unprecedented activity here during this summer and fall."

Descriptive possibilities for the future of Columbia Falls highlighted an April 6, 1892, letter to W. W. Coyr, Esq., Rand & Leopold Desk Co., Burlington, Iowa.

"Your esteemed favor of the 17th duly received. There is an excellent opportunity offered for the manufacture of furniture at Columbia Falls. We have an immense area of forests, containing pine, fir, tamarack and tributary to this point with a good market for the product of a factory of this description to this and adjoining states. A market, in which by reason of excellent transportation facilities from this point, you would have the advantage of all competition. Our tamarack makes lumber that for finishing or furniture is considered equally as fine as oak.

"Columbia Falls is located on the Pacific Extension of the Great Northern Railroad which will be completed to Spokane, Wash., by June; and on the extension of the Northern Pacific to the famous North Fork Coal fields, 35 miles north of here, owned by this Company, which is to be built this season. We have this day sent you maps and other matter descriptive of the resources of this section of the country. Would like to communicate with you further in regard to this matter as beyond a doubt there is a grand opportunity offered for the establishment of a furniture factory here. Will gladly furnish you any further information you desire and would advise you to come here, look the situation over, and convince yourself should you desire to find a location for such an enterprise."

All letters were signed "Yours truly, E.J. Mathews, Manager."

It seems ironic to remember that when we purchased our lot in Lenonville Addition in 1948 we paid Pat Kelly $100 for the 50' x 125' lot. A few months later price for a lot was $200, and we obtained the south 24' x125' half of the adjacent lot for half price. I liked this lot as there were four large pine trees in the front yard.

We had looked at lots between Fourth and Fifth Avenue West, but a clear title could not be obtained without going back to the Bank of Butte and paying $1 per page with about $350 minimum required without guarantee of a clear title.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.