Martin City columnist wielded a witty pen

Bon Whealdon, Martin City columnist, was always entertaining in early Hungry Horse News editions. News columns were full of stories about below zero weather and deep snow in 1950. Bon wrote icy roads prevented him from returning home, adding they "took the trip in spirit, inexpensive, comfortable, way to travel during wintry weather."

Readers looked forward to reading his caustic and humorous remarks. Friends enjoyed his barbs and praise. They were building the new Martin City community together.

Bon's first column when back in Martin City described postmaster Clara Verrall's cheerful face at the post office, Dick Perry sipping his morning coffee, Beth Schuster telling about the drunken Swede who went to church, and Ross Luding whistling as he merrily polished the bar.

Bill Sands Sr. had developed a double chin since the preceding October, according to Bon. Buster (no last name given) was described as having rounded out at the waist to such a degree he found it difficult to get close to the barber chair.

Bon told about Sir John (Shorty) Hoard with hat in hand, bowing low to a lady who was thanking him for some kind deed. Said she, "Shorty, you are an angel of goodness. Methinks I perceive a halo of light about your noble head." Snorted Shorty, "It's your mistake, lady. I'm a baldheaded coot from Greene Heights and my halo of light is a gleam of the morning sun reflecting from my ivory dome."

Bon wrote he had enjoyed a nice visit with old Chief Charlo in the lounge room of the new bath house while visiting the Flathead Reservation. Two white ladies sitting near them were discussing their respective forbearers. Bon described one as "a thin-lipped aristocratic old dame, evidently desiring to impress Charlo."

She began boasting about her ancestors who had arrived on the Mayflower. Waxing hot with her pride in ancestry, she finally asked Charlo what he thought of her ancestors coming at such an early date. Bon continued by stating, "Now, Charlo enjoys puncturing wind bags, and replied in good English."

Chief Charlo said, "Madam, it is well that your people came at that time, for since then the immigration laws are very strict. As for me, my ancestors were here right after the last glacial age, but I manage to sit upon my merits, not any of theirs."

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