A special publication by the Havre Daily News
"Loving Our Treasures"
Havre Festival Days Celebrates PAM BURKE Havre Daily News
To celebrate the 34th annual Festival Days, Havre Daily News asked a selection of Havre residents to offer their personal thoughts on this year's theme "Havre: Loving our Treasures." The following is a taste of what was shared. Sarah Manuel, 17, a senior at Havre High School, said she could only narrow down her impressions to two things she treasures about Havre. The first of these treasures is the sense of place she has with Havre. “It’s home,” she said, “and it feels like home.” “I say that because I’ve always had the desire to travel abroad, and I want to go and see the world. I know that no matter where I go or where I end up Havre’s always going to be my home, and I can always come back here,” she said. “It just has
that special feeling to me.” Beyond her sense of belonging to the town, Sarah is drawn to the underlying support for community she sees among Havre’s business people. “The size of the town makes it difficult to have your own business,” she said, “ … but the people of Havre are usually so great about going and supporting school causes.” As a young entrepreneur, who makes money with her photography and by selling her homemade cheese cakes, as well as baked goods during the summer at Saturday Market, she feels the support for her own endeavors. “There’s tons of local restaurants and they’re just spectacular, you have tons of local photographers (and) the farmer’s market, which is always such a blessing.” Sarah hasn’t pinpointed what she wants to do beyond high school graduation, but is open
to future business paths and appreciates Havre business people for “how they just work together.” ——— Greg Kegel, dean of the college of technical sciences and newly appointed interim chancellor at Montana State University-Northern, has been connected to the university for more than four decades. He also has had family on Montana's northern plains for more than 100 years. “Many treasures were discovered in the land and the people,” he said about his family's time in north-central Montana, “but, in my opinion, none were as significant as what I've found in Northern Montana College, now MSU-Northern.” The university has done a great deal of good for the students who sought their education there. “I've witness countless student success stories that in many
cases would not have occurred had Nothern not been there for them,” he said, adding "almost every family and business in this region has somehow been touched by Nothern. The institution has a long history of providing graduates that not only possess the right skills, but also a northern plains rural work ethic that is second to nowhere else.” He also sees the positive things these students do for Northern's reputation once they graduate and move on to their careers. “As a college dean, I entertain many corporate people that arrive here on recruiting visits. I am constantly reminded by their comments that our graduates are individuals that know how to work, are dependable, get along and are loyal employees. Many of these companies return year after year and consider MSU-N to be their little gold mine.
“In addition, I have witnessed MSU-Northern graduates that have successfully climbed major corporate ladders and are now in critical leadership positions as managers and vice-presidents,” he added. “Some of those graduates have commented back to me that they would never have achieved what they have in their professional lives had it not been for Northern. “For these reasons, I consider MSU-Northern to be one of Montana's greatest treasures,” he said. ——— Kati Purkett is the third generation to take the helm of her f a m i l y ’s b u s i n e s s , N o r t h e r n Home Essentials After starting out in 1962 as Northern Electronics in Kati's grandfather Frank DeRosa's garage, the business gradually evolved through the years to include a wider variety of products and the name changed with it.
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VISIT Havre & the Hi-Line
September 2014
Welcome Welcome our Canadian neighbors and friends … to Havre.
Our area is rich in history of the American West. Havre was settled more than 100 years ago, after James J. Hill forged the Great Northern Railroad, now Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, across the Great Plains. Havre quickly became the transportation hub of the area, providing goods and supplies to the area trappers, miners and military stationed at Fort Assinniboine. Area museums and attractions set the stage for a visit, showcasing and re-creating local history. The Havre Daily News is pleased to bring this community tourism information guide for visitors to the area. Recreation can be found in town at city parks, the golf courses, historical attractions and art venues. Western hospitality is no catchpenny phrase in Havre. Hospitality and friendliness are a charming part of the town’s personality, as genuine and as real as the surrounding hills. Havre is a town where visitors are warmly welcomed whether the stay is an hour, a day or a week.
Outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities beckon with camping and fishing in Beaver Creek Park located in the Bear Paw Mountains and at Fresno Reservoir. Beaver Creek Park, 10,000 acres in size, provides a beautiful natural recreation area. Historical and archeological sites await visitors, including the bison kill site, on the western edge of Havre, and Fort Assinniboine, one of the largest forts in the nation built at the end of the Indian Wars just south of Havre. The arts also embrace Havre, from art shows to theater productions performed by local actors and concerts and shows by nationally recognized talent. A variety of attractions also exist in surrounding communities. Numerous museums, historical sites and other attractions are all awaiting within a few hour drive of Havre. A smiling welcome awaits visitors, who can use this guide to find activities, accommodations, shopping, restaurants, taverns and services while they enjoy Havre and the Hi-Line.
Know Before You Go A little preparation will help simplify the process of entering the United States. Customs and Border Protection reminds travelers: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 16 and older, to present a valid acceptable travel document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. U.S. and Canadian citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. WHTI - compliant documents for entry into the United States at land and sea ports include: o U.S. or Canadian passports; o Trusted traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST/EXPRES); o U.S. passport card; o State- or province-issued and enhanced driver’s licenses (when and where available). For more information, visit the WHTI website at GetYouHome.gov. A radio frequency identification-enabled travel document, such as a U.S. passport card, enhanced driver’s license/enhanced identification card or trusted traveler program card, expedites entry and makes crossing the border more efficient. Other programs that facilitate the entry process for international travelers coming into the country to visit, study or conduct legitimate business include trusted traveler programs, such as SENTRI, NEXUS and Global Entry. For more information about these programs, visit www.cbp. gov. The • • •
hours at the ports near Wild Horse are: Sweetgrass, MT: open 24 hours per day all year Wild Horse, MT: open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during winter hours Willow Creek, MT: open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all year
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VISIT Havre & the Hi-Line
September 2014
Havre Rifle & Pistol Club Sight-In Days Rifle Range on River Road
E-1 Towing Demolition Derby Great Northern Fairgrounds
Grand Reveal and Open House Old Post Office
Havre Jaycees Bump 'N' Run Great Northern Fairgrounds
Parking Lot
Car Show, BBQ and Burn-Out Custom Collision Repair
Friends of the Library Book Sale Havre-Hill County Library
4th Street
End of Parade Pepin Park
BBQ and Meet the Candidates Pepin Park
5th Avenue
10th Street
Schedule of events Friday, Sept. 19
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — Friends of the Library Book Sale — Library meeting room Noon to 6 p.m. — Hi-Line Quilt Guild Festival of Quilts Show — Mat Corner — Corner of 2nd Avenue & 2nd Street 6 p.m. — Pasma-Peck Dinner, Eagles Club – no-host cocktails at 5 p.m. 6 to 9 p.m. — Big Sky Auto Club Memorial Car Show — Independence Bank Parking Lot 6 p.m. to Sunday 6 p.m. — 48-Hour Softball Tournament — 6th Avenue Memorial Softball Field 7 p.m. — HHS Volleyball vs. Browning, HHS Gym MSU-Northern Volleyball vs. Rocky Mountain College, MSUNorthern Gym
Saturday, Sept. 20
MAT Death by Chocolate St. Jude School Gym
MSU-Northern 2nd Annual Glow Run SUB Ballroom, MSU-Northern
Havre Festival Days
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Pasma-Peck Dinner Eagles Club Eagles Club Hi-Line Quilt Guild Saturday Market Festival of Quilts Show Mat Corner Town Square Run of Special Trains Frank DeRosa Railroad Museum Commercial Products Big Sky Auto Club Outdoor dance & Crafts Show Memorial Car Show Atrium Mall parking lot Great Northern Fairgrounds Independence Bank
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48-Hour Softball Tournament Memorial Field
MSU-Northern Volleyball Friday and Saturday Armory Gym, MSU-Northern
5th Avenue
All day — 48-Hour Softball Tournament — 6th Avenue Memorial Softball Field. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Eagles Club. 8 a.m. to noon — Saturday Market, Town Square. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Havre Rifle & Pistol Club Sight-In Days, Rifle Range on River Road. 10 a.m. — Havre Festival Days Parade, 5th Avenue. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Run of Special Trains, Frank DeRosa Railroad Museum. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Hi-Line Quilt Guild Festival of Quilts Show, Mat Corner — Corner of 2nd Avenue and 2nd Street. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — BBQ & Meet the Candidates, Pepin Park 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Havre Festival Days Commercial Products & Craft Show, Great Northern Fairgrounds. Noon — Grand Reveal and Open House, at the former Post Office Noon to 4 p.m. — Custom Collision Repair Car Show, Barbecue & Burn Out — Custom Collision Repair Noon to 5 p.m. — Friends of the Library Book Sale — HavreHill County Library Meeting Room. 2 p.m. to evening — Flea Market/Swap Meet, Food Vendors, Street Artists & Parking Lot Dance — Atrium Mall 2 p.m. — MSU-Northern Volleyball vs. Carroll College, MSUNorthern Gym 3 p.m. — E-1 Towing Demolition Derby, Great Northern Fairgrounds 6 p.m. — MAT Death by Chocolate Sponsorship Drive Gala of Friends Fundraiser, St. Jude Thaddeus School Gym 7:30 p.m. — Glacier Nationals Hockey vs. Great Falls, Havre Ice Dome
Sunday, Sept. 21 Short Stop will be under construction Closed to parade watchers
of Parade Start Intersection near
Havre High School
Rod’s Drive-In
Havre High School volleyball vs. Browning Blue Pony Gymnasium
Festival Run/Walk RC Model Flying Club
Glacier Nationals Hockey vs. Great Falls Havre Ice Dome
All day — 48-Hour Softball Tournament, 6th Avenue Memorial Softball Field. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Havre Rifle & Pistol Club Sight-In Days, Rifle Range on River Road. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Havre Festival Days Commercial Products & Craft Show, Great Northern Fairgrounds. Noon to 4 p.m. — Hi-Line Quilt Guild Festival of Quilts Show, Mat Corner – Corner of 2nd Avenue & 2nd Street. Noon to 5 p.m. — Friends of the Library Book Sale, Library Meeting Room. 1 p.m. — Festival Run/Walk, registration, noon, RC Model Flying Club. 2 p.m. — Bump 'N' Run, hosted by the Havre Jaycees, Registration from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. 3 p.m. — Drawings for North Central Montana Shrine Club Beef Raffle, Location TBD.
• cont. from page 1
“One of Havre's greatest treasures is the people,” Kati said, joking that she hoped people wouldn't stop reading after seeing that statement. “We have been blessed many times over by people who give time, talents, energy, financial blessing, and so much more to make Havre a community, not just a place to live,”
OFFICE
(406) 265-6795 • 1-800-993-2459
PUBLISHER Stacy Mantle smantle@havredailynews.com EDITOR
John Kelleher jkelleher@havredailynews.com
DESIGN
Stacy Mantle, Jenn Thompson & Taylor Faulkinberry
ADVERTISING SALES Shari Nelson Tanner Veis
she said. With her years of experience in retail — which she said began when she was 11 or 12 years old, when she started out helping clean the store — she has interacted with a wide variety of Havre's community members, organizations and businesses. She said she has seen the differece the people of Havre make in developing the city's quality of life. “Individuals, business
people, students, teachers, coaches, farmers, ranchers, volunteers, you name it, these are the people that make Havre what it is," she said. “Without these treasures, Havre would not have many wonderful places, events and attractions. “Havre,” she added, “really does have, and has had, some truly great treasures in its people. ”
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES Rhonda Petersen rpetersen@havredailynews.com
For advertising information, contact Havre Daily News 119 Second Street P.O. Box 431 Havre, MT 59501 406-265-6795
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VISIT Havre & the Hi-Line
September 2014
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BORDER-CROSSING ACCESS POINTS
1. Rykerts - Porthill: BC 21/SH 1 2. Kingsgate - Eastport: BC 95/US-95 3. Roosville: BC 93/US 93 4. Chief Mtn: Hwy 6/MT 17 5. Carway - Piegan: Hwy 2/US 89
6. Del Bonita: Hwy 62/MT 213 7. Coutts - Sweetgrass: Hwy 4/1-15 8. Aden - Whitlash: Hwy 880/MT 409 9. Wild Horse: Hwy 41/MT 232 10. Willow Creek: Hwy 21/MT 233 11. Climax - Turner: Hwy 37/MT 241
U.S. // CANADA
BORDER CROSSING BASICS What to Bring Americans visiting Canada and Canadians returning home from the south can make the crossing smooth by knowing the regulations they will encounter at the border. Keep receipts from all purchases handy. All plant, animal and food items must be be declared, as well as alcohol, firearms, tobacco and new vehicles. BE SURE TO BRING: Identification: Passports are best for both Canadians and Americans. Canadian citizens are required to present one of the following documents when entering the United States by land or water: • a passport; • a NEXUS card; • a FREE and Secure Trade (FAST) card; • an enhanced driver's license (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented; or • a Secure Certificate of Indian Status. Vaccination records for pets: A certificate from a veterinarian must verify that animals older than three months are free of diseases communicable to humans and has been vaccinated for rabies. Consent to transport children with adults who are, and are not, parents or guardians. A letter of consent should be dated and include the children's names, ages, border-crossing dates and destination. The consent letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached. With married couples, when one parent is traveling alone with the children, the signed consent letter should include a copy of the absent parent's driver's license or passport. Parents with custody orders (joint, shared or sole custody) should travel with copies of the legal custody documents as well as the consent letter form the other parent. DO NOT BRING: • Obscene, treasonable or seditious materials, hate propaganda or child pornography • Certain birds and feathers • Debased or counterfeit currency • Used mattresses • Items made by prisoners • Reprints of copyrighted Canadian works • Matches made with white phosphorus
GENERAL LIMITS PERSONAL EXEMPTION: • Canadian residents who spend more than 24 hours in the U.S. may return with up to $200 per person (Canadian) in goods without paying any duty. Items include food, furnishings and luxury items such as jewelry and perfume. An exemption is allowable for young children as long as the materials are for their use. Exemptions may not be combined with or transferred to other people. Alcohol and tobacco purchases are excluded from the personal exemption, with specific limits governing their purchase. Exceeding the $200 requires duties and taxes to be paid on the amount over and above the limit.
24 HOURS = $200
Under 24 Hours = NO PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS Residents who spent 24 hours or more in the U.S. may return with up to $200 per person (Canadian) in goods without paying any duty.
48 HOURS = $800
Residents who spent 48 hours or more in the U.S. may return with up to $800 per person (Canadian) in goods without paying any duty. Some alcohol and tobacco products may be included.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Exceeding the allowable limit may cost both duty and taxes, along with varying provincial/territorial assessments. Residents age 18 or 19 and older (depending on province) may import limited amounts of alcohol without paying duty or taxes. The limit for importing alcohol without paying duty is one of the following: • 1.5 liters (53 imperial ounces) of wine, or 2 - 750 mil.; • 1.14 liters (40 ounces) of alcohol; • a total of 1.14 liters (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or • 24 12-ounce cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 liters) of beer or ale.
TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Residents over age 18 may bring in all of the following amounts of tobacco free of duty and taxes within your personal exemption: • 200 cigarettes • 50 cigars • 200 grams (7 ounces) of manufactured tobacco and • 200 tobacco sticks Source: http://help.cbp.gov
12. Monchy - Morgan: Hwy 4/US 191 13. West Poplar River - Opheim: Hwy 2/MT 24 14. Coronach - Scobey: Hwy 36/MT 13 15. Big Beaver - Whitetail: Hwy 34/MT 511 16. Regway - Raymond: Hwy 6/MT 16
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VISIT Havre & the Hi-Line
September 2014
September 2014 September September September September September September September September September September September
5th – Shot in the Dark Charity Parent/Child Golf Scramble – Prairie Farms Golf Course – 5pm – Social Hour & Taco Bar; 6:30pm - Golf 6th – Air Fair – Havre/Hill County Airport contact: Tony Dolphay – 390-5689 6th – S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Market – 8am-Noon – Town Square 6th-7th – Wahkpa Chu’gn Buffalo Jump Atlatl Competition (6th – 10am-4pm; 7th – 10am-2pm) 11th – Remembrance Day 9/11 12th-14th – MSU-Northern College Rodeo – Great Northern Fairgrounds 13th – Havre PRIDE – Recycle Drive & E-Waste Collection – 8am-Noon – Pacific Steel & Recycling – Havre Wrestling Club Golf Scramble – Prairie Farms Golf Course – Liquid Harvest Microbrew Fest – 3pm-Midnight – Murphy’s Pub Live Music by Electric Ranch – 6pm-Midnight – ATA Moonlight Meat Shoot – 8pm – Havre Trap Club contact: Jim Bachini – 262-3739) 13th – S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Market – 8am-Noon – Town Square 19th – Pasma-Peck Dinner – 5pm cocktails; 6pm dinner – Eagles Club 19th-21st – Havre Festival Days 20th – Grand Reveal and Open House at former Post Office on 3rd Avenue – Noon – Atrium Mall Parking Lot Dance, Swap Meet, Food Vendors and Street Artists – MAT’s “Death by Chocolate” sponsorship drive and gala of friends fundraiser, 6pm - St. Jude Gym September 20th – S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y. Market – 8am-Noon – Town Square September 22nd-27th – MSU-Northern Homecoming Week September 23rd – Autumn Begins September 25th-27th – Montana Actors Theatre presents “Seven” – 8pm – MSU-Northern Theatre September 26th – American Indian Heritage Day September 26th-27th – 10th Annual Sugarbeet Festival – Chinook September 27th – MSU-Northern Homecoming Football Game vs. Southern Oregon – 1pm September 29th-October 4th – Havre High School Homecoming Week
October 2014 October 3rd-5th – Chinook Rod & Gun Club 2nd Annual Gun & Antique Show (Friday 3pm-7pm; Saturday 9am-6pm; Sunday 9am-3pm) October 4th – First Presbyterian Church Bazaar – 11am-1:30pm – Friends of Beaver Creek Park 3rd Annual Fundraiser – Eagles Club Doors open at 4pm; Dinner at 6pm – Annual Bear Paw Battle Commemoration - Chinook October 6th – St. Jude Harvest Dinner – 11am-3pm October 9th-12th – 14th Annual Legends for Lights Pheasant Jamboree October 13th – Columbus Day – Chamber Office Closed – Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday – Career Fair – MSU-Northern October 16th – National Boss Day October 16th-18th – Leadership Montana October 17th-18th – Montana Actors Theatre presents “On Borrowed Time” – 8pm – MSU-N Theatre 23rd-25th; 30th-Nov. 1st October 18th – Recycle Drive & E-Waste Collection – 8am-Noon – Pacific Steel & Recycling – Montana Actors Theatre presents “Electric City Cabaret” – 8pm – Location TBD October 19th – Van Orsdel United Methodist Church Harvest Dinner – Noon-3pm October 25th – MSU-Northern Alumni Chinese Scholarship Auction – MSU-Northern SUB (6pm Doors Open; 6:30pm Dinner; 7pm Auction) October 26th – H. Earl Clack Museum Foundation Annual Meeting & Dinner – 4pm – Duck Inn Vineyard October 31st – Halloween – Trick or Treating – 5pm-7pm – Holiday Village Mall – North Central Senior Citizens Bazaar, Rummage Sale & Indian Tacos 1pm-7pm – Bazaar & Rummage Sale 4pm-7pm – Indian Tacos and Fry Bread
November 2014 November 1st – NMHC Annual Wine & Cheese Gala – 7pm - TBD – North Central Senior Citizens Bazaar, Rummage Sale & Indian Tacos 8am-11am – Cinnamon Rolls 8am-2pm – Bazaar & Rummage Sale 11am-1:30pm – Indian Tacos & Fry Bread – Messiah Lutheran Church Bazaar – 11am-1:30pm – Clack Museum Celebration Centennial for Women’s Suffrage – 1pm-3pm – Museum (HV Mall) November 2nd – Daylight Savings Time Ends November 4th – Election Day November 7th – Havre Youth Hockey Banquet – 6:30pm – Havre Eagles Club November 8th – Montana Birthday November 11th – Veteran’s Day – Chamber Office Closed – Canadian Remembrance Day November 15th – Recycle Drive & E-Waste Collection – 8am-Noon – Pacific Steel & Recycling November 18th – MSU-Northern Community Orchestra – “A Tribute to Rock & Roll” – 7pm – 5th Avenue Christian Church November 22nd – Commercial Vendor Show – 10am-5pm – Holiday Village Mall November 22nd-23rd – Pictures with Santa – Noon-3pm – Holiday Village Mall November 27th – Thanksgiving – Chamber Office Closed November 28th – Chamber Office Closed November 28th-30th – Pictures with Santa – Noon-3pm – Holiday Village Mall November 29th – Community Tree Lighting – 5:30pm – Town Square – Festival of Trees – 7pm – St. Jude Parish Center
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September 2014
VISIT Havre & the Hi-Line
Fort Assinniboine A
short drive south of Havre on U.S. Highway 87 allows people to step into the military history of the Old West. Fort Assinniboine, at one time, had more than 100 buildings and averaged about 600 officers, enlisted men and civilians who were stationed there each year. Today, it houses Montana State University’s Northern Agricultural Research Center. Many of the original buildings are gone, but a tour that captures its once-grand history is available. Tours, which in the past were booked through the H. Earl Clack Memorial Mueum, are now available at the fort — Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The fort is located east off U.S. Highway 87, about 6 miles south of Havre. To find out more about tours call 406-265-4000, 406-265-6233 or 406-2658336. The tours starts at the fort library, which until recently housed the headquarters of the agricultural station. The tour makes four stops, with the visitors walking around each area and receiving a detailed description of each site and its history from their guide. The fort’s history is extensive and colorful, though relatively short. Congress initially appropriated $100,000 to build a fort in northern Montana in 1878, two years after Custer’s defeat at the Battle of the Little Big Horn and one year after Chief Joseph and the band of Nez Perce trying to flee to Canada surrendered in the Bear Paw Mountains. Construction at Fort Assinniboine started in 1879, and eventually cost the U.S. government more than $1 million. Fort Assinniboine was abandoned 32 years later in 1911. The original plans for the fort included a military reservation of 700,000 acres, including much of the Bear Paw Mountains, but later was reduced to 220,000 acres. Fort Assinniboine’s site, about six miles south of present-day Havre on the banks of Beaver Creek, was chosen because of its strategic location. Many traditional Native American trails crossed near the site, and it was close to the Canadian border, where many tribes had crossed back and forth. One major concern was caused by several bands of Sioux — totaling over 5,000 people — led by Chief Sitting Bull who moved to the Cypress Hills in Cana-
da following the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The danger of the Sioux bands was, perhaps, overestimated in the few years following the 7th Cavalry's defeat under Colonel Custer. However, the U.S. Army leaders were also concerned that additional bands and tribes would join the Sioux in Canada. Another reason the United States created the fort was to prevent Sioux hostiles from raiding south of the Missouri River to steal cattle and horses — and to hunt for food in the Milk River country. The fort not only increased the feeling of safety for white settlers in Montana, but also helped prevent the tribes from raiding each other. The style of the fort was somewhat unusual for the time. It had no outer wall, since it was intended as an offensive location rather than a defensive one, and was primarily constructed of brick made on the site. It was one of the first forts in the West built of brick. Towers and turrets on buildings gave the fort a distinctive look unlike other military structures of the time. In its heyday, among the same 100 buildings, the post had more than just enlisted men’s barracks, officers’ quarters and cavalry stables. Along with the post trader’s store, there was a post exchange, a hospital, a saloon, a hotel, a restaurant, a telegraph office, a photography studio, an extensive garden, an officers’ club, the “hop room” and a water tank that was heated in the winter to keep the fort’s water supply flowing during freezing weather. Life at the fort varied greatly between the officers and the enlisted men, although it was a remote and often boring existence for both. The officers had more elegant living quarters and had their social hall, for dining occasions, plays and musical entertainment and dancing. The regimental band could supply the music. Outside of their military duty, the enlisted men didn’t have as much to do except drinking and gambling, although a barracks for the fort band with a second floor for a recreation hall was eventually built. Accounts from the time say one of the greatest enemies the fort had was “the old black bottle.” The wild frontier town of Cypress — a few miles west of where Havre is now — was reputed to have 32 saloons and two houses of ill re-
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takes you back in time pute and was a common destination for the enlisted men. A guardhouse that could hold 24 prisoners was built at the fort to help the officers respond to discipline problems and desertion. A second guardhouse with a capacity for 50 prisoners was later built. Desertion was relatively common, although perhaps no more than at any other fort. Accounts say that once the railroad arrived it became fairly easy for a soldier to put on civilian clothes and board the train to nonmilitary destinations. There is no record of major battles fought by the troops of Fort Assinniboine in Montana, although they did fight many skirmishes. The troops were kept busy with military duties. The troops had to keep the peace between tribes, escort tribes that had come south to Montana back to Canada, perform other escort duties, search for lost horses and stop contraband trade of liquor and other items from Canada. Some soldiers of note were stationed at Fort Assinniboine. Two companies of the African-American 10th Cavalry, known as the Buffalo Soldiers, were garrisoned at the fort in 1892. All 10 companies of the 10th Cavalry were eventually stationed at Assinniboine as other Montana frontier forts closed. The soldiers of the 10th Cavalry stayed in Montana until they rose to fame with their combat in the SpanishAmerican War in 1898. One of the company commanders of the 10th Cavalry at Fort Assinniboine was Lt. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing, who later became the general who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. By 1911, Havre and the Hi-Line had grown to a relatively settled state, with homesteaders dotting the countryside. The military need for the fort had diminished, and after the heated water tank burned to the ground for the third time, the U.S. government decided to stop garrisoning the fort. The state of Montana purchased the fort, intending it to be the location of an agricultural experiment station and college in the area. The college plans fell through, with Northern Montana
College starting in Havre in 1929 instead. Other ideas tossed about for the fort location were a vocational school for Native Americans and an insane asylum. The present Northern Agricultural Research Center opened at the fort in 1915.