Lost Trail Stories 'Episode #4'

Off the Beaten Path

Eureka, October 8, 1904 Rev. Blackburn’s wife had a trying experience on her arrival here, owing to an error in purchasing her ticket. Mrs. Blackburn wished to go to “Dewey”, and on being informed that there is no such station on this road she, not knowing that Dewey had been changed to Eureka, asked for a ticket to Tobacco, which was given her. Now Tobacco is known by the railroad employees to be a siding No 10, situated on the Jno. Sell place about 5 miles up the track above Eureka, and it was here the unfortunate lady was told by the conductor to be her destination. The scenery at this particular place is very beautiful. However, the welcome extended by the gentle kine* and the distant hills did not fill the bill. Fortunately Mrs. Blackburn was discovered and heroically rescued by Rev. Craven, and again was placed in communication with the civilized world.

*Archaic, plural of cow.

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Sodbusters Everywhere

Eureka, November 5, 1904 John Campbell, our oldest timer of the Plains, was in town the first part of the week from his Sophy lake ranch. He says the Plains has made great changes in recent years. A short time ago he could mount a horse and roam at will all over the section and the other day he had much difficulty in getting here because of the settlers fences.

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No Way But Up

Eureka, November 5, 1904 The registration books for this election district closed with a total of 326 names on record. Of this number Eureka has 215, Marston 69 and Gateway 42. Allowing for removals and those who failed to register, the showing indicates there are 300 voters now on the Plains, which, with the usual estimate of 5 to 1 gives us an approximate population of 1500.There is no good reason to doubt that in a few years Eureka precinct alone will have 500 voters.

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Initiatives Passed

Eureka, November 12, 1904 Voter initiatives on the ballot – (1) An amendment prohibiting employment of children under 16 years of age in underground mines: For 53, Against 16. (2) An eight-hour work day: For 52, Against 4.

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The Business of War

November 5, 1914 France has ordered 10,000 horses in Texas and 2000 ambulances in Detroit. The Colt Arms company is busy turning out 50,000 revolvers for the British government. Bethlehem Steel expects $100 million in orders from foreign governments. The Wyandotte Worsted company has received orders for 25,000 blankets.

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Leaving with What’s Her Name

St. Louis, November 5, 1914 Scott Stone, a United States army recruit was arrested and has confessed to the murder of his wife and four children. In a written confession Stone said that he killed them by dynamiting their home, explaining that he lit the fuse and then ran. The motive of the crime was that Stone might go away with another woman whose name he gave only as Lucille, claiming that he could not remember her last name.

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Keep Movin’

Anaconda, November 5, 1914 Fifteen I. W. W.’s who were found in the railroad yards who said they were going to Butte to join their comrades, left town immediately when asked if they preferred being locked up to traveling. The agitators were escorted to Rocker by Sheriff Berkin and deputies and went west.

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Win, Win

Eureka, November 13, 1924 A. A. Miller of the City Bakery installed one of the Clutter & Scott Bread Wrapping machines in his establishment and the local product is now being wrapped by a locally manufactured machine, which makes it more of a home product than ever. Mr. Miller has been putting on the market an excellent grade of bread, which has rapidly come to the fore as the best sold in Eureka. To encourage a home industry Eureka people should call for and eat Eureka bread always.

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Down with Pigs

Eureka, November 13, 1924 At the last session of the city council, a petition bearing the names of about 20 residents of the South side, was presented requesting that the council pass an ordinance prohibiting the keeping of hogs or pigs within the city limits. It had always been understood that such an ordinance was in effect, but in attempting to enforce it, city officials found that it did not exist. It will probably be passed at the next meeting.

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Dirty Rotten Bottom Feeding Stool Pigeons

Libby, November 27, 1924 Liquor cases (trials), resulting from a visit here of “stool pigeons” in the employ of the state, and in which Troy, Libby and Eureka people are involved have been set for December 8th.