View From The Bridge 10/17/18

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By MUNCIE
10-17-18

DREARY, DREARY
It is Saturday afternoon as I begin working on the View. It is the dullest day so far this fall. It was raining most of the night as I can hear the drainpipe emptying outside my bedroom window. It is trying very hard to snow but so far it has not become what you would call a real snow fall. I just checked and it looks as though whatever snow fell has now frozen on the deck.

I spoke with my daughter in Great Falls and she said that they got two inches of snow and it was nasty outside. I know what most of you are thinking. We have about 5 or 6 more months of this weather. However, I would not want to be anyplace else in the world. I am lucky that I can stay put and feel empathy for those of you who have to go out every day to work. Bless you for doing your jobs and especially those who do service to the community. There are Angels among us and you are those Angels.

BIRDS
For those of you who are new to town and Chouteau County, I want you to know that I love trees and birds. For the last few years I have not fed the birds in the summer as I was told they can fend for themselves. I filled my feeder on the first day of Fall and just saw a small flock of wrens at the feeder yesterday. They flew in and flew away. They flew in again and away and I have not seen them since. Usually the birds were at the feeder early in the morning. I went out and checked the feeder thinking that perhaps the birds had been coming and I did not see them. Not so. The feeder was still full. It has never taken so long for them to discover that there is free food in the feeder. I hope that they return soon because it gives me a great deal of pleasure watching the birds come and go.

TREES
For four weeks I have watched the trees begin to turn color, change into full color, begin to lose their leaves, and finally give us “a yellow leafed sidewalk, road, and lawn area.” I ride downtown almost every day for one thing or another and so I see the changes day by day. On a day like today I will not be going out but will just watch the world go by my living room window. It makes the time go by and I always enjoy the view before darkness sets in. I look forward to Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Then I will be looking forward to when the days begin getting longer and 3 months to Spring.

GOLDEN AGE
The Sunday dinners have been growing slightly larger each week but not quite fast enough. Please…will all of the diners who used to fill the room before the dinners were postponed for a while, come back. It is such a shame that the wonderful special Sunday dinners are not eaten due to the lack of a lot of hungry people.

Spread the word around. Call you family, friends, and neighbors to come on down and not only enjoy dinner but have social time with them. We do not get out as much during the Fall and Winter months, so make an effort to make Sundays the best day of the week.

I appeal to the women who read the View to enjoy their Sundays more when they do not have to cook and do dishes at least 1 day a week. For me that sounds like the best thing ever. It is so nice to be waited on instead of waiting on everyone else. OK. See you there.

BUS INFO
The Bus is official a Community Bus. It is available to any organization as long as they have a qualified driver. This is great news for our community. It opens up many possibilities as far as getting participants to and from events that they could not otherwise attend.

I know from personal experience that many Senior Citizens cannot drive at night or not all. This may lead to bad cases of cabin fever. Am I just speaking for myself? I wish there were some way to take a poll to see if our community would participate in this program. There has been a lot of talk about the subject but when it comes to the nitty-gritty is where it ends. Please let your organizations, Churches, and whoever else can use the bus as long as they can drum up a qualified driver.

For any questions or arrangements please call Kellie at 622-3022. She is the woman in the know and you will find that she is a sweetheart to deal with.

FRONT STREET
Part of the sidewalk between the Old Fort Park’s north-side and the swimming pool was removed when Front St. was straightened. It is now being worked on and will be poured soon. When I Go-Goed past on Friday, Vance was working on it and said that the road will be finalized in 2 weeks. Although traffic has been using the road since the Homecoming Parade a few weeks ago, it will be great to have it finished. I do not know what the next City of Fort Benton project will be but like one day at a time, we have one project at a time. There are lots of leaves to be disposed of and sand to be prepared to use on icy roads. Then there are always, as in your homes, those unexpected problems that show up. Just when you think all is going well along comes Murphy’s Law.

RUSTIC MERCANTILE
This charming little store had an open house last Friday. When I spoke with Jean today (Sunday,) she said that 50 or more people visited the store.

Jean called me on Saturday morning to tell me that I had won a door prize. I asked what it was and I had a choice between chocolates and a flower arrangement and it wasn’t a difficult decision because I am allergic to chocolate.

Today on my way home from dinner at the Senior Center I stopped in front of the new business. Jean came out immediately with the flower arrangement. I was so thrilled to find that the flower arrangement was in a darling ceramic blue Ford truck. Now I am a Ford person from Michigan. My town was next to Dearborn where not only is the Ford Motor Company plant but the home of the Ford Museum, The Village, and Henry’s home called Fair Lane. My father retired from Fort Motor after 44 years. Two of my brother-in-law’s also retired from the company. I worked in the corporate offices for 5 years.

I have many stories about Ford Motor Company but not for this time and space. If you want to hear more then seek me out because I am out and about much of my time.

I would like to thank Jean for the lovely door prize and wish her the best of luck in her new business. Welcome to Fort Benton.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE.
BE SURE TO VOTE.
BE SURE EVERYONE YOU TALK TO VOTES.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, AND EMT’s.

View From The Bridge 9/12/18

VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Muncie
9/12/18

CHOUTEAU COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS
The long-waited Pub Night is upon us. Preparations are falling into place and the Chouteau County Performing Arts Board will be ready and waiting.

I was able to travel to Chinook last Thursday and visit with the Chinook newspaper office. Randy Morger (my stepson) made the trip to proof read the performing arts booklet that you receive when you attend a performance. You can keep it to refer to at home or you can just pick up one each show.

It was amazing watching Randy go over the booklet. I always knew what went into the booklet but never would I have guessed the work. I would like all of you show-goers to study the booklet carefully. Note all the sponsors that support C.C.P.A. When you frequent their businesses, be sure to thank them. Without them, there would be no C.C.P.A. They are the backbone of our community. They are so generous whenever called on with donations for every event that goes on. (Only in a small town!)

GOLDEN AGE CENTER
Last Sunday the Golden Age Senior Center resumed Sunday dinners. It was great news for many Senior’s although there were conflicting events going on. The Center was up against “What-the-Jay,” a Church event, and the Rocky Highfill fund raiser in Great Falls.

So spread the word around about the Sunday dinners and I’ll see you there next Sunday.

A welcome note from Mary Lee reminds everyone about the Tuesday night dinner next week the 18th. She asks that you not forget the date and the time is 5:00 p.m. The HEADS-UP about this dinner is that there will be a presentation by the owners of the new assisted living complex in Fort Benton Young and old should be interested in this subject.

Call in your reservations @ 622-3601 or stop by the Center. The cost is $7.00 for a delicious full meal. See you there.

BUS/VAN NEWS
Actually, there isn’t any news. The Commissioners are still looking for VOLUNTEERS to drive the vehicle. They would like four volunteers to they would drive only once a month.

The newly painted bus is sitting somewhere around the Court House just waiting to be filled with those who need a ride to Great Falls. Being in that position myself, I know how valuable a service like that would be. I have twice a year appointment with my dentist and even more often with my hearing tech. I have friends in nursing homes that I would like to visit. I am sure that there are many more of you readers that have errands that can only be taken care of in Great Falls. I hope we do not have to wait too long.

ROCKY FUND RAISER
A small world story happened to me on Sunday. I sat at a table with two couples from Canada and another woman. I asked the women from Canada how they happened to come to Rocky’s fund raiser. One of the husbands knew Rocky from a trail ride that they do every year. The two couples also knew the other woman who told me she was from Big Sandy and told her Canadian friends about the afternoon event. She directed her comments to me saying that she is a good friend of Valerie’s. She also said that she reads the View every week. Now who could not like a person like that? So I would like to say hello to Thelma and the next time she comes to Fort Benton to call me and we can have coffee and conversation.

FRONT STREET
I have very little news about the hard-topping of Front Street. It has been ready for that process for several weeks. What little I could check on was that the company who was hired to do the work have been very busy. (So what else is new? Everybody is busy.) I have learned I just have to be patient.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE FIGHTERS, and EMT’S.
WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.

BE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE and THEN BE SURE TO VOTE.

View From The Bridge 3/11/15

VIEW from the BRIDGE
By Muncie
3/11/15

DAY LIGHT
Did you remember to change your clocks? I remembered but I went to bed at the same time I always do after I changed the clocks and lost an hour of sleep. Oh well, it didn’t outweigh that it is now 7:45 p.m. Sunday evening and I can still see out the computer room window and I can see quite clearly as it isn’t completely dark.

How about that full moon? The problem with it lighting up the south side of the house windows is that it comes around too late or I should say early in the morning. That is how it works at this time of year. I’ll check it out next month and decide if I should just stay up all night to see the moon.

FRONT STREET
Do you have a difficult time backing out of a parking spot on Front St.? I dread it myself.  Do you think that the speed limit should be lowered, say from 20 M.P.H. to 15 M.P.H.? If you are going 20 M.P.H. it is almost impossible to stop and let someone back out. (Think about it and please let me know what you what your opinion is. We would have be on the agenda list and attend a council meeting to make that happen.) Do you stop when you see brake lights go on and let them back out? (It is the courteous thing to do but is not a law.)

A few years ago a friend of mine was backing out from in front of Lehman’s True Value.  A vehicle turned into the parking spot next to her from the opposite side of the street. She backed into him and as a result she had to pay for the repair of her vehicle. Why you ask when it wasn’t her fault and the reason was there were no double yellow lines on Front St?  The insurance company can check that on their computers. She went to Council and it happened. Unfortunately very often, I see drivers still driving across the double yellow lines to park in front of the businesses. Please pass that on if you see it happen. I do that but it makes me just as uncomfortable as it did years ago to tell people, “I mind if you smoke.”

What brought this parking situation up again is that another friend of mine recently had backed out and was waiting for the vehicle on her left about three spaces ahead of her to back out. A big truck on her right began backing out hit her car. He was ticketed and said it was his fault because he could not see her in his side or rear view mirrors.    

DO YOU LOVE TO READ?
Our Chouteau County Library has scheduled another “Bag of Books” for $1.00. Over the years, we had, for a few dollars, accumulated hundreds of books. Honestly, I always seem to find another book by a favorite author, books on Montana, history books, and those you just cannot live without. Have I read them all? No, but I will when I retire. Actually, I have been getting books on tape and now digital tapes from the Talking Book library for 35 years. Why do I buy more books? It is because they are like a security blanket, all warm and comforting. Just to know that I may find another collectable book makes me keep buying. Actually, the books have taken over the house and I really do not have another space to put one more book but I will see you there on St. Patrick’s Day the 17th.

PIE DAY
You do not have the weather for an excuse any longer.  It is going to be warmer all week long so remember 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Come join the social group that gathers once a month for delicious homemade pie and a cup of coffee. (I am sure it can be arranged for a cup of tea if you prefer.)

STRING MUSICIAN WORKSHOP & C.C.P.A.
On Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the Elementary School auditorium will be a String Workshop.  All of you who own stringed instruments…come on down. I had such a great time at the Song Writing Workshop a month or so ago that I know you will have a great time.

I own three stringed instruments, a dulcimer, an antique mandolin, and Garth Brook’s guitar, but do not know how to play any of them. I still want to attend the workshop because we had a workshop similar quite a few years back and it was a blast. What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon either participating or just listening to those that know what they are all about.

This program is in conjunction with the Chouteau County Performing Arts program the next evening with Two Bit Franks. Besides, I want to know where their name came from.  (Is it like, “25 cents for a hot dog?) If you like Bluegrass, I’ll see you there. I love it because it reminds me of what we used to call “back in the dark ages,” hillbilly music. I loved it then and it should bring back a lot of memories.

Just a reminder it will be Monday the 16th at the Elementary School Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

MONTANA
This week will be the last of the “50 Things You Didn’t Know About Montana” that found me on the computer. I do remember some of them but I wonder how accurate they are. If you see me around town, let me know if you enjoyed them.

47.  The population of Petroleum County, Montana is 494 people despite being larger than the state of Rhode Island.

48.  Before being named the Montana Territory, Congress considered naming the state “Shoshone” in honor of the Indians who lived here and “Jefferson” in honor of the former President who commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

49.  For 100 years no one knew the name of the person who sculpted the bronze
of the woman who sits atop the Montana‘s Capitol dome or where it came from. (It would have been interesting for the author to let us know. Now I have to search the internet to find out.)

50.  Roy, Montana (population 108) owes its name to a spelling mistake. When Walter H. Peck established a post office on his ranch in 1892, he requested the name Ray in honor of a relative. However, someone in Washington, D.C. misread the application and returned it with the name Roy instead.
The end.

NOTE:  I did some research on #49 and it is included below.  I was thrilled with the story and it was much like our Culbertson House story that was all about the granddaughter.

SENIOR MOMENT
Wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, OUR TROOPS and WEAR RED ON FRIDAYS.
I saw quite a bit of red last Friday as we are shedding those winter coats and jackets.

#49 in the Montana section was about the bronze woman on the Capitol Dome.  I commented that it would have been nice if they had told us where it came from and who the woman was after 100 years.

I decided to call the Governor's office and they referred me to the Gift Shop because the last Christmas ornament was of the woman and the dome.  The attendant that answered the phone said that there was a booklet that came with the ornament, he would scan it, and e-mail it to me.

When I got the scan it was so small I could not read it.  I then called the Historical Society and the young woman said that she would go down stairs and check with the gift shop.  She got the booklet and actually typed it in larger print for me.  Thanks to the Historical Society and if you have never visited in Helena...make it a priority.

What you will read below is the story and it is a fascinating one.  Enjoy!

For more than a century, a graceful figure has perched atop the Montana State Capitol's grand, copper-clad dome and has been prominent on the city's skyline. Her true identity, however, was an unsolved mystery for more than a century. The seventeen-foot statue, holding a torch in one hand and a shield in the other, arrived at Helena's Northern Pacific Railroad depot one day in 1897. No one knew who commissioned her, what artist created her, or from where she came.

The copper-clad statue arrived just after the scandalous disbanding of the first capitol commission. In 1895, the group charged with contracting for the construction of the State Capitol planned to inflate prices and embezzle funds. Summoned to appear before a grand jury, the state architect committed suicide and others burned all records, destroying any evidence of criminal action and, incidentally, all information about the custom-sculpted statue. Although no one could trace her origin, the statue served the next commission well, and she took her place atop the capitol dome in 1901. She was always known as "Lady Liberty."

In 2006, Alice Nagle of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, contacted the Montana Historical Society inquiring about her grandfather's statue. She wondered if it still graced the capitol’s dome. Her parents had passed away and in going through a trunk in their attic, she discovered a photograph of the work in progress, solving the mystery of Lady Liberty. Her grandfather, Edward J. Van Landeghem, was a talented Belgian artist who trained at the Academy of Fine Arts School in Brussels. He created the statue in his Philadelphia studio and considered her one of his best sculptures. He named her "Montana." So after more than a century of relative anonymity, her origins surfaced and she can be called by her rightful name.
[Written by Ellen Baumler]