In Great Falls, the Fifth Avenue Restaurant presented a nine-course meal for the public featuring everything from “Oyster soup and Baked Trout with Egg Sauce (to) Roast Goose, Fillet of Beef, Ribs of Pork with Green Olives, (and) Mountain Bear.” Even more lavish was the private dinner in Helena given by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Seligman, “which was admirably served and consisted … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Thanksgiving 1889 brought feasts, fox hunts celebrating Montana statehood

There were claims of voter fraud; election results were disputed; members of the state canvassing board were threatened. The election had been stolen! It may sound like today’s political scene, but it actually takes us back to Montana’s election of 1889 and Silver Bow County’s infamous Precinct 34. Oh – and while we’re at it – let’s throw in a few fist fights and a … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Election fraud? Yes, in Montana’s election of 1st legislature

It’s fascinating how one thing leads to another in historical research. Today’s story was to be solely about a short-lived Montana newspaper called Wonderland. The name intrigued me. The search took me from that intriguing newspaper ... to the history of Yellowstone National Park and the Northern Pacific Railroad ... to the question of who coined the name Wonderland in … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Yellowstone Park was ‘Wonderland’ to earliest tourists

Ten years ago, I retired from a nearly 50-year career in radio and television news to take a new path. That path has now lead to a book. But, as I often say in my columns, I’m getting ahead of myself. A few folks (perhaps one or two) still know me from that past life, but you would have to have lived in western Montana for 30 years or more to be among them. I used … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: New book chronicles lively tales from Montana’s earliest years

I thought for sure – because of the timing (a little pun, there) –  that Daylight Saving Time would be the “October Surprise” of 2020. I envisioned some candidates advising us to “ignore it” while others declared, “No, it’s your duty!” Surely some politicians would warn that our twice-yearly "time change" would disrupt the nation’s transportation system and cause possible … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Will Daylight Saving Time 2020 reignite the historic controversy?