Arts & Events

The stagecoach drivers knew no fear. “They drove like demons and many a timid passenger has wished that he had walked, as the line of stages tore down the hill.” That was the Anaconda Standard newspaper’s description of what it was like to take a stage from Ravalli to the southern shore of Flathead lake in the late 1800s. Specifically, it was story about Charlie Allard’s … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Climb aboard for a wild ride on the Allard Stage Line!

Here we are. Another new year: 2022! With that, I am reminded that I’ve been doing this historical research and writing for the Missoula Current for nearly six years. In all that time, the one thing I’ve failed to do is to share with you some of the reader feedback about stories that touched people's lives. Here’s an example: “Hello, I just wanted to say I enjoyed your … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Our readers share their connections to Montana history

It is much maligned – even reviled and vilified. Oh, the lowly holiday fruitcake. Some suggest it be used instead of sandbags during floods. Others joke that slices of it are perfect for balancing a wobbly table. Yet others recommend using it as a speed bump on your neighborhood street. Why, there are even jokes about a “fourth wise man” appearing at the Christmastime … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: These tales are nutty as a … well, you know what!

“In one of the counties of Montana,” reported the Neihart Herald on April 15, 1899, “is a mountain of gingerbread overhanging a lake of custard pudding.” Naturally, one is inclined to believe the report – after all, it was in the paper! Then again, the same article spoke of “springs of lager beer ... fissure veins full of mince pie ... placer deposits of red pepper and … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Christmas in Montana means mountains of gingerbread

The elk herds of the Bitterroot Valley are impressive. Hundreds of the animals gathered in a field just off the Eastside Highway near Stevensville in the past few days. There was a time when elk simply didn’t exist there. Not one. But they did exist nearby in huge numbers. Yellowstone National Park Superintendent P.W. Norris, in his 1877 report to the Secretary of the … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Bitterroot elk herds began with transplants from Yellowstone