The salesmen at Olney Motors scrambled to move the brand-new 1956 model Cadillacs from their display lot. They had to move fast – the building just west of theirs, the American Legion Hall, had caught fire and the blaze was spreading fast. It took several trips to get all the new unlicensed cars to safety in available parking spaces a block away at Missoula City Hall. For … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Missoula’s Legion Hall fire gutted building, membership

Normally, when a major news event occurs, I look to history to offer some thoughts on similar events from the past and what we have learned – or failed to learn – from them. Given the past week’s events in Washington, I just don’t have it in me – I can’t do it. Not this time. Clearly, serious consequences must follow what happened in our nation's capital. But as we … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Can Twain, Rogers help America put anger aside?

Within the last couple of months, I’ve come to know my local postal clerks quite well. I’m sure they’re not quite as delighted to see me as I am to see them, given the dozens of books I package and deliver on a daily basis for shipment across the country. (Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus – and Santa delivered more orders for my new book than an old fuzzy fossil and … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Then and now, post offices provide essential service for Montanans

Happy New Year! What a variety of ways Montanans have celebrated the annual turning of the calendar. One hundred years ago, a Missoula newspaper declared, “Hail 1921!” adding: “If the appearance of Higgins Avenue last night near the midnight hour is any indication, practically two-thirds of Missoula was astir when the blowing of the whistles and ringing of bells announced … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: As new year begins, remembering the age-old generosity of Montanans