Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1879-06-19
A Model Montana HEOlhle.

We take the following extract from one of
aseries of fascinating letters written by Mrs.
Robert Z. Strahorn to the Marengo Qll) Re-
publican in the autumn months of 1878:
You must have Il pen picture OF model
mountain home as we saw 1t. We crossed the
Bitter Root river and rode tor short dis
lance along the side OF the valley when the
home OF K. w. Bass was pointed out to us.
Mr.. Bass and his brother came here without
means and took up a homestead; now they
are the richest in the valley. The high
mountains rise high on three sides Of the
home as if to shield the dwelling from the
storm king or other dangers which might be-
siege it. Tall cottonwoOds followed the walk
outside the tidy picket fence, while over the
Srched gateway thrifty ivy had cOiled in
graceful confusion. The graveied walk lead
ing to the large two story house, was bordered
with trellsed vines and roses. TO the left,
on high pedestal, stands solid granite ball
as symmetrical as if chiseled by an artist.
The ball weighs ninety pounds aud is about
"A inches in Iiameter. Twas found in a
canyon near the premises where, in whirl-
pool of water it had been ground to its per-
feet form. To the right a pair of elk horns
were poised as if still in proud defiance of
The hunters skill. Suspended from a staunch
LMb Of an old elm tree was large swing, a
tempting place to enjoy the shade and indulge
in day dreams, or read the day dreams Of
others. Through the arbor, covered with
dense foliage. the path leads to the flower
garden where almost every variety of flowers
known in this country were found. The beds
were bOrdered with verbenas of every shade;
rlch yelyety pansies with their up-turned
faces gave us mute appeal for our approval,
while roses, geraniums, and mignionette
Hlled the air with their sweet odors. OF
course special care had been used to keep |
That thieving Jack Frost from too early rob- |
0lng them of their beauty, but he is a persis- |
lent destroyer who will watch his first chance |
ana improve it, A clear stream went sing |
ing through the lawn and formed pictur |
eSque waterfall while the effect was simply |
magical. The veranda was Inviting, with its |
easy chairs snd woodbine shade, but we |
passed on indoors where we were equally |
charmed. The only piano in the valley stood |
open in the parlor, and the piles Of choice !
music was proof of the gaiety Of their twi- |
light hours. The pet Cat was quietly Sleep |
ing on a wolf rug before the closed CRATE in |
iond anticipation of cold winters comforts. |
A sewing machine, scroll saw, more flowers, |
choice pictures, and a rich protusion of books
popular papers and magazines were still fur
'her emblems of their education and refine
Ment. The large bird cage with its happy |
.@mlIy was quite an amusing novelty. 1t
contained several gay canaries, with South
IN redbrd in proud command, which
seemed to understand bis responsible position
ana Chartered away as if the yellow songsters
were contemplating disobedience to bis Or
GERS. The storeroom was filled with rich
preserves and jellies that were tempting to
oehold. The milkroom was filled with pans
u milk and thick cream, and the churn was
.Dhning by a water-power that kept the dairy
room cool and sweet. On every hand were
oEens Of the convenience, happiness and
comfort of all concerned. Across the road
.ne heavy ladened fruit trees were braced
nat they might not break with their loads Of
sspples, pears and plums. Even peaches have
1een raised there. We heartily enjoyed the
ualgc luscious melons that were given u.s.
VT, we saw some vegetables that were to be
S'Heh 10 the fair; solid potatoes that weighed
,hp POUNDS apiece on an average, and squashes
va, ,oa' weighed over hundred pounds. We
aa,n's1c'ant!y ans turned from this little paradise
dS,S nu soon it was only white speck in the
'"'snce among the trees