The Billings herald. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1882-1885, 1882-12-07

ton of permanent town. Clark City,
as it was then called, struggled along
with an irregular sort of growth till the
near approach Of the railroad endowed
it with a more vigorous life. The rail-
road authorities then stepped upon the
scene and plated tOwnsite adjoining
Clark City, which, with their usual dis
regard of old ideas, they called Living
ston, and the former name exists only
in memory. The railroad crosses the
Yellowstone about three-quarters of a
mile below and running parallel with it,
is at the town about half mile from the
river. The site and its surroundings are
picturesque, but the constant gale of
wind which, sweeping through canyon
in the neighboring mountain range,
bursts with fearful force upon the town,
rendering life in Livingston somewhat
disagreeable. The main street runs
parallel with the track, and from it an
important avenue stretches down toward
the river where the collection of log
shacks and inferior frame buildings mark
what WAS Clark City. The new build
ings which are now going up in all di-
rections are Of much better class,
especially in the business portion of the
town.
There are at present six general mcr-
chandise establishments, two drug stores,
two hotels, one hardware store, two res
taurants, two watchmakers, three black
smiths, thirty saloons, two wholesale
liquor dealers and two meat markets.
Choice business lots in the new town
are held at 1000, with condition at
tached by which the purchaser guaran-
tees the erection of q two story building
thereon within limited time. We fear
that this effort to secure handsome
town will be less beneficial to its pros
perity than if buyers were allowed to
design their buildings according to their
own sweet will.
A population Of about four hundred is
probably now gathered in the town, but
how many Of them may have intentions
Of permanent residence cannot of course
be estimated From the fact that it is
the town nearest the end Of track, with
al that implies, the place is not now
particularly conspicuous for morality or
sobriety. Saloons are doing thriving
trade and business is generally active.
What may be the effect Of the passage
of the construction outfit beyond the
town remains to be seen.
The railroad company will erect
rOundhOuSe ana such other buildings as
belong to the end of freight division,
somewhat more commodious than usual
at Livingston from its proximity to the
heavy grades over the mountains.
Around the streets we noticed many
faces once familiar in Billings. Geo
Carver, well known along the line, is
engaged in the mercantile business, and
Arthur Miles, Of Babcocll & Miles. of
Billings, has stock Of hardware in Liv
ingStpn. The irrepressiblc Calamity
Jane, who is bound to keep to the front,
is OH the ground with her full outfit.
Since Dec, lst, there has been post
Office at Livingston, and the citizens are
10 longer incOlIvenienced by the neces-
sity Of getting their mails from Benson's
/ Landing. Mr., Wright, popular and
obliging gentleman, Is postmaster,
We returned to Billings on Wednesday
evening feeling greatly pleased with our
trip. and deep sentiments Of gratitude
towards each of the many persons who
had cndeavorcd to assist us and render
life agreeable during our wanderings.
4. ID.