The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-10-26
/: WELLS, FARao & Co.,
/: OVERLAND MAIL AND EXPRESS.

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This little building was on ,e the com
mercial headquarters of Virginia. III,
primitive banking was done here, and tn.
to eastern markets. Near By, On Idaho
street, was the postoffice. Here when the
coach arrived a long string of miners oath.
cred to get their mail from the east. Il was
by far the most important event in the
town. for it took nearly three weeks for the
mail to arrive from the east. A gentleman
who mas since become famous as smooth
politician and capitalist once told me
that on . certain mail day he
was in the rear of long string Of
waiting people. It was getting late and he
was sure there was letter from home, So.
in his anxiety. he gave q fellow near the
window five dollars for his place, just al
his turn came the window came down and
he was forced to wait until next day. be-
sides being out SINNER"
There is likewise nothing to mark. or at
least no one can tell where John Maouire's
theatre stood. Several old-timers, how
ever. tell with pleasure of their acquaint-
ance with the veteran actor, Charles w.
Couldock. Mr.. Couldock came to Virginia
IN the early sixties accompanied BY his
daughter Eliza, a charming and beautiful
girl, who afterward died at Salt Lake. One
incident pleasantly remembered was the
presentation to her of large nugget of
gold 2 The gift Of the citizens Of Virginia.
The affair took place in the theater and the
presentation was made by General Thomas
Francis Meagher, then governor Of the terri
tory. MIR. and Miss Couldock remained in
Virginia six months during the which time
they, with the assistance of other clever
actors, gave admirable performances Of
standard drama. Those who have since
seen performances under more pretentious
surroundings agree that so far as art was
concerned the Couldocks and their COM
pany we're quite equal to the best. Mr..
Couldock was then in bis prime and was at
the height of 9 fame which has never been
lost, though time has mellowed the dra-
to the Idaho senate from the Cpur
d. Alenes was another actor of sterling merit
who delighted Virginia audiences. =,
There is scarcely a spot in Virginia CITY
not connected in sOme way with an incident
Of historic interest. Every old timer can
others. The only difficulty is that NO two
can be found who will agree on dates. IN
tramp down Wallace street almost to the
gulch and back again brings us to the
Madison house. hostelry that has seen
more prosperous days. The old timer who
say, that "virginia Is pretty good town
town. II is mere shadow of former davs
but will always exist. Several we'll stociea
stores, the usual number Of shops and two
banks, supply the media of prosperous RI
raj country surrounding. To genuine old
timer the appearance of the citv woni6
bring sigh Of regret. He would find r.
1ificult to realize that Wallace street vas
,nce 90 crowded with people that 4 mar
IN horseback could not ride down to the
yulch. ''o
By and by the tramp Of horses ia hs.ra
,uteide and an old Worn-out canvas-coxera3
,oach rolls mp in front Of the door The
Iilent driver appears to undarats NJ
hat NO passengers are abont 40
10 looks in the door and retnrns
Within the wheeled relic Of tha
,ast II various assortment Of boxes and
,ackages for tho nearest railroad stet;o,s
70 anxious crowd stands about to vsico...
lrrivals or hail good cheer TO densrt;nc
Sienda: The dryer mounts the boz. chirrs
g the discouraged animals and fhev strnr
10 down the street. Within few minute.
ne marvellous Rulch appears In full viev.
Jnder the patches Of glistening snov II |
- and deserted save by . few Cn;ra.r.,,
{ ID yast monument 70 the .savaa.s amen
pirit Of armies Of gold hunter. m. ao
urns down road which was one .O MAJ.
ined with habitations Of all eorts 4 a;ny
y rock. Buy your goods al Wsrr,;..s.k III
Co, recalls the fact that Harrv ~. ..s;?S
on o0oe got corner on all the csri1..
he town. He bought them for ~ !. ~
nd sold them TOY 81 The oitirenc Ala ~
iko Il. but - Harry says, @Buainess vt
'asinsas, and they had 70 take thoir r,.Si'
il" The driver pointed ont Nsvsds L
nado Part q Montana history ~ ~ triai
ID exssatana o1 0eoege Ivpe. a vhich