davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
Hotels and Public Buildings.

No city of the size in the country is better
equipped in the matter of hotel accomo-
dations than Helena. With a population
of little more than 5000 ten years ago the
Cosmopolitan and International was suffi.
Gent. In 1884 Messrs. Lissner and Schwab
d Zimmerman found they could not ac-
commodate the incoming tide, and extensive
improvements were made in their proper
ties. Even this was not sufficient. and
Messrs. Reed d Kinda built the Grand Gem
trail the next year, sparing no expense to
have hotel which would be an honor to
this thriving city. That they succeeded is
evidenced by the large business they have
done from the first day it opened till to-
day. Several smaller hotels were opened
near the Northern Pacific depot the same
year.
About 1885 the Merchants hotel was
opened on Broadway in two-story frame
building, by Thos. OBrien. It prospered
to such an extent that larger quarters were
demanded, and removal was had to the
present location, thus adding another to
Helena's growing list of hotels.
Still the crowds we're not accommo-
dated, and Col. Broadwater deter
mined to build hotel which would surpsss
anything in the northwest, whore the bust
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
Increase In Land Values.

While the increased value of improvements
since 1880 in Helena has been enormous, the
increase in the value of the land itself has
been equally AZ great. No attempt has been
made to show what it has been in the town.
site and on the business streets. but the
original cost of some of the additions and
the present value is given. In estimat-
ing the present selling value the total num-
Der of front feet in the addition is used,
and then an average of the whole made.
The endeavor has been to make the esti-
mate conservative, and the valuation ia
made on this basis. Conservative as it is,
it shows wonderful appreciation. and
when it is remembered that these figures
are not boom prices, but simply what the
properties would bring if thrown on the
market to-day, it is but another evidence of
Helena's forward march in ten years.
In 1873 the Hauser addition was purchased
for 81 600. In it there are 100 front feet.
worth to-day all around $50 per front foot,
making q total of $251 600.
The Story addition, twenty acres, was
patented in 1869, costing $25. There are in
it loo front feet, with an average selling
100000.
In June, 1872, Jas. Mauldin bought the
Mauldin addition from Story, containing
eighty acres, for $500. There are 1920
front feet in it. at the average of $25
value.
In July, 1881, G. A. Broadwater purchased
of Mrs. Brooke 100 acres. now the Broad
water addition. for $4,000. There are
N.0O front feet IN it. and at the average of
$15 per foot, we have $3.50, eco.
The Ming addition, SO acres, was patented
by A. a Barrett in 1871, costing 800. The
1850 front feet in 1t at $40 per foot net to-
day $176, 600.
Mrs. Brooke in 1886 sold to Steele & Neill
Bradford addition, for 1880. It contains
$500 front feet, and had she held il, it
would bring her to-day, at &15 per front foot,
$97, 500.
In 1882 E. d. EdRerton and others bought
what is now the Capitol Hill addition, for
5000. There are 1850 front feet in ii,
which will average $40 per foot, making
total of e66. 900.
Richard Jockey and his brother in 1879
patented 80 acres, being what il now the
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
The Banking Business.

As we have said before, there was but one
National Bank in Helena in 1880, the First
National, and one private bank, L. H.
Hershfield & Bro. According to the report
issued in May, 1880, the deposits of the
First National were 1914 ,316; capital, $780,
600; surplus, $134 600; total business, ST.
298,417.7O. July, 1882, Hershfeld & Bro.
changed their bank from private to Ma
tional institution. Later in the year, Col.
G. A. Broadwater and others obtained
charter for the Montana National, and in
the same year the Second National was also
organized. In September, 1887, the Thomas
Cruise Savings Bank was organized Ey
Thomas Cruise and others. The last pub.
ished statement of the banks shows how
the business has grown since 1880:
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
A COMPARISON.
From Stage to Railroad.

Ten years years ago all the travel in Mon
tana was done by stage. There were two
routes to the east from Helena, and the
man who took one route always wished he
had taken the other. One was by stage
to Fort Benton, then down the river to the
railroad; the other by stage to a junction
with the Utah q Northern. Competition
was just as active in those days as now
and the rival lines used the papers freely
to advertise their advantages. The Utah d
Northern was completed to Red Rock and
the Helena public were assured if thew
travelled that way they could leave Helena
Monday morning, breakfast in Ogden
Wednesday and dine in Chicago Sat-
urday, , With only leo miles Of
St. Louis or Chicago. The Benton line did
traveller into Chicago. but its inducement
was $3.50 rate to st. Louis or Chicago and
pleasant boat ride. The last 100 miles be-
tween the Little Missouri and the Yellow
stone was being graded, and the journal of
Miles City, was congratulating itself that
the railroad would soon reach that city, to
stop there for an indefinite time, finally
leaving Bozeman out in the cold, and after
making cut around that city coming to
Helena.
How is it now? There are but two stage
lines running out of the city, and these only
go east this Sunday morning he can take
the Great Northern at 1l:3O, be in st. Paul
Tuesday and Chicago on Wednesday, with
but one change of cars; or, if he prefers, he
can go tonight by the Northern Pacific,
making the same time; or if he would like
to go through another section, he can leave
this afternoon, going by way of Butte and
the Union Pacific. Travelling west he has the
same advantages, and he need never miss
nights sleep, or meal in which all the
fruits and early vegetables will be found in
abundance.
Not only has Helena the advantage of
these transcontinental lines, but the stage
roads to almost every point in the state
have given place to the railway. The Mon
tana Central and Great Northern have sup
erseded the stage to Benton and all north
ern Montana. To Butte there are two
lines-one by way of Boulder, the other via
Garrison. And to every other important
mining section in the state there is either
connection by rail from Helena, or will be
ere the year closes. What has brought the
roads to Helena? Not bonuses, because
Helena has paid none. The city had the
business, the railways realized it, and have
taken advantage of it. The railroads have
not made Helena, but the business of Hell.
ena has helped build the railroads. The
best-paying branches of the Northern Pa
cific and the Great Northern are those
which are built from Helena.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
Postofne and Telegraph.

Ten years ago the Helena postoffice was
on the corner of Main and Wall street, with
s. II. Crounse postmaster. The last report
of the postmaster for 1880, previous to June
!, showed the following business: Receipts,
$8O3, S96.4O; money orders issued, 8, 765; or
ders paid, 9, 154; amount orders issued, $685.
lO,951; amount paid, SOL ,316.75; registered
letters and packages handled, $4,000.
Postmaster Curtis last report amply H.
Illustrates, again, the story of Helena's
growth: Receipts, $1,0s1. 49l.s 80; money or
orders issued, S177,242.77 amount paid.
$11O,62O92. In 1880 Helena had no need of
letter carriers; now we have eight, and to
serve the public satisfactorily the number
should be increased to twelve.
Ten years ago W. Il. Frederick and w. M.
Western Union Telegraph company to do
the Helena business. There was one wire
to the east, by way of Virginia City, which
sometimes was up, and oftener down. In
addition the government had a wire to Fort
Benton: The average number of messages
To-day the Western Union employs twenty
six operators, and a total force of forty peo-
pie in the Helena Office, who handle an aver
age OF 5000 messages day. In addition
there are two branch Offices in the city.
Manager Fredericks was his own operator.
Manager Swan has his hands full in simply
looking after the business now.
The old government line has been alb
sorbed and improved by the Rocky Noun
tain Telegraph company, and through con-
nections with the Postal and Canadian Pa
cific lines gives Helena another telegraph
line east and west. The business OF the
Helena Office shows a wonderful increase
since it was opened about four years ago.
In 1880 the telephone service was inaugu-
rated in Helena, Mr.. Fredericks, in addi-
graph Office, attending to the service The
system was limited, with but handful of
subscribers. To-day there are miles of
wire, 1926 telephones in use, and corps of
experienced operators.
Ten years ago we had no need of messen-
ger boys. Now the district messenger SER
vice has 1000 calls month from its pa
irons.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
Secret and Other Societies.

To-day a man can find in Helena organ.
lied bodies representing almost every order
in the United States. Ten years ago the
Masons and Odd Fellows alone had lodges,
with total membership of about 255. The
record to-day is Masons, $50; Odd Fellows,
800: knights of Pythias, 300: A. 0. u. W.,
600; order of the Iron Hall, $50. Then there
are the Catholic Knights of America and
the Patriotic Sons of America. Other soci-
cites and organizations which have sprung
up since 1880 are the Lewis and Clarke Med
ical society, the New England society, W
G. L. o., Y. M. G. A., Hebrew Benevolent
association, Harmonic society, Hell.
son Trades s'. and ybpeefaph sssb IN
and other labor unions, Society of Penn.
sylvanians and Knights of Labor. Then
there are numerous social other clubs, in
Guiding the Montana, Helena Athletic asso-
citation, Caledonian, with membership of
seventy five, Irish-American and Orc Elmo.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals is among the latest, and already
500 has been pledged to it's support. The
spOrtsmen have the Helena Rod and Gun
club. Tine Cotillion and West Side Neigh
bors' club and dramatic and musical organ
izations such as the Encore club are also
A. r., WAS organized in 1883 and now has a
roster Of LIZ members. The Sons of Vet
Grams also have strong organization, under
the name of U. 8. Grant Camp No. 1.
To foster the commercial interestssof the
city we have in addition to the Board Of
Trade of ten years ago, with 100 members.
the Chamber of Commerce and the board Of
Trade, the membership of each body being
made up OF the representative business men
of the city. Ont of the Chamber of Com
merce has been organized building associ.
alton OF the same name. Already $GO 600
has been subscribed toward putting up a
handsome building devoted to the uses of
the organization.
In August, 1856, the Helena Public Ia.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
Water Service and Fire Department.

Ten years ago this month the INpEpEND-
EMIT devoted half a column to notice of
the fact that a fire plug had been put in on
Main street, and that the business portion
of the city was then assured of protection
in case of fire. From that one fire plug the
city has grown to 200, with paid and we'll
trained fire department., plenty of water and
is as well equipped to fight large fire as any
city of like size in the United States.
From few miles of mains, covering only
part of the townsite, it has grown to forty
miles, reaching all sections Of the city and
into the suburbs. Last year all the rival
water companies were consolidated, and a
new company organized with capital of
$1.50O,OOO. The city has contract with
this company for five years, under the
terms of which, in case the water supply
should be insufficient or of poor quality,
the agreement is void. At the expiration
of the five years the city has the right of
purchase. Ten years ago we could not
have taken care of 10, 600 people; to-day the
water company says it is prepared to sup
ply 100000, should the occasion arise.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
A Poop Mt the Futu 70,

| Who ventures to predict, i'll the light OF
the facts presented above, what progress
tho next ton years in Helena's history will
present? Ten years ago there wore many
among tho people who had no faith in tho
city's future. To-day there is not doubter
| in the whole city. This is attested not Inv
words alone. but by deeds, and was we'll
illustrated the past week. when i'll three
days there was raised $255,OOO by tho pep
pie of this city for the construction of /.
railroad from Helena to the promising
Castle district. Had it been necessary 10
have subscribed half million, it would
have been accomplished. This road will
open to Helena country rich not only in
mineral resources, but in agricultural re-
sources rs well. Those acquainted with
tho Castle country arc unanimous in
the opinion that il has u larger
body of carbonate ore than even the fam
GUS Leadvilie district. In addition there
will be before many months q railroad to
the Upper Basin country, one of the richest
undeveloped mining sections in the state.
This road will also open to Helena a large
tributary section. The Chicago d. North
western will be in Helena before many
months have gone by, opening up to Helena
one of the richest agricultural and stock
raising sections i'll the northwest, and one
hitherto untapped by railroad
Plans are already matured which will DO
put into operation this year for utilizing
Iue power OF tne missouri river by the MIS-
souri, River Power company, the design being
to deliver 10000 horse power by electricity
into Helena. Experienced engineers have de-
clared in favor of the project. and with its
consnmmation the question of cheap power
for manufacturing purposes will be an
swered.
In the matter of buildings for business
and residences one has but to think of the
hundreds of thousands of dollars that will
be invested this season alone, to assure him
that Helena will be in 1870 what it is to-day
the leading and wealthiest city in the
great northwest.
So long as the world needs gold, silver,
copper, coal, iron, lead and all the miner
ais, which Montana has in abundance, and
her mountains as yet scarcely touched, SO
long will Helena grow and prosper.
SO long HI the world needs the beef and
mutton and wool which Montana furnishes,
30 lung will Helena grow and prosper.
SO long a. the crowded dusllsS IN the eaat
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
In the Business District.

The following list of improvements on
bin street, Helena avenue and other bust
ISIS streets since 1880 will give some idea of
b growth. The figures do not include the
I'D value, but simply the cost of the build
I.s, and in the case of the banks the fix
hes also. They are given in round num-
rs for convenience:
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
Newspapers, street Cars and Lighting.

| newspapers, StrceI Ears ana Lighting.
Ten years ago there were published in
Helena five newspapers-the DAILY and
WEEKLY INDEPENDENT, Daily and Weekly
Herald and the Morning Capital. Their to-
tai circulation was not more than half that
of The INDEPENDENT this morning. For the
telegraph and other facilities they were good
papers, but compared with the papers now
published at the capital they but illustrate
the city's marvellous progress. Voolfolk,
| Mcl9uald and Lacroix ran the INDEPENDENT,
the Fisk Bros. the Herald and Guy X.
Piatt the Capital. There are now fourteen
papers published here, devoted to various
interests, as follows: DAILY and WEEKLY
| INDEPENDENT, Daily and Weekly Herald,
Daily and Weekly Journal, Montana Min
| ing review, Live Stock journal, Montana
stats aaa ~ I:idende, College Reporter, Mon
| Progress, Montana Stats Zeitung.
len years ago there was no use for street
cars in Helena. To-day there are in opera
ton twelve miles, all starting from central
points in the city and running through we'll
| populated sections to the outskirts. The
mileage of the lines is as follows: Helena
| street Railway company (horse), three and
one-quarter miles; Broadwater (electric),
| three miles; Helena, Hot Springs Il
Smelter (steam motor, four and one-half
miles; Fifth Avenue (horse), one mile. Pc
extensions of old lines and franchises for
new ones, which contemplate the doubling
of the present mileage this year.
In 1885 Z. d. Edgerton and other Helena
capitalists, noting the growth of the city,
concluded gas plant would be a paving
investment, and organized the Helena Gas
Light d Coke company. Changes were at
forwards made in the personnel of the COM
pany. G. w. Cannon and others purchasing
controlling interest. The company has
| been compelled to enlarge the works twice,
now has ten miles of mains and is as we'll
equipped as any company in the country,
with large and growing patronage.
just as soon as it was demonstrated that
the electric light was success Helena zap
ital became interested. and there are now in
the city two companies, the Helena Elec-
trio Light and Power company and the
Thompson huston, whose wires extend to
all sections, both plants being as complete
as any in the country. Ten years ago the
man who would have said that candles and
coal oil would be superseded by gas and
lightning an illuminants before the next
census would have been regarded as Wis
ionary enthusiast.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
The Old and the New City.

When S. G. Gilpatrick started ten years ago
b take the census of Helena; compared to
he distance now, he did not have far to go.
ncle Sam probably realized this fact, be-
|ause Fitzpatrick was the sole enumeration.
The extreme eastern limit of the city was
Ravis street; to the north it extended to
Finth avenue, George p. Reeves being
bought to have country residence; west it
ktended to Benton avenue, down that
venue as far as the Broadwater residence;
he southern limit was about where it is
E1w, save that Bridge and Rodney was the
5oundary. The international was about
|le-third the size it is now; the city hall
I'D Jail were at the corner of Bridge and
fater street; the engine house was on Clore
htween Bridge and Edwards; the Cosmo-
plitan was a two-story affair; where the
Easonic Temple now stands the Interna-
6onal hall stood, while Sawtelle's
eater was on the present Harmonic hall
Ee. The First National bank occupied
he-story building on the corner of Main
I'D Wall streets, Hershfeld's private bank
Ast below; the postoffice was at the oppo-
ae corner from the First National, and S. II.
founse was postmaster. The INDEPENDENT
rs where the Bon Ton now is, and Murphy,
sel g. Go. were doing business next to J.
Sweitzer's place. A two-story court
,use stood on the present site and was
yurce of great pride to the people. Two
Dry business houses were the exception,
lille in the matter of private residences,
bere was lacking the elegance and convent
ices found in those of to-day.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
TEN YEARS OF PROGRESS.
THE STORY OF HELENA's GROWTH.
WRITTEN FOR THE SUNDAY INDEPENDENT.

district, and this makes no record Of the
thousands expended by corporations. Now
let us see if we can get at the amount ex-
pended in the old townsite for private resi-
dences.
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
Amt. Forward 81, $50, 900
$9.8l6,OOO

Ten million dollars in improvements, not
including the enhanced value of the land;
from three Thousand to twenty-five thou
sand in population and still the story is not
told
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01

/ Tomorrow the enumerators begin the
work Of gathering facts and figures for the
eleventh census of the United States. The
portion of the work which is causing the
most speculation is that relating to the
growth of the northwest. OF course, to
Mountainous our own state is the point of
Interest, and to Helena people the capital
1city. Realizing that for several years after
the work is finished the information will
not be accessible to the public, The INDIE
PENDENT has undertaken, in a general way,
ito collect some data showing the growth of
Helena since 1880. The result as given ia
truly wonderful.
No difference in which direction you turn
the same story of progress is had. We ven
bure the prediction now that no city in the
Union will show the same increase in wealth
per capita in the last ten years. The popu-
kation in 1880 was 1885; to day 1t is close to
R5, COO; ten years ago the nearest railroad
was 100 miles away. Now we have two
Franscontinental lines, with numerous
branches reaching all sections of the state.
From one national bank in 1880, we now
have four, with total business reaching
hearty ten million dollars. From three
newspapers, making precarious living, Hell
hna now has fourteen publications, covering
Esvery field. Where we had two hotels, with
limited accommodations, there are now six
Eirst- class houses, capable of taking care of
Che largest crowds. Ten years ago the
Gownsite was but thinly populated; now the
E,ity extends for miles outside of the old
limits, the improvements in the new Sec
lions running into the millions. Ten ears
hgo the people of Helena carried lanterns
10 light the way when out at night, and
flsed candles or lamps indoors; too day there
ire two electric lighting systems. second to
hone in the country, and ten miles of gas
mains extending to all parts of the city and
uburbs. Street-cars there were none; now
here are in operation twelve miles, which
will be doubled in a twelve-month. Ten
Tears ago there were in all Lewis
knd Clarke county but 1892 children
bf school age; the session just closed found
4 600 enrolled in the Helena public schools
lone, in addition to which there was a
barge attendance at several private schools.
Ven years ago there was one telegraph line
8fom Helena east and the business aver
eyed one hundred messages day; now the
Western Union has five wires, the Rocky
Mountain has one, and the messages han
led daily reach 5000.
But this growth has not been in material
Shings alone. The churches have prospered
ind from four they have increased till now
livery denomination is represented, having,
IN majority of cases, fine edifces. Secret
Eocieties pleasure clubs, art societies, must
Sal organizations, hospitals for the sick,
charitable organizations, and all those
Ihings which go to show the advancement
If community, have sprung up and thrived
I'LL to-day Helena can take front rank
Rith the leading cities of the country in
III that goes to make contented and pros
serous people, with bright future before
Slem. -~-s.-
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
Brot. Forward. S2,2S5, 900
General improvements.

The above array of figures, while in itself
enough for congratulation, yet does not
cover the field. To it must be added the
thousands of dollars invested by various
corporations to supply the people with gas,
ties, and the money expended b VII the aa raii-
roads in buildings for depots and other pur-
poses. We estimate these improvements as
follows:
The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01
Now Residences in the Old Townsite.

New Residences In the Old Townsite.
The making of a complete list OF the i'm
provements for residence purposes since
1880 in the old townsite is almost an impos-
sibility. Nevertheless, fairly complete
list is given, while the improvements on
those streets not specifically named are
given under the head of ION other streets''
These Improvements refer only to the old
townsite and not to the extensions of the
various streets in the additions: