The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1897-12-19
ESTERN Montana never
n approached the Christmas
w season in better condition
~ - 70 int ho

an mn 9ha nn,,s 49,
wv season in better condition
W. to enter fully into the
spirit of the holidays than she
does in this year of our Lord 1897.
In the vast agricultural empire that is
included in the realm that is generally
denominated Western Montana Missou-
la county and her children, the -four
fishing counties of Ravalli and Flathead
granaries are filled to bursting; barns
are crowded to overlooking; fruit cell
lars have held all that they could con-
tain. herds and flocks are plentiful and
in prime condition.; there is turkey for
the Christmas table and there are glad
hearts to enjoy it all. The year has
been a happy one for the people of this
section, and they have prospered far
beyond the measure of the years that
have Immediately preceded this one. In
all of the homes of this rich region the
Christmas cheer this year will have the
true ring. There will be no false note
in the hymn of praise that is raised on
the glad morning of the holiday that
the whole Christian world will celebrate
this month. 1t will be sincere and full
of meaning. For the season that has
close has brought with it a glad and
happy harvest home and there will be
no home in all the miles that intervene
between where the northern limit of
Flathead county touches upon the
queens domain to where fertile Ra-
Wallis southern boundary meets Mon
tana's sister state, Idaho, in all OF this
rich country there will be no home
where Christmas cheer will not prevail.
For Western Montana il will indeed be
merry Christmas, and to their sister
counties to the eastward. MiSSoula, Ra-
valli and F'lathead, send the greetings
of the season and the heartfelt wish
that their holiday may be as happy and
with as good cause as it will be on the
western slope of the Rockies.
Taken all in all, it is doubtful If there
has ever been a year in the history of
this section that has been more pros
porous than the one that is now near
ing its close. There have been seasons
when there has been more noise made
and when there have been greater tales
told of the prospects of this garden spot.
but for substantial progress along per-
manent lines, it is safe to say that for
Western Montana the year 1897 has been
banner twelyemonth. The reputa-
aion of the fruits. the grain, the hay.
she vegetables-of all the products of
the farms of the three counties-has
spread. and their excellence has become
more widely recognized than ever be-
fore. Plenty has prevailed in the
broad. fertile valleys, the richly Weld
ing uplands and the treasure-laden
mountains. From Bitter Root to Flat
neaus from 1le1aIA d1tT 10 Oh REGIS TIE
year has brought a store of plenty and
Of rich promise for the future. The
farmer, the merchant. the banker, the
miner-all have been abundantly pros
pered and all have contributed their
share to the progress that has been
made in the development of this beau
tiful region during the year.
Agriculture.
The fame of these Western valleys
rests primarily upon their agricultural
resources. From the time that Uncle
Bill Berry raised potatoes on the lower
river and sold them 10 the Cedar creek
miners and the freighters over the Null
Ian road. the products Of this section
have been famous for their merit. o.
late years the achievements Of the
thoroughbred horses raised on the
forage Of these valleys and the exec