davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Basketball Now Holding Center Of In
terest In B. Y. High School Athletics

With the quieting down of holiday
activities, the interest of the Belt pub
lie will be revived in basketball, and
especially in the progress of the Belt
Valley High school team which viii
make a try fur tournament honUrs m
this district. There has been some
changes In redistricting the state for
the annual high school basketball
championship, and Belt is included IN
the North Central district, taking in
II high schools eligible for play. This
district includes besides Belt, Great
Falls. Harlem, Chinook, Big Sandy,
Fort Benton, Havre, Sand Coulee, Cas-
cade, Augusta, Choteau, Conrad, Va
lier, Shelby, Cutbank, Inverness and
Chester.
Instead of having eight districts in
the state as formerly, there are now
nine districts. Sixteen teams Will be
invited to the state tournament at
Bozeman, March 8-11. Where salts
factory district tournament is held the
tournament winner will in each case
be invited to the state tournament.
Winning of second place will not as
sure teams attendance at the state
tournament, as the seven teams that
are not district winners to go to Boze-
man will be invited on their seasons
record.
The number of games that Belt will
compete in during the district tour
nament will be largely governed by the
support of the public. 1t will be seen
that the expense will be rather heavy
for those teams located on the edges
of the district, as Belt rs now placed.
A game between Belt and Chinook, for
instance, would be rather expensive
proceeding.
While the schedule for the Belt Val
ley High has not been completed, eight
games have been arranged for, the
first of the series to be played with
the Chouteau County High at Fort
Benton January g. On the 18th the
Teton County High plays here and on
the Goth Belt goes to Lewistown and
on the 9th to Choteau to play the Te-
ton County High On February 2 the
Chouteau County High plays here, the
10th is an open date. and on the 18th
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22

er-in-laws and step-mothers tool tocall
at the New Drug company store be-
tween the hours of / and 4 o'clock,
Friday afternoon. December 30, and
they will be presented with free tick
et, good for q seat at tpe Pythian
theatre at any showing Of the great
picture "Over the Hill.r That is all
there is to it--calL at the drug stere
between the hours named and our Mr.
Bemis will see that you get the ticket.
We have seen the screen version Of
Over the HillV and have no hesita-
ton in saying that it is the most grip
ping picture we have ever witnessed.
All the joys and solrrows of lifetime
are crowded into three hours of a peT-
trayal Of the happiness, pain, misfor-
tune, triumphs, success, misery and
JOY that makes up the life of a family
and neighborhood such as we all know,
and through it all there shines the ex-
alted love and sacrifice Of a mother
whose heart goes out TO all her chill
dren, both the good and the bad. The
most stolid will laugh and the most
hard boiled viii weep.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Gem Cafe Changes Ownership

Negotiations which had been under
way for several weeks were closed last
Saturday, and on January Oscar
johnson of Great Falls will take over
the business and good will of the Gem
Restaurant, which for the past two
years has been owned and operated by
Mr.. and Mrs Andrew johnson.
The Gem is one of the first restaur-
ants established in Belt, and was
founded by the late Rudolph Alber,
who in 1894 opened in the building
which is now part Of the Mace iodg-
ing house ON Bridge street. He con-
Quoted an eating house there for sew
eral years under the name of the
Royal cafe, moving later to the build
ing south of the Oriental on Castner
street and changing the name to the
Gem. When the Roman building was
built. MFR. Alber moved the Gem to its
present location and operated it until
a short time before his death. having
sold the business to Carson & Scott
Of Fairfield About two years ago
Mr. and Mrs. johnson bought the busf.
esa and besides making ia fiReHeial
success of it, have made an enviabie
reputation az first class caterers The
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22

II delied up and no place to Eu
is af exprcssfcr THAT frzs no sppilca=
tion so far as Belt is concerned, for
the holiday week at least. The diff
Guilty appears to be in the decision
whether it is best to include the whole
program for the week or just TO pick
out the high spots. If one decides for
the former there is no problem IN
volved, except that of endurance, per-
haps, but as for the elevated places,
here is the list and you can make your
own choice:
Tonight Thursday Christmas tree
for the Sunday school of St. Marks
Catholic church in the Parish hall.
Tomorrow night (Friday)-Enter-
tainment and Christmas tree at Epls-
copal church; ball and supper by the
Gold Seal club at X. Of P. hall; bas-
ketball game at auditorium, Belt VS..
Raynesford
Saturday night Program and
Christmas tree at the NJ. f. church;
high mass at midnight at ST. Marks
Catholic church.
Sunday-Mass at 8 and l0:30 at
St. Marks Catholic chuch, and even-
ing devotions at 7:30 p. M; special
Christmas sermon at M. E. church and
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Appropriate Rites
For ChTiStmaStide

Aside from the more frivolous diver
sions of the holiday time, entertain
ments emblematical of the deeper sig
nificance of Christmas time are be-
ing prepared by the several churches
and Sunday schools of Belt, and the
real Yuletide spirit will form the key
note of these affairs, which for the
most part are prepared for the espec-
ial benefit of the children.
Nearly all the lower grades of the
public schools have arranged Christ
mas programs and festivities which
will take place before the closing OF
the schools tomorrow afternoon for
the holiday vacation. Many of the
rooms have prettily decorated Christ
mas trees and the rooms generally
are suitably decorated for the occa
sion. Yesterday morning the chill
dren of the seventh grade entertained
the High school assembly with little
Christmas playlet, which was well re-
eeived.
Fhis Thursday evening, the chill
dren of st. Marks Catholic church will
gather at the Parish hall. where a
beautiful Christmas tree has been
erected and the usual distribution of
Christmas gifts will take place. The
children are not to be asked to con-
tribute to the entertainment, and the
program, which is to be informal will
be by the teachers of the Sunday
school and will be mainly musical
Friday evening the Sunday school of
the Episcopal church will give pro
gram of entertainment, the Children
having been rehearsing their parts for
some time and which promises to be
both interesting and entertaining
There will also be the usual Christmas
tree and distribution of gifts.
Saturday evening at the NJ e.
church a rather elaborate program
win be given. followed by the giving
Of presents from the tree, which will
be placed in prominent place In the
church and appropriately decorated.
II is understood that Santa Claus
has accepted an invitation to be pres.
ant in Belt this week and will appear
IN person at all these events. providing
he roads from the North Pole are
passable. 1t is expected that he will
ret through somehow, as we are In
formed he still depends upon his beau
iful reindeer, in preference to the
more modern automobile.
As announced elsewhere, the beauti-
ul and impressive seremony of high /
mass will be celebrated at midnight I.
at st. Marks Catholic
hureh, and special services with APP
,ropriate music will be given Sunday
t all the churches.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Belt Valley High viii
Enter for State Debate

In preparation for the state contest
in high school debating, the finals of
which will be held in Bozeman next
spring, the debaters Of the Belt VAL
ley High school are already giving
much study to the matter. A sched-
ule of elimination district contests is
to be arranged, the first of which will
be between Belt and Geraldine.
A great deal Of interest has been
shown, due largely to the important
question selected by the State High
School Debate league. Japanese im-
migration is topic that touches this
western country quite closely and one
that the federal government Is con-
sidering very seriously. The ques-
tion stated is: Resolved, that the
federal government should enact leg
isiation to exclude rigidly Japanese
immigration from the United States.
A preliminary debate will be held ut
the High school auditorium this after
noon for the purpose Of selecting =
team TO debate with the Geraldine
team. The following people will APP
pear IN the preliminary Afilrms-
tive: Ella GRAPHICAL. Pauline zema-
mex. Rosia McGraw, John Vann, Reino
Keto and ViIho Hauskama. Negative;
Pearl Marqnardt, Gladys Engdahi.
Bernice Sutherland. y. A. Remington,
Jr.. Walter Auren and Wilton Westsr-
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Holidays Bring a Continu-
Gus Round of Pleasure
Stamina Will Be Requisite In Those Who
Aim to Enjoy the Complete Programme

appropriate sermon and service at the
Episcopal Church at usual hours.
Monday-Legal holiday, everybody
loafs.
Tuesday evening-"Little Players"
at auditorium. Last of Legion Ly-
ceum course.
Wednesday evening-"The Texan"
at auditorium. Amateur talent Of the
Epworth League.
Thursday-Repeat.
Friday-Secon annual Carnival and
Jubilee Of Belt Volunteer Fire depart
ment. Wide open, all wool and yard
wide.
Saturday-Same, only more so.
Every night-High class moving
pictures at Pythian theatre; Mexican
chill at Barney's cafe and satisfying
meals at the Gem; solo and rummy
everywhere. and tom and jerry no.
where
that duH't make an exhaustive
program for one week, we are no Judge
Of small town activities. Personally,
our will is strong for the entire list,
but we have some doubt as to our
physical ability to go the complete
route. However, faint heart gathers
no moss" so Lets go
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
In the Good Old
Wide Open Days

Of course they we're not, yet we like
to think that the good old times were
better than those of the present. Those
of US whose recollections cover the
period when Montana was wide open
are prone to forget the hardships, the
evils and lax conventions of the ear
lier days of our state, and our minds
only recall the romance, the adventure
and the freedom of action of COM
monwealth in the making think
the pleasures and recreations of those
days had the robustness sadly lacking
in the diversions favored by the youth
of modern times, but more than likely
it is merely the tendency of those Of
advancing years to express the regret
that vanished youth begets.
However, there is a real appeal TO
everybody in anything that savors of
the earlier history of the west, and
when last year the Belt Volunteer
Fire department attempted to put on
a carnival in which the amusements Of
pioneer days were depicted they were
fairly overwhelmed with the success
of the affair They viii repeat the
experiment next week by giving car
nival two nights, Friday and Satnr=1
day. All the old stunts will be there
and several new. ones. They are pre-
pared to entertain all who come.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Expect Brisker Demand
for Coal After Holidays

A lack. of orders in most of the coal
mines of the district has resulted in
considerable enforced idleness among
the miners for the past two weeKss
with a rather poor outlook for resump-
tion before Christmas or New Years.
The G.. w. Merkle mine operated two
days the present week, while the Bro
die mine got in three days since last
Friday and may possibly get in one or
two more this week.. - ----.---
Similar conditions prevail in practi-
cally all the mines of this district and
in the county At the smaller mines
handling commercial coal exclusively,
the continued cold weather will prob
ably deplete stocks of jobbers and
householders and orders are not inn
probable for steadier work by next
week.
The coal mines which are handling
the supply for the railroads expect
that Immediately after the holidays
there will be orders to keep them in
operation for at least three months
steadily. The expectations are based
on the plans of the railroads made
public last week which include the
storing of a big tonnage over all the
western roads These storage plans
are said TO call for million and
half tons Of Montana coal alone The
general impression that there will be
an early resumption Of the copper
mines and smelters is source Of
also among the coal oper-
afors and miners.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Belt Gets Share of Hon
ors at Falls Poultry Show

Although the annual poultry show
at Great Falls ended last Thursday,
the final awards were not announced
until Monday. There were but few
exhibitors from this section and those
scored well among the thousand or
more entries from all over the state
and even some from neighboring
states.
Mrs. ]. d. 0,Connell, one of the most
successful breeders of poultry of this
section, entered several of her choice
White Wyandottes and was awarded a
first on cockereJ, also fourth. Her
exhibit also captured third and fifth
on cocks and fourth and fifth on pull
let's.
Mrs. w. III. Porter of Fife took a
FIRST on dark hen in Plymouth Rock
class and a fourth on dark cock Mrs
Porter also exhibited Bronze turkeys.
capturing first and third prizes on
hens, second on cockerels and third on
toms.
r. F. Porter of Wayne also had
Bronze turkey exhibit. getting first
tom, second hen and fourth cockereI
w. III. Porter of Fife. in the Rhode
island Red exhIbIir, took third prize on
cockere1s.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Snowfall Welcome
To AgTiCu|turiStS

Ideal Arctic weather of the past
week possesses some disagreeable fea-
lures TO those whose occupations COM
pei them to face it, but realization
of future benefit to the agricultural
interests lends cheerfulness to most
everyone. regardless of present dis
comforts. The farmers themselves
probably get more real hardships due
to cold and storm than those of other
occupations, but knowing that there Is
more moisture in the soil at the pres
ent time than has been the case for
several years, they are bearing up un-
der the chilly blasts with cheerfulness.
They feel assured of ample moisture
at least to give all crops a fine start
in the spring. Stock is reported to
be doing well in all directions and with
ample hay and big straw stacks for
shelter and feed they are not worry
ing on that score.
According to the weather records of
the nearest station, Great Falls, the
year 1921 has not been even an aver
age for rainfall, but fortunately in
this section the rains came at the right
time of the year and good crop re-
suited. The present storm has brought
the moisture of the year slightly above
the average of the past five years.
There is undoubtedly more snow in the
now than there has been at
this season for five years past. This
at least assures plenty of moisture in
the streams next season.
The earlier snowfall came on ground
that was not frozen and as il melted
the moisture all went into the ground,
giving the deepest moisture that it
has had for years. A greater part of
the winter wheat in this section was
sown early and got good start and
according to report was in the best of
to insure a good crop. Some
farmers are of the opinion that there
IS enough moisture now in the ground
hat was properly prepared to mature
the crop next summer. That, of
course is to be questioned, but it would
De dry season indeed that did not
bring some rain in the growing sea-
son, so on the whole the outlook for
good crop may be said to be very fav-
1rable.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22

Gem has always been recognized as
the leading restaurant Of Belt. Mr..
and Mrs. johnson expect to move 70
Great Fails immediately after the first
Of the year, but have announced no
definite plans as to their future per-
manent location.
Oscar Johnson, who succeeds IN the
and ownership Of the
Gem, has had wI0e experience in the
conduct of first class restaurant.
For the past six. years he has been
connected with the Gerald Cafe In
Great Falls. which in itself is guar
aHtee that the reputation OF the Gem
viii be sustained as the leading eating
house Of Belt Mr.. Johnson has a
family who viii make their future
home in Belt.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Christmas Seal Sale by
Boy Scouts Closes Sat.

The sale Of Christmas seals will end
Saturday in Belt for the year, by the
Boy Scouts making complete can
vass Of the town and also by having a
booth at the postoffice lobby, pe1nis-
sion being secured for the same from
Postmaster John s.. Pearson. All the
banks and most of the mereh9nts are
still supplied with the little seals and
it is expected that the quota assigned
to Belt viii be practically disposed Of
at the end Of the campaign Saturday
night.
Everyone has or will be given an
opportunity to make an.investment in
these seals, which are the main source
of income for the Montana Tuberculo-
sis association, which is doing a great
work in efadicating the white plague.
Deaths from tuberculosis in Mon
tana are declining in number, accord
ing to an announcement of the state
board of health. In the first months
of 1921, 251 deaths occurred in the
state. The department figures that IL
this rate is maintained for the last
quarter it will mean 81 annual total of
$40, or a rate of 81 per 100000 of
population.
The work of the State Tubercuio-
sis association is supplemental to our
own educational efforts and is of
type which in view Of our varied activ-
tiles and appropriations, we eannat
advaDtageousiy perform. 1t is sup-
ported by the sale Of Christmas seals.
and every citizen who purchases these
seals can do 80 with the consciousness
that be ia aiding Ia yanQulshlag the
greatest disease enemy Of mankind,~
said state health worker.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22

A total of 1892, TAGS in 1921
taxes, or 81 per cent Of the amount
charged to the county treasurer's Of
flee for collection, has been received
by County Treasurer Fred C. Andret-
Ia, according to his November report
to the board of county commissioners,
which was completed last Friday. To-
tai collections confirm the. prediction
made early in November by the coun-
ty treasurer that he would collect at
least So per cent Of the amount on his
books. His report shows total of
$259, ,293.40 in the delinquent column.
The amount of taxes paid to the
treasurer during the month of No
vember only, reached total Of ST.
SIT, ,7S4.47, the report reveals. Re-
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22

the Fergus County High comes to Belt
and on the oath Belt goes to Cascade.
Lewistown is the only school not in
this district so far scheduled, but be-
ing old rivals were anxious for games.
The season VIII be opened here to-
morrow night with the Raynesford
team as opponents, and while the
locals have been getting some hard
workouts under the direction of Coach
D'Amour and feel they will be able to
win their first game. a hard battle is
expected as the Raynesford men have
played together fer number of years
and are veterans. A preliminary will
be played at 7:45 and the public is as
sured they viii receive their moneys
worth in these games.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22

The really great film production.
"Over the Hill" will come to the Py-
THAN theatre Saturday and Sunday,
December 31-January / Advance sale
of reserved seats at theatre box office
begins Thursday, December 90 Four
rear rows reserved at 75c.-Adv.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22

Miss Amy Spiller. who is teaching
IN the schools Of Missouia, arrived az
her honse here Tuesday and viii spend
The holidays vacation with her parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. Aiois SpiIIer.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22

Mrs. Vim McInnis of the Rocky
Ridge section, who with her younger
daughters, Elsie and Evelyn. are liv-
ing in Great Falls this winter where
the girls are attending the academy,
are expected out today to go to their
ranch home to spend the holidays
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
Lots Of Thrills in
Amateur Drama

The same appeal that preserves the
popularity of the western drama ON
the screen, win no doubt pack the au-
ditorium next Wednesday and Thurs
day evenings, when the play, "The
Texan" will be presented under the
auspices Of the Epworth League. 1t
is Texas story Of war and romance
and as full of thrills as might be ex-
pected from the name. Following is
the cast:
Buck Sapelie, Phil Dunston; Wesley
Doyle, Harry Browning; Major Trues-
dell. Howard Graham; Capt Hendrum.
Otto Venohr; Lieut.. Smith. Harold
Engdahl; Trooper Murphy, Gilbert
Hoyer; Swiftwing, Indian guide, 0c-
car Berg; Dan Inman, Lorne McCon-
key; Carl, Dams nephew, Master Jas.
Alton; Mrs. Inman, Ebba Lundell; Ell
sic Inman, Eleanor Peters; Ethel
Truesdell, Ruth Brodie; Antie Lou, a
servant. Limpe Ranta.
Rev. Alexander Alton is coaching
the play, and his success IN former eff
forts in this line is guarantee that
THE Texan" win be satisfying en-
tertainment
An added attraction is the appear
ance of Master Henry Dotseth, boy
vioIinist of Great Falls, who win rem
der selections between the acts.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22

Chas. Lochray, who has charge Of
the new mine recently opened by the
Pierce Coal company near Gerber.
came over Sunday for few days visit
with his family here.
Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1921-12-22
ST. MARKS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Midnight mass will be celebrated at
ST. Marks Catholic church Saturday
night af ~ o'clock Mass at 3 O'Clock
and 40 40 Sunday rnorning, and SVEN
inR devotions at Z. SO
REV a RICHARD
Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1921-12-08
Swiss Yodeling Serenaders.

These serenaders will appear as the
number of the entertainment course
at Shepherd College next Wednesday
evening, December 14th. In present
ing the Swiss Yodeling Serenaders
the National Alliance believes that il
offers one of the most original and
novel attractions in the lyceum field
today. The Ploner family is direct
from the Alps of Switzerland, and has
been raised in that atmosphere that is
necessary to the success of genuine
Alpine singers.
This attraction consists of Herr
Alois Ploner, baritone and manager,
Frau Agnes Ploner, soprano, Miss An
ma Ploner, alto, Miss Louise Ploner,
elegant singer, and Mr.. Franz Ploner,
violinist.
Herr Ploner is past master on the
either, while Frau Ploner enjoys the
reputation of being the best lady yodel-
er from the Alpines. Miss Anna
Ploner is an expert on the guitar and
piano and also has a beautiful alto
voice. Miss Louise Ploner has an ele-
CANT mezzo soprano voice and is q
beautiful native dancer. Mr.. Franz
Ploner is recognized as virtuoso on
the violin.