The Bozeman courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1919-1954, 1925-08-26

men had recently passed through q
terrible conflict of four years Of war,
yet the spirit Of adventure and their
desire to develop the potential re-
sources. of the country was strong and
before they parted that night, by a
simple handclasp, the initial impulse
Of The Wilson Company was given.
General Wilson at that time was
quartermaster general of the state
Of New York and had to remain there
until he could get his discharge from
the government. Therefore, Mr.. Rich
and Nh. fuller were the first to start
for Omaha where they made their
initial purchase consisting Of 10 mules
and three wagons loaded with such
supplies as were most needed in a
new country. They left Omaha on
May 80, 1866, with a large immigrant
train, for no small party dared to
travel alone On account Of hostile In
dams, as Red Cloud had broken his
treaty with the government and had
determined to kill all white settlers
and stop western immigration. Forty
people in the train were killed, but
owing to the experience and watch
fulness Of Mr.. Rich, who had had
previous experience in Indian fight
ing, no one in his immediate party
was injured.
Reach BOzeman Safely.
The party reached BOzeman on Sep
tember 2, Of the same year and af-
ter some repairs to the wagons they
accepted an invitation from Mr.. Pen
well and moved eight miles west Of
Bozeman and started business on his
ranch in a tent. A few weeks later
they moved to BOzeman and set up
their business in a log cabin, which
they occupied until the following year
when they erected a substantial frame
building which they occupied until
1884. The steady growth Of the bust
ness made larger quarters necessary
and in 1885 the company built a very
p~retentious two-stOry brick building
which was one of the first in the
county. In 1903 they again found
more room necessary and in keeping
with the times they moved into then
present quarters and are now occupy
ing $4,000 feet of floor space.
The store consists of six depart
ments arranged as follows: FRS
flOOr-general dry goods, mems fur
nishings, ladies' shoes, also office
nursery and rest room. Second flOOl
ladies' ready-tO-wear, millinery
rugs, trunks, etc. The basement i
used for reserve stock, checking room
and cobbler's shop. The last names
department is by no means the least
as The Wilson takes great pride i
the class Of work turned out an
without a cent Of profit. In fact,
I is carried as a service and only labc
and material is charged to this DE-
partment.
Many Mail Orders.
! Mail orders are a big factor in OF
/ business. All orders are handled b
department heads, are given mo.
I careful attention and are filled Il
same day received with all transpo
tation charges prepaid and shipmel
guaranteed to destination. This Sc
: vice is by no means confined alOl
to lines carried in stock, but a sho
ping service is furnished and all Q
ders for merchandise not carried
stock are filled from other stocks
the city and receive the same ca
and promptness with the same pri7
lege Of returning goods if not sat
factory. Many out Of town custoi
ers take advantage Of this servi
especially during the winter and bu
months during seeding and harve
ing.
Baby buggies are furnished the k
dies, making it easy for mothers WI
they come to town for a visit or shl
ping. Al weather report is also pOsi
in the windows andl a be had
lphOning during business hours. T
is taken advantage of by many far
ers as it proves valuable to them d
ing hay and harvesting seasons.
General Wilson's Code.
General Wilson was a mar Of
very highest ideals and during
$50 years Of direct management
was often known to suspend q
J but never a principle. In fact,
measured up to the fullest extent
the following code Of commercial