Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1940-03-16

of their farm products. Horses were
much in demand, as they began to re-
place the slow moving OK teams.
Many exciting events took place in
this early mining town, not the least
interesting being the Chinese celebra-
tions when bad spirits" were driven
away with joss sticks and much howl
ing and chanting. Sweetened pork and
choice delicacies, such as small white
mice dipped in honey, were offered up
to these spirits, with the understand
ing that they would not disturb any
Chinese family in the forthcoming
year.
There were the usual limitations
which the newcomers were forced to
go through, whereby it was determined
whether or not they were good sports
Many an unSuSpecting victim played
the principal part in the old Snipe
hunting game and all were compelled
to listen to the most exaggerated yaTIk
told with the utmost sincerity by TIE
old-timers.
A story is related concerning a young
man from the east who arrived In
Marysville very much disappointed be-
cause he had failed to see any wild
Indians. Now, the old-timers were real
ly an obliging lot and disliked seeing
power to prevent it. So, the night fol-
lowing his arrival, the easterner wit
messed as realistic an Indian raid as
had ever been staged in Montana.
Hideous, red faces Streaked with bright
colored paint cleaned at him in the
and the shrieks that came
from those apparitionS would certainly
have frightened the devil himself
Nearer and nearer the dancing war
Tiors came to the paralyzed man. with
tomahawkS appraised and each emitting
his own particular war cry. The raid
stopped, however, when the one for
whom it was staged, tainted dead
away-nor did he voice his diSappoint-
ment concerning wild Indians again.
AS the population increased, the
felt the need of rail-
road. The Northern Pacific and the
Great Northern each laid tracks, but
after some dispute, the Great North
ern gave way to its rival At train
time the depot was the scene Of many
gay gatherings, when newcomers were
yayly welcomed or older residents we're
given a sendoff as they left for visit |
n Helena.
Fourth of July Was Big Day
Fourth of July was a time to look
forward to in Marysville Everyone |
Vas invited to take part in the cele- |
oration. There were footraceS, swim |
Ill kinds, not forgetting the baseball |
game with Marysville taking the |
lonors. Tempting prizes were offered |
Tor the best float and grownupS and |
children competed in all sports. House
wives Wed with each other in prepar- |
ng delicious lunches and at the end !
If the day, all went home tired out
1ut happy and planning even greater I
events for the next Fourth of July.
Among the early settlers, one Of the |
'irst to attain. success by locating a
nine was Nate VeStal, who made many
of dollars from his mine, !
he PenobScot. 1t was from this mine
hat a gold bar, reported to have
weighed $40 pounds, was taken out.
william Mayer, old-timer was cred
ted with having been the first placer
miner in Silver creek. He also dis
covered float in the Drumlummon and
he and Thomas Cruise co-operated In
building a 10-Stamp mill.
DR.. o. M. Lanstrum was another who
1irted with Lady Luck and won He
,rosity and ability to understand hu-
nan nature.
There were many others, who, though
hey were not smiled upon by Lady
iuck, have played an important and
part in the history of
darysville; who have worked and
Hoped and, though they missed their
ooting on the ladder Of success, they
cave behind them a fine example Of
lope and courage.
Years have passed and with them
lave gone those glamorous days that
marked the beginning Of MarysvilIe.
The railroad tracks have long been
AIKEN up and where they once were
here are only tall weeds and grasses
Beside the road leading into Marysville,
Ike a groteSque skeleton, stands the
Id Dr1Tmlummon mill where it Is
lowly slSccumbing to the ravages of
ine. Old powder houses, mute testi-
nonials Of better days, are now piles
4 scattered rocks. Where once we're
ow after row of houses, now only
uined foundations remain. The busi-