Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1942-09-26
Those Early-Day Stage Coach Trips
Were Tough for Greenhorns to Take

In the days Of the pioneers, when
one Of their number wished to make
a quick trip for a long distance, he
had the choice Of stage journey, on
going on horseback and packing his
provisions. 1t was the old comparison
between two evils. In order to render
a horseback trip even tolerable, with
no question OF enjoyment to be taken
into consideration, two things were ne
ceSSary, the traveller must be accuS-
toned to riding, and the weather
should be fine weather-neither too
warm nor too cold. In the summer the
hail storms and high winds were quite
as Objectionable as excessive heat; and
in winter sometimes blizzards ragged
or the glare of sunshine or snow caus-
ed the torture Of snowblindness.
There being no weather reports at
that time, those who chose TO ride
must needs trust TO luck that they
would have a pleasant trip, while those
who went by stage we're no surer that
the way would be made straight for
them.
To pay for stage passage did not
insure the traveller a ride the whole
that the stage company would under
take to convey the passenger someway,
and at some time, to his destination.
He might ride in a sledge, coach, a
jerl1y, or a lumber wagon; and some
times. when the going was difficult.
he was likely to walk. There was al
ways this element Of uncertainty about
travel by stage.
The stages were run primarily to
carry mail and express matter. They
ran at a profit whether they carried
passengers or not. There was no rea-
son why their owners should concern
themselves greatly about catering to
the comfort of their human freight,
and it is fair to say that they did not.
The traveller once aboard the stage,
put his trust In Providence and the
driver, and resigned himself to the
inscrutable decisions Of fate. His not
to reason why, but to remain quies- |
cent and If not die, at least suffer. In
that period of our history, when hold |
ups were common, there was posi-
bility of his doing both. There was
likewise danger to limb as well as to |
life. It Is little wonder that men tried |
10 become oblivious to these discom-
forts and dangers through drink.
The Easiest Seats
In the large coaches, the easiest
seats inside were those at the front
and back, and with three on seat,
The man who sandwiched between the
others was the most uncomfortable. In
,air weather the curtains were raised,
admitting air and dust and afford
ing the passengers an opportunity to
new the landscape which was
denied them on stormy days. Then the
curtains were fastened down, ana
here was all the sensation experien-
led of being on Shipboard in rough
weather, as the coach bumped along
,ver the truly rugged road, swaying
md pitching in the most unaccount-
lble manner.
Travel by night was none too agree
Ible. Overcome by sleep, the passenger
would rest his head momentarily
against the curtain, only to be rudely
weakened by jolt that might bring
Tim into collision with the roof Of
he coach. Whatever happened, his
gonized groans never caused the
river to halt his horses and inquire
What was the matter within. He knew,
nd undoubtedly was sympathetic; but
he mail was due at a certain time,
nd his duty was to the mail, and not
o the passengers. Sleep never seemed :
o sweet as when an accident of some
ind compelled q driver to remain
yer night at a station. What If there
gere no bed there but the floor2 That |
t least, was quiet, not being subject
o violent upheavals.
These stations were generally OF {
ooms, with very little furniture aside (
rom benches and tables, all home
1ade, with a view to utility and not {
eauty. One never saw tablecloth {
{ a station, and it was not missed. &
he long hours between meals, to-
ether with the involuntary exercise {
ne coach afforded gave one the ap- |
elite Of a wolf. The Apostles admon- Y
ion Whatever is set before you, eat, {
skiing no questions for conscience
AXE" was unnecessary for the ira s
eler by stage coach; he ate without /
uestion for ravenous hunger's sake; g
nd there was always an abundance
[ food, but little variety either at a
zeal or in that served at different Q
.ations r
Bacon, ham, or beef was the main {
Ish, supplemented by the invariable