An update from Rep. Ingraham

I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at the Sanders County Historical Society’s Old Jail Museum.  For me, as well as those visitors that stop by throughout the summer, it’s an opportunity to revisit the past, of which some of it I personally remember as it was a functioning jail when we moved here in 1974.

The Old Jail Museum, built in 1907, is Thompson Falls’ oldest surviving county building.  The structure was designed to divide the incarceration cells on the second level from the sheriff’s living quarters on the first level, with, of course, separate entrances.

The upper floor has a room that served as a juvenile detention center in 1960, but whose space houses the Sheriff’s Office Exhibit that contains a ledger book of all the incarcerations in Sanders County from 1906-1980.  It also still has jail cells that remain intact and fully functional, however for safety reasons the doors are left open for exhibits and of course for safety.

Downstairs houses a kitchen exhibit which once served as a pantry, a storage closet and most uniquely a bedroom for grandma, while the kitchen itself now houses a fur trade exhibit that honors the fur trade and Canadian Fur Trader and Map Maker, David Thompson.  In addition, what once served as the family living room, now known as the Gerald Bybee Memorial Room, is dedicated to a rotating Annual Exhibit.

While each year has brought about wonderful new exhibits in the “Gerald Bybee Memorial Room,” I found this year’s not only a wonderful exhibit and well done, but one that served as a powerful reminder of all our men and women who have answered the call of “Duty, Honor & Country.”  This year’s exhibit is dedicated to the American Legion (sometimes referred to as the Legion), a veteran’s organization which provides financial, social, and emotional support to members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their dependents.

The History of Caring exhibit, located in the “Gerald Bybee Memorial Room,” covers the American Legions’ beginnings and some of their contributions that I’d like to share with you, just in case you don’t have the opportunity to see the exhibit first hand.

• In 1919 Members of the American Expeditionary Force convenes in Paris for the first American Legion Caucus.  “The American Legion” is adopted as the organizations official name, the draft preamble and constitution are approved.  Congress charters The American Legion.  At the first Legion convention, the constitution and preamble are adopted and they pass a resolution in support of Boy Scouts of America.  (Today, the Legion is the chartering agency for more than 1,700 Scouting units made up of approximately 64,000 youths.)

• In 1920 the Legion’s efforts result in the creation of the U.S Veterans Bureau, forerunner of the Veterans Administration.  (Today, the Legion continues to lobby for adequate funding to cover medical, disability, education and other benefits for veterans.)

• In 1923 the first “Flag Code” is drafted during a Legion conference.  Congress adopts the code in 1942. (Today, the Legion is at the forefront of efforts to pass a constitutional amendment to protect the U.S. flag from physical desecrations.)

• Since 1924, The American Legion has sponsored a nationwide youth baseball program and for 7 decades, millions of young players have enjoyed the sport.

• In the 1940’s the “GI Bill of Rights” – considered the Legions’ single greatest legislative achievement – is written.  President Franklin D Roosevelt signs into law the original GI Bill, or Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, ushering in monumental changes in U.S. society as higher education for millions of veterans became possible, along with other benefits, such as the ability to buy a home.

• In the 1960’s The American Legion voices concern over the fate of prisoners of war in Vietnam. (Today, the Legion urges a full accounting of all POWs and troops missing in action.)

When out and about in Sanders County over the summer, I would encourage you to stop by and enjoy the “Old Jail Museum” (12:00-4:00 pm Daily Memorial Day through Labor Day) and I hope that The American Legion exhibit touches your heart and reminds you just how blessed we are and how far we’ve come due to the efforts of generations of Veterans that have been the heart of The American Legion and of its success!

Now it is your turn to “Keep in Touch” by contacting me regarding your questions or concerns. I can be reached via e-mail at pathd13@blackfoot.net, or call me at 827-4652 or by mail at P.O. Box 1151, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.