Mineral County prepares for centennial celebration

MINERAL COUNTY - It is less than three months until the centennial of the formation of present Mineral County. On August 6, 1914 we were officially separated from Missoula County.

Governor Samuel V. Stewart made the original proclamation that made it official. The name of the county was suggested by O. G. (Orville Grant) Willett who was elected at the 1914 election as the first senator from the newly formed county. Willett went to Helena in 1915 and soon was diagnosed with Leprosy or what is called Hanson’s Disease today. He and his wife were quarantined west of Alberton until being sent to the leprosiam at Carville, LA where he died in 1928.

The 1914 election had two tragedies, first was Willett’s illness and then in May 1915 the accidental shooting of the first sheriff, Alfred Klugman.

The Mineral County Museum is looking for anything pertaining to the centennial, family remembrances, etc. The museum is going to try and have children’s games and other period activities. They are also inviting car buffs, to show off their machines.

There will be a celebration on the Mineral County courthouse lawn on Sunday, August 3, 2014 along with a Dixieland band and ice cream social. The museum is lining up speakers and invites everyone to be a part of this historic event.

For those women who wish to dress in the period the museum has 1915 patterns that can be copied. Just bring white tissue paper to trace your size. The patterns include sizes 6 to 24. Come to the museum or call Kay Strombo, 822-3543 (museum) or 822-4626 (home).

For more information and suggestions please contact the museum, President Peggy Temple, 822-0922, or Sue McLees, 822-4974.