Celebrating history: 'Mushroom System' used at Courthouse

By Emily Mayer

The Hill County Democrat ran a lengthy article regarding the building of the new Hill County Courthouse in its Oct. 9, 1915 issue.

The article states that the building should be done and ready for business in January 1916, and that “the construction of the building is what is termed the Mushroom System composed of pillars and floors slabs, the same being reinforced with steel and it is an interesting fact to know that in the construction of this building that each story of the frame including the placing of forms and concrete, was constructed each week.”

The article announced that the terra cotta placement was progressing, and that the granite base of the building up to the first story window sills is complete. However, upon closer examination, it is terra cotta painted to look like granite. Granite was, however, used for the front steps, which have since been replaced. The Democrat spared no praise in its article; they were very proud that this building was progressing, stating: “The building is to be the most modern building of its kind in the state and when completed will be the finest building of its kind in the Great Northern Railway.”

Also in the Democrat was this article:

HAIR DRESSING PARLOR

Mrs. W. H. McLean, who has conducted the ladies hair dressing parlors of the Havre Commercial Co. has engaged in business for herself over the Pioneer Meat Market, one door east of the post office.

The Pioneer Meat Market is now part of Northern Home Essentials.

Also in the Democrat was an announcement that two “modern houses” were going to be built by the Homebuilders Investment Co., Miss Mary Campbell and Cody Zortman were married by Rev. Pool at the Park Hotel in Havre, the Havre High School newspaper, “The Stampede” made its debut, and these two entries in the Locals social pages:

Albert Anderson, one of the affable attaches of the Farmer’s Elevator Co., has severed his connection with that institution and has leased from Hulfish and company the livery barn formerly occupied by Elmer Swearinger.

M. N. Lease, brother of N. T. Lease, of Great Falls, who has the contract for the building of the Masonic temple in this city arrived in Havre Thursday and will be engaged as foremen on the work of building the temple in this city.

In the Havre Plaindealer, Arsee’s Society column was jam-packed with all kinds of get-togethers, including this one:

Evening at Cards.

A small but interesting bridge evening was given Monday by Mrs. C. F. Bassow in her apartments in the Clack flats. Two tables were in the play and Mrs. F. J. Batch received a dainty favor for having high score. The table was centered with a rustic basket of autumn leaves and seated with the hostess were Mrs. J. M. Jennie, Mrs. F. J. Batch, Mrs. T. L. Ashton, Mrs. L. M. Choquette, Mrs. T. J. Troy, Mrs. Frank Jestrab, and Mrs. Gerald Casman.

The Plaindealer also had a column of Methodist Church news and activities, and among the announcements was that the basement work was “going on rapidly,” and they were hoping it would be ready by Dec. 12, as William “Brother Van” Van Orsdel planned on being there for the grand opening. The church was to be named after him, due to his tireless efforts of forming the Methodist church in Havre over 25 years prior.

An article regarding Mrs. A. B. Clarke opening up a new dressmaking parlor also made the Plaindealer. She will open her shop in rooms 5 and 6 in the Security Bank building and was to be open about Oct. 15.

The Hingham Review had no shortage of news in its Oct. 8 edition:

Tomorrow, Oct. 9th, P. E. Carrier will sell at auction his Café fixtures, piano, cows, automobile, etc. Be in attendance at this sale, as there will be some bargains to be had.

Rev. Fr. Sansone was in Hingham this week attending to business matters connected with the church. It is intended to finish the church on the inside and otherwise improve things this fall yet.

There will be a dance in the Brown school house north of town Saturday night, Oct. 9th, to which all are invited.

And in The Box Elder Valley Press of the same date, we find:

Catholic Church Notes.

The Rev. Father F. P. Sansone will be here on Oct. 28 and until 11:30 o’clock a.m. on Oct. 31 for the purpose of making collections in regards to the building of the Catholic church and will pay a visit to all of the parishioners in the different sections adjacent to Box Elder. All are expected to do what they can as arrangements were made some time ago as to the method of collecting funds. The parishioners and all others will be called upon and all donations will be thankfully received.