Celebrating History: Masonic Temple contracts and barber shops

From Emily Mayer

In the Oct. 2, 1915 issue of The Havre Plaindealer, there were several articles regarding buildings.

This was one found on the front page, complete with misspelling:

CONTRACT AWARDED FOR MASONIC TEMPLE

Lease and Richards of Great Falls Succestful Bidders

Lease & Richards of Great Falls were awarded the contract on Monday for the new Masonic temple, a five story structure to be erected at the corner of Third avenue and Third street. The contract price is $63,000 and this with the furnishings and equipment will bring the total cost of the new temple to about $80,000. When completed the Havre temple will be one of the best buildings of its kind in the state.

The excavation for the building is already done, and Mr. Lease has ordered the material for the building. As soon as it arrives actual structural work will begin, and it is hoped to have the building under roof before the extreme cold weather begins.

In Arsee’s Society column, we find:

Charming Afternoon.

Mrs. V. R. Griggs dispensed charming hospitality on Saturday afternoon last at her attractive home in University Addition in honor of Mrs. P. M. Griggs. Kensington was the diversion of the afternoon. The table decorations were of autumn colors, shaggy asters and autumn leaves arranged in a rustic basket formed the center and delicious refreshments were served to Mrs. F. F. Bossout, Mrs. George Bourne, Mrs. W. B. Pyper, Mrs. James Holland, Sr., Mrs. F. J. Batch, Mrs. Frank Millson, Mrs. A. J. Broadwater, Mrs. H. S. Kline, Mrs. A. L. Ritt, Mrs. A. J. Duncan, Mrs. P. M. Griggs, and Miss Barbara Hess.

In The Hill County Democrat’s issue of the same date, there were two articles pertaining to barber shops in Havre.

FOUNTAIN BARBER SHOP

Announcements are out announcing the opening of the popular Fountain Barber Shop under a new management. E. E. Ellis, Havre’s most progressive barber will be the new manager, he having disposed of his interest in the Hotel Havre Barber Shop. Seven years ago he first entered this line of work in Havre by purchasing the Hotel shop. One year ago last May he entered into a partnership with Mr. McGinnis and installed under the Security Bank of the most modern and thoroughly up-to-date tonsorial parlors in the state. By specializing on the one branch and not adding baths or showers, this institution has grown to be the most popular barber shop in the city. Here one can get anything from a shave to a Glover’s Shampoo and none of the luxuries of a metropolitan shop are lacking. For the convenience of its patrons there is a shoe shinning parlor and spacious upholstered davenports. A trial will convince you. Try the Fountain Barber Shop.

NEW BARBER SHOP HERE

Tom Green and Duke Marks, two well known barbers of this city formed a partnership and on Monday closed a deal with Reuben Houser for the Pioneer Barber Shop. This deal was effected by Mr. Houser on account of his retirement from the business.

The new proprietors will call the shop the Grand and they announce that the shop will measure up to the name.

In the Locals column, we learn that:

H. F. Meyer, one of the most popular of the local tonsorial artists, recently purchased the Hotel Havre barber shop from E. E. Ellis. The latter gentleman has removed to the shop under the Security Bank where he has interests.

Many barber shops offered baths and showers to their patrons, as not everyone had such facilities in their homes, particularly those living on homesteads or those travelling. Needless to say, I’m sure many men were quite ripe by the time they got to town and badly needed such services.

Also in the Democrat were articles about a new addition to Havre, W. H. Wheeler was quitting the clothing business, the Democrat hoped “the next term of court will be held in the new Hill County court-house,” F. A. Baker was building a three-room bungalow for $1,000, and Miss T. L. Harrington owner of the Grand Hotel was spending time with friends in Great Falls.

In the Hingham Review’s October 1, 1915 issue was the following:

Ole Jelmo has accepted a position as clerk in the A. J. Becwar store and began his duties last Monday.

Toney, the tinner, has installed a hot air heating plant in H. E. Druse’s residence and is also putting in one for C. W. Paterson. Toney is great on the hot air, but if you would rather have steam heat or hot water he can fix you out.

Don’t forget the entertainment at the opera house tomorrow evening, given by the public schools to raise money to buy a piano. Admission 15, 25 and 50 cents. This show is a side splitter, and you will miss it if you miss it.

P. E. Carrier and family left Tuesday for Great Falls to make their home there this winter. They did not have their sale last Saturday as the people were all too busy to come to town. Another date will be selected for the sale.

Now while the local telephone company is being organized would be a good time to organize a local electric lighting company. The telephone central could be placed in the electric light office, and we would thus have everything in a nut shell.

The Box Elder Valley Press issue of the same date had this entry:

At an enthusiastic meeting of the W. C. T. U. on Wednesday afternoon, September 29, at the school house members and friends were invited to attend the meeting at Half Way Coulee school house Sunday afternoon.