Celebrating History: Drought 100 years ago

By Emily Mayer

The results of the survey conducted by the Montana State Council of Defense for the purpose of federal government aid to farmers was released in the August 3, 1918, edition of The Havre Plaindealer. The aid was for farmers who had sustained loss due to drought, and Montana Senator Walsh secured $5 million for the cause.

Two thousand farmers crammed Fort Assinniboine the week before for a farm picnic and presentations on various experiments done on dryland farming. Of course, the war “over there” as well as making sure the home front had food was foremost on everyone...