Montana

Abstract

The collection contains materials intentionally assembled by Beck Archives that are associated with Jewish communities in the western United States and Mexico. The material is related to various towns in Colorado, Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Abstract The Rocky Mountain News microfilmed records and recived some microfilms from other organizations. Collection contains microfilmed copies of the following publications and organizations: the Intermountain Jewish News, records from the Jewish community in Colorado Springs, a William S. Friedman Scrapbook, the Rose Hill Cemetery Association, the Denver Jewish Outlook, the American Israelite, the American Jewish Archives Files,, the I.M. Beck Microfilming Project of Colorado Jewish History,...

Abstract

One watercolor painting of a cutaway of an unknown pumping facility. Color tinted photographic prints: Yangtze Gorge Dam in China, Eklutna Power Plant in Alaska, Grand Coulee Power Plant in Washington, Epharta Office Building in Washington, Tracy Pumping Plant in California, Vista House Shasta Dam in California, Keswick Dam in California, Hungry Horse Dam in Montana, and Anderson Ranch Dam in Idaho. Prints are photographic prints of drawings.

Abstract Nathan Butler (1849-1935) and his wife Rosa Greenblatt Butler (1859-1936) immigrated with their children Louis and Fanny to the United States from Russia in 1893. They initially settled in Lewiston, Montana, but moved to the mining town of Kendall, Montana, in 1899. During this period, the Butlers had three more children, Dora, Julia, and Lena ("Lee"). Butler opened a successful dry goods store in Kendall in 1901. When the Kendall mines were closed in 1909, the family left to start a...

Abstract

The Butler family poses for a formal portrait with the parents seated and four of their children surrounding them. Left to right: Nathan Butler holding Julia Butler, Fanny Butler, Dora Butler (seated in front), Rosa Butler, and Louis Butler. All are dressed up and the youngest girls are wearing matching dresses.

Abstract

Forest Crossen, author and historian, reflects on his family's move from Montana to Colorado. Reflects on riding the Denver Interurban Electric Car from Denver to Boulder in the early 1920s. Discusses his first jobs in Boulder, his education, and his dreams of becoming a professional writer. Discusses working on railroads, particularly working at the Moffat Tunnel.

Abstract

Exterior view of the former Temple B'nai Israel in Helena, Montana. At the time of the photograph the building was used as the Department of Public Welfare.

Abstract Julius Basinski authorted 22 pages of reminisences about his life as a merchant in the Montana mining fields. Born in 1844 in Germany, Basinski emigrated in 1866 and dealt in cigars, candy, butter, eggs, calico, and other provisions in various Montana communities, iincluding Helena, Bozeman, and Miles City in the Yellowstone Valley. He sold goods to the U.S. Army, was one of the first book dealers in Miles City, raised sheep, had a banking career, and was noted for his honesty. He later...

Abstract Beginning in the 1870s, prior to Montana statehood, Jewish merchants settled in Billings, Butte, Glasgow, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, and Missoula. They established benevolent societies, cemeteries, B'nai B'rith chapters, and synagogues. Several Jews were mayors. Butte newspaper editor Charles C. Cohan authored the lyrics to "Montana," the state song. Joseph Soss built the capital building in Helena, completed iin 1902. The Jewish population increased with the discovery of oil in 1950 but...

Abstract

Beginning in 1862, Jews who came to Montana Territory were among the gold prospectors and traders in mining camps and early merchants in cities and towns. Most were individuals, young men without families, in a rush for success and fortune. Moses Solomon, born in Poland, settled near Fort. Benton c.1864 and was a well-known fur trader, Indian fighter, gold miner, livestock dealer, and adventursome frontiersman.