The other night I logged on at about 12:30 A.M. and was told I was 1 of 54. When I checked in again the next morning, there wasn't one new post. Let me see if I can draw some of those bashful people out, and warm my heart with memories.
You know you are from Miles City when:
you skated at the bowl and warmed up in the box car
you remember the wading pool in Wibaux Park
you remember when the Penquin wasn't by the underpass
when the water under the underpass is deeper than it is in the swimming pool
All my best, guys,
Kelly

Well I'm definitely from Miles City and I can relate to 3 of the 4 items you mentioned....but I don't remember the Penguin ever being any place else but by the underpass. Where else was it located and when??

Thanks!

Jane Brown Pallister

[This message has been edited by Jane Pallister (edited 5/30/2003).]

Hi Jane,
Down by where the First Interstate Bank is now. Gotta admit tho, it was a bit before my time. Maybe yours? Just goes to prove we ain't as old as we feel? : )
How about: when S. Custer ran behind the Lincoln School?
My best,
Kelly

[This message has been edited by KELLY BABCOCK (edited 5/31/2003).]

I like this:
You know you are from Miles City when you can remember Levis and leather jackets at the State Basketball tourney in Billings, very cool.
You know you are from Miles City when you can remember John Barovich's trip to Billings on Hwy 10/12 in two hours.
You know you are from Miles City when you can remember skating for hours on canals behind the Fort and skating parties after hockey at the football bowl.
And walking down Fifth Ave in NYC and running into classsmates, wow.

Andy Hanson

The first "real" Penguin was across the street from where First Interstate is now, next to Hardesty Real Estate. It's now an empty weedfilled lot, sadly.

The second Penguin was closer to the Underpass (subway, for you older folks) on the other side of the street, where the Wacker Agency and ABC Glass are now.

I remember watching skaters in the bowl (I wasn't old enough to skate) but do remember warming in an old box car by the current rink.

Have you been to the lunch counter at Ben Franklin's recently? The counter and stools haven't changed from the Woolworth's days!

Wading pond at Wibaux park didn't have a frog when I was kid but I remember buildings LOTS of sand castles at the pool!

Amorette

Thanx Amorette,
After I made my last post, I was begining to question my own memory. I knew it was down there, but couldn't remember exactly where.
My best,
Kelly

Thanks.....now I feel really old because the only Penguin that I remember is the first one! Great memories!!

Jane

Hi again Jane,
Sorry. I didn't mean to make anybody feel old.
How about: you really know you are from Miles City, if you remember sticking your tongue on the monkey bars, just to see if it would stick to the frost. Geez that used to hurt.: )
Fond memories,
Kelly

The only ice cream I remember from the Penquin Shop was lemon. It was my grandmother's favorite. We must have got other flavors but you couldn't prove it by me. I'm still fond of lemon ice cream.

With all the talk about the Penguin, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the great couple that ran it for years and I believe opened it originally, Ray and Greta Lundby. I don't think that there ever was a kid who truly couldn't afford the nickel single cone or the dime double who left the store without ice cream. I'm going back a few years for those prices but that's how they were back in the dark ages. The Lundbys always put alittle extra into anything you bought, The pint and quart containers couldn't be closed because they filled them to the top of the open lids and you'd better get them home in a hurry or they would start melting and leaking outside the joints in the lids. Everything they did was geared to good service and the customer. Great people.
More thoughts on you know you're from Miles City if you remember:
The Reverend John B. Fitz in his trademark Stetson cruising Miles City in his immaculate 59 Ford cnvertible with the continental kit on it. Policeman Lee Fletcher riding his 3 wheel Harley (or maybe it was an Indian) checking parking violations and occasionally pulling over a motorist. Other policemen cruising the town in their black Dodge "Paddy Wagon" that they were so proud of they were eager to give you a ride in it. All the newsboys selling the Star on downtown streets. CCHS coach Bob Jauron stomping his hat on the sidelines when his football team didn't perform to suit him. Mr. Randall, who raised hogs on the Island working the grocery stores and bakeries daily in an old Hudson, with the back seat taken out, or a John Deere tractor and trailer, getiing outdated produce and bakery products for his hogs. And of course the girls from the line shopping on Main Street and attracting the attention of every high shool boy in town.
Just a few thoughts about every day earlier Miles City,
. WHAT A GREAT TOWN!!!!

LET ME SEE...WHAT ARE MY BEST MEMORIES GROWING UP IN MILES CITY....
1....GOING TO THE SWIMMING POOL AND JUMPING OFF THE BOARDS...(AND TO SEE IF I COULD MAKE IT OUT TO THE ISLAND AND NOT DROWNED).
2....GOING TO THE DAIRY QUEEN FOR A SLOOPY JOE AND ICE CREAM CONE ...UMMMM THE BEST!!!
3...SNEEKING INTO THE DRIVE INN....
4...GOING TO THE GASLIGHT TO HEAR SHORTY AND HIS BAND PLAY "COLOR MY WORLD" & "SWEET HOME ALABAMA" AND SLOW DANCE...
5...WORKING AT COUNTRY KITCHEN DURING BAR RUSH AND FEEDING THE DRUNKS.....

Not only do I remember when Custer ran past Lincoln School, I lived there with my Grandmother while my parents built the apartment building just up the street at the Jordan corner. Then they built the next house to the north where my mother still lives. There were 3 houses on the block, one at the Lake corner, my grandmother's in the middle, and one more to the north before a vacant lot at the Jordan corner. The back yards were a part of the old Tongue River channel, like the old High School Bowl, and filled with water in big rains. My grandmother's house was moved out into the Yellowstone Valley and I used to be able to recognize it about halfway out to the 'new' cutoff to Kinsey over the old Milwaukee RR bridge, way past Leon Park and I think just past the old 'rest home'. There's another good one, you know ..... when you remember Christmas carolling at the old rest home. And when you remember going to Kinsey by way of the airport.
Ken Z

Who can remember Mike Smith dive bombing the Kinsey school bus on the old road because he had a crush on someone inside? I think he was flying a Piper Cub.

Andy Hanson

I don't remember some of the stuff people are talking about but maybe I am just too young! Some of the things I do remember are walking from the swimming pool to the Model Bakery for a maple stick. I would be dripping wet and still damp by the time I got there. I was probably all of 7 or 8 years old. My parents never had to worry about me walking by myself but that was just another great thing about Miles City. Also sitting on the cow at the Dairy Queen. That is still the best Dairy Queen I have ever been to. I remember dragging Main with my friends and when I was younger sitting on my knees next to my sister so that she didn't look like a dork dragging Main with her much younger sister.
I also remember hanging out at Spotted Eagle in the summer during the day and Doeden's Island at night. I have a lot of fond memories of breakfast at the Red Rock and supper at the Crossroads. What a shame they are both gone. If it ever works out for me I would love to move back and raise my kids in that great town.

The Dairy Queen is moving to Haynes Ave. in front of Wally World BUT the cows are going with it. Millie and Mollie are their names, I believe.

I remember when the Dairy Queen didn't have indoor seating. We'd go there after a Barn Play and have Mr. Maltys. Sigh.

I had my wedding rehearsal dinner at the Crossroads in the Champagne Room 25 years ago the end of this month. Pity it got burned for the insurance. . .

I remember when to go into the children's library, you had to go outside and then back in.

I remember that the comic books at the Penguin were self-censoring. They started at the bottom with Richie Rich and Casper and worked their way up through romance, superheroes, MAD and horror comics at the top. If you couldn't reach it, you couldn't buy it.

I still love Riverside Park, under those huge old cottonwoods, and the sand beach at the swimming pool. I can't swim so I don't care if its concrete or a lake, so long as I get sand to build sand castles.

I remember when there were polar bears on the doors of the Montana Theatre advertising their air conditioning, which was so severe you had to take a sweater in mid-summer because it was freezing inside!

I remember drinking chocolate Cokes at Western Pharmacy's soda fountain. Foster's had one, too.

And here I am. . .back again. . .much changed but much the same. . .

Amorette

On the topic of Dairy Queen with no inside seating if I recall correctly they actually shut down during the winter months. So did A&W.

There was a time during the 70's to 80's when Dairy Queen and A&W were pretty competitive with each other. One would remodel and then the other would remodel too just to outdo the other guy.

How many remember the fiberglass Papa Burger, Mama Burger, and Baby Burger "statues" that used to adorn the roof of A&W? And how it wasn't uncommon for those to blow off during strong storms?

Continuing on with the "burger joint" theme, I recall being quite excited about the opening of Hardees on Haynes Ave. And who remembers how Hardees burned up in a fire not long after it opened? I think the fire started in a broom closet. Hardees promptly rebuilt.

- Dave

Yes, the DQ was closed in the winter. One of my favorite memories of my father is of his taking advantage of my interest in trains to distract me from noticing that it had re-opened by pointing out some interesting locomotive on the tracks across the road. And there were no cows at DQ back then either.
Ken Z

Ahhhh, the memories. Smile City - I remember the early morning and late afternoon sun, shining across the grass, it would have made the Irish jealous. My brother showing me how to light a match to the cotton at the edge of the yard (scary but fascinating). Riding my bike down to the OK Corral to watch horses & cowboys, but only for a few minutes, cause mom would show up and I would get grounded, I was grounded alot. (remember the monkey). Walking down to the end of Lake Street to the wide open spaces - a wonderful new world in each season. Wading across the Tongue River, sneaking in the backside of the Fair Grounds (where my friend tried a ride on a race horse - ouch) we decided to try riding the calves instead. Playing on Carbon Hill. The huge & beautiful Cottonwood trees were proof to me - that God is really real. It took me hours to run to Lincoln Grocery for milk - I had to go from the Red Rock to the swimming pool 50 times first (do the kids still do that?). My friends and I walked the railroad tracks to Kinsey - what fun. The incredible blue sky, the puffy clouds, the CW trees, friendly people, I used to feel sorry for people who didn't live in Miles (still do). I've only been back twice since '64, so only know a few people anymore - but when I was there last August - strangers smiled and said "hi" - - - Made me very proud to be from there. In the big city, even the small town I'm in now - people frown a lot, if you hold a door open, they look at you like your nuts - and give you lots of space (smile) oh well!
salli (scanlan)

I moved to Miles City in 1964 and there are some memories posted here I do not recall - before my time. Here are some I do remember:

- The Met Cafe
- The Miles Howard Hotel w/The Golden Spur
- The Beer Jug (currently The Airport Inn)
- The Ten Spot Cafe (great burgers)
- Grants Pool Hall
- Baseball games at the legion field where we would chase down foul balls for 10 cents
- Recreation Lanes AND Red Rocks Lanes

Regards,

Bill

Hi, Salli!!!

Amorette

Hey Salli.
How long did the Murphy's run the Lincoln Grocery? Do you know? One of my memories of that place was old Mrs. Murphy chain smoking behind the counter. The other would have to be the GREAT candy counter. Wax lips and Pixie Stix etc. etc. etc. However, the best Muddy Green Rivers in the world, had to have been at the fountain in La Granduers. {sp.?} I did find one that came close, about a year ago, in Butte. Maybe if I could have clicked my heels twice and............
ALL my very best,
Kelly

Hi Amorette - Hi Kelly
The Murphy's were there forever (?) I didn't really pay much attention as I was growing up (to anything but my own adventures) most of my wisdom is coming from this web site (does that scare anyone). I try to pop in once a day, jogs my memory, and makes me home sick (smile). Sometimes I question dad on what's what - he's still pretty sharp on the old days.
salli (scanlan)

The Lincoln Grocery was run by Mrs. Murray. She was the grandmother of my sister-in-law, Sherry Marthaler/Ziebarth.
Ken Z

Hi Ken,
You are so right, my most sincere apologizies. That is what happens when ya develop old timers diesease. CRS. {Can't Remember...................Stuff}

Salli,
I wish I could only check in once a day. I've become addicted. Maybe I should become board monitor. I know a couple of guys, I would kick off in a big hurry. : )
One thing I can always trust, is that MC.com is going to keep me honest.

ALL my best, Kelly

Actually, I check more often (but I'm at work).

hi,
shhhhh,we won't tell on ya. I hated being grounded too. But as I got older, I began to wonder who was really being punished, us, or our parents, because we were always there?

Ahhhhhh, wading in the Tongue! I went to crawl out, one day, and grabbed an electric fence.

And you didn't happen to find my binoculors up on Carbon Hill did you? I lost them up there, and never could find them.

My very best,
Kelly

Hi,

I am not sure, but I think my dad (Tim Walters also, he worked at the School for Boys) bought that 59 Ford convertible from Rev. Fitz' wife in 1970... was it white? I drove it for the last 2 years of high school, and took it to college...
Tim Walters

Speaking of the underpass, does anyone remember the snowball fight that took over the town in 1971, and ended with a police car stuck between the railroad tracks and the side of the underpass?

Tim,
The car was white. I'm sure it was the same car because I don't think there was ever another one like it in town; continental kit,etc. I don't remember the snowball fight. sounds like fun, though.
Pete

Pete, Pete, Pete,
That is way to nice. I'm going to take your title away if you don't knock it off.
Snow in Miles City? I don't believe it!
All smiles,
Kelly

Tim,

I do remember the snowball fight that year! John Udan chased the culprits with the police cruiser up the side of the underpass and got stuck in the slush and mud. I am not sure it was much of a fight though, just some kids throwing snowballs off the underpass at unsuspecting passing motorists.

Tim, we missed you last year at the 30th reunion.

Regards,

Bill

What I remember most about Miles City is the Red Rock drive inn, they made the best hamburgers around, never tasted one better anywhere, how come the hamburgers in the restaurant never tasted the same. Also remember the milk shakes with the whip cream and cherry on top, the best milk shakes were at Grant pool hall, Bob B. made the best double thick chocolate shake in town and the root beer was great too.I think alot about Miles City and moving back. but I love the forum keep it up.....Don "Hoot" Bissell Portland, Oregon

Hi Don,
You not only hit the nail on the head, but you drove it home with one single swift blow. I had been trying to figure out, how to word my post. I was working on something,like: You know you are from Miles City, when you can find your way to the Red Rock drive thru, with your eyes closed, but you have no idea who Ronald McDonald is.
I was trying to find a way to describe how good those burgers were, and couldn't do it. I came to the conclusion, that I couldn't because, they were undescribably {sp.?} delicious.
And just a passing thought: if you are THE 1 of 1, on MC.com, and you post anyway, are you talking to yourself? And, is it OK?
Big, big smiles,
Kelly

Hi to all,

My wife and I are both from Miles City. There are so many
wonderful memories that made Miles City a great place to grow up. One of my fondest memories was the Harmony Hangout. When have you ever heard of teens having so much fun dancing to old 45s. Also, I can't believe that someone hasn't mentioned the great finger steaks and card board pizza you could get at the Airport Inn. Ah, yes Miles City was a great place to grow up, and Janice I look forward to our visits to Miles and the pigging out on the family order of finger steaks at the Airport Inn.

And you can still enjoy the 'Hangout' since it is now the Senior Center.
Ken Z

Hi Ken,

Well at least we are the right age for the Hangout now.. Listened to a song yesterday, with the lyrics, "Didn't know 60 followed 29". Isn' t that the truth..
Nick

[This message has been edited by Nick Krumenacker (edited 6/9/2003).]

When you remeber the countless mascots of Pine Hills School for boys...Warriors..Beavers..etc etc

...and the old A&W......corner pocket....cross roads.....old OSCO/Buttreys, Super America the Cenex by the old DQ

You know that you are from Miles City when you watched Davey and Golith and Leave it to Henery on KYUS or you paticipated in Dave Rivens's spelling Bee. The flumes, south of Miles City towards Broadus, did anyone else swim there? They were closed when somebody almost died out there. The teen burger and a rootbeer float-ah heaven. How about fried chicked and cherry cokes from the Red Rock. Brady Stone

I hate to be a perfectionist... But it was "A Visit With Henry" :-) I was a huge fan

Pete,

was that Tom Randall or Charlie Randall? I don't know that much about my dad's (Charlie Randall) "younger days". Any funny stories I can torture him with would be much appreciated.

kristi randall

Kristi,
That was your grandfather, although I'm sure Charlie helped him a lot. Where is Charlie now? I haven't seen him in years.
Pete

Brady,
Re your question: "The flumes, south of Miles City towards Broadus, did anyone else swim there? They were closed when somebody almost died out there."
I used to "shoot the flumes" with some friends. That was a blast. I heard that someone did drown there. I wouldn't swim there now anyway because I bet that water is polluted and now I know better. Ahhh, the bliss of ignorance...
Sue

I remember the flumes very well, in fact, alittle too well. I saw my life flash before me on more than one occasion. However, it didn't stop me. What foolish kids we were. It was so dangerous, but oh so fun. I'm not that kind of risktaker anymore. I would never let my children (daughters) go ride the flumes. Now I know why Basil and Babs (mom/dad) worried about me so much. I really miss things like that about good ole Miles City thats for sure. I now live in Norfolk, VA. What a difference! Miles City is a one of a kind place. I hope and pray it stays that way. Daniel Pius.

Daniel,
Are you in the Navy?
Your father taught an English class that I took at MCC. Is he still teaching? What a kind, intelligent & gentle man he is.
All the best,
Sue

ANYONE REMEMBER : HERBS SUPERET ON COTTAGE
BUDS ON PHILLIPS
OR WHEN THE GREENHOUSE SOLD CANDY
WATCH TV AT TEMPO'S WHILE MOM AND DAD
SHOPED.
IT WAS GREAT TO COME IN FROM THE COUNTRY TO VISIT GRAMPA THEN GO DOWN TO HERBS.

WELL SOME THINGS MAKE YOU FEEL YOUNGER NOT OLDER.

KEVIN

Pete,

Actually I think that would be my great-grandfather, as my grandfather moved to Michigan when my dad was very young. He was raised as a son to my great-grandfather.

Dad is still in MC. Retired and socializing about town. Taunting all the "youngins" as he sips his coffee at the Holiday station. Thanks for asking.

Yes, I am in the Navy. Basil (or Basilous to some) taught at MCC for about 30 years. He retired for the most part back in 96 or 97. He is doing very well. I believe he still teaches one class (mid east culture). He absolutely loved teaching. Thank you for the nice comments about him. I am very proud of my father. Oh, I remember when the greenhouse sold candy. I had forgotten about that. I didn't go there often because the "Beanbag" was much closer to my house (near Sacred Heart School). Anyone remember the Beanbag? I used to take a quarter there and get my fill of candy. What a trip. Take care. Daniel Pius

I'm new to Miles City having lived here only 12 years. A few years ago I was at a social gathering in the Missoula area and someone introduced me by name and mentioned I was from Miles City. The person looked at me with a puzzled look and said, "Why?"
I almost launched into a verbose defense of Eastern Montana and particularly Miles City and then caught myself before I uttered one word. How could I explain walking down Main Street on my first visit to town and people smiled and said hello, the store clerks introduced themselves knowing I was new in town? How could I explain the diversity of people from ranchers to New York transplants to an Iraqi English teacher who call this place "home"? How could I explain that isolation is relative? Isolation just might breed ingenuity and resourcefulness and reflection coming from one's own self? How could I explain the beauty of a free flowing river on the edge of town that lends to the raw beauty of the landscape? How could I explain the vastness of the day and night sky and the badlands and the prairies and pine hills that shape the people who live there? I just smiled, shrugged my shoulders and politely wandered away.
Some things just can't be explained, they need to be experienced.

When you go to WAL-MART every day.

Excuse me, Sean...we go to Wal-Mart every OTHER day not every day!

When you return to Miles City after 35 years and can still find where everything is by memory.

NULL

I can remember the Indian and his horse. Everytime I think of Miles City and miss everything about it... I remember the Indian and his horse. ) This web site is great. I sure miss home.

I sure remember Herbs Superette, I used to live across the alley, and visited it too often. And yes I remember the BeanBag, where I could always go and get my favorite candy, the ChicoStick.

How about
Floating the Tongue river, and having to pull your boat instead of floating because the water was too shallow?

Tongue River damn, sliding down, then getting under the edge where you could still breathe, and hide from your friends?

How about riding from one side to the other in the little hand powered cable car that used to span the river upriver from the falls?

Dragging main and waving to your friends for hours at a time?

Driving on the ice and cutting cookies at Spotted Eagle in the wintertime?

Walking to the Yellowstone or Tongue river to fish?

When Sacred Heart and CCHS were the rivals in town?

The first Earth Day in Miles City when the tree was planted in the corner of the school grounds by the class of '71?

KATL and the song they used to start out the evening with (Wipeout!) ?

Climbing Camelback and Carbon Hill?

Picnics at Woodruff park?

Walking clear across town and back to visit friends and not being in trouble with your folks?


We left M.C. in 1972 and have only been back occassionally to visit family, but there's not too much family left, so don't know how many more time we will be back. We DID have some good times there, and I believe it is a slower way of life than we lead now. Class of '71 and '72

Thanks for the memories...



[This message has been edited by Jerry Thompson (edited 1/25/2004).]

I just discovered this web site. What a great way to recall Miles City. I can take you way back to when the Harmony Hangout was at the VFW hall across from the swimming pool. Remember "Go Western Days" at CCHS, the parade, the barbegue and the dance? When we snaked down Main Street just before the Homecoming Football game and dance to Pop Genessy's band at the High School gym after the game. What great memories!

I remember walking to the swimming pool on a hot, July day hearing the tree crickets, (or whatever they were)screeching in those cottonwood trees. Going to the movies at the Park Theater on Saturday and sitting through double features or watching the same movie twice. All for 11 cents!

What a great place it was to grow up! I miss Miles City, too! I was back recently for my 50th class reunion and it hasn't changed that much, which is wonderful!

Polly Culp (Florence Boese)

My gosh, you're giving our ages away!!!! I'm 53, grew up in Miles City and I remember all the same things you do! But, I think I have one up on you that you might not remember. Did you ever hear about the guys who poured gasoline into the Wibaux Park wading pool late at night? As my brother told me, "We didn't think ahead that when we lit the gas the whole park would light up like it was day!" Mike, you're going to kill me for telling all of your secrets! He did say that everyone with him ran in every direction. It was a good thing you and your friends were better at football and basketball, than you were thinking ahead in Wibaux Park! Love Ya Mike! Thanks for the memories Kelly!
Looking forward to moving back to Miles City soon!
Merriam

Does anybody remember when the Jim (?) signed off the radio station at the end of the night (evening, 11:00PM or so) with the integral version of that song Madonna sang a couple of years ago without even knowing what she was saying (her own admission) with the phrase 'Bye, bye, miss American pie'?
If the end of the transmission was coming up and he hadn't finished everything, he would put that song on, anyway.
I was just a snot-nosed teen working at Taco Johns at the time.
Haven't been 'home' since 1982, so have not much idea of what has happened to all, but certainly have the idea that he knew the end of an era was then.

I belive you were looking for the name Jim Hinamon..who was a real good friend of mine. Died of a brain tumor..probably worked at KATL for about 6 years. Still have some radio ads that Jim did on tape.

Still TV at the Radio

I belive you were looking for the name Jim Hinamon..who was a real good friend of mine. Died of a brain tumor..probably worked at KATL for about 6 years. Still have some radio ads that Jim did on tape.

Still TV at the Radio

now that I think of it, I remember you, too, and some of the talk programs you ran really got Mom hyped up, sometimes. positively, if I recollect correct.
Sorry about that news, which, of course, I didn't have any way of knowing. Yes, it was him.

I remember Grant's pool hall was so dark in the back that you couldn't see who was in there.....That was a good thing, because a lot of times, you didn't want to see who was in there (or for them to see you.....)

We used to hang out in front (of Grant's) waiting to see who would crawl out of the Mint Bar......

The Sacred Heart "Harvest Dinner" was always great because it had a great cast of cooks...Sam and Mary Leo and Pete and Catherine Leo..The Gaglia's, Annelora's and others I don't remember (sorry).

I hope the tradition has been passed down to a new generation of great cooks.....



[This message has been edited by Jim Brady (edited 2/15/2004).]

[This message has been edited by Jim Brady (edited 2/15/2004).]

You guys have really done it now for this homesick lad... : )

I have fond memories of buying candy and the odd comic book at "The Beanbag" as a boy (I was born in '69).

I remember being one of "those" kids that got their picture in the MC Star for riding our bikes (well, trying to ride our bikes) through the underpass when the hail storm clogged the drains. Funny how a bicycle doesn't float and how grumpy a guy's dad can get for having to fish it out. LOL.

I also remember those walks/runs to Wibaux park along hot sidewals in the summer. I couldn't wait to get to that round, concrete pool (before the frog and slides, etc.). Of course, my perfect memories of that mad-dash from South Custer to Wibaux included hopping on to my towel or the grass because the sidewalks were soooo hot!

As I recall, I spent a lot of time at The Melody Shop dreaming of some drumset or piano before biking to Hazel Cooper's house for piano lessons before the Gookin girls arrived to tease me in their playful way for not practicing my lessons (again). ; )

Looking through photos a few weeks ago I came accross one of CCDHS back before the parking lot went in (we called it "the bowl" and it was great for sledding in the winter. I also see a glimpse of a house right there on the corner... I have a vague recollection it was the Lovec's home because I seem to remember it being put up on blocks and transported away and seeing my childhood friend there. Maybe someone can correct me on that one.

And what kid can forget having to hustle-buns home at 9pm when the civil-defense siren went off - the signal of curfew... I remember being told that if the police saw me playing on the old playground at Washington Middle School that I'd be arrested for being out after curfew. Whew! I was gullible, but I ran fast to Grandma's I can tell you! : )

-Dan Mowry / Des Moines

Haven't visited this site for quite some time and have just spent a great time catching up on everything. I too took piano lessons from Mrs. Cooper (I was born in '59) as did my older brother. In fact, I was telling my daughter about her the other day when she expressed the desire to learn to play. I have been on the hunt for a good old piano to brush up on and give her a few starter lessons!! Mrs. Cooper gave me the coolest kitten too (Geronimo), he'd actually fetch a paper ball like a dog!! So many things come flooding back to mind and make me feel all "homey" and I guess that's how I know I'm from Miles City!!
Heather (Frederick)

You know you are from Miles City when you remember "Della's Diner where the H&R Block building is now . Also when the only buildings out on So. Haynes where KATL Radio and a Texaco station .

I remember the old Tempo and the tvs also. But mostly what I remember about old Tempo was the hard plastic brown horse you could ride for a quarter. It had a black bridle with metal studs all over it.The saddle had covers over the stirrups with the same black and metal studs. I thought that was sooooo cool.

I also remember the green house when it sold candy. For a dollar I could go home with an entire little brown bag full. I loved the tangy taffy and grape bubble yum.

What a place to grow up.

i remember Munchies, id go and get icecream all the time, and Big al's they had the best sandwiches, wow as young as i am i still have memories its scary

Anybody remember Modo-day?

I remember when the John Deere dealer used to be downtown across from the Park theater. The barbecue that Mr. Zumpf had when they opened Horizon Equipment was excellent! (Funny how the memory of certain meals stick with a guy).

Western Pharmacy was orignally across the street from the Rendrick Torgonson building.

I remember sneeking off of the playground at noon when Mrs. Dorshack was not watching to go buy candy at Buds, or going over to the Milwalkee depot to buy a bottle of coke for a dime.

And finally you know your from MC if you have done your spelling words on TV

I have to add that I would often walk home from Sacred Heart with Diane Ziebarth (Zee) and Toni Wilhelm and it would take us quite awhile to get there because we would have our routine of stopping by Pinky Pellitier's gas station and buying a candy bar, or use the bathroom. Then on to the Holy Rosary Hospital where they had that statue of Mary in the rock grotto that we would sometimes stop at (being such good Catholic girls), and then we would often stop at the clinic and get a cold drink of water. Mind you this is in a matter of 2 blocks. Then Zee would walk me part way home because I didn't want to walk the whole way home alone. I remember picking a nice little arrangement of yellow tulips from some unsuspecting persons yard and proudly bringing it in to my mom..who asked me where I got them??!

I was recently back in Miles City and one of the most fond memories I have of living there is that everyone said "hi" when passing on the street even if you didn't know them, and they still do! That is very endearing to me, and living in Phoenix you are just another one of the 2 million that live here. I used to get teased about how I talk to everyone and now I still feel that is one thing that won't change about me wherever I live. I'm proud to say I'm from Miles City!

Chris Choate-Raible

You know you are from Miles City when..............

You have been drinking all night and the local police stop you and offer you a lift home so you won't be out causing accidents later.

You know this from personal experience?

I do remember the John Deere dealership being across from the Park Theatre as it was part of Miles & Ulmer's. I worked for Miles & Ulmer's from about 1951 through 1958 when we moved to Washington. I was back in MC a couple weeks ago to attend my mother's funeral and also back in 2001 to attend my 50th reunion from SHHS. Miles City has changed but wonderful people are still there and just as friendly as ever. I can remember going down Main Street in the earlier days also and saying "hello" to everyone and knowing most of them. I also remember when people travelling through Miles City were so impressed with the friendly people in Miles City and it hasn't changed. What a wonderful place and memories that last forever. Thanks for the memories!
Betty Carter O'Brien

Hello to all.

Remember. . .

Sanitary Dairy? Ochsner's Eggs?
The Golden Spur when it was on Main?
The old MDU stack?
The Sunset Drive In?
O'Conner's news stand on Main?
Reynold's when it was on Main?
The Southside Grocery, ran by the Linsted (sp?) family?

A promo that ran at the movie theaters for Stockhill's jewelers in which the announcer somehow managed to mispronounce "Montana"?

--Hal

oh yes - Remember Foster Drug? Dales Jewelers? Vaughn Ragsdale, Creme Beauty Shoppe, Miles & Ulmer, Singer Sewing Center, Gambles, Woolworths, J.C. Penny, Karl Johnson, Liberty Theatre, Farm & Home, Log Cabin Bar & Cafe, Simmons, Smith's Bootery, the Sweet Shops by the Montana and Liberty theatre, Sweetheart Bakery - I could go on forever - remembering - sure brings back good memories. Also the "Hangout" which is being used by seniors now but am sure most using the place now were the ones that opened the "Hangout" years ago after moving from the American Legion Hall by the swimming pool.
Good times are remembered there too.

Betty O'Brien

Hi Chrissy,
This is Joan (Damm) Smith and I live in Phoenix too....Remember I sold you some Girl Scout Cookies in front of Kmart on Bell Road about 10 years ago???? Your sister and hubby were our neighbors (kitty corner to my dads) and I use to babysit for them...Miles City has sooooo many memories that it is hard to think of all of them. I am going back to Miles City on the 30th for a wedding and as usual I'm excited.. I wish Miles City had a brighter future, but with all the problems there like the Elks,Wal-mart and the swimming pool etc. I dont see much light... But.... I hope that the people on this site can keep it on a smooth keel and not be so negative about eveything and everyone. I can feel the anamosity? in alot of the messages and it not something I want to read all the time..... This is somewhere I go to feel good and share a connection with fellow Miles Citians..... Anyway hello and is it HOT enough here in the big city??? Joan

Hi Joan..I remember my sister Sue calling you "Joanie" They all still call me Chrissie so some things don't change! I do remember buying cookies from you! We will be in Miles City from July 27-August 6th so maybe we will see each other. We will be staying with Sue and Jack. They are listed in the book if you want to call.

I remember you living kitty corner from them, and how cool your dad was (Bill Damm). A really nice man. Hope you have a wonderful visit to Miles City, and I will be taking my kids to Airport Inn and all the hot spots for some great times at home. Sometimes you don't know what you have until you move away, and then you realize how wonderful home really is!

Chris

Hello Miles City,
Lots of things to remember and always the yearning to be back home. What I really want to know at the moment is who has all the pictures from the Barn Players Summer Theater? I remember photo sessions for everyone one of the plays I was in and would love to have some copies of those shots. That would make a great portfolio, but mainly for my kids and grandkids. They've heard me wax poetic and nostalgic over those golden days of summer out by the fairgrounds in that wonderful little theater made of two boxcars and the seats from the Liberty Theater. I need to show them it was true.
Anyone have any ideas?

Remember Jack Frost the cobbler, whose shop was in the basement of the old Wibaux building on the corner of Main and Seventh. The building is long gone, but there used to be glass "lights" in the sidewalk and when you went down to the shoe repair shop the sun shone through them like old ship "lights" casting a green, watery glow to the air downstairs.

Remember the Penquin Shop? I know you do. Plenty of you have talked about it. The Lundby's were my godparents and I spent many hours there. That building, just west of Montana on Main, was originally the undertaking parlor in old Milestown, I think. When I stayed over with Maureen, I think we used to sleep in the "sleeping room". It had no windows and was mighty dark.

Right next door to the Penguin Shop was the bike repair shop of (was it) Clark Cummings.

What about the great little ball park the town can boast? Denton Field. Now the Denton-Laird Field. That is a fine venue for A.L ball, and is it still used for football?

Remember the old cabins in the town tourist park across from the swimming pool that had the sod roofs?

Is there a better feeling than coming back to Miles across the Tongue River bridge with its view down the length of Main with all its grand memories?

Shari Swanson

Shari,
Thanks for reviving this thread. It's a breath of fresh air after all the contentious crap that's been going on on this site lately.Used to be that there were a lot of contributors that you don't see anymore who were sharing experiences and memories and thoughts about the future of Miles City and generally enjoying themselves. I think that's why this site was created

in the first place. Thanks again.
Pete
Amorette, I hope the preceding paragraph isn't too long for you. If it is, so sorry.

Amen!

I left Miles in 1964. First trip back was about 10 years later.
Yes, the view of Main coming across the bridge told me "you can go home again!" goose bumps for sure.

Ok, so I am a bit bias to bring this up, but no one mentioned the Parkway Rollercade.....HMMMM I have just a few memories from there! How about when KATL went from 1340 to 770! I listened when they told us to "switch over" on that day. How about the fire hall being downtown in city hall. Miles City Ford and all that glass for the showroom. Of course Sunday breakfast or Friday dinners at the Red Rock. First Citizens Bank in the parking lot of the Plaza. That really funky clean smell of the Garberson Clinic. When Bill's Minit Market was in the 1800 block of Main. The ramp at the high school. The fish in the pond in front of the Caretaker's house at the fairgrounds (my grandfather was the caretaker and stocked that pond until 1976). Lohmann Motors. When the town pump was a Mexican restaurant. When First Security Bank drive thru was on the east side of the main bank on Main Street. Midland Lumber. The Squire Shop. Oh man, couldn't we all go on and on.

Finnally a good non-political post;

Maybe, I missed it, but how come no one mentioned the old ice cream truck?

I was going to type it, then forgot. Who could forget Howard Letke? What a great person!

>>Parkway Rollercade.....

Many of the people reminiscing here are too old to get misty eyed over the Rollercade... just like you and I are too young to have memories of the Harmony Hangout. But, I certainly remember some fun times at the Rollercade.

>>How about when KATL went from 1340 to 770!

As I recall this included a big boost in KATL's transmitting power. I remember driving to Denver once after this switch and listening to KATL all the way to Douglas, WY. Back then, Douglas seemed like a long ways away from Miles City. Today, having made the 1,000 mile drive from Seattle too many times, I think Douglas is close. I also remember picking up KATL in Bozeman a time or two.

Does anyone recall, it seems like sometime after the switch to 770 and the power boost included with that, KATL had to back off on their transmitting power. I have a vague recollection of that, but I could have dreamt it.

>>How about the fire hall being downtown in city hall.

As a student at Lincoln Elementary I remember a number of "field trips" where we walked from Lincoln School to the downtown fire station for a tour. That was fun. Seeing the fire pole was one of the highlights.

>>The ramp at the high school.

I was a student at CCDHS during the demise of the ramp. During construction students weren't allowed to go from the 1964 building to the old building via the ramp. We had to walk around the outside. That was a pain. One time my buddy, Kelly Mason, and I were late for John Potts' chemistry class (5th period, after lunch). We had to go from our lockers in the '64 building to the far side of the top floor of the old building.... and we weren't supposed to go through the construction zone. We decided to give it a try, got 80% of the way through the hallway (the old ramp) and then got busted by the school librarian, Linda Sterling. She made us go back and and go around the outside of the school. We were SOOOO late for chemistry class. Kelly told Mr. Potts that he had had a flat tire on his car over the lunch break. Yeah, right. Those were the days. Sadly, both Kelly and Ms. Sterling are no longer with us today.

- Dave

... AND there was Bobby Lucas in the Yummy Wagon ... too cool
He was someone I looked up to, he was so nice to everyone & everyone liked him.

I was at CCHS when they built the ramp and the new addition.
I was so disappointed that they didn't copy the style of the old building.
Ice skating in the old football field, trying to warm up in the old railroad car.
Ice skating down the street to get to the rink.

I had forgotten about ice skating in "the bowl"... which is now long gone.

- Dave

For those who might remember, I know that Mike Flotkoetter watered down the ramp one winter and it froze. I hear that going to classes was particularly interesting that day!

I think that was the same day a bunch of us were throwing snowballs on the north side of the building trying to knock over a tea-kettle in an open window in Mr. Potts room. One of the current local bank Presidents was sucessful in that mission.

I'm so glad Shari re-started this thread. For those who don't know, Amorette Allison, in her first life, was Amorette Freeze, daughter of Martin and Jean Freeze, who were immersed in The Barn for years. If anyone has photos, I'll bet they do, or know who does.
And Shari, how about Desert Song, or Brigadoon, or Finian's Rainbow, those wonderful Operetta's we used to be part of back in the High School days. You might not know, but the current CCHS Chorale will be appearing at Carnegie Hall in New York in March. I think you are fairly close and perhaps can get there.
Some of you may not know that the Highway Department will be replacing the Main Street bridge over the Tongue River. That is scheduled for 2006, I believe, but they have to build a new bridge across the Tongue at Pacific Avenue first to use as a detour, as the Main Street bridge will take over a year to do. Fortunately they have chosen a design that will emulate the current bridge, but we wider, and with a walk/bicycle lane as well.
And to David, the 100,000 watts of KATL when they switched to 770 conflicted with KOB Albuquerque who are on the same frequency, and they had to resolve that issue. I'm not sure it was a decrease in power, but I recall the conflict.
Miles City is not only a good place to recall, but it is a good place to have lived all these years. Have things changed, and do we have problems, and conflict? Of course, but despite all, it has been as progressive a community as exists East of Billings, and it shows.

Tom Clarke

KOB in Albuquerque! Holy cow those radio waves really bounce! Thanks for filling us in on the details, Tom.

- Dave

When I was in school, we turned to KOMA (Oklahoma City) in the evening, for Wolfman Jack - auoooooooooh! (rather that listen to the farm report)

And drag Main till all the gas was gone.

I have some home movie footage of folks ice skating in the bowl in ~1950 that some of you may be in. I can make a .WMV of it if you're interested and if the Webmaster has room for it.

Anybody remember tuning to Clint, Texas for the best and I mean it, hillbilly music. It sure wasn't that stuff that passes for country western today.
Dave , thanks for that too old stuff. Maybe I can get Ruthie to tak you to task for it.
Boy, isn't it great to have this thread revived on this web site?
Sure as hell beats the crap that's been on here lately.
Amorette, is this enough paragraphs for you, if you call them that?

I'd just like to see what the bowl looked like. I always heard about it, but was just an empty field when I arrived. When did they fill it in?

I think it was like the summer of 1979 or 1980?

I think they filled in the bowl around 1984.

O.K.~I remember having just learned how to "spin cookies" or "spin donuts" and took my friends in my dad's T-Bird behind the football field and did my best..we laughed so hard and I didn't think about the dust cloud that was produced. We were cracking up heading back down Main when I noticed Officer King following us. I sweated and worried all the way to the turn around at Lay Rite and he pulled me over. (did I forget to mention we had been drinking a little Boones Farm and had some under the seat)?? Well, he proceed to humiliate me and said "I saw the little number you pulled in daddy's T-Bird" and "Do you think he would be happy if he knew you did that"?? He let me off with a warning and of course I was too scared to drive and we all went straight home for a sleep over at my house. (I also didn't mention my parents were out of town and "trusted" me to have friends over). I didn't do that again! Memories....

Chris Choate Raible

It has been fun reading all these posts about the old days. Very refreshing after reading all the political garbage on the other discussion sites. Wish my kids and grands could have grown up in Miles City, but that wasn't possible. Seems like the summers never ended and we walked or rode bikes all over town, from Carbon Hill to Camel Back, with a stop at the NP stock yards for a visit with "Pistol" and then at the Model Bakery for their sugar twists or brownies! CCHS (not CCDHS) and Mr. Boe's English class (very proper) and Mrs. Isaac's and Mrs. Babcock's shorthand and typing classes. Their "girls" were required to come to school dressed as they would at an office of some kind -- dresses and skirts every day and NEVER being able to wear jeans on Fridays or Go-Western Day! Red Rock hamburgers couldn't be beat. And someone mentioned earlier about the plays put on by the school. Every time I hear the music from "Brigadoon" I can still see some of the cast on stage singing. Wouldn't trade all of this for a million dollars!

Yeah, I can remember my personal 4th grade fight to be able to wear slacks or shorts to school, with Mrs. Webster who tried to stick me into the 'cute little girls wear skirts, or even miniskirts'stereotype. She even called in Mom to school to make sure I was dressed 'properly' when I took off from home.
So I put on my skirt, put shorts on under it, and as soon as I was out of sight, stuffed the skirt into the shorts. Must have been a real odd sight to see, looking back, but I went to school dressed as I wanted to.
The hardest part was remembering to pull the skirt back in place on my return home...
The way kids dress today, no one would even consider that as a private battle against the establishment putting a square block in a round hole.
And just think, when it was no longer obligatory, I was pleased to dress with dresses and skirts. How odd, eh?

Mary Pat Brady Been checking this site and to see if I can find some ole class mates of mine. Are you still living in MC? You've brought back some of the memories of ole teachers we had at CCHS at that time. I've believe we walked to school from North Montana Ave. most every day to school. I've been living in WV and haven't been getting back to MC much but I do get out for visiting relatives that are living in Missoula and Kalispell. Would like to chat some and catch up on some of the people we went to school with.
Connie (Larson) Robey

[This message has been edited by Connie Robey (edited 10/31/2004).]

Nostalgia is good, just before this contentious election. I remember listening to KOMA from airport hill with a sixer and friends. The only rock and roll station that we could receive, and at night.
I have been back to Miles City very rarely and I didn't know the bowl behind CCHS was filled in. But the time I remember best was the football coach (can't remember his name) kicking a football the length of the field, because he was mad. I also remember playing hockey in the bowl with the Wright brothers day after day, keeping warm by a big fire. That was the scene of many good times.
And I remember a football coach who taught English and was the only really good teacher at CCHS while I was there. I heard that Boe was a great teacher, but I missed him somehow. For twelve years I taught school, mostly because I had such a strong reaction to the bad teaching at CCHS (51-55). Bad boy that I was.
Running out of gas because of too many trips up and down Main St., I did that too, in somebody's old Hudson. Or maybe we did that on a side trip around cemetary road while downing beers. Yes Miles City was a great place to grow up in and I for one hope to return to Milestown for my 50th next summer.

Andy Hanson

The more paragraphs or whatever the better. @#@#! Bifocals.

The "bowl" was the remains of the old slough that gave Lake Street it's name. Under it somewhere is a yellow rock wall like the ones at the cemetery and Denton Field. I can remember ice skating there when I was too little to go down the iced slope.

I also remember the "ramp" at the high school. In my day, girls wore SHORT skirts and young male teachers took advantage by standing at the bottom and watching us walk up and down.

And yea, someone poured a bucket of water which promptly froze down it when I was there. Insulation was an odd concept in 1964 when they built it!

And the Penguin Ice Cream Shop. And the candy counter at whatever was your neighborhood grocery store. (I was a Bean Bag kid.)

Still a great place to live. Not perfect. Needs some economic boost without us turning into Bozeman. Still have too many rottens kids, the children of the rotten kids of my generation I have no doubt. But there are lots and lots of good kids, too, making their memories of dragging Main (jeez, with gas prices, I wonder anyone can do it!) Even Batman drags Main in Miles City!

Glad I came back.

Amorette

Andy: Would that English teaching coach have been Joe Braysich? Joe threw an eraser at me when I was in his Freshman English class. Told me that I needed to learn to talk less and pay more attention to him. Can you imagine.

Tom Clarke

I remember KOMA and KSTP in Minneapolis.I also remember"Candlelight and Silver" ,"Melody Moods",and my favorite"Party Line"-all regular programming on KATL.No wonder most kids listened to other stations.
I also remember Woodruff Park keggers during the BHS,along with Main Street burnouts in front of the 'ol Gaslite.
High school-split schedule-senior high in morning,junior in afternoon.Social status by which door you hung out at-North door was country kids[rednecks,plowjocks,etc.]Gym door was athletes[jocks,etc.],and front door was everyone else[hoods,hippies,dopers,etc.].There were definite divisions back then.
I learned more from Howard Letke than any other teacher at CCDHS.Gone but not forgotten.

Ditto on the Howard thing...the teacher who taught me the most too. And the bowl was filled in in either 1984 or spring of 1985. The fertilizer was what brought the most attention and gave the whole school a "special" smell during the warm spring. It came from the city owned "fertilizer" plant on the north side of town!

wow, I forgot about the roller rink, those were some good times in elementery school.

The football coach that Andy was refering to who kicked a football the lenghth of the field when he got mad, was probably Bob Jauron, who was also known to stomp his hat on the sidelines when he wasn't happy with the way his team was performing, among other antics. He was a tough taskmaster as a coach, but off the field, a pretty compassionate guy. He is the father of Dick Jauron of the Detroit Lions, and later coach of the Chicago Bears.
He and Ed Rohloff are, in my opinion, the two best football coaches CCDHS has ever had.
Pete

You know you are from Miles City when Leif Ronning is at your class reunion............No matter what class you are.

Love you Leif.

Chuck

I remember spending a lot of Friday and Saturday evenings at the roller rink....what a blast.

Hi All-

I have a lot of fond memories of Miles City so wanted to check in with them (what a great place to grow up!) I live in So. California now where there is a lot more to do (in retrospect) but I think growing up in Miles City taught me that there is always something fun to do no matter where you are.

Remember the old waterfall fountain with the big pond in that half a block bound by Stower and 7th Streets? We used to walk over there and play in it almost every day during the summer. One time we found a bunch of tadpoles in a small mudpuddle so took a bucketful of them over so they would have more water to swim around in. Unfortunately, we started their introduction into the pond with what we thought would be a "fun" ride down the waterfall (with rocks at the bottom for them to fall on) and the ones that survived that didn't survive the chlorine that kept it so clean.... our poor bucketful of tadpoles didn't live to be frogs.

I remember some sandstone "slides" on the top of Carbon Hill that wore out the seats of our jeans we slid down them so often...

I remember getting a whole bag of penny candy at Herb's Grocery on Cottage for a quarter.

I remember the ice cream truck coming by every day during the summer playing this loud unrecognizable tune (this was before the days of "music-box dancer" the modern ice cream trucks play now).All the kids would come running and line up-I got the same thing-a fudgesickle for 10 cents -every time....

I remember playing "kickball" with 10-15 neighborhood kids in the middle of the street at the intersection of Dickinson and S Lake Streets using the sewer drain covers as bases and moving off the street when a car came through.

I remember the ice skating rink over by Denton Field with the boxcar to warm up in-it even had a fairly steep hill covered with ice you could go down if you were brave enough-I had a lot of black and blue knees during the winter as a result of that and our wicked "crack-the-whip" games we played on the ice.

I remember "Miss Kailey's" Art class where she let us play music while we worked on our projects-I heard Peter Frampton and Led Zepplin for the first time there.

I remember going to "Kosty's Curiosity Shop" next to the old Buttrey's-it had "turd birds" and "jackalopes" and things you couldn't buy anywhere else in town (like plastic fake vomit).

I remember the "ramp" at CCHS-it was always really cold to walk through in the winter. My favorite memory was when Brian Haggerty took a pocketfull of small plastic beads from science class (we were studying water permiability) and dropped them at the top during "The Between Class Rush ". It was if everyone started to do a hilarious dance on cue (I was at the top watching everyone struggle to stay on their feet).

When I was a junior/senior in High School I remember sneaking into the "Disco" (was it actually called "The Golden West"?) in the old Buttrey's Parking Lot, being recognized as underaged by the owner, Bob Grosfeld, maybe an hour in (I didn't dare try to buy a drink or I would have been out sooner) and getting kicked out . I would sneak back in mayber 15 minutes later. Some nights I got kicked out 3 times. THAT place was so fun-it was always packed so I could hide in the crowd. It had an upstairs and had 2 sides, one with a lighted dance floor and popular DJ music and the other side had the "cool" bands in town (remember "Mere Image"?)

I remember the Tobin Brothers, John and Rick, that had the coolest parties...I think they owned a schoolbus and one of the "funnest" was a "tacky tourist party" where we all dressed in Hawaaian shirts and straw hats and "toured" all the bars in town.

When I come back to visit I'm aways hit with a rush of fond memories-when I was a kid I think we explored every part of the town on our bikes. We'd leave after breakfast and come back in time for dinner during the summer, and no one worried that anything had happened to us (and nothing ever did).

Toni (Campbell) Tivy

Toni those are some great memories. The disco at the Plaza was called the Sundance. Some referred to it as the "sweat box" because the dance floor would get so crowded and hot and everyone would be sweating. It was a popular place during most of the eighties. I certainly remember trying to get past Bob Grosfield a time or two. When I was 17 or 18 I looked more like 14 or 15 so I usually didn't have a prayer getting past the bouncer.

I remember during the Bucking Horse Sale in 1986 the band that was playing at the Sundance improperly loaded a "flash pot" and it blew a hole in the plexiglass disco dance floor. It literally blew a chunk of the dance floor up to the second level. I was not in the disco when it happened, we arrived just afterwards and found the parking lot full of people who were leaving because the band had quit playing.

We ran into the band later that night at the 4B's and they told us that the explosion destroyed their sound equipment (speakers, I think) and they had to quit playing. So the Sundance went the rest of the BHS without music. It was an expensive mistake for that band. Frankly I can't even imagine that bands used such pyrotechnics in the Sundance but I guess they did. Crazy.

- Dave

I guess it's lucky that place didn't burn down the night it blew up from bad pyrotechnics!(a la Rhode Island's Club)

Now I remember the name. What ever happened to that building? it seems like it would be a good investment if it isn't falling down or something. I think I still saw it at the far end of that abandoned parking lot last time I was in town......

The Golden West was the other "fun" place to go-it had bands and dance music and was always packed too. I had older friends (well, a couple of years older) and would kind of sneak in with them, although back then the bouncers didn't really check ID's very closely (it seems like a lot of them weren't much older than I was, and back then the drinking age was 19).

Ahhh, Miles City. So much there has changed, but so much of it is sort of the same. I used to hang out at the "Corner Pocket" and play pool "back then"...now my whole family sort of takes over the "Yellowstone Tavern (exactly the same except for the name!) the night after Thanksgiving every year.

Well, guess I'll get to come back soon and be a part of all the discussions I see online here.

"The Sundance" is now a church.

Tom - just wanted to let you know that Joe Braycich lives in Bussells, Belgium now. Am sure you knew that but I have corresponded with him and Helen a few times. He has taught over there for a long time and really likes it, am sure he is retired by now. He is quite the guy and we sure enjoyed being around him. I never had him in school as I was much older but met him during the softball season which he played on the same team as my husband did in those days. Still thin Miles City is the greatest town.

Betty Carter O'Brien

I really enjoy all the comments regarding people's memories of growing up in Miles City.

Many of us have wonderful memories of old landmarks that were once intricate parts of our lives, but no longer exist. I have found a great way to recall some of these memories. Miles City has a local artist whose works have captured the essence of many of the landscapes that were once part of Miles City. His name is Gene Larson, and his art is really wonderful. I have my office decorated with many of his prints.

I am sure that many locals, still living in Miles City are very familiar with his works, and could provide information on how to purchase his art.

re: gene larsen, i have seen some his works out at the woolhouse gallery and reprints i believe are sold there. I am also thinking that either big sky pharmacy or riggs sells them also. nice pen and ink. keep thinking i would like one or two but have way too much stuff already and no place to hang them that would do them justice.

The Log Cabin is gone?? What is it called now??

Stockman Bank

Yep, the buildings that housed the Log Cabin Bar and the former NZ Shoes store were demolished in 2002 to make way for an expansion to Stockman Bank. The back bar from the Log Cabin was moved to the "Cattle-Ac" restaurant. NZ Shoes relocated to the old J.C. Penney location on Main St. and subsequently closed.

- Dave

[This message has been edited by David Schott (edited 12/9/2004).]

Dairy Queen is very popular here in Texas. Every town has one and they are the focal point of small town life.

I remember the Garberson Clinic when it was over Foster Drug (yes, that's Foster Drug). Also the Miles Howard and Milligan hotels.




[This message has been edited by Old Rip (edited 2/10/2005).]

You are from Miles City if you remember Ole's hamburger joint
on Main Street, the old 4 lane bowling alley on the 700 block
of Main, Little Joe Griffin, pigeons on the Milwaukee coaldock,
the shoeshine and hat cleaning and blocking shop on Main Street,
the State and Liberty and Velta theaters. The last one goes
back aways and was located where Miles & Ulmer was next to
Epsteins ladies store.

Wow My mom used to waitress at the 10 spot! They had GREAT burgers there. She also waitressed at the Range Riders back when it had a resteraunt. I wonder what ever happened to all the pictures of the old timers that were there. I have rolls of 5cent tickets to the Montana Theatre. we used to use the old tickets for keggers up on sheffield road lol I really miss picking wild asparagas out at 12 mile dam and wearing out my shorts shooting the flue. Pushing my bike all the way up airport hill and coasting down the hill and then my chain came off so I didn't have brakes! My dad ran the Montana theatre and bartended at the Stockman bar. Anyone remember francis the shoeshine guy?

Is it possible that my husband was related to everybody in Miles City?

Francis Connor was my husband's Uncle. He was a lovely man, but a tragic figure. His two sons are alive, well and prospering.

Johnnie Lockett Thomas

[This message has been edited by Johnnie Lockett Thomas (edited 5/26/2005).]

How very cool, to see this ragged ol' post "up" again. Just to prove MY lineage, and a dip back into my personal files:
You know you are from Miles City when:
You are unaware that there is a legal drinking age.
You can drive 65 in 2 feet of snow without flinching.
You've got a pair of jumper cables in the truck, and your girlfriend knows how to use them, better than you do.
"Down South" is Wyoming.
You measure distances in hours, not miles.

I remember Francis as a kind, funny man. I was about 10 or so I suppose and he showed me how to get a worn out pair of shoes to sparkle!. I'm retired from the Army so I suppose it was time well spent.

Sure, I would like to get a copy of that.

Fred South

You are driving down Haynes Avenue and you see a New pickup with a horse stirrup hanging down by the door as a step. Ain't it great!!!

I won't forget the ramp at the high school. One time two of us were helping out the band director (Mr. Eve) after regular school hours and we were supposed to move a rack of folding chairs from the old building down the ramp to the gym. You know those very long and skinny racks that hold 20 or 30 folded chairs laying on their sides? We started out slowly at the top of the ramp and it went well until gravity kicked in. We probably weren't paying attention as much as we should have and somehow the whole rack slipped out of our grasp about half way down the ramp. You may remember that there was a slight jog to the left at the bottom, to take you to the next hallway. Unfortunately, the rack of chairs rolled straight down and didn't make the jog. The whole stack hit the brick wall at the bottom of the ramp and the chairs went flying. Two or three bricks got smashed upon impact. The crash was really loud, but the school was mostly deserted, so no one came to check on the noise. We gathered up those chairs so fast, hauled them to the gym and never said a word (until now). A few days later I noticed the bricks had been repaired/replaced. I was one of the 'good' kids in school, so I was worried that someone would find out and we would get in trouble, even though it truly was an honest accident and not a pre-meditated science experiment. :-)

You know your from Miles City when you see Glendive plate's on the Interstate and you have an irresistible urge to moon the car!

Correction: The Murray family owned the Lincoln grocery. Best possible place for a grocery with a penney candy counter -- across the street from an elementary school.

I remember the noon whistle from the Milwaukee shops and the curfew whistle at 10pm from the old MDU power plant.

That the CCHS bowl was originally part of the Tongue river and was not at street level during my time there.

Dave and Ella's original tv station on main, west of the Olive.

That KATL originally signed on as: KRJF and stood for Ronald John Flynn.

"Dragging Main" for hours and hours.

Hello everyone, does anyone remember Chubby's? or what about Stewarts? I have fond memmories of going to both places with my family. I also loved shopping at Joylin's, Fashion Island,and don't forget the Brass Zipper. Going to a Rodeo at Lohmann's Arena. I also enjoyed Crazy Days! Does anyone remember the little Ice Cream Shop that was behind the Cellar, sort of in front of the Creame Beauty Shop? I just loved the chairs and tables they had in there. One of my memmories from High School was sneaking out of class and running over to that little doughnut shop that was by Stevenson and Sons...if I recall a lady by the name of Gerri ran that...great food in there. As far as Bucking Horse both my little brother and daughter where born during that festive time of the year...one in the old Holy Rosary and one in the new. You know you are in cow capital when the only other people in the hospital besides you and your new baby...are a hurt cowboy and a guy that has had too much booze. Ahhh memmories...wouldn't change them for the world.

Read all your posts...here are a few more memories. KATL used to have bingo during the morning programs. Would pick up the cards from the grocery store. My grandmother and I used to play about thirty cards, covering the numbers with buttons. Grant's Pool hall. The best milk shakes and heath bars. Grandpa used to walk me down and throw me up on a stool while he played pool and smoked cigars. The slough....down along Tompy where the country club is now. I used to love crawling through the moss covered trees and swampy water, chasing lizards. Sunset Drive Inn bbq sandwiches, snow cones and 4th of July fireworks..."that's all folks"...Buckets of chicken from the Red Rock, Marie's gift shop (now Little Big Man pizza), Garberson clinic's big marble stairs that went up to the clinic on the corner of 7th and Main, (Ramona Honstein's white uniform and hat), the Park Theatre with the spooky bathrooms, Trafton's car dealership across from the courthouse where we would stop and get drinks of water in the pointed paper cups, taking a buck and getting three gallon of gas to drag Main, McDonald's clothing, A&B News, Reynolds grocery on main, Sawyers grocery on 7th by the tracks.

... drive 10-15 MPH under the speed limit.

"... drive 10-15 MPH under the speed limit."

Funny stuff, especially when the speed limit is 25mph.

I just joined and when I read this-boy did it bring back memories!!! My parents are Jack and Sue and I remember living in the little green house with my own little play house on the front porch. I also remember the Damm's well. I really miss those days!!

Chrissy-Oh grampa's TBird's-I remember gramma and grampa making you take me along. I am sure your friends just loved me! Marin sends his love

[This message has been edited by Lisa Chapweske Cain (edited 4/7/2006).]

Hey Lisa,
I remember the T-Birds well and having you along for the ride..oh the miles we tacked on dragging Main! I learned how to spin donuts in one behind to football field with my friends in the car and got pulled over by Officer King by Lay Rite grilling me on the "number you pulled in daddy's Thunderbird". I was scared to death! Good times.

Give Marin my best...

Lisa, I remember you & Mary at your parents house by Sacred Heart. Were you with her when she wrecked mom & dads blue and white suburban? I still remember that night, she had on that bright blue fingernail polish. Amy

Or sneaking in AND out of Lisa's house....=)

Alright now Chuck as Lisa's aunt I have to ask what that was all about???

Amy-the stories I could tell you about Mary and I. Good memories and brings a smile to my face thinking about them. Chuck!!!! Have you forgotten what happens in the house-stays in the house!! lol.

One memory not mentioned about old Miles was the party line radio show. We used to call the Hap & Leotta hour because those two called up on it so much. And there was a radio show with Doc Holliday called " You and your state school" Back in the old days before it was called Pine Hills and everyone had to make sure they did not leave their keys in their cars or the little criminals would take it for a ride. Try and make a class reunion some time, it will be worth it. There is still some of the old Miles City left. Leif

What great memories!!! Whenever I see a "14 license plate" I wonder if I know that person - I haven't lived in MT since 1992

What about the jumbo shrimp and the big band music at the Crossroads - it was such a treat to get to go out there! Also getting to ride along with my brothers to the Red Rock Drive thru and getting burgers and shakes. They were the best ever made.

The North Door at the high school. I have fond memories of getting into lots of trouble down there with Deb Pluhar and Leah Jordan. Of course Mr. Walden would give us detention for being LOUD! in the halls. Pep assemblies in the gym before the BIG GAME!!

growing up in Miles City - can't wait to leave -- 30 years later can't wait to get back there to visit!

Dana (Two Harbors, Minnesota)

Nobody remembers live Rock 'n' Roll bands upstairs in the Eagles? I remember when my Dad got me in for free to see Chan Romero (all the way from Billings) do his hit "Hippy Hippy Shake". I think that was when he was on tour promoting "My Little Ruby" in '59 or '60. Does anybody remember who brought him to Miles?

Before Sandy Stewart there was a woman named Arlene Waddell who taught twirling at the Armory. Lots of girls learned to twirl a baton because of her. Her girls marched in all the parades in everything from bunny costumes to cowgirl outfits with white boots.

You know you're from Miles City when Bagpipers in cowboy boots don't suprise you.

speaking of wibuox park... my uncle ORLISS KARLSON(may god rest his soul) helped build the rest rooms in the park... when he owned the READY MIX...

[This message has been edited by grace t (edited 4/28/2006).]

The bowl was filled in 85. I remember a few class of 85 students getting in trouble for "out of school activities". They had to help fill in the bowl in before they could graduate.
Does anyone remember Tomalino's? Or does anyone remember the correct name of the store? It was one the same side as Bill's mini mart, before the mini mart was open. It was on the corner in that little building.
I also remember Mere Image. Jay Fuson I believe was in that band. I also came to the Sundance after the misshap of pirotechniques during the 86 BHS.
The ice cream shop behind the cellar was the Little Big Dipper. Cindy and I used to eat at Big Al's and then go get an ice cream cone before walking back to Wahington School.
You know you are form Miles City when you had to rent movies from Vince Hafla in the back of Dave Thompson's appliance shop.
Remember the Odessey? It was a few things after that and then Vince moved his video store there. The Park Theater had the closed off room that you could go in and watch the movie from behind the glass.

You know you are from Miles City when you can remember going to Clam's {Barney's} with your dad when you were a little tike.
[This message has been edited by smuri (edited 6/24/2006).]

[This message has been edited by smuri (edited 6/24/2006).]

Sis,

I remember Chubby's, me and my friends used to go there and play video games.

The bear statue at the driveway entrance to the Red Rock Village. The bowling alley by the Red Rock. (Red Rock Lanes?) Dr. Bock. Dr. Polk. Dr. Scarlett. Dr. Parke. Custer County Rest Home out in the valley.

You know you're from Miles City if you ate pizza in the little one-room buiding south of Parkers or were served a cherry coke at Foster's Drug by Gail Gibson, Lorraine Rumph or Gloria Deleco (sp).

If you had Mrs. Hicks or Mrs. Hall as a substitute teacher
If you walked all the way around Lincoln School on the ledge
If you remember "Sterling Loves Etta" and where you saw it
If you played the Jardine's mini-golf course next to the American Legion
If you were taught by Dr. Luther
If your taxi came from the Bison
If your first glasses were from Bensons
If you remember Krumpe's Welding shop

My dad bought me my first, favorite comic book (a giant Star Wars #1) from The Bean Bag.

I used to dash from my house to the Wibaux Park pool (when it was the circular cement pool) and the summers were so hot you couldn't stay on the sidewalk very long in bare feet... lots of hopping on the grass or standing on your towel - it made for a quick three block dash.

I remember being dazzled by the pink/purple lights of the Redrock Supper Club during an Easter dinner.

I watched my friend Gary have to help fill in the CCDHS bowl with rock as part of his summertime punishment for "borrowing" a fire extinguisher from the Senior hall on the last day of school that year.

My mom purchased my first lesson books for piano lessons from The Melody Shop from Preston and Louise (he was always playing his violin) when I started taking lessons from Hazel Cooper.

Yes, I walked all around Lincoln School on the ledge and that included the exterior drinking fountains AND downstair stairwells.

...about ten of my old, blue, Super Balls are stuck on top of Lincoln.

I played Deer Hunter and Bowling at the Airport Inn before lunch every Sunday after church (unless we went out for dinner at the old, nicer Pizza Hut).

Gary Ensign sang and played guitar to us in grade school class on Fridays.

I played Lazer Tag in the high school overnight with a big Key Club 'onvernighter' fun sleepover (supervised by Scott Andrews).

I had a crush as a kindergartener on Misses Jennings at Jefferson School. Of course, so did most of the boys.

I also recall how fashionable "bomb scares" were that year (circa 1975) as we were often pulled out of Jefferson School and had to stand across the street at the little church on the corner.

I played on the playground at Washington Middle School before the big gymnasium was ever there. I also had to come inside after dark when I heard the civil-defense siren go off for evening curfew.

The Halloween night haunted house tour that cost a dollar... had to stand in line in the alley by the Melody Shop... slide down into the basement of some store... it used to scare me.

The Little Dipper ice cream place was great - so was the pizza you could take home and bake.

Greatest pizzas came from either the old Airport Inn or Little Big Men/Cellar... and the Cellar also had excellent bean with bacon soup.

I wasted too much time and money at the Odyssey from the day it opened its door all through high school. Between Centipede, Robotron, Dragon's Lair and the pizza and nachos... I could buy a car with that money now.

Several of us in Mr. Walden's engineering and drafting class would dash to Bill's Minit Market or Gerri's Cakewalk during class for doughnut runs. The correct bribe for Dee was a maple bear-claw which we gladly provided.

[This message has been edited by Dan Mowry (edited 6/25/2006).]

You know you are from Miles City, when you are driving home from Billings on I-94, see the billboard that reads, "Let's Drive to Glendive"....and you chuckle to yourself, and think "those silly wankers"

Yes, I thought the bean and ham soup at LBM was great. I worked there after I graduated only to find it is just Campbells. What was the name of the arcade that was down where the Cellar is now? I remember getting free baby cones at the Airport Inn after a meal of combo pizza and finger steaks. I also love the coke up there. You also know you are from M.C. when you can recall your mom talking about how cute Dr. Batey at Garbenson Clinic was. Also getting free saftey suckers after a Dr.'s appt there. And your dentist used to give you a coupon to the D.Q. I would ride my bike from Dr. Haynes straight to the D.Q. Yes, you could go to the dentist all by yourself, go to the D.Q.,and still have time to play OUTSIDE all before dinner. You also know you are form M.C. when a feild trip to Fort Keogh and the Range Riders was great.Who can forget Triangle Park? When the Pepsi building was Safeway. I also recall going to school a few half Saturdays because the the bomb scares.
VAL

[This message has been edited by smuri (edited 6/25/2006).]

[This message has been edited by smuri (edited 6/25/2006).]

If you remember the mynah bird at the Creme Barber Shop.
Or perhaps the bighorn sheep in the front window of the Montana Bar.

If you remember the Green Lady, God, Iron B----- carrying his bike, and Bobby Kenny riding his bike. I still see Bobby riding his bike every time I go home. If you remember the 600 bar being downstairs. Riding your bike at the Honda trails. Half moon park. Climbing the hill in your vehicle at South Gate.

Val,

Is Jon Stone still around?

I believe he passed away. I had completely forgotten about the green lady.

Jeremy,
He passed away about a year ago.

I think the green ladies name was Mrs. Gackel or something on that order.???

Does anyone else remember a guy nicknamed "Lip Therapy?" How about a guy nicknamed "9 Iron" not to be confused with "Iron Balls." This guy carried a 9 Iron with him on his bike and threatened to beat up little kids. There was also the twins...Rob and Ron Hendrick (sp?)...they were sweet kids.

Sorry to hear about John Stone....milkman gone crazy.

John Stone was definitely a memorable guy, as are a lot of things in this thread like the rollercade and KATL switching frequencies. I remember sitting up on a hill in a pickup with my Dad when that happened and we could barely pick it up on the old frequency and it came through loud and clear on the new one (50 miles from town up on high point near Knowlton). I remember the first thing they said (I think) was "I changed my dial" and then had a contest where people were supposed to call in and say "I changed my dial" to win a prize.

Besides John Stone and the bicycle guy, I seem to remember a guy that dressed like a leprechaun and carried a guitar on his back and made his way somehow, by the bus or hitchhiking, between Billings and Miles City fairly often. One of those things that is so odd I question my memory when I tell people about it. Anyone else remember this? Please tell me this wasn't just a hallucination.

The "you know you're in Montana" thing I always think of, although it doesn't just apply to MC is...

You know you're in Montana when someone calls you from 100 miles away and says "I'll be there in an hour".

Mere Image.....members....Jay Fuson played once with us in a battle of the bands that KATL put on at the fairgrounds during the fair...1982..maybe.....original members from Miles City...Rick Tobin, lead vocals, Denis Leidholt, drums, Tom Childers, Lead guitar, Steve Sullivan,guitar...and Eric Swanson on bass.....the only one living in Miles is good old Denis "Western Gaming" Leidholt...Jay, I believe, teaches guitar in Billings....Sullivan was in a bar band a few years back...Swanson writes music for video games in LA area, Childers is insurance adjuster in Pennsylvania and I'm an executive chef at a big convention center in Sioux Falls...thanks.....talk of a reunion sometime has never materialized....but we did do about 2 hours of original music in our shows......

Rick Tobin - That's a name I haven't heard in a while!

I remember Mere Image- does anyone remeber TIME out of Missoula?

Shot putter was another famoues roamer of MC Streets along with incest Petey.

Incest Petey....a.k.a. "Mainstreet Pete"?????

Shot Putter???? I do not remember him.

There was another cat I remember that we used to call Vietnam. Whether he was ever in Vietnam or not, I couldn't say, but I do remember seeing him once taking a dookie in the bathroonm at the Log Cabin Bar. He was growling and had a Bowie knife in between his teeth.

Levi,
Maybe you are having halllucinations from riding around in circles on the wooden horse merry go round upstairs at NZ Shoes. I spose too many times around could play with the mind.

deer slayer,
9 Iron. Was he the guy that had the 3 wheel bike? If so, he actually broke his neck at Riverside Park. He tipped his bike down one of the hills. Anyway, that is the story I remember. Also I checked into why Glendive sucks. Very funny. Waste of gas to even go there. I do have to say I used to love to go the drag races there many years ago.

Rick,
Jay was in a band here in Billings called Rumor Has It with my ex- husband. They were great. Of coarse I would say that. Anyhow, we used to have alot of fun. I met my ex when they were playing bucking horse sale in M.C. Gosh that was maybe 89-90-91. It is soooo hard to remember. Anyway, I was home from college that weekend for the sale of coarse. I have not seen Jay for a very long time. So, you know you are from M.C... If you can talk with someone you don't even know and some how you are connected by just a few names. Small world.

[This message has been edited by Val Wilson (edited 6/26/2006).]

You also know you are from M.C. if you remember the old Range Riders Bar sign. The neon horse with the cowboy.

Val,

I did ride that merry-go-round more than once. No one told me it was hallucinogenic though, I suppose nowadays it would have to have a warning sticker.

>>I seem to remember a guy that dressed like a leprechaun and carried a guitar on his back and made his way somehow, by the bus or hitchhiking, between Billings and Miles City fairly often.


That sounds like it could have been Terry Beard, a.k.a. Tommy the Leprechaun. If he ever wished you a fantasmagorical day, then it was Terry.

He passed away in June of 2003.
http://www.missoulian.com...rt3826.txt
http://www.missoulian.com...news03.txt

He traveled a lot between the Twin Cities and Seattle, but spent most of his time in Montana.

Here's a photo of him when he was still healthy and doing his thing:
http://www.hartcreek.com/...echaun.jpg

Thank you Hal! I am not insane after all. Those were pretty good articles. Sounds like he was more eccentric than crazy, and a good person. Too bad about his death, it's hard to imagine how a guy who was practically a transient could afford 3 packs of cigarettes a day.

With him and John Stone gone, are there no next-generation crazies taking over their duties roaming the streets of Miles City?

>>Thank you Hal!

No problem Levi.

I knew Terry for 10 or 15 years. He was a good man. Many people looked at him and thought he was a homeless bum or too "ill" to live a "normal life." Truth was, he found a way to make a living as a street entertainer . . . he earned a livable wage working on his own terms and he called no man "boss". That was good enough for him. He was an interesting man to sit down and talk with. Making his living as he did, he saw a lot about human nature that many of us miss out on.

The famous Miles City Mynah bird (if it is the same one) was named Joe, and he was given to my Grandma Myrtle "Giggy" Johnson circa 1978. He sang the words "I like Miles City" and would often ask you "what's the price?" I don't remember who owned it before she got him, but I know that he lived in a local business. Once, my whole grade school class from Jefferson elementary walked over to my house (some kind of field trip) to look at Joe. I also took Joe to the KYUS studio to appear on one of Dave's shows. Joe died shortly before my Grandma did around 1982.

Some serious nostalgia being activated here - here are a few of my "you know you're from Miles City when..." bits:

- You remember Bill's Minit Market at both locations (a block from each other on East Main).

- You've ever gone to the dangerous flumes near 12-mile dam to dive in...(yes, a kid nearly drowned there...I don't remember his name, but a classmate of mine named Keith Scheeler saved his life with CPR..this inspired Keith to eventually become a paramedic).

- You remember that the mexican restaurant that briefly existed on Haynes Ave was called "Dos Banditos".

- You frequented the Bean Bag store because what little change you had in your pocket got you a lot of candy and stuff.

- You remember the creepy music that came from Howard Letke's (God rest) ice cream truck.

- You remember the Kappes' at the Melody Shop.

- You remember a very full house of Chris and Bernetta Christopherson's kids (18 altogether). I'm told the youngest, Tina, is about to get married.

- You've ever eaten, even once, at my late uncle Appy's "Shish Kebab" restaurant when it was next to Parker's Bar and across the street from the old police station, or stopped his "Shish Kebab truck" for a treat the year or 2 it existed.

- You remember playing with the toys you wish your parents could buy for you at Rasco Tempo.

- You visited Woolworth's before it became Ben Franklin.

- You remember an almost-as-full house of Dick and Jane Bonine's kids (13 altogether).

- You at least knew someone who took piano lessons at that house on Montana, just off Main, next to the big Presbyterian Church.

- You've eaten a Paco from the Crystal Pistol.

- You or a friend got a haircut or hairdo at Miles City Beauty College when Ms. South ran it.

- You once called-in, or had dedicated to you, a song at night on KATL's "Miller Request Line".

- You remember when the Greyhound bus stop was on Main Street below the Milligan Hotel.

- You've ever been inside McDonald's (the clothing store, not the fast food place).

- You sadly remember Both the Sacred Heart Shamrocks and Custer County Cowboys missing their chance to become co-state football champions in '82 when both lost close semifinal playoff games to Whitehall and Stevensville, respectively.

- You sadly remember a rash of fires that destroyed places such as the El Robo Building, the Aloha Lounge, and a few others.

- You remember how a few teenage girls went "gaa-gaa" over a handsome young man named Dan Pius.

- You ever attended "Battle of the Bands" at the Eastern Montana Fair.

- You never went to, but heard wild stories about, a certain bar on Main Street called the "Sports Page".

- You happen to know that the lady who ran the donut shop near Custer High was Geri Kellum.

- You still cringe to this day remembering visits to Dr. Pellet's dentist office. (my wisdom tooth extraction was the worst! Youch!)

- You remember going to the Safeway that used to be where Blue Rock Distributing now is.

- You remember seeing Bill Newhouse at Mavericks games when he was still with us.

- You frequented Benasky's news stand.

- You Remember When Blue Caboose Travel Service was ACTUALLY IN a blue caboose!

- You remember Bobby Kenny and his walkie-talkie.

- You remember that the arcade that used to be where the Cellar now is was called Arnie's Arcade.

- You actually remember seeing John Stone when he was a milkman.

I got a few others, but that's enough for now.

NOTE TO TERRY VIRAG: Terry, I was just in Miles City last week for my high school reunion (the last class to graduate from Sacred Heart before the High School Closed). I stopped-in to KATL to say hi, but you weren't there. I did say hi to Don, though. I hope all's well with you. Take care, Shu Pius

"- You remember an almost-as-full house of Dick and Jane Bonine's kids (13 altogether)."

The funny thing is that we never all lived there at the same time. I was gone by the time Gary was born.

Okay, here goes...

- You remember Bill's Minit Market at both locations (a block from each other on East Main).

Remember only the last one, when home to visit the folks.

- You've ever gone to the dangerous flumes near 12-mile dam to dive in...(yes, a kid nearly drowned there...I don't remember his name, but a classmate of mine named Keith Scheeler saved his life with CPR..this inspired Keith to eventually become a paramedic).

The flumes were toast before I got advanced enough in age to drive out there. Got a great "sunburn" out there later with Stan Elison from Sacret Heart...


- You remember that the mexican restaurant that briefly existed on Haynes Ave was called "Dos Banditos".

Nope, missed that one.


- You frequented the Bean Bag store because what little change you had in your pocket got you a lot of candy and stuff.

Never had any change to visit the Bean Bag... remember it though.


- You remember the creepy music that came from Howard Letke's (God rest) ice cream truck.

Who? What year was this?


- You remember the Kappes' at the Melody Shop.

Knew them well. Played as a kid with Leon and did electronics stuff with Preston. Thought both parents were great. Why did Ralph Hartse send his music students elsewhere for instruments and music? Maybe after 40 years someone can say?


- You remember a very full house of Chris and Bernetta Christopherson's kids (18 altogether). I'm told the youngest, Tina, is about to get married.

No memeory


- You've ever eaten, even once, at my late uncle Appy's "Shish Kebab" restaurant when it was next to Parker's Bar and across the street from the old police station, or stopped his "Shish Kebab truck" for a treat the year or 2 it existed.

Not in "my time"


- You remember playing with the toys you wish your parents could buy for you at Rasco Tempo.

No.

- You visited Woolworth's before it became Ben Franklin.

God, yes. Saw the soda fountain. Never had money to use it.


- You remember an almost-as-full house of Dick and Jane Bonine's kids (13 altogether).

Who?


- You at least knew someone who took piano lessons at that house on Montana, just off Main, next to the big Presbyterian Church.

Esther Bensen, or Mommy B you mean. Ms. Klamm did her overflow. EB know all five Beethoven piano concertos from memory, as well as a lot more.


- You've eaten a Paco from the Crystal Pistol.

Nope, after my time


- You or a friend got a haircut or hairdo at Miles City Beauty College when Ms. South ran it.

No

- You once called-in, or had dedicated to you, a song at night on KATL's "Miller Request Line".

No, but my older sister did a call in deal while in high school, doing dedications from the "Roman 5" that had the whole school in a frenzy. Sorry Barb for spilling the beans... they've been secret for 40-50 years... I think.


- You remember when the Greyhound bus stop was on Main Street below the Milligan Hotel.

Absolutely. Remember as a kid walking home from the swimming pool, looking at the destination boards of Seattle and New York and thinking great thoughts. I've since been to both, nothing to talk about.


- You've ever been inside McDonald's (the clothing store, not the fast food place).

Nope

- You sadly remember Both the Sacred Heart Shamrocks and Custer County Cowboys missing their chance to become co-state football champions in '82 when both lost close semifinal playoff games to Whitehall and Stevensville, respectively.

I was long gone by then...


- You sadly remember a rash of fires that destroyed places such as the El Robo Building, the Aloha Lounge, and a few others.

I saw the Wibaux building go up, that was all. Did it with Marc Hartse, who was staying with me while his parents were doing the big Rose Bowl Parade with the CCHS band.


- You remember how a few teenage girls went "gaa-gaa" over a handsome young man named Dan Pius.

Who!?


- You ever attended "Battle of the Bands" at the Eastern Montana Fair.

Was this in Ralph's days?


- You never went to, but heard wild stories about, a certain bar on Main Street called the "Sports Page".

Nope.


- You happen to know that the lady who ran the donut shop near Custer High was Geri Kellum.

I'm getting old.


- You still cringe to this day remembering visits to Dr. Pellet's dentist office. (my wisdom tooth extraction was the worst! Youch!)

Bundy was my dentist, sorry.


- You remember going to the Safeway that used to be where Blue Rock Distributing now is.

Oh yes. As a Boy Scout I pestered "customers" to let me put a bumper sticker on their car for a donation to some charity or another. Hit up Ms Mogel (sp?) my 5th grade teacher from Lincoln School, and her companion for a donation..


- You remember seeing Bill Newhouse at Mavericks games when he was still with us.

Nope, sorry


- You frequented Benasky's news stand.

After my time..


- You Remember When Blue Caboose Travel Service was ACTUALLY IN a blue caboose!

My mom used them back then..


- You remember Bobby Kenny and his walkie-talkie.

Nope

- You remember that the arcade that used to be where the Cellar now is was called Arnie's Arcade.

Nope

- You actually remember seeing John Stone when he was a milkman.

Nope

I got a few others, but that's enough for now.

NOTE TO TERRY VIRAG: Terry, I was just in Miles City last week for my high school reunion (the last class to graduate from Sacred Heart before the High School Closed). I stopped-in to KATL to say hi, but you weren't there. I did say hi to Don, though. I hope all's well with you. Take care, Shu Pius

I was in Terry's class and did electronics stuff with him way back when.

Cheers,

Jon

I remember John Stone from my early years when he was "normal." John's son of the same name was a classmate from first grade at Garfield to Senior at CCDHS. He took us fishing, at the trout pond out by cammel back, and iceskating behind the ball park. I spent many evenings at their house playing vollyball and such.
John and his brother "got religon" one day. I seem to remember some stories about failed healing attempts preformed by one or the other.
I saw John chasing a wheel with a stick out at the track by MCC (some kind of sport I guess) back in the 80's. I've seen him preaching to the courthouse late at night. Last talked to John in July of 2004, he still seemed to be the same guy I knew as a child, every time we spoke, his mind was clear, his eyes were bright, would have never known he had changed had I not heard the stories and seen it with my own eyes. I'm sorry to hear he's gone.
John G Wilson

Reading some of the stories about remembering Miles City - brought some new places to my mind - how about the Ten Spot on highway #10, when Safeway's and Reynold's stores were on Main St. between 8th & 9th. The Liberty Theatre and the nice Sweet shops at both the Liberty & Montana Theatres. Also the Sweetheart Bakery next to the Montana Theatre. Oh, so many places to remember. I enjoyed the picture of the new water tower - pretty fancy! Betty Carter O'Brien

You know you are from Miles City when you can listen to Shakespeare and sheep bleeting at the same time.

Here's one more:

You know you're from Miles City if you remember delivering the Star when you were a kid and then getting angry because Mr. Hawke would take away half a month's pay if you accidentally missed a house or 2.

Anybody remember sliding down the hills of Pumping Plant Park on cardboard--or better yet, taking art classes in the backrooms of the Gallery during summer vacation as a kid?

Oh yes-I remember both. We would have our family picnics at the pumping plant and spend hours on the little hills-was soo much fun! Those were the days. From there we went to going down our stairs, found that bean bag chairs made alot of mess!

I remember the mini golf course-my dad and I would have super saturday's and that was one of the places we would go. I really wish Miles City would get something like that back again. As a town we really need some activities and that was one that was fun for all ages.

dick sorenson and I remember the monkey!

You know you are from Miles City when:

- You remember Bill's Mini Market at both locations (a block from each other on East Main).

I just remember the one.


- You've ever gone to the dangerous flumes near 12-mile dam to dive in...(yes, a kid nearly drowned there...I don't remember his name, but a classmate of mine named Keith Scheeler saved his life with CPR..this inspired Keith to eventually become a paramedic).

We used to park out by the flumes, but I never went swimming in them-too smart, maybe?

- You remember that the mexican restaurant that briefly existed on Haynes Ave was called "Dos Banditos".

Nope-after my time.

- You frequented the Bean Bag store because what little change you had in your pocket got you a lot of candy and stuff.

No, I went to Herb's Superette when I wanted candy.

- You remember the creepy music that came from Howard Letke's (God rest) ice cream truck.

Definitely--

- You remember the Kappes' at the Melody Shop.

Used to shop for records there all the time-and bought my first and second guitars there.

- You remember a very full house of Chris and Bernetta Christopherson's kids (18 altogether). I'm told the youngest, Tina, is about to get married.

Nope.

- You've ever eaten, even once, at my late uncle Appy's "Shish Kebab" restaurant when it was next to Parker's Bar and across the street from the old police station, or stopped his "Shish Kebab truck" for a treat the year or 2 it existed.

Nope.

- You remember playing with the toys you wish your parents could buy for you at Rasco Tempo.

No, but I still have playing cards I bought there-they were plastic, wonderful, and virtually indestructible. We have four decks.which will probably be passed down forever!

- You visited Woolworth's before it became Ben Franklin.

- Used to get sodas there.


- You remember an almost-as-full house of Dick and Jane Bonine's kids (13 altogether).

There were Bonines' everywhere.even in my class!
-

- You at least knew someone who took piano lessons at that house on Montana, just off Main, next to the big Presbyterian Church.

I took piano lessons from Esther Benson, or "Mommy B" as she had us call her. I remember her visiting us in Norway, and couldn't believe how cosmopolitan Miles Citians are-go to Europe-you'll meet someone from Miles City somewhere!

- You've eaten a Paco from the Crystal Pistol.

After my time, sorry.

- You or a friend got a haircut or hairdo at Miles City Beauty College when Ms. South ran it.

Oh yes, we had to try it out.
-
- You once called-in, or had dedicated to you, a song at night on KATL's "Miller Request Line".

(Jon Boe wrote)No, but my older sister did a call in deal while in high school, doing dedications from the "Roman 5" that had the whole school in a frenzy. Sorry Barb for spilling the beans... they've been secret for 40-50 years... I think.

- Thanks, Jon, for letting the secret out! I used to anchor Spinners Sanctum and play requests, and later on I sang on the radio on the show that Charlie Lee had from the Radar Base.still have photos and notes from that time in a scrapbook somewhere.

- You remember when the Greyhound bus stop was on Main Street below the Milligan Hotel.

Used to walk past it often.

- You've ever been inside McDonald's (the clothing store, not the fast food place).

- Yes, I remember shopping there occasionally with my mom.
-

- You sadly remember Both the Sacred Heart Shamrocks and Custer County Cowboys missing their chance to become co-state football champions in '82 when both lost close semifinal playoff games to Whitehall and Stevensville, respectively.

- I remember the Shamrocks and the Cowboys, but probably not the particular incidents you are referring to. There was a friendly rivalry between the two schools, but CCHS was so much larger than Sacred Heart we didn't compete in the same classes in sports when I attended CCHS.


- You sadly remember a rash of fires that destroyed places such as the El Robo Building, the Aloha Lounge, and a few others.

Nope-I must have been gone by then.

- You remember how a few teenage girls went "gaa-gaa" over a handsome young man named Dan Pius.

Nope.sorry!

- You ever attended "Battle of the Bands" at the Eastern Montana Fair.

No, but I did manage to make one Bucking Horse Sale in 1968.

- You never went to, but heard wild stories about, a certain bar on Main Street called the "Sports Page".

No-I was too young to go to bars.

- You happen to know that the lady who ran the donut shop near Custer High was Geri Kellum.

What donut shop?

- You still cringe to this day remembering visits to Dr. Pellet's dentist office. (my wisdom tooth extraction was the worst! Youch!)

My dentist was Dr. Bundy.

- You remember going to the Safeway that used to be where Blue Rock Distributing now is.

Yes, I went there with my mom sometimes.

- You remember seeing Bill Newhouse at Mavericks games when he was still with us.

Nope.

- You frequented Benasky's news stand.

Nope.


- You Remember When Blue Caboose Travel Service was ACTUALLY IN a blue caboose!

My mother used them sometimes for her travel arrangements.

- You remember Bobby Kenny and his walkie-talkie.
Nope.

- You remember that the arcade that used to be where the Cellar now is was called Arnie's Arcade.

No.
-
- You actually remember seeing John Stone when he was a milkman.

No, never did.

I guess I relate more to posts about the underpass flooding, the bowl being an ice-skating rink in the wintertime with an old boxcar as the warming house. I remember the wading pool in Wibaux Park, and walking to the swimming pool in the summer-first for lessons, and later for swim team practice, and later for work as a lifeguard. I remember the Barn Theater, and all the plays, and the many days I spent selling tickets in front of Foster Drug. I also had to work the box office at the theater on production nights. Never quite got the smell out of my system, and even today seeing a live theater performance makes me long to "get back into it". I have been gone from Miles City for forty years, and yes, I was just there in April. I moved to San Diego, North Dakota, and Minnesota, and still ended up moving back to Montana. I like the way people think and live here-we take time for our lives, enjoy our neighbors and friends, and the beautiful scenery that is part of this state. Even Eastern Montana has great beauty (although I must confess that I did not see it when I lived there) that I can appreciate today.

Thanks for the memories.

Barbara Boe Anderson

Thanks for bringing up Dr. Bundy. Was trying to think of his name. Craig Bundy, if you are out there, please let me know.

The Greyhound Bus stop was on Main Street, but was located under the Miles-Howard, not the Milligan Hotel. The Milligan was on the corner, across the street.

I was a bellhop at the Miles Howard and recall the Greyhound stopping there on its daily passes through Miles city.

Fred South

You remember:

The Sanitary Dairy truck dropping off milk at your home in the morning and someone having to go get it before it froze during the winter.

The dry cleaning place, cannot remember the name, delivering your dad's shirts.

Request line at night at KATL. Remember the night Ann Howard called in and asked for "Bathroom on the RIght"? She meant Bad Moon Arising and remembered the line (wrongly) that said "bad moon on the rise".

Howard Letke drinking coffee in class with that little finger sticking straight out. Also he showed "The Battle of Stalingrad" over and over and over.

The old Sawyers on 7th, the Bean Bag on Main, and Andy's Grocery on the North side where popsicles sold very fast on summer days.

When the library was one of the few cool places to go in summer.

Dragging main.

Mrs. Vallach in the school library.

Going into Woolworth's in your bikini to get a Cherry Coke after sunbathing at Spotted Eagle.

Backing Darryl South's new yellow car into Spotted Eagle (never knew that did you Darryl?)

People in the trunk of the car to get into the drive in free.

Buying records at the Melody Shop. My mom made me take "Light My Fire" back and exchange it for a more "appropriate record" and I chose "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife" by Wayne Newton.

Bobbi Durst, Terri Tonn, and THE sleepover adventure when my parents were out of town.

Climbing the swimming pool fence with Mike Rogers at night.

DQ with Steve Carter (who is now my BIL) and Dave Woolhiser and having strawberry sodas. No other DQ could or can make them like those Miles City ones.

The little brown grocery store across from Lincoln school.

Walking home from Lincoln school in second grade, all holding hands and crying because JFK had been killed.

Yep, Shorty and the band in the gaslight. Oh, the stories I could tell!

Green olive pizza and pinball at the Airport Inn.

Endless memories!!!

"I chose "Dreams of the Everyday Housewife" by Wayne Newton."

Umm... As a life long member of the "Keepers Of Odd Knowledge", I thought that was a Glen Campbell song?

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr (edited 8/26/2006).]

Lincoln Grocery was a great place. We bought our whole week's groceries there. I remember we would spend $50 and have a car full of paper sacks! As for the Gaslite and Short Spang, some of my best memories. As for Crazy Roy Watson, if you're out there say hello!

Not only can you still find everything by memory, but nearly with your eyes closed. My husband (Dan, he has made a post on here also)and I grew up in MC and I close my eyes sometimes when I am really homesick and picture myself walking to the pool at riverside park or going fishing out at fort keogh, where I used to live. We are hoping to come home soon for a visit, and coming here makes me more homesick wishing I could come home tomorrow.

....Theres no place like home.

There are a lot of things that I dont remember, but I do remember clearly being at the drive in and watching a really scarry movie with my Aunt. I cant recall the name. I have so many fond memories and somewhat wish I had never left.

[This message has been edited by Heather Mowry (Darling) (edited 8/27/2006).]

[This message has been edited by Heather Mowry (Darling) (edited 8/27/2006).]

You know you are from Miles City when----- KATL was KRJF We called it Krazy Rats & Jolly Farts

You know your in Miles City when you see officer King retreat to the safety of his car when somebody is having too much fun with a bullwhip (initials only - L.R.)is being told to go home and sleep it off.

The "Ten Spot" cafe was the place to go. We would sit there for hours drinking coffee and smoking "lucky Strikes" watching the drunks roll in when the bars closed.

Do you remember Norm Clark from Terry? Norm wrote a sports column for the "Star" before moving on to the "Gazette". Norm is now in Las Vegas writing a gossip column for the Las Vegas Journal-Review. Last season he had a "walk-on" on the TV show "Las Vegas". Still kickin'and now getting paid to party.

I just got to thinking this a.m. about the Ten Cent Drug Store on Main Street. I can't remember who owned it or where it was but am sure Pete, you will know. If so, let me know about it as that is where my parents would buy their Drug needs. I remember Mrs. Murphy worked there too. Thanks for any info - Betty Carter O'Brien

Hey Betty,
The Ten Cent Drug was owned by George Murphy and a Mr. Thompson, I can't think of his first name. I think both of their wives worked there. After George got out of the business I think Thompson ran the business as Thompson Rexall Drug. You probably knew the Murphy girls, Gail, who married Jack Mcguire, and Gladys, who married Art Braut.
Pete

So I grew up here, moved away for 4 years and am back now, but I do not remember the Penquin (guess I am not that old) but is there still a penquin?