Early entrepreneur Thomas C. Power's steamer "Helena" on the Missouri River, 1870s. Note the Block P symbol between the stacks. The "Helena" was one of several steamers operated by Power, who was initially based in Fort Benton before moving to Helena in 1873. A native of Iowa with a degree in engineering, Power first came to Montana in the early 1860s as part of a surveying party. When he arrived in Fort Benton (the head of navigation on the Missouri), he saw the potential for trade, and eventually opened a general merchandise store there.

THOMAS C. POWER

Power's interests quickly grew. In addition to building and operating trade steamers on the Missouri, he established a stagecoach line between Helena and Fort Benton in 1879. His interests diversified into banking and livestock. In 1890, along with Wilbur F. Sanders, Power became one of the first Senators from the State of Montana. His Power Block, Diamond Block , and Steamboat Block still stand in Helena.

An undated Cut Bank Pioneer Press article talks about one George Miller, who made a trip from Bismarck to Fort Benton aboard the steamer Red Cloud in 1881. The article tells Miller's tale of his memorable landing in Fort Benton:

Thirteen days after leaving Bismarck, the Red Cloud churned its way up to the landing at Fort Benton and [George Miller] was treated to his first sight of real rough stuff. The mate of the boat, a man named Star, took his station at the gangway to see that the disembarking took place without accident. It was the rule that all passengers should be ashore from the up trip before the boat received visitors or passengers from land.

A man approached the shore end of the gangway and started to come aboard, but had not gone far before the mate ordered him back. The response was a short laugh as he continued up the gangway, and faced the mate. Without a word, the mate drew a revolver from his pocket and fired it point blank in the man's face, shattering his jaw.

The wounded man was taken ashore and given medical aid and, although he recovered, his lower jaw was always distorted. His name, or rather, his nickname, was "Happy" Oakly.

THANKS TO THE WEBSITE OF CONNIE LENZEN

Stereoview of a pack train in Prickly Pear Canyon (Wolf Creek Canyon). Before the coming of the railroads in the 1880s, this toll road from Fort Benton was the main shipping route into Helena. Heavy rain and snow sometimes made the canyon road impassable, and incoming freight would be held up at Wolf Creek.

Note: If you unfocus your eyes as you may have done for the popular "Magic Eye" posters, you can see stereoscope photos in 3-D without the use of a viewer.

Superimposed on a recent satellite photo is the footprint of the demolished portion of the Epsom Buildings, which for decades housed many of Helena's automobile dealerships, most notably Anderson Motors and Capital Ford.

The Empson Buildings, built by Colorado-based businessman John Howard Empson between 1917 and 1922, also included the still-standing Park Hotel group to the east, seen above. The only remnant of the "Auto Row" buildings is the smokestack from the heating plant, which supplied heat to the entire development.

John Empson's other great Helena accomplishment was as the leader in funding the construction of the 1918 YWCA building, located at the corner of Park Ave. and Placer. But Empson is probably most remembered for founding the Empson Cannery in Longmont, Colorado -- vegetables from which were frequently seen on the shelves of Helena grocers. You can live there now, if you want.

The AA Garage and Equipment Co. was located in the former streetcar barns at the south end of Main St., where the former (1970s) Federal Building now stands. They offered automobile repair and storage, and wrecker service. In the 1950's they were also a dealer for International Harvester trucks and appliances.

In front of the Garage is the old silver bell from the fire tower, which in 1951 was placed on display in front of the Civic Center.

These wonderful 1940s photos are courtesy of Chris Warren. His father, William L. Warren, was employed at the AA Garage, and is pictured below. Many thanks, Chris!

"After WWii, my dad returned to Helena, reopened Consumer's Service at 734 N. Main and added a Whizzer Bike dealership. This photo is likely 1945. Corner of 14th and North Main."

The view today.

Thanks, Nancy, for the great photos and story. There are more interesting shots from Nancy's collection featured elsewhere on this site.

Stereoview of Cromwell Dixon and his airplane at the Montana State Fairgounds, September 30, 1911. Dixon was a nineteen year old aviator from Columbus, Ohio. On September 30, he became the first pilot to fly across the Continental Divide. The young pilot took off from the fairgrounds at Helena and landed thirty-four minutes later in a field near Blossberg, some 17 miles to the west. Dixon wired the officals at the fairgrounds that he had landed safely, refueled his bamboo and fabric aircraft, and lifted off for his return flight to Helena.

CROMWELL DIXON

Strong tail winds aided his return; and after circling the fairgrounds twice, he landed safely. Governor Edwin Norris proclaimed Dixon "The World's Greatest Aviator" and presented him a check for $10,000. Dixon died just two days later when his plane crashed in Spokane, Washington.

"The Spirit of St. Louis" at the first Helena airport, September 6 1927. Shortly after his solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, Charles A. Lindbergh made a three-month cross-country tour of America in his Ryan monoplane, sponsored by wealthy aviation enthusiast Harry Guggenheim.

CHARLES A. LINDBERGH

On Sept. 6, Lindbergh flew from Butte to Helena via the Swan Lake Valley, Glacier National Park, and Great Falls. The trip took nearly seven hours. In Helena, Lindbergh landed at what is now the Bill Roberts Golf Course. He was greeted by Governor John E. Erickson and Mayor Percy Witmer, and was driven to the Fairgrounds where he gave a short speech and greeted the public. The Mayor and Governor took him on a tour around the city, and he participated in a parade that was held in his honor.

The next day, Lindberg flew back to Butte via Billings and Yellowstone Park. The flight took six hours.

These beautiful 1938 photos of the Helena Municipal Airport terminal were sent in by Charlie Beaton, who writes: "I grew up in Helena and my Dad moved there in 1938 as a radio operator for Northwest Airlines. Here are a few photos my Dad took of the original airport terminal in 1938."

Many thanks to Charlie for sharing these images.