Short Business Histories of Towns Varied Firms
Eliel brothers from 1868 founded Dillon enterprises starting in Cheyenne and Ogden and expanded with rail lines by 1882. They opened a first Dillon store and built brick buildings for the town’s early growth and plan a new modern store for their 70th anniversary. Dart Hardware traces from Bannack to Dillon with multiple ownership changes and a 1917 storefront update.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Eliel
Leonard Eliel
Lambert, Jr
Cheyenne
Wyo
Ogden
Utah
Adolph Eliel
Dillon
Daly’s Spur
Frank
Idaho Streets
State Bank of Dillon's Name Change and Early Founders
The State Bank of Dillon began in 1899 with incorporators F. L. Graves A. F. Graeter Joseph Shineberger Martin Barrett William Roe and A. L. Stone and a $50,000 capital. It changed its name to State Bank and Trust Company on May 6 1927. Current president is R. M. Barrett, son of Martin Barrett, and cashier Malcolm Stone is son of A. L. Stone.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
State Bank of
Dillon
F. L. Graves
A. F. Graeter
Joseph Shineberger
Martin Barrett
William Roe
A. L. Stone
State Bank and Trust Company
R. M. Barrett
Malcolm Stone
Dillon Feed and Seed history in Dillon Montana
The Dillon Feed and Seed operated as the grain department of a long standing Dillon store. Founded 1879 by L. C. Fuhrie as Montana Mercantile, it ran under O. M. Best then Alfred Cashmore until 1914, later bought by Harry Anderson in 1941 and moved across Montana Street. The grocery section closed, with the store now part of Eliel's.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dillon Feed and Seed
Dillon Feed and Seed Store
Dillon’s
L. C. Fuhrie
Montana Mercantile
Eliel’s Furniture Department
O. M. Best
Alfred Cashmore
Harry Anderson
Montana Street
Eliel’s
Hazelbaker Insurance and Abstract Firms History
The Hazelbaker firms trace to 1915 founder Frank A. Hazelbaker. In the 1930s he led First National bank insurance, died 1939. His widow managed from 1943, acquiring Pearl I Smith agency in 1943 and W. F. Cashmore in 1945. The business is now run by Mrs F A Hazelbaker and Frank W Hazelbaker.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Frank A. Hazelbaker
Hazelbaker
First National Bank
Beaverhead Lumber Co Begins 26th Year Under New Manager
Beaverhead Lumber marks 26th year since 1911 founding by Largey Lumber of Butte. H. S. Gimble led the firm until 1925 when J. C. Wedum became manager with son John J. Wedum assisting. Office and store improvements underway expected to finish by fall.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Beaverhead Lumber, CO
Beaverhead Lumber Company
Largey Lumber Company
Butte
H. S. Gimble
J. C. Wedum
John J. Wedum
Lovell Company Founder Histories Local Dealership Move
Phillip Lovell formed the company in 1938 at the current Williams Feed site. He sold the building and feed business to the Williams Brothers in 1945, then moved in 1946 becoming an Allis Chalmers dealer and Carter Oil distributor at his present location.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
P. J. Lovell CO
Phillip Lovell
Williams Feed Company
Williams Brothers
Allis- Chalmers
Carter Oil
Standard Lumber and Coal Company Founded in 1917
Standard Lumber and Coal Company began in 1917 at 302 North Montana. Current manager is C. J. Hovren.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Standard Lumber and Coal Company
Standard Lumber
North
Montana
C. J. Hovren
Dillon Implement Company History and Leadership Timeline
The Dillon Implement Company was formed in August 1886 by W. M. Oliver A L Stone and J E Morse who acted as manager. In 1891 Sebree Ferris and Company sold out and leased the buildings to Dillon Implement. William Phillips became principal stockholder after Morse sold his interests. Charles H Phillips led after Williams death until 1935. Bert Megquier succeeded as manager and has held the post since.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
W. M. Oliver
A. L. Stone
J. E. Morse
Sebree, Ferris and Company
Dillon Implement Company
William Phillips
Mr. Morse
Charles H. Phillips
William
Bert Megquier
Dillon Bowling Center History and Name Change
The Dillon bowling center built in 1940 by Russ Smith and D. B. Paddock on Montana street near the Examiner. Louis Schmit troth bought it in 1946 and renamed it Lou-Esta Lanes in 1950.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dillon Bowling Center
Russ Smith
D. B. Paddock
Montana Street
The
Examiner
Louis Schmittroth
Columbia Gun and Sport Shop Emerges From Sport Shop Heritage
The Sport Shop founded in 1947 by Dave Stratford and later joined by Frank Twitchell is renamed the Columbia Gun and Sport Shop. A 1948 gun shop addition led Twitchell to manufacture about 150 new guns and repair firearms nationwide and internationally. Twitchell designed the Columbia Jeep action and a light rifle foundation for women.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dave Stratford
McCracken
Frank Twitchell
Columbia Gun and Sport Shop
Twitchell
United States
Canada
Mexico
Israel
Alaska
Africa
Hawaiian Islands
Toggery Changes Hands in Dillon
The Toggery on Idaho Street in Dillon is owned and operated by Joe Smith who took over from Francis Tonrey in October 1949 and renamed it from Tonrey's Toggery which had carried the previous name since May 1948.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dillon
Joe Smith
Fancis Tonrey
Tonrey
Idaho Street
Your Cash Store and its long trade history
Andrew Ferko currently owns Your Cash Store in the Klein building on Glendale street after taking over from J. H. Dickey on August 1, 1938. The store, founded in 1922 by Fred Viel, has always carried a full line of groceries and offers telephone and delivery service.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Your Cash
Klein
Glendale Street
Andrew Ferko
J. H. Dickey
Fred Viel
D and L Jewelry Opens on North Idaho Street
In January 1949 the D and L Jewelry store began at 30 North Idaho Street next to Kranatz barber shop, formerly Nelson Jewelry. Dick Later owns and operates the business.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
D and L Jewelry
Idaho Street
Kranatz
Nelson Jewelry
H and S Refrigeration Firm Operated by James Harrington
James Harrington owns and runs H and S Refrigeration on Glendale Street beside Your Cash. In business since March 1945, the shop sells electrical appliances and handles commercial refrigeration.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
James Harrington
Glendale Street
Tovey Insurance Agency History and Leadership Change
The oldest county agency established in 1889 as L. J. Price. W D Tovey took over in 1927 absorbing G T Paul, Robert Boone and Hugh Scully agencies. He has long handled fire insurance and now offers auto, casualty insurance and bonds. N L Ovitt and John Patton also operate in the same business.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
L. J. Price Agency
Mr. Tovey
G. T. Paul
Robert Boone
Hugh Scully
N. L. Ovitt
John Patton
Bond Grocery History at 33 East Helena Street
Abstracts from 1880 describe Bond Grocery ground as a mining claim site near Deacon's homestead. The store at 33 East Helena Street has ties to Sol Sabolsky, Ross Sugg, and A. C. Bond, with current owners Dale and Hazel Tash and Dale Tash Jr. Mr. Tash joined the firm in 1920 and the shop offers a full line of groceries.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bond Grocery Abstracts
Bond Grocery
Helena Street
Deacon
Bond Grocery Company
Sol Sabolsky
Ross Sugg
A. C. Bond
Dale
Hazel Tash
Dale Tash
Tash
Luebbens Buy Out Plumbing Dept in Olmstead Firm
Tom Luebben, tied to Olmstead Stevenson, bought the firm’s plumbing section and opened a store in March 1919 in the Eliel building on Center Street beside the city hall. In July 1919 his brother Ernest joined as a partner. they ran the business until 1946 when Tom’s son Dougan joined and Tom retired a year earlier.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
T. E. Luebben
Tom Luebben
Olmstead-Stevenson Company
Pioneer Grocery, Hardware and Plumbing Company
Eliel
Center Street
Ernest
Tom
Dougan
Vaughn and Ragsdale Store History and Leadership
Vaughn and Ragsdale opened in April 1938 and was first managed by William Hillstead of Columbus. Howard Smith took over in 1948, Roy Ryan became manager in 1949, and the shop sells men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. Before V and R it was Niblack’s, started by Charles Niblack in 1914.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Vaughn & Ragsdale
William Hillstead
Columbus
Howard Smith
Roy Ryan
Niblack’s
Charles Niblack
Connie's Auto and Implement Shop History
G C Helland owns Connie's Auto and Implement at 123 East Center. Started in 1946 as a repair shop, it became a dealer for farm machinery in 1948, adding Massey-Harris tractors, implements and combines in 1949. Now carries two tractor and implement lines with service and parts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
G. C
Connie) Helland
East Center
Massey-Harris
Westwood shop changed hands in mid century
Clyde Sewell, the founder in 1937, originated the Westwood store. In 1944 Robert Boomer acquired the business and expanded the inventory to include magazines candy cards and souvenirs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Clyde Sewell
Robert Boomer
Westwood
Hartwig Theatre through the decade of changes
The Hartwig opened in 1919 under W. B. Hartwig at nearly $100,000. It was remodeled in 1925 and added talkies in 1929. Sold to Robert Boomer in 1949, the theater is undergoing renovation to reopen in September 1950.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hartwig
W. B. Hartwig
Robert Boomer
Dillon Motor Service History Moves and Ownership
Dillon Motor Service at 120 North Washington street traces origins to Dillon Auto Repair. Originally opposite Hartwig theater, it was owned by George Heikkila and Vernon Nelson. Nelson sold out. in December 1947 Heikkila moved to the present site and in 199 leased the repair shop to Fin Watson.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dillon Motor Service
North
Washington Street
Fin Watson
Dillon Auto Repair
Hartwig Theater
George Heikkiln
Vernon Nelson
Nelson
Heikkila
Mr. Watson
Bradley Neon and Electric Wins Appliance Trade Rebrand
Alan Bradley bought Dillion Appliance from Charlie Hazzlett in 1947 and renamed it Bradley Electric. The store now operates as a partnership with Marshall Harvey managing the appliance side and Bradley overseeing a large neon sign trade. They sell appliances, kitchen equipment, and offer service facilities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Alan Bradley
Dillon
Charlie Hazlett
Bradley Electric
Marshall Harvey
Mr. Bradley
First National Bank History and Leadership Milestones
The First National Bank traces its roots to 1888 with founders Sebree Ferris and White and an original capital of 50000. Howard Sebree served as first president, later succeeded by Gov. B F White. The building was remodeled in 1931 and the bank joined Northwest Bancorporation in 1929. Current president J W Reese has 32 years with the bank and W W Hawkins 31 years as vice president and cashier.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
First National Bank
Sebree
Ferris and
Mathews Book Store Through the Years
The store predates Dillon, origin as a post office newsstand, built by E. M. Yeaman around 1901. C. P. Thomas bought it in 1915 and moved in 1926 to Glendale and Idaho, later renamed Mathews in 1944. It sold stationary books magazines pictures cards art goods and candy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Security State Bank
Bertie Mathews
Gamble's Hardware marks 25th anniversary this year
Clarke D'Eve lyn founded Gamble's hardware and auto accessories in 1937 beside Luebben Plumbing on Center Street. He relocated to Idaho Street near the Roxy Theatre in 1944, and the store celebrates its twenty fifth anniversary nationwide this year.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gamble’s
Luebben
Center Street
Clarke D’evelyn
Idaho Street
Roxy Theatre
Gamble
Hazel Sorenson Opens Dress Shop in Glendale Area
Hazel Sorenson opened a dress shop in 1945 in the building now housing W. D. Tovey Insurance. In February 1949 she moved to 41 East Glendale, buying the beauty shop and merging the businesses. She had worked at Eliel's for 14 years before starting her own venture.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hazel Sorenson
W. D. Tovey Insurance Office
East
Glendale
Hazel
Eliel’s
Barber shop ice cream stand change of ownership noted
Skeets Murray started the Big Dipper in 1941 at Contway's Barber shop. John Hart bought it in August 1941 and moved it to its present location in 1946. He makes his own ice cream and serves soft drinks at a fountain.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Skeets Murray
Contway
John Hart
Oasis history tied to Banack street storefront and fountain
The narrative traces the Oasis site from 1987 Banack Street store now Winn’s furniture to Clyde Sewell’s Westwood drugstore and fountain. Ownership shifts pass through Jack Leib who named it the Oasis, with Ernest Hazel’s fountain and cafe later sold to Ed Wight. In November 1949, Mrs. Edgar Rife and Mrs. Taylor Bradley acquired the establishment.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ronnie Orman
Oasis
Bannack Street
Winn’s
Clyde Sewell
Jack Leib
Ernest Hazel
Ed Wight
Edgar Rife
Taylor Bradley
Dillon Rendering Plant Serves Three Counties Since 1947
Dillon operates its own rendering plant, owned by Andrew and Joe Schippen, since spring 1947. The facility sits a mile north of Dillon and serves Beaverhead, Madison and Gallatin counties.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dillon Rendering CO
Dillon
Andrew
Joe Schippen
Beaverhead
Madison
Gallitan
Vigilante Electric Co op organized in 1937 and growing
The Jefferson Valley Electric Cooperative began in 1937 serving Jefferson and Madison counties. In 1999 it reorganized as Vigilante Electric Cooperative and expanded into Beaverhead Silver Bow and Broadwater counties. It now serves over 97 percent of rural homes and ranches with central station electric energy. E R Gleed of Lima Montana was elected president and Harold Babcock is the manager.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Vigilante Electric Co-Op
Jefferson Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc
Jefferson
Madison
Vigilante Electric Cooperative, Inc
Beaverhead
Silver Bow
Broadwater
Central Station
E. R. Gleed
Lima
Mont
Harold Babcock
Studebaker Agency Opened 1949 On Atlantic Street
J. W. Payne operates the Studebaker car and truck agency at the Atlantic street end facing the campus. The dealership began serving customers in 1949.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
J. W. Payne
Studebaker Car and Truck Agency
Atlantic Street
Coast-to-Coast Hardware Store History and Ownership
Coast-to-Coast hardware store, first opened in August 1986 under Charlie Hazlett and manager Ernest Pewe. In 1947 Hazlett sold the business to Robert Dodd, who currently operates the shop at its 14 North location.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charlie Hazlett
Ernest Pewe
Robert Dodd
Loren Davis Texaco Service Station Moves in 1936
The Texaco station founded by Loren Davis began at the Idaho and Glendale corner and in 1936 was relocated to the Washington and Glendale streets corner, marking a new address for the business.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Loren Davis Texaco
Idaho and
Glendale
Hudson and Willys Products Opens Aug 11 1949
A new firm opened August 11 1949 offering Hudson sales and service along with Goodrich tires and Union 76 gas and oil products.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hudson
Goodrich Tires
Union 76
City Garage Opens on Atlantic Street in 1947
Frank O'Keefe opened his Kai ser Frazer dealership and service and repair facilities on Atlantic Street next to the 76 station in December 1947.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Frank O’keefe
Kaiser-Frazer
Atlantic Street
Dillon Hide and Fur Co history and owners
The Dillon firm began in the early 1930s under Harry Kamber. In 1945 Howard Rundle and Ivan Ledbetter purchased the business. The warehouse is at 219 North Montana.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dillon Hide and Furco
Harry Kamber
Howard Rundle
Ivan Ledbetter
North
Montana
McCracken Brothers Began As Mc Cracker Men's Shop
On August 19 1922 T Lee Mc Cracker opened a men's shop in the Oasis site. In 1931 the shop moved to the Sport Shop location and in 1947 it relocated to 18 North Montana. The firm became part of McCracken Brothers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
T. Lee McCracker
North
Montana
McCracken Brothers
Williams brothers acquire feed and machinery business
Dave and Edgar Williams purchased the feed and machinery business from P. J. Lovell in the fall of 1945. The building is located at 235 North Idaho Street.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dave and
Edgar Williams
P. J. Lovell
Idaho Street
Winns Acquire McCaleb Store and History of Fires
Winns and Elmo Winn purchased the McCaleb store in 1937, originally the Dillon Mercantile company started by John Yee and later bought by Hughes and McCaleb in 1899. After a devastating 1913 fire the store was rebuilt, and by 1948 Floyd E. Winn and Eldon Noble managed a full line including sporting goods furniture linoleum china glassware and more.
Bill Mitchell Buys City Drug Store On Montana Street
In 1935 Bill Mitchell purchased the City Drug store located on Montana street beside the Tribune. Former managers were C. W. Woodburn and pharmacist Henry Burfield. The shop offers a full line of burgs and handles a large prescription trade.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bill Mitchell
Montana Street
The
Tribune
C. W. Woodburn
Henry Burfield
DeLuxe Donut Shop to Open at New Idaho Street Site
The DeLuxe Donut Shop owned by Mr and Mrs Ed Wight will open soon at 104 South Idaho Street opposite the library. The shop began in December 1949 as Eliel's new store is under construction.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ed Wight
Idaho Street
Eliel
M. H. King Store Opened in 1936 on Idaho Street
The M. H. King Company once known as the five cents to one dollar store began in 1936 at 16 South Idaho street. It is now managed by James A. Williams.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
M. H. King Company
M. H. King
Idaho Street
James A. Williams
Warner's Food Store Opens Since November 1984
Harold M. Warner opened his store at 10 South Montana in November 1984 and has remained in business since.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Warner’s Food
Harold M. Warner
Montana
Homecraft Bakery Founders Hand Over Firm
Homecraft Bakery at 120 North Montana began in 1947 by W. W. and J. E. Eisman. The Eisman founders sold the business to Don Rantio and Earl Casagranda.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Homecraft Bakery
North
Montana
W. W
J. E. Eisman
Don Rantio
Earl Casagranda
The Best in Job Work at the Examiner Printing Co.
The Examiner Printing Co offers top quality job printing services and invites readers to subscribe to the Examiner for the latest issues and updates.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
The
Examiner Printing Co
Also Mentioned on This Page
Dart Hardware
George W. Dart
Bannack
William Knapp
Robert Wing
A. W. Connelly
George F
W. Dart
Montana and
Bannack Streets
Hazelbaker Insurance Agency and
Southern Montana Abstract and Title CO
Electrical Contractors
East Sebree
Dillon, Montana
Carl Bond
Vince Schmittroth
Harvey Sorenson
Lee McDowell
Mrs. Tash
Tim Tash
Dick Stout
Jack Chism
Sport Shop
Toggery
W. D. Tovey Insurance Agency
Connie
the Westwood
Big Dipper
College Motor Sales
City Garage
Mitchell City Drug
Dillon Hide & Fur Co. Sale
Ette
N. Montana
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!