Old Missoula

Charlie Russell Visits Missoula – Captions from 4 Photos on Page 26 Section C

Charlie Russell Rides in Missoula Parade

Charles M. Russell, famed cowboy artist of Montana, rides in a Stampede parade in Missoula in 1915. This photo was made in the 400 block on North Higgins avenue. Russell is at left. With him, from left, are Jack Anderson and his son, John Anderson, of the Anderson Transfer & Storage Co. (Courtesy of John and Frank Anderson)

Considered One of Artist’s Best

This painting by Charles M. Russell, “Where Great Herds Come to Drink,” is considered one of the cowboy artist’s best. It is now part of the Russell collection of the Whitney Gallery of Western Art at Cody, Wyo.

This letter dated May 27, 1915, from Great Falls informed Jack Anderson of Missoula that his artist friend, Charles M. Russell, would be in the Garden City for a visit.

The letter from Russell, bearing his famous trademark, also contained a sketch of Anderson riding a bucking bronc.

With some phonetic spelling, the letter said:

“Friend Jack:

“I received your postal an if nothing happens, I’l be in Missoula. This sketch is supposed to be you in the middel of Cheyenne on Arrow Creek Hill. That was many winters ago Jack an it may not be a good likeness but if I remember right them 5 broncs kept our shirt tails out most of the time in those old days when you was riding a string of snakes and I was rangling horses. I never thought I’d have to go hundreds of miles to see a bronk rode.

“Times have shure changed Jack but I am Dam glad to know there is still bad hosses and good riders an I’m willing to pay the price.

“Give my regards to Georg Falligan and Ed Paxson.

“Best wishes to yourself.

“Your friend C. M. Russell.”

Hell Gate Was A Rip-Snortin’ Place . . .

Much like the later cow-camp depictions of Montana’s beloved artist, Charles M. Russell, the log trading post just a whoop an’ a holler west of here was a lively outpost in the frontier soon to become Montana Territory.

When Capt. C. P. Higgins and Frank L. Worden built Hell Gate ronde in 1860, no man was visionary enough to foresee that this would be the predecessor of Montana’s lovely and progressive Garden City, whose residents now proudly commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the building of Old Hell Gate, Missoula’s Grand-daddy.

We of the Historical Society of Montana, whose own centennial takes place only five years from now, join with you on this festive occasion. Along with the merriment we hope there will be a pause to honor the sturdy pioneers who built so well and an appreciation of the abundant heritage they left us.

We invite you to share Montana’s rich treasure of history and art by frequent visits to our unequalled historical library, two splendid museums, five art galleries, and other constantly developing facilities. Above all we welcome you as members and as readers of our fascinating journal, MONTANA, the magazine of western history. If old Hell Gate inspires you, then our Western books, literature, art prints and magazine are surely your meat. We’ll gladly send free literature upon request.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AND ALL WHO WORKED TO MAKE IT SUCH AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS!

The Historical Society of Montana

Roberts at 6^th Ave. Helena, Montana