Finances

in 1951

Town Council finances making front page news May 11, 1951, would be pennies in the bottom of the bucket today. After all, it was 55 years ago and we were known as a town and not a city. Wages reported for all of the town employees for Columbia Falls that year would probably not add up to one employee's earnings today.

After all, tax receipts from July, 1950, until May, 1951, amounted to $37,941.45. During the same months the town had spent $34,788.17.

It was noted Columbia Falls town government had been in the black since the preceding year, July, 1950.

Mayor-elect Herman Benzien and newly elected council members took over from Mayor Ernie Massman and outgoing councilmen at 9 p.m.

New council members were Fred Fredriksen, George Ridpath, Lyman Hill, Boots Schoenberg, and Fred Krona. Boots was a butcher at the Park Mercantile, Fred Krona, railroader, Mayor Benzien, a contractor, and others were long time businessmen in Columbia Falls.

It was reported the new council was continuing with two less employees. Clarence Clapper had resigned earlier as water commissioner at $330 per month, and Clarence Hendrickson as patrolman at $200 per month.

Marion Larkin, town clerk, and Howard Greene, street commissioner, were sworn in as special police. It was explained this way someone with experience would always be available.

Byron West would get $300 a month plus $30 a month car expense for being chief of police 24 hours a day. Bud Darling received $200 plus car expense for eight hours a day, and the night patrolman, $200.

Mrs. Larkin's salary as town clerk, water registrar, water collector, housing project registrar, housing project collector and special police (they're all separate jobs) continued at $270 a month.

Howard Greene, street commissioner, water commissioner, housing project manager and special policeman, continued at $330 a month.

F. P. Fleming, town treasurer, $50 a month; James Cumming, city attorney, $50 a month and office space; Floyd P. Jones, police judge, $10 a month; Bud Darling, fire chief, $25 a month.

Dr. W. F. Bennett was named acting health officer at $100 a year. Fay Loveall would continue as building and wiring inspector. His wage, 75 percent of all fees he collected.

New office hours were declared for the town clerk from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no Saturday hours.

Mayor and town council members were all volunteers and there were usually several sessions weekly. They were dedicated citizens.

It's amazing to me when I realize how many of those named and close family members still reside in Columbia Falls.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.