Historical Society gets in gear

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

It's been years in the making, but the Columbia Falls Historical Society is off and running.

The Society — which unofficially started as a model train club about six years ago — held its second meeting last Saturday at the Back Room, with about eight association members attending. On the agenda was discussion of attaining 501(c)(3) status, which would make the Society a non-profit entity and eligible for a number of grants each year.

"We're missing out on a lot of money," said Society Vice President Wes Tintinger, a retired mason who has done most of the footwork in getting the local Historical Society going. "There is a lot of money floating around. We've got to be registered."

During the meeting, Tintinger said he would loan the Society the $300 needed to file for 501(c)(3) status. Members voted to accept the offer and file the necessary paperwork.

"We could sure do a fundraiser," Society President Clarence Taber said. "People will support it if they see a need."

Last December, Tintinger circulated a petition to establish a historical society in Columbia Falls. His idea was to turn the former railroad depot building on U.S. Highway 2, near Marantette Park, into a museum — moving the building to a new location. Tintinger said the building is still for sale, and the price tag is $299,000. Most recently, the building — owned by Larry France — has been used as a residence. It will be 100 years old next year.

Tintinger said money is available for restoring a historic building, and the former depot fits into that category.

"You have to have funds," Tintinger said. "We need to fast track."

Barbara Jenkins suggested approaching service groups such as Rotary for financial assistance with the project.

Tintinger said many of the artifacts that tell the story of Columbia Falls over the years are leaving the area, and he'd like to keep them here — and even bring back some that are gone. Another idea is to secure surplus artifacts from the Stumptown Historical Society in Whitefish.

Secretary Lee Morris said the Society is not just about trains and railroads, it's also about logging, farming and mining. History of the Forest Service and Glacier National Park could also be part of the museum. Morris said the Society wants to "make it a living thing" when speaking of the proposed museum.

Tintinger said that antique cars, now sitting in local garages or storage areas, could be on display at the museum.

He said he's approached Burlington Northern Santa Fe in Fort Worth, Texas, about establishing a museum adjacent to the railroad tracks at the end of Nucleus Avenue. That is still a topic of discussion.

"We need a home for the Society and a vehicle to get there," Taber said.

By the time the Columbia Falls Historical Society meets on Dec. 15, it should have proposed by-laws as well as membership forms prepared. A Society logo will also be approved at that meeting.

Yearly dues to belong to the Society are $15 per person or $25 per family. Corporate memberships are $35. Memberships run from January through December each year.

For further information about the Society, contact Tintinger at 892-5953 or Morris at 892-7980.