Hoerner land developed town

Antone and Caroline Hoerner moved from North Dakota, where they farmed near Bismarck, and continued farming in eastern Montana. There were 18 children in the family.

Next move was to Columbia Falls, where Hoerners purchased the James A. Talbott property in 1936. Three-story mansion with seven fireplaces was above the Flathead River, and there were 185 acres of land.

The land, known as the whole flat, included property bordered on the west by Kennedy Addition, Fourth Avenue West to the east, Highway 40 on the north, and adjacent to present Talbot Road to Montana Soldiers Home. Name was later changed to Montana Veterans’ Home.

An electrical fire broke out in the upstairs of the mansion in 1940 and destroyed the home. Hoerners lost most of their clothing

One of Columbia Falls first waterlines was to the Talbott mansion.

Hoerner family members helping to build homes and businesses in Columbia Falls were Mike, Antone, Vincent, Willie, Pete, Ronie, Jack, Regina and Helen. 

Regina and Helen married brothers, Ray and Don Weiand. Vincent and Willie Hoerner married sisters, Mickey and Doris Warner. 

Hoerner family members were dedicated volunteers for St. Richard’s Catholic Church. They spent hundreds of hours beautifying the cemetery. 

Brothers were woods workers logging, sawing lumber and donating other building materials and labor when parish house was built for Father Hugh Faley. It was next to the original church on Fourth Avenue West and included large basement where dinners and other church functions were held. .

Hoerners constructed the large Dreamland Bar on their land adjacent to Highway 40. It was a popular, and only, large dance hall in Columbia Falls with bar and cafe. This later became the Paul Bunyan. 

Jack and Olga Hoerner built their large Hoerner Plumbing and Heating shop west of Dreamland Bar. They also built a new home adjacent to the shop where they resided with daughter, Celeste, and son, Cliniton. 

Columbia Falls High School, baseball and football fields are located on former Hoerner property. Businesses include Nite Owl Restaurant and Back Room, Columbia Mortuary, Cimarron Cafe and Catering, Freedom Bank, Re/Max Mountain View, Nine Patch Floral & Gifts and the mini mall. Numerous homes were constructed and sold by Hoerner brothers.

Small Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center was located in front of Tillson property next to the Jack Hoerner home until moved to present location. Dick Clark had his shop and residence on former Hoerner property. 

Olga Hoerner, now residing near daughter, Celeste McArthur, Seattle, provided me with family history years ago.

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