In the news 50 years ago

Among the top news stories in Columbia Falls 50 years ago was Easter Sunday groundbreaking ceremonies for the new St. Richard's Catholic Church on Highway 40 West.

Photo showed Father William C. Molloy, local priest, with a shovel at the brief ceremony. Building committee members watching were: Robert Marantette and Herman Byrd; Warren Hook, president of Holy Names Society; and Pat Murphy and Arson Gardner, altar boys.

Columbia Falls Lions were sponsoring their Easter egg hunt northwest of the new Columbia Falls High School in the Hoerner Addition.

Cecil Hudson was chairman. Each Lion was to provide two dozen hard-boiled, colored eggs for the event 50 years ago.

Other Easter egg hunts also provided stories. Easter egg hunt participants in Hungry Horse included Gloria Schaeffer and her brother, Patrick, Coram; Richard Northey, Kalispell; Kathy Wyman, Lori Liudahl; and Gail Robertson, Hungry Horse.

Pete Sprunger was in charge of the event sponsored by the Recreation Association. There were 90 children at the Easter egg hunt.

West Glacier School news included Easter parties.

Easter egg hunt at West Glacier School was held despite snow over the school grounds. It was also piled high along the sides of the road. There were bare spots along the foot of the trees so third and fourth graders voted to have the Easter egg hunt outdoors.

Eggs were hidden by Marian Morris and Ruth Shaver. Cupcakes were baked by Mrs. Bengston and Mrs. Shaver. Ice cream was furnished by Mrs. Tallman and Mrs. Brewster.

Primary room students at West Glacier School also had an Easter egg hunt and party. Darwin Tyree found the most eggs. Mothers furnishing refreshments were Mrs. John Huggins, Mrs. Everett Lundgren, Mrs. D. L. Bromley and Mrs. Dave Mishler.

Front page story told of a public meeting at Sunrift Hall to discuss formation of a rural fire district to work in conjunction with Columbia Falls Volunteer Fire Department.

Committees named were Fay Pemble, Harry Skrivan, Carl Wilke, Deer Park; Bill Opalka, Ted Rogers, Jim Swigart, Columbia Heights; and Les Zabel, Lewis Robinson, Fred Sorenson, Bad Rock.

Fred Sorenson was elected chairman and Barton Pettit, secretary. Hope was to have the district created by June 30 to be eligible for financing in fiscal 1960.

A brief story — but not about Easter — announced the annual Martin City Lions and Hungry Horse VFW Post joint stag party. It was to be held at the Martin City Lions Hall. The $1.50 ticket guaranteed purchaser all he could eat for as long as he could keep eating.

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