Time does fly by

Amazing how time flies. Seems things friends consider as occurring yesterday were probably 40, 50 or 60 years ago or more.

When I moved to Columbia Falls in July, 1946, there were just a few businesses along Highway 40 — now referred to as Ninth Street West.

In later years, north side of the highway, starting on the west end, was the location for C & M Motel. The former Kennedy home became First Baptist Church and residence of Pastor and Mrs. Ralph Werner and children. James Tolliver started a trailer court next to it.

New service station had living quarters for owners, Henry and Gertrude Tolliver and sons, adjacent to the court. There was a Fixit Shop operated by Phil Grubaugh and Al Shay, welders. Cedar Lodge Motel was built next by Roy and Isabelle Babcock.

Boise O'Neal owned a gun shop with Al Nordes, barber, in the same building. Ida Neitzling operated a small grocery store guarded by a big dog in the front door.

Troy and Louise Thacker had their service station on the corner lot by Fourth Avenue West. Heading down the hill you could go to Caley's Market with hilly parking lot. Columbia Falls Lumber Co., started by Pat and Tynee Kelly, was next business. Arlie and Wilmer Toavs' service station was east in the next block. A Texaco station was across from it.

My directions are improving as we start again at the railroad track and travel east looking at the south side of the road.

In later years Dick Clark had a body shop and adjacent residence. Jack and Olga Hoerner built their home with Plumbing Shop next door. Dreamland Bar, built by the Hoerner brothers, followed with cafe, bar and huge dance floor. There was Todd's Cafe with Todd and Gladys Pfrimmer.

Lyman Hill had a corner service station. The family home was behind it on Fourth Avenue West for Lyman, Jesse, Carol and Joan.

Across the street was Driscoll's Garage bordering longtime Pinewood Park. The 32-unit Columbia Falls Veterans Housing Project was moved from Vancouver in 1946.

Stringfellow apartments were across from the housing project. Mel Ruder bought the large triangular piece of land which became home for the Hungry Horse News. Pines Cafe was located just west of it.

O'Connor Construction Co. had their offices in the old Great Northern depot east of the newspaper office. Renfrow Cabinets was next business. A large field past it was purchased by the Forest Service as site for a ranger station.

Started working for Lou Knight, editor, at the Kalispell Times 66 years ago when I was 14, next for Trippets at the Kalispell News until Mel Ruder hired me for the Hungry Horse News in July, 1946. Time does fly.

I feel remiss for not having specific dates. It is not good reporting.

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