International highway dispute hot topic in 1920s

Competition between Columbia Falls and Kalispell Chambers of Commerce was intense during the 1920s.

One of the main disputes concerned location for the Theodore Roosevelt International Highway from Bad Rock Canyon west. Excerpts are from letters written in 1920, 1924 and 1929.

Discussion centered around two proposed routes. One from Bad Rock Canyon to Columbia Falls, Whitefish and Eureka. Other one was to Kalispell and Libby.

At that time, Roosevelt Highway was described as swinging south from Bad Rock Canyon, thence west, then back north into Columbia Falls. Letter was not dated but referred to the west end of the Federal Aid Project recently completed in Bad Rock Canyon and extending west through Columbia Falls.

Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce endorsed relocation going almost due west. There would be no intervening mountains or hills, no more or larger bridges to build. It was their opinion right of way could be secured cheaper, distance was less, more local people would be benefited, tourists would be better accommodated, more of the Flathead River would be accessible from the road, would make a better connection with the direct road to Whitefish and on west, lesson construction costs.

Claims made by Kalispell Chamber of Commerce included boasting it was the tourist center of northwestern Montana. Letter writer claimed it was an injustice to not only Kalispell but the traveling public to route them away from garage and hotel accommodations. Tourist parks, electric lights, electric stoves, free baths, three fine hotels, were called irresistible attractions to the traveling public.

A letter dated Nov. 27, 1929 from the State of Montana Highway Commission, Helena, stated no decision had been made concerning routing of the highway from Bad Rock Canyon west.

Officers of the Theodore Roosevelt International Highway Association, Montana Division, Incorporated, included G. M. Moss, Whitefish, president; A. L. Jordan, Columbia Falls, treasurer.

Officers of Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce were W. E. Arnett, president; C. E. Clemens, vice president; George D. Watt, treasurer; John Smith, secretary.

Kalispell Chamber of Commerce officers were A. J. Dean, president; C. A Hummer, first vice president; Henry Good, second vice president; H.C. Keith, Jr., treasurer; F. A. Brinkman, J. M. Garey, R. Pauline.

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