New website brings local history into the modern age

Local histories can be easily forgotten. The artifacts themselves might be stowed away in attics, never to see the light of day, while stories go untold as generations pass on without being asked what life was like, way back when.

But thanks to the efforts of more than two dozen Bigfork locals, this town’s tales won’t fade away anytime soon. The Bigfork Art and Cultural Center has given history a modern platform through the launch of the long-awaited Bigfork History Network website. The site is the second act of the Bigfork History Project, first begun with the documentary film, “Bigfork, A Montana Story,” which was released in 2017.

The website provides an in-depth look at Bigfork’s early days and local characters like preserve maker Eva Gates, the Sliters family and quirky inventor Charles Morkeberg, who was best known for his bicycle-powered flying machine and galas or “flying machine parties” that he hosted to attract investors. The site also highlights Bigfork’s evolution, from a small frontier hamlet to the bustling lakefront tourist destination it is today.

In addition to select chapters of the documentary, the new web page includes a series of original short films that examine facets of Bigfork such as the ice harvest, frontier ingenuity and old-growth log reclamation. A section page titled “Memories of Bigfork” features oral histories from Bigfork natives like Harold “Bud” Robinson, who talks about what life was like in simpler times and the impact that WWII had on the community.

Robinson used to operate the ferry that ran across the Flathead River at night, transporting folks from Somers to the Saturday night dances in Bigfork. He also shares the unique jobs he had in his youth — selling newspapers and delivering wood — and what life was like from the Depression to the post-WWII period.

The “Schoolhouse Corner” showcases short documentaries about Swan River School made by current students and “A Glimpse Back” presents a collection of archival images from Bigfork’s early days. There’s even a Q and A-style game, appropriately titled, “The Bigfork History Game.”

For BACC Board President Holly Wielkoszewski, the project is a way to bring Bigfork’s past into the 21st Century.

“I think that so often, unfortunately, we end up with our history in boxes on the floor … stories that are just never told by our grandparents or our neighbors or people in our community because we don’t take the moment to stop and ask,” she explained. “Having this available digitally is wonderful because it’s going to help us actively preserve some of these documents, photos … before they’re no longer able to be preserved.”

She said the website came to fruition thanks in large part to the perseverance and vision of volunteer and project lead Ed Gillenwater, who spent countless hours acquiring materials, scanning content and working with Wielkoszewski on building the website.

“He is the passion behind the project,” Wielkoszewski added.

The board began discussions with Gillenwater about creating the site about a year ago, and started development last fall. The Bigfork History Network website will feature new and rotating content throughout the year and a non-web based interface is still in the works. Wielkoszewski said additional oral histories will be added, some compiled by Gillenwater, and others featuring Lake View Care Center residents, by Bigfork High School senior Scout Jessop.

“I am super excited about this because, being new to Bigfork, this is sort of my window into this world,” said BACC director Laura Hodge. “It helps me plug into this community.”

Hodge said she hopes the project will resonate with both locals and visitors alike, and plans to establish a permanent historical exhibit once the adjacent ImagineIF Library relocates to its new home on Montana 35.

The center will celebrate the launch of the Bigfork History Network with a March 13 reception for an accompanying exhibit, “BIGFORK STORIES: Where History Comes Alive,” featuring materials from the Bigfork History Project. The center is also planning a larger community celebration this summer.

In the meantime, folks can explore the website or get involved by contributing their own stories and materials, volunteering or making a donation to the project.

“If you have things in your basement or stories you heard from your grandmother … if you have things that you think would be a valuable contribution, you’re probably right,” Wielkoszewski said. “We’d love to hear from you.” ■