Before its construction, the only meeting place in Darby was Miles Hall where People’s Market used to be right downtown. The outside stairway on the south side of the building was the only entrance. Dances, funerals, church and any other community gatherings were held here. The first glimmer of hope for a new building on the ground floor and accessible to all was probably late in 1928.
On November 20th, 1927 the first board meeting was held. Articles of incorporation were filed and by laws were adopted. There was to be five members on this board; two from woman’s club and two from the firemen and the elected town mayor. At the first meeting, Mayor C.W. Shockley delivered a deed to Lot 16, Block 8. The price appears to have been paid and the remainder on a promissory note. There was an old ice house on the property which the board sold for $10.00.
On November 20th, 1927 the first board meeting was held. Articles of incorporation were filed and by laws were adopted. There was to be five members on this board; two from woman’s club and two from the firemen and the elected town mayor. At the first meeting, Mayor C.W. Shockley delivered a deed to Lot 16, Block 8. The price appears to have been paid and the remainder on a promissory note. There was an old ice house on the property which the board sold for $10.00.
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The most positive information gained from the recent survey indicate the logs were out from the flat between Fred Whetsteon and the East Fork guard station by Bill Garnett. They were hauled by Allen Jones and old records reveal Jones was paid $80.00 for this service. No mention was made of payment to Garnett. Work progressed slowly using volunteer labor, which has been the time honored Darby way. Almost everyone in the community gave of themselves in some way. The men of now, who were boys in 1929 all pitched in to peel poles and logs, haul fill and dirt with whatever means available to them. They can still remember tearing down old sheep sheds on the heights and pulling out the nails so the timbers could be reused as floor joists. They performed like enthusiastic monkeys when it was time to shingle the roof.
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The man most often mentioned during the survey was Frank Robertson. He was not a big man but most generous with all his skills. He concocted an A frame on his Dodge to use in hoisting the logs up the wall. There is no mention of his having been paid for his services.
Ole Tangent was a bachelor from Charlos who had earned a great reputation for building log homes and doing stone work. Some folks believe he may have helped on the actual construction. He was notoriously cranky if anyone touches his sharp ax.
The opening dance in the new hall was August 9, 1930 although records indicate there had been limited use of the building before that. The opening netted $1,106.18 which included dance tickets and donations. A loan was secured three days later to satisfy a debt of $1,715.52 and the public was given a big vote of thanks for all their support.
The first chimney was built on the north end of the hall in September 1930. John Peterson contracted to build a front porch and chink between the logs for $107.00 but was later allowed $3.00 extra because he furnished the chinking. In November he again contracted to build the dining room and kitchen for $523.00 and shingle the woodshed for an extra $14.00. The board did not pay this all at once so Peterson accepted a note @ 8% interest on the unpaid balance.
Money dribbled in from fund raising activities such as bingo, raffles, food and white elephant sales and dances. These dances were held often because they seemed to be the most consistent revenue. Tickets started at $1.00 but was later reduced to 75 cents and 25 cents for boys. Dance bands cost $42.00 so arrangements were made to try a 60/40 arrangement. The 40% to be the club’s share. Several efforts to have a fifty-fifty deal failed. An appreciation supper was served at one dance. Folks were served a hot chicken dinner for 25 cents.
In March of 1931 the board pledged $200.00 to Montana Power to entice them to bring their electric lines to Darby.
Until November 1931 the members of the firemen took turns cleaning the building. Arrangements were then made to hire a man and pay him $1.00 for each room he cleaned and he must build the fire.
In March of 1936 the mortgage was burned. In October the following year of 1937 the board had to borrow $50.00 to pay the insurance premium.
In 1939 a sink was installed in the kitchen.
In 1940 roller skating was introduced. The fee to the club was on a percentage basis and the renters promised to sand the floor when the venture was over.
Money was scarce that year so the insurance policy was reduced to only $1,000 coverage. The following year it became necessary to allow the insurance to lapse completely.
Between the years of 1943 and 1955 there is a void because minute books were destroyed. The only records available is a petition in 1952 asking the board to change their bylaws to include a representative from all the organizations. This caused some dissension which resulted in resignation.
In about 1943 May Ford bought the railroad parlor car which has been brought in during the Haper Logging years. It had been an attempt as a cafe...not successfully...and was later used for a residence and rented. Mrs. Ford had it dismantled and hauled away and gave the land on the south side of the clubhouse to the city. The Ivey Circle Garden Club dug it up and planted peonies in memory of the soldiers. May Ford was such a quiet giver and her gifts were never documented but natives all knew how generous she was.
In 1956 a new roof was finally installed after several years of talking and patching leaks. The roofing cost $419.40 and the labor was $350.00.
In 1956 the Boots & Calico square dance group built the raised bandstand.
1958 began the many discussions for a proposed indoor toilet and new wood shed. Another bank loan was received and card parties were organized to raise the money.
In 1960 a trade was arranged to get heavier electric wiring in the kitchen and have water brought in at the same time.
It was about this time that the bull elk head, which had been killed and donated by Clyde Shockley disappeared from its usual place on the east wall. The mount changed hands several times and finally went to the local taxidermist.
Ole Tangent was a bachelor from Charlos who had earned a great reputation for building log homes and doing stone work. Some folks believe he may have helped on the actual construction. He was notoriously cranky if anyone touches his sharp ax.
The opening dance in the new hall was August 9, 1930 although records indicate there had been limited use of the building before that. The opening netted $1,106.18 which included dance tickets and donations. A loan was secured three days later to satisfy a debt of $1,715.52 and the public was given a big vote of thanks for all their support.
The first chimney was built on the north end of the hall in September 1930. John Peterson contracted to build a front porch and chink between the logs for $107.00 but was later allowed $3.00 extra because he furnished the chinking. In November he again contracted to build the dining room and kitchen for $523.00 and shingle the woodshed for an extra $14.00. The board did not pay this all at once so Peterson accepted a note @ 8% interest on the unpaid balance.
Money dribbled in from fund raising activities such as bingo, raffles, food and white elephant sales and dances. These dances were held often because they seemed to be the most consistent revenue. Tickets started at $1.00 but was later reduced to 75 cents and 25 cents for boys. Dance bands cost $42.00 so arrangements were made to try a 60/40 arrangement. The 40% to be the club’s share. Several efforts to have a fifty-fifty deal failed. An appreciation supper was served at one dance. Folks were served a hot chicken dinner for 25 cents.
In March of 1931 the board pledged $200.00 to Montana Power to entice them to bring their electric lines to Darby.
Until November 1931 the members of the firemen took turns cleaning the building. Arrangements were then made to hire a man and pay him $1.00 for each room he cleaned and he must build the fire.
In March of 1936 the mortgage was burned. In October the following year of 1937 the board had to borrow $50.00 to pay the insurance premium.
In 1939 a sink was installed in the kitchen.
In 1940 roller skating was introduced. The fee to the club was on a percentage basis and the renters promised to sand the floor when the venture was over.
Money was scarce that year so the insurance policy was reduced to only $1,000 coverage. The following year it became necessary to allow the insurance to lapse completely.
Between the years of 1943 and 1955 there is a void because minute books were destroyed. The only records available is a petition in 1952 asking the board to change their bylaws to include a representative from all the organizations. This caused some dissension which resulted in resignation.
In about 1943 May Ford bought the railroad parlor car which has been brought in during the Haper Logging years. It had been an attempt as a cafe...not successfully...and was later used for a residence and rented. Mrs. Ford had it dismantled and hauled away and gave the land on the south side of the clubhouse to the city. The Ivey Circle Garden Club dug it up and planted peonies in memory of the soldiers. May Ford was such a quiet giver and her gifts were never documented but natives all knew how generous she was.
In 1956 a new roof was finally installed after several years of talking and patching leaks. The roofing cost $419.40 and the labor was $350.00.
In 1956 the Boots & Calico square dance group built the raised bandstand.
1958 began the many discussions for a proposed indoor toilet and new wood shed. Another bank loan was received and card parties were organized to raise the money.
In 1960 a trade was arranged to get heavier electric wiring in the kitchen and have water brought in at the same time.
It was about this time that the bull elk head, which had been killed and donated by Clyde Shockley disappeared from its usual place on the east wall. The mount changed hands several times and finally went to the local taxidermist.
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In 1962 the board related its strict policy of not loaning tables and chairs and agreed to allow it in instances where someone could really be responsible.
In 1963 wall paneling was done in the dining room and hall. The following year there began much discussion about the indoor toilet...also the possibility o having doors changed to open outward. Different opinions were expressed about having another outside door opened in the dining room. It was 1964 when the board made the decision to give a key to each organization. |