100 Years ago
May 13, 1926
The North Central Montana Track and Field Meet, held at Big Sandy on Friday, May 7, proved successful despite steady rain that delayed the opening events until late afternoon. Final standings placed Havre first with 71½ points, Chinook second with 51⅙, and Big Sandy third with 32 points. A declamatory contest was also held in conjunction with the meet, drawing thirteen contestants.
T.H. Hill located his stray horses south of Kenilworth earlier in the week.
Miss Dunn, state nurse, accompanied by County Superintendent Miss Schurman, examined children at the Sunshine School. Several children were found to have dental issues, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and some cases of enlarged thyroid glands.
A double birthday celebration was held at the Maurits Munson home honoring Mrs. Munson and her son Harry. Guests gathered with well-filled baskets, and musical selections were provided by Carl Christofferson and Wolfred Eliasson on violin and accordion.
Sam Sprague of Great Falls visited friends in Big Sandy, noting that the community still felt like home.
The sheriff’s race attracted significant attention, with James Vig filing on the Democratic ticket, C.C. Ross filing on the Republican ticket, and Oscar Marty also filing as a Democrat, making for a competitive contest ahead of the August election.
James Fry wrote that he continued to prefer army life.
Leonard and Ott Knautner, formerly of the area, visited the Big Sandy Rotary Club and spoke about their experiences since leaving the community.
Mrs. Keith Edwards was honored at a prenuptial shower at the Marty home.
The Warrick Community Club elected officers including President Henderson and Secretary Edith Norden, and voted to hold a July 4 celebration with proceeds to benefit the swimming pool fund.
Death claimed Mrs. Kitty Gorder following an illness. She had been hospitalized in Havre for eight days.
The Band-Chorus Concert drew a large audience and raised $60 for the band fund through community generosity.
75 year ago
May 13, 1951
Ed Laulo was an overnight guest at the Larry Matthews home. On Sunday, the families of Don Courtnage, Ed Laulo and Larry Matthews traveled together to Fresno. The group, consisting of eight boys, was described as nearly forming a baseball team of its own.
Community events and gatherings continued to reflect an active spring season throughout the Big Sandy area, with families visiting and participating in school and civic functions.
50 Years Ago -
May 13, 1976
Jeff Ament hosted friends for a barbecue and dancing in celebration of his birthday. Guests included Wade Hennelly, Dan Ulmen, Dan Genereux, Stephanie Green, Brenda Kulbeck, Patty Works and Joan Berlinger.
Alice Green, Deanna Genereux, Hazel, and Vicki Balazic participated in bowling events accompanying Becky Beaudette to Miles City.
Baby Emily Bley visited her grandparents in Fort Benton while her mother competed in the Miles City Bowling Tournament alongside Shirley Pearson, Margaret Grubb and Beverly Grass.
Lorraine Skaalure and Heide traveled to Galata to attend the Scandinavian program.
Members of the Bear Paw 4-H Club completed roadside cleanup along a two-mile stretch of U.S. 87 and also cleaned the Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department Park as part of their annual service project.
25 Years ago
May 9, 2001
Alexandra Hart and Robin Brumwell of Big Sandy, along with Sarah Ritland and Bradley Benjamin of Fort Benton, were awarded New Student Service Scholarships to attend Montana State University in Bozeman. The scholarships recognize academic achievement and community involvement.
Darice Grass was selected to compete in the Down Under International Games in Australia as a member of the Montana volleyball team. The thirteen-day trip included time in Sydney and the Gold Coast. Grass was nominated by former Big Sandy coach Kamee Kunick and selected by International Sports Specialists, Inc. based on her accomplishments, including being named Best Defensive Player and earning awards for Best Server and Most Valuable Player during the 2000–2001 season. Community members were invited to support fundraising efforts for her travel expenses.
Carroll College honored more than 160 students during its annual Honors Convocation. Charla M. Ray of Big Sandy was recognized for academic achievement, including Women’s Basketball Academic All-Conference honors.
School Notes reported seventh grade science field trips, divisional tennis competition in Havre, junior high district track participation, Northern C Divisional Track qualifiers advancing toward the state meet in Billings, and the upcoming Awards Night sponsored by National Honor Society at F.E. Miley School.
Area classrooms continued hands-on projects, including elementary students participating in a chicken-hatching project under the guidance of Lynn Faber, with chicks expected soon.