Bozeman’s history focus of various walking tours this summer
The past is a place where you can go and experience a different world. Now that the sun’s out, join an Extreme History Project Walking Tour, continuing its 2018 season around Bozeman. Come for an adventure through time and see the past through new eyes. Here’s a look at some of the upcoming tours, most of which recur through late August.
Gracious Gables: Bozeman’s Historic Manors continues with recurring events on Sundays at 1pm. Have you ever driven down Willson Avenue and wondered about the people who lived in those fine houses? Wonder no longer! Step back in time and discover the history of South Grand and South Willson Avenues. Learn about the upper class of early Bozeman, the lawyers, lawmakers, professors, doctors and businessmen, many of whom built their grand mansions on these two streets.
Also on Sundays, Ghosts of Bozeman’s Past: Historic Sunset Hills Cemetery is held at 4pm. The early residents of Bozeman laid their loved ones to rest in this sanctified ground overlooking the town that their toil and labor helped establish. Bozeman’s early movers and shakers rest here along with others whose stories make up the town’s historical narrative. Come learn about the fascinating history.
Upcoming dates for Gracious Gables and Ghosts of Bozeman’s Past are Sundays, July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.
Get the scoop on Murders, Madams, and Mediums: Bozeman’s Dark Side on Fridays at 7pm. From horrific murders to notorious madams and mediums communicating with the spirit world, Bozeman’s darker history comes to light in a walking tour designed to send a shiver up your spine. Hear how “Steamboat Bill” murdered the China woman Linn Lum and Bozeman’s “Week of Horror!” Learn how Mrs. Mounts proved to Bozeman society that she could communicate with the dead. Meet Louise Couselle, Bozeman’s notorious madam whose income rivaled that of Bozeman’s wealthiest merchants.
Upcoming dates for Murders, Madams, and Mediums are Fridays, July 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th.
From Tents to Town: Bozeman’s Historic Main Street hits the sidewalk Saturday mornings at 10am. The Bozeman Main Street Historic District, the heart of the city of Bozeman and the only urban environment in the Gallatin Valley, is composed of a virtually uninterrupted streetscape of commercial buildings along both sides of four blocks. Learn about Bozeman’s early history through the historic architecture and people that founded our unique town.
Also on Saturdays, Distilling the Past: Bozeman’s Drinking History pours into the streets at 7pm. Bozeman’s drinking industry is nearly as old as the town itself: from our first brewery and saloon, opened in 1867, to the many bars, microbreweries, and pubs that shape Bozeman today, the history of breweries, saloons, and Bozeman are thoroughly intertwined. Learn about Bozeman’s brewing history, hear stories of colorful characters in the city’s 19th and 20th century saloons, and find out how Prohibition affected Bozeman’s saloon keepers, also visiting old neighborhood bars.
Upcoming dates for From Tents to Town and Distilling the Past are Saturdays, July 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.
On Thursday, July 19th, explore the Contrasting Styles of Fred Willson at 6pm. Join for this historic tour of Willson’s architectural designs ranging from his first project in 1910 with the design of Hamilton Hall to his last project, the Montana State University’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. Your guide for this walking tour will show examples of Willson’s work ranging from French Revival to the International style. Note: This walk will be offered on select Thursday evenings through the summer.
As part of Mountain Time Arts’ Upstream Project, Upstream: Uncovering Bozeman Creek will take place at 6pm on Wednesday, July 25th. Bozeman Creek runs through the heart of Bozeman and has always been an integral waterway for the town and now the city of Bozeman. Join for a tour along the creek and uncover the history and hydrology of this important waterway. Note: This walk will be offered once more this summer – August 22nd.
Seeking Fortunes: Bozeman’s Historic China Alley is set for Saturday, July 28th at 11am. The Chinese were an integral part of early Montana life, fulfilling roles as miners, laundry men, restaurant owners, and purveyors of fresh vegetables. They came to the West, as many did, to find a better life for themselves and their families. While these Chinese people faced discrimination in many areas of their life, they made a major impact on the city of Bozeman. Note: This walk will be offered once more this summer – August 25th.
Looking ahead, Family Matters: Bozeman’s Historic African American Community will host its last event on Thursday, August 23rd at 6pm. The African American community in historic Bozeman is nearly invisible until you begin to examine the historic census records, newspaper accounts, and city directories. Only then do Bozeman’s black citizens come into focus. One name leads to another and soon a tight knit and thriving African American community emerges during the late 19th century. Working as machinists, laborers, laundresses, housekeepers, and porters, Bozeman’s African American people contributed to the building of our city through their labor, religious activity, child rearing, social clubs and community participation.
Again this season, The Working Class Hero: Bozeman’s Historic Tracy District will be offered by request only.
If you would like to reserve a spot on any of these tours, call (406) 220-2678 or email info@extremehistoryproject.org. Tours are $10, or $7 for seniors and students. Kids 12 and under tour free! Further details, meeting locations, and online registration is available at www.adventurethroughtime.org. •
