Local history topic at fundraising dinner
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News from Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana
CHARLO – Local history buffs will enjoy this year’s guest speaker presentation titled, “Ripples in a Pond: The Ronan Family Legacy” at the 16th annual Black Tie Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 21 at Allentown Restaurant in the Ninepipes Lodge. The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana welcomes noted author and storyteller Ellen Baumler from the Montana Historical Society, where she serves as its Interpretive Historian. She has received an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History for her book Beyond Spirit Tailings, and is a 2004 Finalist Award winner of the Willa Literary Awards.
Baumler will talk about Mary Ronan as a young wife when she accompanied her husband, Peter, to the Jocko Agency where he served as Indian Agent from 1877 to 1893. Although a product of the Victorian era, Mary’s recollections of life on the reservation and the far-reaching efforts of her husband, at a time of crisis and change, provide a window like no other to an important chapter of Montana’s past.
Baumler will introduce a special guest of the evening, Mary Brewer, who is a direct descendant of Mary and Peter Ronan on her mother’s side, and share a story of their friendship that began during the writing and editing of Baumler’s book, “Girl from the Gulches: The Story of Mary Ronan.”
Baumler will sign copies of her book at the event. The museum will have a few copies that can be purchased, or you may bring your own copy to have signed.
The annual fundraiser for the museum begins at 5 p.m. with a complimentary visit of the museum. Guests may also partake in a no-host gathering from 5-6:30 p.m. at Ninepipes Lodge to meet other attendees before the dinner begins at 7 p.m. where guests have their choice of three delicious entrees. Musical entertainment will be provided by two students of the Mission Valley Children’s Choir, a group which former Ronan music teacher Cathy Gillhouse and Pastor Seth Nelson have recently formed.
Along with the customary silent auction, a live auction is planned with Jason Clinkenbeard of Rivers West Auction as auctioneer. The four items in the live auction are a 2015 custom designed Pendleton blanket; a buffalo skull donated by former Bison Range biologist Pat Jamieson with a beaded mask created by museum employee Vernita Charlie; a seven-day, six-night scenic fishing trip in the Bob Marshall for one offered by the Cheff Guest Ranch, valued at $2,520; and a child’s tipi from Alpine Tipi’s in Polson.
For people who are unable to attend the fundraiser in person, and who have an interest in purchasing one or more of the items mentioned, a pre-auction bid option is being offered. Call the museum at 406-644-3435 no later than Wednesday, Jan. 20, to provide your name and a cell phone number and give us the amount you would like to bid on the item. A museum board or staff member will represent your bid during the auction.
Tickets are $50 per person and reservations may be made by calling the museum at 406-644-3435 and leaving a recorded message, or leave your name and number at the front desk at Ninepipes Lodge. And remember, even though the event is called the Black Tie Dinner – that tie is strictly optional (or you may be creative in adding a “tie” to your outfit).
The museum greatly appreciates the support provided by the Morton family and the staff at Ninepipes Lodge to make this event happen. Blackfoot Telecommunications Group is a generous donor who is again sponsoring the Black Tie Dinner. Blackfoot’s community-minded involvement allows the museum to maximize the proceeds from the evening to use during the 2016 season for educational outreach and other programming. The museum board and staff look forward to welcoming you to this special evening.
