Archives West Finding Aid

Mary Irene Watkins was born in Harrison, Montana on September 17, 1880. She married Perry A. Thatcher in 1930 and thereafter routinely referred to herself as Irene Thatcher. She moved to Spokane, Washington around 1922 where she operated a hotel until 1947. That year she moved back to Bozeman, Montana where she was active in several heritage organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers, and the Montana Huguenots Society. She died on December 14, 1966.

The Montana Territorial Centennial Commission was created by the legislature in 1961 for "the sole purpose of providing a dignified, significant celebration during the full year of 1964 commemorating creation of the territory as well as honoring 75 years of statehood by and for the people of Montana." The Montana Centennial Train, organized by Howard Kelsey, was equipped with four exhibit cars, traveled through Montana in February 1964, and then in the spring journeyed to New York City where it was on display in the Montana Pavilion of the World's Fair for two years, providing Montana media exposure and publicity that would be felt for many years. Among the 300 people who signed up to ride the train was Irene Thatcher.