Arlee Mercantile daybook, 1900-1910

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Arlee Mercantile
Title
Arlee Mercantile daybook
Dates
1900-1910 (inclusive)
Quantity
1 volume and 1 folder
Collection Number
Mss 751
Summary
The Arlee Mercantile daybook documents customer purchases made over disparate intervals from 1900 to1908, and notes dating as late as 1910, at B. H. Denison's general store in Arlee, Montana. The clientele in this book represent various groups within the region at that time including farmers, Native Americans, and railroad workers.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana-Missoula.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

In 1900 B. H. Denison owned the general merchandise store in Arlee, Montana, and was also postmaster of the town. Based on the contents of the daybook, the store closed in November 1900 and reopened in January 1907 under the proprietorship of A. L. Demers who also assumed the office of postmaster. The daybook entries continue through March 1908.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Arlee Mercantile daybook provides an itemized account of purchases made from April-November 1900, March 1901-September 1903, and January 1907-March 1908. Many of the entries record the purchases of local framers, Native Americans, and townspeople. After the store was reopened by Demers in 1907, some entries reflect an influx of Japanese immigrants, who were most likely employed by the Northern Pacific Railroad. These entries are usually marked by headings like "Jap section" or "Coal dock-Jap."

The book also contained enclosed materials originally between pates 174-175 and 342-343, including entries on loose paper. These enclosed materials are housed separately, but under the same collection number (Mss 751).

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], Arlee Mercantile daybook, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana-Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

The Arlee Mercantile daybook was acquired from the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, who acquired the daybook from Edward Blaskovich. Mr. Blaskovich found the daybook in his house in Arlee.

Processing Note

This book has been left in its original state, with the exception of enclosed materials materials between pages 174-175 and 342-343. These materials are housed separately under the same collection number (Mss 751).

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Volume
1 Daybook 1900-1910
Box/Folder
1/1 Enclosed materials 1908, undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • General stores--Montana--Arlee
  • Immigrants--Montana--Arlee
  • Japanese--Montana--Arlee

Corporate Names

  • Northern Pacific Railroad Company

Form or Genre Terms

  • Business records--Montana--Arlee