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Helena (Mont.) City Clerk records, 1881-1918

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Helena (Mont.). City Clerk.
Title
Helena (Mont.) City Clerk records
Dates
1881-1918 (inclusive)
Quantity
6.2 linear feet of shelf space
Collection Number
LG 1
Summary
This collection consists of records (1883-1915) filed with the City Clerk of the City of Helena, Montana. The largest segment of the records consist of monthly reports of city officials and committees. In addition there are correspondence, employee records, financial records, legal documents, specifications, subject files, etc. The strength of the collection is in documenting the development of the infastructure of Helena.
Repository
Montana Historical Society, Library & Archives
Montana Historical Society Research Center Archives
225 North Roberts
PO Box 201201
Helena MT
59620-1201
Telephone: 4064442681
Fax: 4064445297
mhslibrary@mt.gov
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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Historical Note

Although Helena, Montana, was settled in 1864, it did not become a formal city until 1881. Prior to that, public functions were handled by the Lewis and Clark County government and by the Helena Board of Trade. Attempts to incorporate the city repeatedly failed in general elections. Faced with increasing needs for improved streets, fire protection, and sanitation, the electorate finally approved city incorporation on March 3, 1881. Subsequent amendments to the incorporation were passed in February 1883, January 1885, and March 1885. These were formalized as the City Charter, published in 1887.

The city was headed by an elected mayor and city council. The mayor was initially authorized to appoint a city attorney, who also served as city clerk; a city marshal; one or more policemen; two night-watchman; a street commissioner; a city engineer/surveyor; and a fire chief. The city clerk served as the custodian of city records, recorder of city council meetings, and counter-signer of all city warrants. Because he was official city record keeper, all reports by city officials were filed with him. The City Clerk also maintained files of all correspondence directed to the city.

The functions of the office stayed essentially the same until the commission form of government was adopted around 1912.

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Content Description

Records of the Helena City Clerk consist primarily of records filed with the clerk, not records produced by the clerk. Incoming correspondence (1884-1918) is filed by year. Within each year the correspondence is separated into "communications" (complaints, information, informal requests, etc.) and "petitions" (formal requests for specific action). Topics include public works requests, complaints about nuisances, and a wide variety of other topics. Court papers (1881-1917) include affidavits, several cases in which the City of Helena was a party, and "John Doe" cases concerning stray animals. Employee records include civil service applications; payrolls for the Fire Department, Police Department, and Street Commissioner; and letters of resignation. Financial records include a financial report (1911) and inventories (1891, 1894) of equipment in city offices. Legal documents (1884-1913) consist primarily of bids and contracts for work on streets, sewers, sidewalks, and other public works. There are also opinions of the City Attorney.

The largest series in this collection is Reports. Each city officer filed monthly reports on operations and finances with the city clerk. Included are reports of the Accountant (1907-1908), Auditorium Janitor (1910-1912), Board of Health (1884-1915), Building Inspector (1890-1914), City Assessor (1894), City Attorney (1888-1915), City Clerk (1888-1910), City Engineer (1887-1915), City Marshal (1888-1895), Examining and Trial Board of the Police Department (1912), Fire Marshal (1888-1914), Free Employment Agency (1912), Inspector of Milk, Food, etc. (1892-1894), Inspector of Weights and Measures (1890-1915), Library Board of Directors/Librarian (1888-1915), Light Inspector (1913), Mayor (1896-1914), Police Chief (1895-1914), Police Magistrate/Judge (1886-1912), Poundmaster (1906-1915), Street Commissioner (1887-1899), Superintendent of Garbage (1897-1899), Superintendent of Sewers/Sewer Inspector (1888-1914), Treasurer (1888-1899), and Water Department (1913).

There are also reports for various city committees, including Affairs of City of Helena (1890), Auditing (1893-1898, 1910), Building Licenses (1898), Fire Department (1888, 1898, 1908), Judiciary (1886, 1898), Library (1898), Police (1898), Public Buildings (1898), Sewerage (1886, 1898), Special Committee on City Clerk's Records (1898), Street Grades (1898), Streets and Alleys (1898, 1910), Taxes and Licenses (1884, 1898), and Ways and Means (1898). There are also reports on specific topics, including the sewer system, the water system, and the removal of a police officer.

Subject Files include the city water system, the sewer system, investigations of Police Judge Lincoln Working and the dismissal of four policemen (1910-1912), and street paving projects (1890-1897).

Miscellany (1880s-1910s) consists primarily of specifications for public works projects.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

The Montana Historical Society is the owner of the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from the Research Library before any reproduction use. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.

Preferred Citation

item description and date. Collection Title. Collection Number. Box and Folder numbers. Montana Historical Society Research Center, Archives, Helena, Montana.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by series.

Location of Collection

51:1-1; Oversize 33:5-5, 33:8-5; 57:2-5

Acquisition Information

Acquisition information available upon request

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Detailed Description of the Collection

  • Incoming Correspondence

    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include W.H. Ulm, Richard Lockey, Wadsworth Post No. 8, G.A.R., John A. Quirk, Curtis and Booker, James M. Ryan, W.P. Gleason, Jacob Switzer, Matt Carroll, A.C. Van Doren, Houston T. Reeder, Charles H. Snell)
      Dates: 1883-1884
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 1
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re street grading, sidewalks, flumes, sewers, police officers, street railroads, care of destitute, private bridges, Chinese laundry)
      Dates: 1884
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 2-4
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include William Doran, Erastus D. Edgerton, Dutton and O'Brien, Walter W. DeLacy, George B. Foote, George W. Keeler, Western Union Telegraph Company, T.C. Power, George W. Storey, S.C. Ashby, A.C. Botkin, George K. Reeder, Fisk J. Shaffer, C.W. Turner, Lewis and Clark Clerk and Recorder re new cemetery, J. Crouch, George Booker fire marshal, John W. Wade, Helena Steam Power and Lighting Company, Andrew J. Fisk, L.W. Frary)
      Dates: 1886-1887
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 5
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re streets, sidewalks, sewers, street lights, water mains, business licenses, building permits, policemen, appointment of fire marshal, discharge of firearms, taxes, standard time, toboggan run, job wagon stand, street obstructions, Chaucer Street reservoir, militia, water mains, pawnbroker, Villard Addition)
      Dates: 1886-1887
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 6-10
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include First National Bank; Helena Water Company; William Harrison; Mayor Thomas Fuller; W.P. McMannamy; John G. Rumney; Don Davenport; Bishop John B. Brondel; Porter, Muth, and Cox; Robert E. Fisk; George B. Worley; S.F. Porter; Burke and Fitzgerald; George Woolston; R.H. Kleinschmidt, Helena Gas Light and Coke Company; Gamewell Fire-Alarm Telegraph Company; E. Sutphin; J.J. Palmer; Erastus D. Edgerton; Knights of Labor)
      Dates: 1889
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 11
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re applications for business licenses, building permits, streets, sidewalks, water mains, etc.)
      Dates: 1889
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 12-13
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re nuisances and complaints: street and alley blockage by wagons and street railways, proposed streetcar line on Madison, condition of sidewalks, city dump, Chinese laundry, escape of exhaust gas, driving of cows on streets, police behavior, fireworks, proposed Villard and Hershfield Additions, low wages on sewer construction, unprotected prospect hole filled with refuse, Chessman ditch, price of cemetery lot, electric light wires, hack stands)
      Dates: 1889
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 14
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re proposals for gas street lights, granite crosswalks, electric fire alarms, cleaning water closets, street railway line)
      Dates: 1889
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 15
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include T.H. Clewell, Pat Gallagher, H.B. Palmer, City Board of Health, City Treasurer, American Biscuit and Manufacturing Company, O.W. Jackson, Municipal Guaranty Company, First National Bank, James B. Walker, L. Bevridge, Charles T. Perry and Company, Trans-Mississippi Congress, John Abel, J.D. Thompson, Helena Electric Company)
      Dates: 1890-1893
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 16
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re streets, congestion of Main Street, crosswalks)
      Dates: 1890
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 17
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re budget reductions during Panic of 1893, request by W.C.T.U. for removal of houses of prostitution from Clore Street, use of auditorium, police, building permits)
      Dates: 1893
      Container: Box/Folder 1 / 18-20
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re sidewalk)
      Dates: 1894
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 1
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include Toole and Wallace, Helena Power and Light Company, National Children's Home Society, H.B. Palmer, City Treasurer H.F. Tilton, Buchanan Dillard, City Attorney Massena Bullard, R.G. Williams, Richard Hoback, F.J. Edwards, A.T. Newbury, Montana Central Railway Company)
      Dates: 1895
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 2
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re building repairs, use of auditorium, use of city rock crusher, bicycles on sidewalks, herding of cattle, boys hanging out at opera house, telegraph lines, garbage collection)
      Dates: 1895
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 3
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include Charles S. Muffly, J.M. Clements, Henry N. Blake re grand juries, Richard Lockey, James Mauldin re cesspool, C.B. Sperry re "Old Cemetery" fence, Order of the Sons of Hermann, James Holleran, T.E. Crutcher, Peter Winne, A.M. Holter and Brother)
      Dates: 1896
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 4
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re streets; sidewalks; taxes; Merchants National Bank; prospecting in First Street; appointment of Isaac Hayes as policeman, signed by 55 African American voters of Helena; building permits; bonds; public library funding; use of auditorium; appointment of City Impounder; licensing musicians)
      Dates: 1896
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 5-6
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include H.B. Palmer, Richard Lockey, John Wendel, E.D. Edgerton, Helena Power and Light Company, W.E. Cullen, H.R. Lovett and Company)
      Dates: 1897
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 7
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re streets, sidewalks, water lines, sewer, building permits, taxes, revision of city ordinances, Salvation Army Rescue Home and open air meetings, advertising banners, warrants)
      Dates: 1897
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 8-9
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include City Attorney Massena Bullard, H.B. Palmer and Company investments, Sol Poznanski, W.H. Sutherlin, Helena Improvement Society, Helena Consolidated Water Company, International Mining Congress, League of American Municipalities, Attorney General C.B. Nolan, John W. Thompson, Lewis and Clark County Commissioners, A.H. Wieber, Police Judge Ed S. Walker, Labor Protective Union, Judiciary Committee, Charles W. Helmick, Northern Pacific Railway Company, J.L. Perkins)
      Dates: 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 10
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re streets, sidewalks, sewer lines, water, warrants, taxes, lime kiln smoke, business licenses, building permits and repairs, use of auditorium, mining at Mountain Home Cemetery, proposed street railway line to East Helena, transportation of materials for construction of State Capitol)
      Dates: 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 11-12
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include League of American Municipalities, Helena Water and Electric Power Company, H.B. Palmer and Company investments, City Treasurer H.F. Tilton, Carl Kleinschmidt Jr., W.F. Darlington, State Capitol Building Commission, Helena Power and Light Company, Richard Lockey, City Attorney Edward Horsky, Helena Board of Education, A.M. Holter Hardware Company, Union Bank and Trust Company)
      Dates: 1899
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 13
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re proposed railroad to haul limestone and passengers to East Helena by Helena Power and Light Company, streets, sidewalks, sewers, electric street lights, use of auditorium, steam heat, building permits and repairs)
      Dates: 1899
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 14-16
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include League of American Municipalities, D.R.K. Central Verein von NordAmerika, International Mining Congress, City Treasurer H.F. Tilton, Helena Power and Light Company, Massena Bullard, Gans and Klein, Helena Water and Electric Power Company, Building Laborers' Union #4, Richard Lockey, retiring city councilmen, Lewis and Clark County Commissioners, U.S. Census Office, R.S. Hale, Mary A. Cruse, Helena Board of Education, First National Bank receivership, J. Karatofsky, Arthur J. Craven, E.A. Carleton, A. McDonald and Company, Charles W. Hellmick, E.R. Tandy, Helena Water Works Company)
      Dates: 1900
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 17
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re streets; sidewalks; taxes; limestone quarry; building permits, repairs and removals; impounded stock; prospecting; warrants; rent of city road machine)
      Dates: 1900
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 18-19
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include E.A. Macrum, Main Street property owners, J. Wendel, Helena District Telegraph Company, Richard Lockey, retiring city councilmen, Montana Medical Association, Helena Board of Education)
      Dates: 1901
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 20
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re relief from taxes, building permits, sewers, street repairs)
      Dates: 1901-1902
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 21
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re applications for licenses, building permits, etc.)
      Dates: 1905-1906
      Container: Box/Folder 2 / 22
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re streets, sidewalks, sewers, alley abandonment for building of St. Helena Cathedral, firemen's wages, property line dispute on Howie and Ming Streets, use of auditorium, protest against allowing saloons on Park Avenue, taxation of church property, collection of city taxes by county)
      Dates: 1905-1906
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 1-2
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include William T. Pigott re special improvement districts, Richard Lockey, Helena Water Works Company, livery stable on Park Avenue, League of American Municipalities, Helena Trades and Labor Assembly, Montana Independent Telephone Company, Butte Electric Supply Company, J. Miller Smith, Mayor F.J. Edwards, Judge J.M. Clement re grand juries)
      Dates: 1909
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 3
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re removal of prostitutes from Clore Street to Wood Street, saloon licenses, streets, sidewalks, sewers, storm flumes, plats, closing of alley, bill board on Rodney and State, dog license, underground telephone cables, building permits and repairs, use of auditorium)
      Dates: 1909
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 4-7
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include William T. Pigott, Burns and McDonnell re appraisal of water works, T.J. Walsh, Massena Bullard, Helena Trades and Labor Assembly, Helena Light and Railway Company, City Engineer Charles W. Helmick, Board of Park Commissioners, Police Judge Lincoln Working, Mary E. McNamara)
      Dates: 1910
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 8
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re saloon licences, streets, sidewalks, sewers, taxes, use of auditorium, automobile garage, removal of stable, plumbing license)
      Dates: 1910
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 9-11
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include Helena Water Works Company receiver, Helena Base Ball Company, Helena Light and Railway Company, City Engineer Charles Helmick, United States Public Buildings Office of Custodian, Mayor Edward Horsky)
      Dates: 1911
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 12
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone Company, commission form of government, saloon licenses, water meters, garbage men's salaries, use of auditorium, city purchase of water works plant, sidewalks, sewers, underpass to Fairgrounds, Catholic Hill privies, warrants)
      Dates: 1911-1912
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 13-15
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Communications" (correspondents include City Engineer William Jordan, City Treasurer E. Fischl)
      Dates: 1913-1914
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 16
      Location: Incoming Correspondence
    • Description: "Petitions" (re city owned coal and wood yard)
      Dates: 1918
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 17
      Location: Incoming Correspondence

  • Court Papers

    • Description: Affidavits
      Dates: 1896-1899
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 18
      Location: Court Papers
    • Description: City of Helena vs. Galen Estate Company, et al. (re alley between Main and Park streets)
      Dates: 1916-1917
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 19
      Location: Court Papers
    • Description: City of Helena vs. Thomas Granger
      Dates: 1890
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 20
      Location: Court Papers
    • Description: John Doe cases (re stray livestock impoundment)
      Dates: 1881-1882
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 21
      Location: Court Papers
    • Description: Clara McCormick vs. City of Helena (re injury)
      Dates: 1913-1914
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 22
      Location: Court Papers
    • Description: James S. Smith vs. City of Helena (re water rights on Beaver Creek; includes abstract of title, 1866-1900)
      Dates: 1913-1914
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 24
      Location: Court Papers
    • Description: Nora E. Wear vs. City of Helena (re damage to property by street grading)
      Dates: 1914-1915
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 25
      Location: Court Papers
    • Description: Miscellaneous (includes complaint of I.L Israel; R.H. Kleinschmidt vs. City of Helena; City of Helena vs. Jacob Bihn)
      Dates: 1886-1890
      Container: Box/Folder 3 / 26
      Location: Court Papers

  • Employment Records

    • Description: Civil Service Commission (includes applications)
      Dates: 1916-1917
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 1
      Location: Employment Records
    • Description: Payrolls: Fire Department
      Dates: 1888-1891
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 2-4
      Location: Employment Records
    • Description: Payrolls: Police Department
      Dates: 1888-1891
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 5
      Location: Employment Records
    • Description: Payrolls: Street Department
      Dates: 1888-1889
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 6
      Location: Employment Records
    • Description: Payrolls: Street Department
      Dates: 1890-1891
      Container: Box/Folder OvBx / 1
      Location: Employment Records
    • Description: Resignations from office (some in protest)
      Dates: 1887-1914, undated
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 7
      Location: Employment Records
    • Description: Salary reductions
      Dates: 1896
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 8
      Location: Employment Records

  • Financial Records

    • Description: Delinquent tax list
      Dates: 1882-1883
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 9
      Location: Financial Records
    • Description: Financial statements
      Dates: 1896, 1911
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 10
      Location: Financial Records
    • Description: Inventory: Fire Department
      Dates: 1891
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 11
      Location: Financial Records
    • Description: Inventory: city offices
      Dates: 1894
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 12
      Location: Financial Records
    • Description: Inventory: tools turned over to J.L. Koontz
      Dates: 1895
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 13
      Location: Financial Records

  • Legal Documents

    • Description: Applications for building permits
      Dates: 1887, 1889, 1901
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 14
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Applications for erection of frame buildings
      Dates: 1900
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 15
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Applications for alteration of frame and brick buildings
      Dates: 1900
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 16
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Bids: Lyndale Bridge
      Dates: 1887
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 17
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Bids: supplying cordwood
      Dates: 1887
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 18
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Business license stubs
      Dates: 1891
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 19
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Claims against city
      Dates: 1886-1887, 1897
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 20
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: auditorium repair and use
      Dates: 1898-1904
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 21
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: bonds
      Dates: 1886-1899
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 22
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: city hall repair
      Dates: 1887, 1904
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 23
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: electrical street lights
      Dates: 1884-1898
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 24
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: garbage removal (includes bids)
      Dates: 1891-1894
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 25
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: hose houses, towers and wagons for Fire Department (includes bids and specifications)
      Dates: 1887-1901
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 26
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: hospital and quarantine house of detention
      Dates: 1902
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 27
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: jail prisoner board
      Dates: 1893-1901
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 28
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: lumber
      Dates: 1892-1899
      Container: Box/Folder 4 / 29
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: sewer system (includes bids, specifications, contract with Gustavus N. Miller for whole system)
      Dates: 1888-1903
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 1-3
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: sidewalks and crosswalks
      Dates: 1901
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 4
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: street grading, repairs, etc. (includes bids)
      Dates: 1887, 1898-1906
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 5-6
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: water system
      Dates: 1898-1901
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 7
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Contracts: miscellaneous (includes census taking, flume, office rental, quarry, printing, copying lot books, repairing crematorium, telephones, rock, mining, searching tax roles)
      Dates: 1886-1913
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 8
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Opinions of City Attorney
      Dates: 1890-1911
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 9
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Ordinances (re incorporation of city and granting of fanchises to Helena District Telegraph Company and Rocky Mountain Telegraph Company)
      Dates: 1888-1913, undated
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 10
      Location: Legal Documents
    • Description: Resolutions of City Council
      Dates: 1884-1897, undated
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 11
      Location: Legal Documents

  • Reports

    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Accountant
      Dates: 1907-1908
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 12
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Auditorium Janitor
      Dates: 1910-1912
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 13
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Board of Health (1891 includes weather statistics)
      Dates: 1884, 1889-1896, 1906-1915
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 14-19
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Building Inspector
      Dates: 1890-1899, 1907-1914
      Container: Box/Folder 5 / 20-22
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: City Assessor
      Dates: 1894
      Container: Box/Folder 6 / 1
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: City Attorney
      Dates: 1888-1896, 1909-1915
      Container: Box/Folder 6 / 2-4
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: City Clerk
      Dates: 1888-1893, 1899, 1906-1910
      Container: Box/Folder 6 / 5-7
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: City Engineer
      Dates: 1887-1894, 1898-1900, 1906-1915
      Container: Box/Folder 6 / 8-12
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: City Marshal
      Dates: 1888-1895
      Container: Box/Folder 6 / 13-15
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Examining and Trial Board of Police Dept.
      Dates: 1912
      Container: Box/Folder 6 / 16
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Fire Marshal
      Dates: 1888-1896
      Container: Box/Folder 6 / 17-19
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Fire Marshal and Fire Department
      Dates: 1897-1899, 1906-1914
      Container: Box/Folder 7 / 1-2
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Free Employment Bureau
      Dates: 1912
      Container: Box/Folder 7 / 3
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Inspector of Milk, Food, etc.
      Dates: 1892-1894
      Container: Box/Folder 7 / 4
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Inspector of Weights and Measures (1890-1891 includes inspection of milk and wood)
      Dates: 1890-1893, 1907-1915
      Container: Box/Folder 7 / 5-9
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Librarian / Library Board of Directors
      Dates: 1888-1898, 1906-1915
      Container: Box/Folder 7 / 10-13
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Light Inspector
      Dates: 1913
      Container: Box/Folder 8 / 1
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Mayor
      Dates: 1896, 1912, 1914
      Container: Box/Folder 8 / 2
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Police Chief (includes statistics on number of people arrested for violation of city ordinances and of state laws, number of people provided with housing, and money taken in for dog licenses, impounded stock, etc.)
      Dates: 1895-1899, 1906-1914
      Container: Box/Folder 8 / 3-6
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Police Magistrate (includes lists of people brought before city court for misdemeanors, primarily drunk, disorderly conduct, and prostitution)
      Dates: 1886-1887
      Container: Box/Folder OvBx / 1
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Police Magistrate (includes lists of people brought before city court for misdemeanors, primarily drunk, disorderly conduct, and prostitution)
      Dates: 1888-1892
      Container: Box/Folder OvBx / 2
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Police Magistrate / Police Judge (includes lists of people brought before city court for misdemeanors, primarily drunk, disorderly conduct, and prostitution)
      Dates: 1893-1897, 1901-1902, 1904-1905
      Container: Box/Folder OvBx / 3
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Police Judge (includes lists of people brought before city court for misdemeanors, primarily drunk, disorderly conduct, and prostitution)
      Dates: 1906-1912
      Container: Box/Folder OvBx / 4
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Pound Master (includes lists of stray horses and cows; some months included with Board of Health report)
      Dates: 1906-1915
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 1-2
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Street Commissioner (includes lists of streets graded, gutters, sidewalks, crosswalks, etc. built; some years also include flumes)
      Dates: 1887-1899
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 3-6
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Street Commissioner (includes lists of streets graded, gutters, sidewalks, crosswalks, etc. built; some years also include flumes)
      Dates: 1906-1911
      Container: Box/Folder OvBx / 4
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Superintendent of Garbage
      Dates: 1897-1899
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 7
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Superintendent of Sewers / Sewer Inspector / Plumbing and Sewer Inspector
      Dates: 1888-1889, 1899, 1906-1914
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 8
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Treasurer (includes City Clerk, 1899)
      Dates: 1888-1899
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 9
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city officials: Water Department
      Dates: 1913
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 10
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Affairs of City of Helena Committee (includes audit report)
      Dates: 1890
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 11
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Auditing Committee
      Dates: 1893, 1897, 1898, 1910
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 12
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Building License Committee
      Dates: 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 13
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Fire Department Committee
      Dates: 1888, 1898, 1909
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 14
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Judiciary Committee
      Dates: 1888, 1898, 1909
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 15
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Library Committee
      Dates: 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 16
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Police Committee
      Dates: 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 17
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Public Buildings Committee
      Dates: 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 18
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Sewerage Committee (includes samples of 1890 sewage bonds)
      Dates: 1886, 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 19
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Special Committee on City Clerk's records
      Dates: 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 20
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Street Grades Committee
      Dates: 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 21
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Streets and Alleys Committee
      Dates: 1898, 1910
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 22
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Taxes and Licenses Committee
      Dates: 1884, 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 23
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: Ways and Means Committee
      Dates: 1898
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 24
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: re Brett warrants against Street Fund
      Dates: 1897
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 25
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Monthly reports of city committees: miscellaneous (includes Committee on Ordinances, Relief Committee, Sanitation and Garbage Committee, Committee on Electric Lights, special ad hoc committees)
      Dates: 1888, 1898, 1911
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 26
      Location: Reports
    • Description: "Last Chance Gulch Storm Sewer," by Gustavus N. Miller
      Dates: 1888
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 27
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Mayor Frank F.P. Lindsay report to City Council
      Dates: 1906
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 28
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Mayor Edwards recommendations re Water Company judgement
      Dates: 1901
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 29
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Mayor's report on old and new water plants
      Dates: 1911
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 30
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Mayor's veto message (re procedure for removal of police officer)
      Dates: 1890
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 31
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Report of Emil Starz to Special Gas Committee
      Dates: 1907
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 32
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Report on Oro Fino Gulch water diversion to Hale Ditch
      Dates: 1889
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 33
      Location: Reports
    • Description: "Report on Sewerage System," by Gustavus N. Miller (plans and maps in OVERSIZE FOLDER)
      Dates: 1888
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 34
      Location: Reports
    • Description: Miscellaneous items filed in "Reports" box (includes telegram of sympathy to City of San Francisco after earthquake, veto of ordinance for appointment of Milk and Meat Inspector, resolution re telephone controversy, list of water pipes overflowing sidewalks, notice of special meeting of Council concerning death of Police Judge John J. Grogan)
      Dates: 1906
      Container: Box/Folder 9 / 35
      Location: Reports

  • Subject Files

    • Description: Elections (includes poll books for 2nd Ward, 1884; 4th Ward, 1886; and 7th Ward, undated)
      Dates: 1884-1893, undated
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 1
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Helena Consolidated Water Company
      Dates: 1896-1899
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 2
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Helena Water Works Company (includes receivership)
      Dates: 1901, 1911
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 3
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Investigation of Police Judge Lincoln Working
      Dates: 1910-1912
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 4
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Edward Jordan property (re transfer to city for street railway line)
      Dates: 1892
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 5
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Municipal bonds and warrants
      Dates: 1895,1899, 1905-1908
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 6
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Police Department (re case of dismissal of four policemen)
      Dates: 1910-1912
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 7
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Standard Engineering Corporation franchise special election (for building electric system)
      Dates: 1913-1914
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 8
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Street paving: Main Street
      Dates: 1890-1892
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 9
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Street paving: Sixth Avenue
      Dates: 1897
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 10
      Location: Subject Files
    • Description: Street railways
      Dates: 1884
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 11
      Location: Subject Files

  • Miscellany

    • Description: Lawrence Street assessment roll (lists residents, property description, frontage, and assessment)
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 12
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: SB 45 for meat and milk inspectors
      Dates: 1901
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 13
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: Specifications: City Hall plumbing
      Dates: undated
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 14
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: Specifications: fire engine
      Dates: 1913
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 15
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: Specifications: flume from Cutler Street to Edwards Street (plans in OVERSIZE FOLDER)
      Dates: circa 1884
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 16
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: Specifications: lamp posts
      Dates: 1913
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 17
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: Specifications: LeGrande Cannon Boulevard
      Dates: circa 1907
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 18
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: Specifications: residential gas and plumbing hookups
      Dates: 1886
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 19
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: Specifications: sewer system (plans in OVERSIZE FOLDER)
      Dates: 1889, 1908, undated
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 20
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: Specifications: street grading, sidewalks, crosswalks, etc.
      Dates: 1902, 1908, undated
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 21
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: Statements of County Attorney R.R. Purcell and Police Chief William H. McCann re conflict between them
      Dates: 1896
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 22
      Location: Miscellany
    • Description: "Miscellaneous papers" (includes releases of liability, claims)
      Dates: 1887-1910, undated
      Container: Box/Folder 10 / 23-24
      Location: Miscellany

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Chinese--Montana--Helena.
  • Courts--Montana--Helena.
  • Fire-departments--Montana--Helena.
  • Law enforcement--Montana--Helena.
  • Municipal government--Montana--Helena.
  • Municipal water supply--Montana--Helena.
  • Prisoners--Montana--Helena.
  • Prostitution--Montana--Helena.
  • Public +health--Montana--Helena.
  • Public utilities--Montana--Helena.
  • Public works--Montana--Helena.
  • Roads--Design and construction--Montana--Helena.
  • Sewage disposal--Montana--Helena.
  • Street lighting--Montana--Helena.
  • Street-railroads--Montana--Helena.
  • Voter registration--Montana--Helena.
  • Water-supply--Montana--Helena.

Geographical Names

  • Helena (Mont.)--Buildings, structures, etc.
  • Helena (Mont.)--Economic conditions
  • Helena (Mont.)--Libraries, museums, and theaters
  • Helena (Mont.)--Medical care
  • Helena (Mont.)--Politics and government
  • Helena (Mont.)--Population
  • Helena (Mont.)--Voting registers

Finding aid prepared by Ellie Arguimbau, 1999
2006

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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