This collection consists of a speech delivered by Mayor Donald Bradford to the city council in 1890. The speech discusses improving the city, particularly city streets. It also contains some correspondence of Mayor David Lewis during the 1970s.
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 nightwatchmen; a street commissioner; a city engineer/surveyor; and a fire chief. The mayor presided over the city council, administered oaths, remitted fines or granted pardons; could review the finances of city officers, and had general supervision over city officers.
Mayor Dave Lewis' personal correspondence are held at the Montana Historical Society as the Dave Lewis Papers (SC 2736).
This collection is open for research.
Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of the Montana Historical Society. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collection. In some cases, permission for use may require additional authorization from the copyright holders. For more information, contact the Montana Historical Society Research Center Archives.
Mayor Lewis' records were acquired through a private donation in 2015. The acquisition of Mayor Bradford's records is unknown.
[Name of document or photograph number], Helena (Mont.) Mayor Records, LG 72, [box and folder number]. Montana Historical Society, Research Center Archives, Helena, Montana.