Flathead Courier, July 25, 1974 

Polson-Flathead Museum: A Reflection of the Past

By Sherry Stripling

Since its opening July 14,  almost 50 visitors a day have stepped into the freshly-built Polson-Flathead Historical Museum to see the aged artifacts of the Valley history.

The long grey building located on 8th and Main  is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 2 p.m.  until 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Local history is spotlighted  in the display with articles such as the Allard Stage Coach which made the Polson-Ravalli run  in 1909-1910; the first Polson Fire Department vehicle; photographs of the area and the town dating back as far as possible; trunkloads of clothes from the early 1920s.

The most recent addition to the museum  is the J.F. McAlear display, reconstructed as a remembrance of his work as a leading businessman in Polson and founder of the museum. Mr McAlear spent six years raising money to start the museum.

The display  is a scene from the McAlear Realty Company, located on Main street. Mr. McAlear’s roll top desk, original typewriter, filing cabinet, chaps and boots are included.

Cherries Are Ripe in The Valley

Cherry harvesting is underway in the Polson area, with all indications from growers and packers that the 1974 season will produce more cherries than last year.

The three Polson area warehouses opened operations this week. Doug stam, manager of the Polson Employment Service Office, states many more experienced cherry pickers are still needed.

Ray Biddle, manager of Treasure State Cherries , predicted a harvest of 50% more cherries this year than in 1973. 

“I’ve seen better years than this, but I have also seen a great many worse,” Biddle commented.