Yesterdays: Kennedys almost killed by falling rock

70 years ago

Sept. 7, 1956

The Columbia Falls Rifle Club opened its new range at Teakettle Mountain. The range is still in use today. The Lake McDonald Boat Co. would extend its service to St. Mary Lake under a new contract with the Park Service. Art Burch and Raymond Simpson were partners in the venture.

60 years ago

Sept. 9, 1966

Californians had replaced Montanans as first-time visitors to Glacier National Park. The state had more visitors come to the park than Montana did, Glacier officials at the time said. School District 6 enrollment topped 2,000 students.

50 years ago

Sept. 9, 1976

Classes had been halted at Columbia Falls schools after the teachers and administration were at odds over a new contract. There were rumors that teachers would be replaced, but that was not the case.

40 years ago

Sept. 10, 1986

Brian and Carol Kennedy narrowly escaped with their lives after a rock fell off the slopes above the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park and smashed into the trunk of their car. The couple owned the Hungry Horse News at the time and Brian was editor and publisher of the newspaper. Carol suffered neck injuries from whiplash.

30 years ago

Sept. 5, 1996

Glacier National Park was closing up facilities for the fall, which would be considered a bit early by today’s standards. The Many Glacier and Two Medicine entrances were boarded up for the winter.

20 years ago

Sept. 7, 2006

A 600-unit subdivision and car dealership was planned for the big field at the junction of Highways 2 and 40 outside Columbia Falls. A San Francisco company had proposed the development, which was never built. It remains an open field today.

10 years ago

Sept. 7, 2016

Dan Pilipow of Portage, Indiana died after he slipped and fell on snowfield while climbing Mount Jackson in Glacier National Park.