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Fallon County - County Hot Seat

Background Info/ Historical Story:

“At the regular session of the 12th Montana Legislature in 1911 measures were passed whereby areas could petition the State Government to divide into smaller counties for more convenience to its citizens. At that session, Senator H. N. Sykes, uncle of Eddie Sykes, represented Custer County from Ekalaka. Governor Norris was our governor at that time, but Governor Stewart was serving when Fallon County was established in the fall of 1913. This act created considerable excitement and put life especially in Baker. The Baker Commercial Club really came to life in the meeting place, Lew Jim's Chinese Restaurant. These meetings were long and often, blinds were drawn, doors locked, and strategy planned. Eddie Booth showed up from He lena and can be looked at as the "Father of Fallon County". It has often been thought that he had been sent down to guide us properly by the Power interest of Montana-the Anaconda, Montana Power and the railroads who then and still are able to get their authority heard in matters of state. Before going into the campaign, it might be very interesting to give out a picture of just what life was like at that time in our area. We had no roads, just trails, very few cars, team and wagon or saddle horses for transportation; no radios. It was up to each neighbor to furnish its own entertainment, composed mostly of young people. In the summer months, baseball and rodeos were frequent affairs. During the winter, it was surprising how far the homesteaders went to a dance by team and wagon or saddle horse. Often deep in the wagon box was a jug of hot water wrapped up with the blankets to help keep the feet warm, and let us assume a jug of something stronger occasionally. Following the American Heritage, schools were one of the first necessities. The "Little Red School House" was a very prominent place in the life of the time, only out here they were always painted white. The dances referred to, were in the school houses, private homes and larger ranch homes, then the idea developed for erecting halls. There were some of the settlers who objected to the behavior which often was carried out in a school house.”- O’Fallon Flashbacks, T. L. Owen

“Miles City was the county seat. The county was later divided and Fallon County was created with Ekalaka as the county seat. The reason for the forming of a new county was that many folks found that it was too far to go to take care of their taxes and other business. Ted Bergstrom from this community was appointed along with others from Baker, Ekalaka and Plevna to set up a county seat and in the long run, in 1914, a group of men went to Ekalaka and brought the records and Baker became the county seat. There was a "hot time" doing it with friction at first. Many of the local people went to Baker that night to celebrate. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Fost had traveled in a wagon and was invited to spend the night with the Dick Johnsons. An organization of the county, elections and laying out of districts was necessary.” O’Fallon Flashbacks, Marion Fost Hanson

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