I've come to the conclusion I've lived here too long.  I mean, it's not a bad thing - I just measure in DECADES now.  I came to this conclusion as I started to describe places around town by noting where something used to be...

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I can also tell how long someone else has lived here, by if they recognize the places that I mention.  It's like a game of Trivial Pursuit or a history lesson.  The longer I'm around, the more I seem to remember the "old way".  Going senile, possibly.  Turning into my mother, most definitely!  How does this happen?

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Let's make a list:

  • KTGF TV - JoMay Barker, Ron Bruschi & Fred Pfeiffer (Fred is the reason I got into radio)
  • Deaconess Hospital, Columbus Hospital,
  • "Old" Columbus Hospital - apparently where my father-in-law was born
  • Poulsen's then Pro Build, now Builders First Source
  • Montgomery Wards, Herbergers, Kranz Flowers & Gifts
  • Bon Marche (3 stories!)
  • Don Ryan Olds, Haggerty Motors, Bennet Motors too!
  • Heritage Bank, NorWest Bank, Countrywide Home Loans
  • Thirsty's, J-T, 8-Ball, TJ's, the Prospector (2)
  • Westside Dairy Queen - the best by the way - more candy!
  • Nygard's Auto Body, BP gas stations
  • Mama Cassie's, Zandy's Drive Through, Burger Master (2)
  • Ayrshire Dairy, Big
  • Buttrey's, County Market
  • Montana Power - now Northwestern Energy
  • Great Falls Gas - now Energy West
  • Village Twin, Twilite Movie Theater, Cine 4
  • Gagnon Ranch Golf Course, Big Sky Bagel Bakery
  • Blooms Furniture, Scan Am Furniture
  • after
    Remember this?
    Remember this?
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    Montgomery Wards

    taken from History Museum
    Getty Images
    Getty Images
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    Movie Theater

    interior

    And so many more!  This doesn't have to be in just Great Falls, MT.  It can be anywhere - just don't forget to measure your time in decades.  Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me.  And thank you to those business that have stood the test of time and still thrive in the Electric City today ♥

    Previous Cine4
    Previous Cine4
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    Previous Cine4

    2022
    13th & 9th Street So
    Previous Village Twin
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    previous Village Twin

    2022
    Fit Republic used to be Herbergers
    Fit Republic used to be Herbergers
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    previous Herbergers

    Mall Changes
    Find out more about our past
    Find out more about our past
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    History Museum

    Located on Machinery Row
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