Claude Elder Interview, 1963

Claude Elder describes the construction of the 1892 Higgins Avenue bridge in Missoula, Montana. He recalls the flood of 1908, which delayed the construction of a newer bridge. He talks about Higgins Avenue before it was paved and describes many of the buildings and businesses that existed in during the late 19th century and early 20th century including the Florence Hotel, multiple Chinese laundries, and the Missoula Hotel. Elder discusses the events that were celebrated in Missoula such as the Fourth of July and Chinese New Year, due to the large population of Chinese immigrants in Montana at that time. He mentions the circuses that came through the town on a regular basis. Elder also describes the different theaters in downtown Missoula including the Blue Bird and Harnois. He concludes by describing the Native American peoples who came through Missoula, including Chief Charlo of the Salish tribe, and he talks at length about the roundhouse whistle.https://scholarworks.umt.edu/stanhealy_missoulahistoryinterviews/1000/thumbnail.jp