From food to furs, fort turned back the clock
<p>Family members beaded small treasures to take home.</p><p></p>
<p>Most young boys loved the fort’s open house.</p><p></p>
<p>Most young boys loved the fort’s open house.</p>
<p>Mary Ellen Davis, of Lolo, shows off her skunk pelt.</p>
Period rifle
Connah spear
<p>Most young boys loved the fort’s open house.</p><p></p>
ST. IGNATIUS – Fort Connah opened its gates over the weekend to share its history with Mission Valley residents. Visitors dressed in clothing from the late 1800s entertained those in attendance with bagpipes, antiques and beading.
Among the teepees and weathered cabins sat smiling Mary Ellen Davis, of Lolo, showing all that graced her rustic doorway – the art of making rope from tree bark.
“For as far back as history has been able to record, man has needed all forms of rope,” said Davis while presenting ceder bark for the kids to feel.
Among her tables of treasures was various examples she had hand woven from various species of bark and thistle over the years as well as a skunk hide proudly displayed on the belt around her waist.
In the farthest corner of the trading post sat many local native women welcoming the public to create a beaded treasure of their own while enjoying a bit of conversation fitting the celebration.
There were fresh bison burgers, beans and chips to tickle the taste buds and one native exhibitionist, at the amazement of the crowd, threw large sticks tipped with hand-crafted arrowheads into a set target showing original hunting techniques used by historic tribal men.
One young lady investigated each and every cabin and teepee, finally stopping at Ted Huglund’s antique gun exhibit. “I have decided that I do not want to be little girl.” said 10 year old Abigail Cappel. “I want to be a cowboy.”
Presently, Fort Connah has biannual historical re-enactments of the fur trader’s lifestyle of the early 1800s in May and September.
Fort Connah Restoration Society members hope residents will remember the beauty of this area and help to preserve Fort Connah and its surrounding for future generations through donations and participation.