׉?4ׁB!בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ZZUZSa6Xjr08EFuzX8S_eqfKNGBhPx96WnYTM5vLPzw`׉ 7cassandra://Y2iVHwT9OFLQa7gg0GuxrcfClTVOI-3ZjFwfaJ_Tfvc̈́W`s׉ 7cassandra://mSHsUiF7glH2YtMybuNPK-gNccd9CnbGWbBW50rP4h8)`j q\^D^xט(u׈Sנj q\^D^}̏ 9ׁH#https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ׁ ׁ Ј׈Ej q\^D^f׉EMAY 2026 Ghost Towns and History of Montana Newsletter From The Poplar Standard , Mar. 29, 1934 Ekalaka– A Beautiful Outpost in far Eastern Montana A historical sign on the edge of town states Ekalaka was established in 1885 by a bison hunter who set out to erect an “edifice for the eradication of ennui.” His wagon became stuck in the snow, and that’s the point where he started the underpinnings of a community. His explanation was “Hell, any place in Montana is a good place for a saloon.” He unloaded the lumber he had in the wagon and commenced construction on the spot. However, the town wasn’t named after this initial resident but rather for the wife of one of the first white settlers in the area, a Sioux woman named Ijkalaka. Although a saloonkeeper founded Ekalaka, the country grew on cattle. The first herds came through from Texas and Wyoming in the 1870's, and by the 1880's big ranch outfits were in place. The rich grasses of the area supported huge bison herds and later were prized for cattle grazing. Sheep were also a mainstay of the early-day economy. At one time Carter County led Montana in sheep production. If Miles City is the capital of southeast Montana’s cowboy country, then Ekalaka is next in line. This Carter County seat of 450 people is the gathering Photo by Rick and Susie Graetz A view of the Long Pines area southeast of Ekalaka. Accessed via: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ ׉ 7cassandra://mSHsUiF7glH2YtMybuNPK-gNccd9CnbGWbBW50rP4h8)`j q\^D^gj q\^D^f(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ojIHT5whPZPSaw-BWC5iEKSTnKGPa8caSvDYatuEShIz`׉ 7cassandra://tv0q_Uz2sM83oH29t11eGsLq4k5Orlylo7VsNm5jt-8̈́`s׉ 7cassandra://Ifc5dBc0t-Sfw-MmprPnQsdHg-3Fd_yImqA1RMu_1w4$`j q\^D^~ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Jhw4K-yQfh_K8ZTMwdblqoD5DE8eprs3WIOYHJS4I5cy`׉ 7cassandra://P_eDPUgWEYEoU1XeFW8fzC7I8UoZCVP1OPk-r0yQq3Q|0`s׉ 7cassandra://WuK8SJcWSOqMDR7P2YEQyaKkSi40lCEFd2S3PwZnX0E$`j q\^D^נj q\^D^{9׉H/https://www.umt.edu/this-is-montana/default.phpGׁ ׁ rנj q\^D^|LK9׉H/https://www.umt.edu/this-is-montana/default.phpGׁ ׁ rנj q\^D^LE 9ׁHhttp://default.phׁ ׁ Јנj q\^D^ 9ׁHhttps://www.umt.edu/thisׁ ׁ Ј׉E fP a g e 2 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r spot for ranchers and other folks from a wide expanse of territory. Often this land was called “Miles City’s south side,” as it was south of the Yellowstone and east of the Northern Cheyenne and Crow territory. A two-block-long Main Street encompasses, amongst other businesses, a couple of cafes, saloons, motels and the 6,000-square-foot Carter County Museum, which houses dinosaur bones. It’s definitely worth a visit. The prairie stretching from Ekalaka in all directions is some of the most beautiful mixture of landscapes in Montana east of the mountains. Most prominent are several sections of the far-flung Custer National Forest: the Long Pines, Ekalaka Hills, Chalk Buttes and Medicine Rocks State Park. While these places may not be mountains to folks in western Montana, they’re tall landmarks out here. The high points in most of them reach upwards nearly 700 feet above the surrounding topography. The Chalk Buttes, just southeast of Ekalaka, are a collection of buttes and hills, with a high point of 4,140 feet. They’re forested up to the rims of their flat tops – an oasis on the almost treeless plains stretching out for as far as the eye can see. Like other vantage points out here, Native Americans used them for religious purposes and vision quests. Many legends have been recorded about the area, including the story of Starvation Butte. It is said that an Indian woman climbed it, and as she reached the top, her footing crumbled beneath her. Unable to return, she died of starvation. Fighting Butte was the site of a skirmish in which Sioux chased a hunting party of Crows to the top. Backed to the steep edge of the table of rocks, the Crows were forced to leap to their deaths when the enemy set the top ablaze. On the southern edge of town, the Ekalaka Hills are another rise of limestone. A road climbs through them to the edge of their precipitous south side, where far-reaching views into Wyoming and South Dakota can be enjoyed. Their highest point is 4,111 feet. The Long Pines, a partially timbered island uplift in far southeast Montana, begin about 15 miles southeast of Ekalaka. Several unimproved roads lead in to the area. There are campsites in the Pines but very little water. The same situation existing in the Chalk Buttes and Ekalaka Hills. Very soft limestone surface rock soaks up any liquid. Capitol Rock, so called because it resembles the nation’s capitol, stands out on the far eastern edge of these hills. It’s a massive deposit of light-colored volcanic ash. The routes leading to it require a four-wheel ׉ 7cassandra://Ifc5dBc0t-Sfw-MmprPnQsdHg-3Fd_yImqA1RMu_1w4$`j q\^D^j׉E P a g e 3 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r drive vehicle with clearance. It perches high up on the cliffs and crags of the Long Pines, providing homes for hundreds of eagles, hawks and falcons, including the rare merlin falcon. Medicine Rock State Park is 12 miles north of Ekalaka. Sacred to the Indians, it is managed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. It’s a mix of twisted and odd-looking formations, some towering 80 feet above the prairie. Tribes gathered here each fall to call on the medicine spirits they believed lived in these rocks to protect their hunters. The Sioux name for the Medicine Rocks is “Inya-oka-la-ka,” meaning “rock with hole in it.” Strong winds coming from the west have over the eons continued to etch holes and other sculptures in this easily eroded sandstone. Provided Courtesy of: Rick and Susie Graetz | University of Montana | Department of Geography Originally published on THIS IS MONTANA, an uncommon website. By means of photography, essays, maps, and much more, the University of Montana presents a vivid portrait of the beauty and uniqueness of the Montana. Check out more at: https://www.umt.edu/this-is-montana/ default.php Oldest Chinese Restaurant outside Chinatown, Pekin Noodle Parlor, Closes its Doors. It was quite a run for the Pekin Noodle Parlor, but after over a century, the chop suey restaurant announced on Facebook that the doors were closed for good in Butte’s historic Chinatown neighborhood. It will be a great loss to the community and they will surely be missed! We wish them the best of luck and thank them for years of service and dedication! Here’s what was announced on their social media on April 23rd: “After 115 incredible years, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of the Pekin Noodle Parlor. Since opening our doors in 1911, when the Tam Family first welcomed guests, this restaurant has been more than just a place to eat—it has been a part of Butte’s history, a gathering place for families, friends, and generations of our community. After Danny’s passing, his son Jerry Tam and family carried on that legacy with pride, dedication, and deep gratitude for everyone who walked through our doors. This decision has not come easily. Changing economic conditions over the years have made it increasingly difficult to continue, and despite our best efforts, we have reached a point where we must say goodbye. ׉ 7cassandra://WuK8SJcWSOqMDR7P2YEQyaKkSi40lCEFd2S3PwZnX0E$`j q\^D^kj q\^D^j(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://JU5yquKU0t9BWhFJFGdgUUdh8Vrzv4gt071TywK9OrM*`׉ 7cassandra://nYPvxWt5i0G8CoOQ8Ire0qwUjQRlcyLKNlk81ZzHi2g̓`s׉ 7cassandra://KGyFbuZz6LCyeXqI7lOvN1iEXzIZwDgJqY_d3ScDcuY&`j q\^D^ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://UC3aOpPVCv4-zcBNYFKhi0SZPlRMcFDWLAHQ9G1pdaQ`׉ 7cassandra://NESR3Gtp6eGziUu74ITWD3WME4wh-tySbKcIYhwQZQI͈`s׉ 7cassandra://F9Z1KvWtimDQxmCA1sYqGgDGqR597RKr0CH2MHGExCc&5`j q\^D^נj q\^D^P9׉HRhttps://ellenbaumler.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-pekin-noodle-parlor-not-brothel.htmlGׁ ׁ rנj q\^D^̕9׉H=http://ellenbaumler.blogspot.com/2012/06/persistent-myth.htmlGׁ ׁ rנj q\^D^9׉H0http://ellenbaumler.blogspot.com/p/my-books.htmlGׁ ׁ rנj q\^D^L9׉H0http://ellenbaumler.blogspot.com/p/my-books.htmlGׁ ׁ rנj q\^D^F29׉Hhttp://www.loc.gov/pictures/Gׁ ׁ rנj q\^D^S9׉Hhttp://www.loc.gov/pictures/Gׁ ׁ rנj q\^D^G 9ׁHhttp://-books.htׁ ׁ Јנj q\^D^ 9ׁH%http://ellenbaumler.blogspot.com/p/myׁ ׁ Ј׉EP a g e 4 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r To the people of Butte and the surrounding communities: thank you. Thank you for your loyalty, your stories, your laughter, and your support through the decades. You made Pekin Noodle Parlor what it was, and we will forever be grateful to have been part of your lives. While this is a sad day for us, we take comfort in the memories shared within these walls and the legacy that will always remain in this community. The story will continue but in a different path. With heartfelt appreciation, Pekin Noodle Parlor” Let’s Take a Look Back at Some History… The Pekin Noodle Parlor: Not a Brothel! Butte’s Chinese community settled on the block bordered by West Mercury, South Main, West Galena, and Colorado streets in the late nineteenth century. Dwellings, club rooms, laundries, restaurants, and stores selling Chinese goods crowded its thoroughfares and alleyways. Butte attorney F. T. McBride built the Pekin Noodle Parlor building at 117 South Main on speculation in 1909. Hum Yow moved his Mercury Street noodle parlor to the second floor of the new building and soon owned the property. For more than a century, the curtained booths in the Pekin Noodle Parlor provided private dining and nothing more. Upstairs noodle parlors were common in urban Chinese communities, and the Pekin’s central stair and neon sign has long beckoned both Asian and Euro-American customers. Close proximity to Butte’s once-teeming red light district has long fueled local legends about the Pekin. Online reviews of the restaurant unfortunately label it a former brothel because of its seventeen curtained booths. However, these booths were a fixture in Asian restaurants across the West and simply offered diners privacy. Hum Yow’s Chinese Goods and Silks and G. P. Meinhart’s sign painting business originally occupied the two storefronts. A gambling casino operated in the basement from the 1910s to the 1950s. It was a business and family home and never housed prostitution. ׉ 7cassandra://KGyFbuZz6LCyeXqI7lOvN1iEXzIZwDgJqY_d3ScDcuY&`j q\^D^r׉E mP a g e 5 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r Hum Yow and his wife Bessie Wong—both California-born first-generation Chinese—raised three children in the family living quarters in the building and housed immigrant lodgers as well. While it is true that the building has a basement entrance to Butte’s underground tunnel system, these tunnels were designed to provide steam heat to downtown buildings and are not what many call “Chinese tunnels.” Butte’s tunnels sometimes provided a means of delivery for food and messages as well as steam heat, but they were not built by the Chinese nor were they exclusively used by them. (Read more about mythical “Chinese tunnels.”) The Hums retired to California in 1952 and several more generations of the family maintained this landmark business. It was Montana’s oldest family-operated Chinese restaurant. – Ellen Baumler Butte's Pekin Noodle Parlor was Montana's oldest Chinese restaurant still operated by the same family. (1979 HABS/HAER photo by Jet Lowe, Library of Congress.) Ellen Baumler was an award-winning author and Montana historian. A master at linking history with modern-day supernatural events, Ellen's true stories have delighted audiences across the state. The legacy she left behind will be felt for generations to come and we are in debt to her for sharing her extensive knowledge of Montana history in such an entertaining manner. To view and purchase Ellen’s books, visit: http://ellenbaumler.blogspot.com/p/my -books.html HISTORY OF PARK COUNTY-continued From The Livingston Enterprise, January 1, 1900: Hunters Hot Springs. About twenty miles east of Livingston and two miles north of Springdale is located the oldest group of hot springs in the northwest. These springs were discovered by Dr. Andrew J. Hunter, o f Missouri, as early as 1864, when this region was only inhabited by nomadic and warlike tribes of Indians. While passing over these hills, seeking for a suitable location, Dr. Hunter had been attracted thither by seeing several hundred tepees built around these springs. All the tribes were here represented, for by these waters they were cured of diseases which baffled the skill of their great medicine men. Not until the coming of the first railroad in 1882 was the glad news of this panacea for all ailments published to the world at large, since which time its patronage has been slowly and steadily increased, while of the almost numberless patients who have come here, hoping to find health and strength, only a very few graves are found here which present any sign of a disappointment in the virtues of the waters. ׉ 7cassandra://F9Z1KvWtimDQxmCA1sYqGgDGqR597RKr0CH2MHGExCc&5`j q\^D^sj q\^D^r(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://vK5h8x7RFK6uYfh8KuUa58kUWq1YjgM603xkal-k0Os ]`׉ 7cassandra://O5zq2DCXAJwVf4rFGCJaxF439zwT0M2D45FORbtto4A͎`s׉ 7cassandra://4LzEjQyzGhSOJtFmq1dsbNyuawEuGKZ65yvdFgpfuFQ'}`j q\^D^ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Q6HAHkv_6W2yXUW4Qxmbktzsd8yV1iPBj2HdsXHTCRAN`׉ 7cassandra://EIDiUl3kgbCbbdAgVzh-8ZOT33tgo8T4-Rd241QbY84͈.`s׉ 7cassandra://n0onoMVe7jDCiZyINlNWRvh7A5ENaa1aw-6GeWu2pZ0'`j q\^D^׉E FP a g e 6 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r THE SPRINGS boil up from a rocky ledge in the bottom of a little valley or basin, enclosed by gentle undulating hills, interspersed by the rolling prairie. They are situated in three groups and are twenty-seven in number, the water varying in temperature from 148° to 168° Fahrenheit, while the combined outpour is about 1,500 gallons per minute, sufficient to furnish one bath daily of 30 gallons each to 30,000 persons. THE EQUIPMENT of these springs for treating all diseases is each year receiving valuable improvements. At present the baths for ladies and gentlemen are in separate buildings, each fitted with plunge, tub and vapor baths, heated by the hot waters. An outdoor summer bath 105 feet square is located about eighty rods distant from these indoor baths, and is from four to six feet deep, enclosed by a tight fence and known as the swimming pool. This is supposed to be the largest mineral hot bath in America. A new and commodious hotel is a future possibility. It will contain 100 sleeping rooms, in suites and single; office 29 x 38; dining room, 44 x 66; parlors, reading rooms and 15 to 20 baths. The new bath house for the new hotel is to be 45 x 100 feet; plunges, large and single, vapors, tub baths, electric baths, vaporized for catarrh and acute bronchitis; sweating and rubbing rooms, with dressing rooms for large plunges; dressing rooms for all tub and vapor baths; a natatorium 100 x 125 feet, with large glass domes, etc. The new bath house for the old hotel is 28 x 78 feet, connecting with new addition. A physician of the highest reputation for skill and excellence will always be found at the buildings ready to prescribe in all cases. During the history of these thermal waters all diseases of ailing humanity have been cured, excepting the advanced stages of Bright’s disease, diabetes, pulmonary and heart troubles. For these last the waters act as an aggressive agent. Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Savage. No account of the hotel interest of Montana would be complete without mention of C.W. Savage, proprietor of Hunter’s Hot Springs. After serving Custer county in various official capacities, Mr. Savage engaged in the hotel business, and since then has managed the old McQueen at Miles City and the Albemarle at Bicycle Picnic on Shields River. ׉ 7cassandra://4LzEjQyzGhSOJtFmq1dsbNyuawEuGKZ65yvdFgpfuFQ'}`j q\^D^t׉EP a g e 7 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r Picnicking on Shield River Livingston. Two years ago he took charge of his present property. No hotel man in the northwest is better known than Mr. Savage, and the rule among traveling men is always to make his resorts for Sundays, if possible, as a Sunday dinner at a Savage hotel is noted from one end of the Northern Pacific to the other. In the management of his present property Mr. Savage is assisted by his wife, who might properly be termed an angel of mercy, for in the care of invalids at the noted resort which they manage, and in kindly ministrations to all, regardless of their financial condition, Mrs. Savage has won the blessings of hundreds of poor unfortunates who have gone to Hunters almost hopeless cripples and have left entirely cured and with the fondest recollections of her kindness and attention. Under his present lease Mr. Savage now operated both the Mendenhall and Murray hotels, having one of the best equipped sanitariums in the world. The baths are well arranged, the Murray being under cover, while the Mendenhall includes the finest plunge, for summer use, in the state. The medicinal qualities of the water are so well known that no mention is needed of their excellent healing properties. J. P. Allen, Cooke City. Of the very few who have faithfully breasted the alternate seasons of rest and activity at Cooke City, none are more deserving of public mention than J. P. Allen. He came to this mining camp May 20, 1882, and has been engaged in mining and the hotel business ever since, the latter being built in 1883. Mrs. Allen deserves no less mention as to assisting her husband in his different enterprises. Besides being owner of the following mines, Youngs town, Copper King, Carrie Allen, Crown of Gold and Katy-did, Mr. and Mrs. Allen are well known outside of Cooke City by the patronage of the public who have visited this J.P. Allen ׉ 7cassandra://n0onoMVe7jDCiZyINlNWRvh7A5ENaa1aw-6GeWu2pZ0'`j q\^D^uj q\^D^t(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://cZGb4GGBrEGAJlzwMn7Zwmxub76gDkEMutQ5dQlkxyA`׉ 7cassandra://wCUAzGuoBg_Wmu2Wnhs66hoC_RCliwa9cEmkxUCrMxcz`s׉ 7cassandra://KCnoMNw2BPnVkop5AohjJfNoSrvnDSKlHdcriZ--M50#`j q\^D^נj q\^D^K!9ׁH#https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ׁ ׁ Ј׉E 'P a g e 8 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y o f M o n t a n a N e w s l e t t e r place in great numbers, desiring the satisfaction of seeing one of the richest mineral districts in the world. J. T. Gilbert, Cooke City. J. T. Gilbert has been located in Cooke City since July, 1899, and is recognized as one of the enterprising business men of that camp. Besides his business interests there he owns a ranch in Carbon county, upon which he located in 1891. He is honored as the first settler in that locality, and as owning the pioneer residence. His ranch is well stocked with cattle and horses, and he is considered as one of Carbon county’s enterprising citizens. John A. Burk, Cooke City. Early in 1882 John A. Burk undertook the conquest of a prospector’s life in Cooke City district. His labors were soon rewarded by a rich mineral discovery on Henderson mountain, since known as Miner’s Delight. His development work shows a shaft some seventy feet on the lead, together with cross-cuts and tunneling. His improvements have cost him $5,000, and as the vein is growing richer its paying properties will be increased by more rapid developing. Lately Mr. Burk has located a claim on Horseshoe mountain. The lead carries free gold and is considered one of the richest claims in the camp today, having about a thousand dollars in improvements, made in a short time. Mr. Burk is known to be honest, upright and industrious, never doubting for once during his life in Cooke City that it would not some day be one of the greatest camps in Montana. -Read More in Next Month’s Issue! Accessed via: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ My/Donor Information: SUBSCRIBE TO THE GHOST TOWNS AND HISTORY OF MONTANA NEWSLETTER! Renewal? Y/N Send a Gift to: NAME____________________________________ NAME___________________________________ ADDRESS__________________________________ ADDRESS_________________________________ CITY______________________________________ CITY_____________________________________ STATE__________________ZIP________________STATE_________________ ZIP________________ Yearly subscriptions are $19.95 (published monthly). Please make checks payable to Ghost Towns & History of MT, LLC and send with this clipping to 701 Cedar ST, Anaconda, MT 59711 ©2026 Ghost Towns and History of Montana, LLC. All rights reserved. ׉ 7cassandra://KCnoMNw2BPnVkop5AohjJfNoSrvnDSKlHdcriZ--M50#`j q\^D^v׈Ej q\^D^wj q\^D^v(,%Ghost Towns & History of MT- May 2026QJoin us as we look back at stories and photos from the big sky country, Montana! j qS