Laurin,
Montana > Laurin, MT
Laurin is pronounced locally as "la-ray", which
is supposedly a French pronunciation, but the western accent
probably makes it our own. Don't let the three roads leading from Hwy
287 to Laurin impress you, they all lead to the same lane. The charm
of Laurin is just that... it's small size and rural beauty.
The Vigilante restaurant has been closed for years and the school
was renovated long ago and is a private home. Galiger Lumber, 1/4
mile from Laurin on the opposite side of the hwy, is the most well
known business here, but it is now joined by the Western Warrior
Army Navy Surplus store.
History
Laurin, Montana was established in July of 1863 by John
Batiste Laurin, who operated a trading store and had acquired much
surrounding agricultural land. John Creighton of Creighton
University was instrumental in backing Mr. Laurin's ventures. Up to
this time, the small settlement had been called Cicero.
In the early period after establishment, Laurin was a
busy and prosperous community. The town at one time included the Martin
Johnson Store, which was operated for 44 years by Mr. Johnson or
members of his family; the Morse Brothers' Store and Post Office
operated by Elmer and Oliver Morse; this store was destroyed by
fire. The Ruby Valley Mercantile, which also housed the Post Office,
was operated for a few years by the Kramer family. Later, this
building was used for a picture show run by Orlie Estlin. Mrs.
Deering had a milliner shop next to the Morse store which later was
the residence of Mrs. Guthrie. The "Buffalo Hump" was
owned and operated by Ed Archambault. It housed a saloon on the
first floor and a dance hall on the second floor. An ice cream
parlor was operated by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Beaufie and directly across
the street was a saloon owned by Ed Grinsell.
Before the advent of oiled roads and automotive power, Laurin
enjoyed a large trade from the immediate vicinity. Many miners of
the Ramshorn and Bivens gulches traded in Laurin and all had to get
their mail at Laurin.
Charles B. Murray for M.C.H.A*
*directly from Pioneer Trails and Trials, Sheridan
Public Library
:: Catholic
Church Photograph
:: Joseph
and Margaret Beaufie; writings of Marjorie Dauterman Dolan
Schools
K-8th grade students can attend school at either Alder or
Sheridan. High school students attend the Sheridan school.
Favorite Places
The St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic church in Laurin is a small historic parish with a
devoted following. Visitors are welcome to tour the church or join
in Sunday Mass.
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