Billings (Postcard History Series) - Softcover

Reich, James M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 073857046X ISBN 13: 9780738570464

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing, 2009

Synopsis

Billings is sometimes called "The Magic City" for its rapid growth that seems to change the skyline overnight. Located in the heart of the Yellowstone Valley, it is Montana's largest city and the state's premier business destination. From 1900 to the 1960s--Billings's "Golden Years"--locals and tourists alike enjoyed a variety of hotels, fine restaurants, and retail and wholesale shopping, while businesses such as sugar and oil refineries, banking, and brewing kept the economy running. Surrounded by unparalleled natural splendor, Billings has always had the stark juxtaposition of a modern city set amid wilderness, as these vintage postcards attest.

About this title

About the Author:

Author Jim Reich, Billings resident and postal worker, has collected Montana and Billings memorabilia for over 20 years. Culled from his private collection of over 1,300 postcards, this volume shows a small town's rise to prominence through the decades, while celebrating the rich heritage of hometown Billings.

Review:

Title: Billings shown in postcards

Author: Sharie Pyke

Publisher: The Billings Outpost

Date: 8/13/09
"Billings," from the Postcard History Series by Arcadia Press, includes art and insight by Billings resident Jim Reich. Mr. Reich, a postal worker, has chosen views from more than 1,300 postcards in his personal collection.
The cover scene shows the old Yellowstone County Courthouse in front of the current building. While the 1958 building provided needed space, it lacks the artistic appeal of the 1905 model.
Billings won the state championship in basketball in 1909. The proud victors, all six of them, pose in uniform along with their coach, E.P. Neill, who wears a three-piece suit, complete with pocket watch and chain.
A pose of Sally Rand, star of silent films, and burlesque queen known for her fan dance, shows her in a cowgirl outfit at the Midland Empire Fair in 1941.
Hardin, county seat for Big Horn County, is not the only site of a never-used jail. Billings was the first site of the Montana State Prison, also never opened.
The words "Country Club" emblazon the roof of the Montana State Penitentiary, built in 1892 at the head of 18th Street with $65,000 in state money. The Country Club postcard was an attempt to use the empty buildings.
Fire destroyed the complex in 1933.
Also available separately is a set of 15 postcards for $7.99.

About this edition

• Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 073857046X
• ISBN 13: 9780738570464
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128