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Stumptown Stories
Enjoy our favorite stories and photos from Whitefish history. We look at one topic each month and share a few of the moments that helped Whitefish grow from Stumptown to Ski Town. If you have a topic you want us to cover, please contact us at info@stumptownhistoricalsociety.org.
Uphill Both Ways
The summit of Big Mountain has always beckoned to those longing for adventure and sweet powder, but the way to the top hasn’t always been as easy as it is today. Join us as we explore some of the first methods to get to the top.
Dec 18, 20255 min read
Gordy's Drive In
The heart of Whitefish used to beat through a drive-in burger joint nestled at the base of the old viaduct. Read the stories of GVA burgers, potato salad, and young love.
Aug 29, 20255 min read
Glam, Glitter, and Handcuffs!
66 Whitefish Winter Carnival highlights - one from every year of the Carnival so far! Also, 17 color photos from the 1970 Winter Carnival pu
Feb 7, 202519 min read
Lights, Camera, Lacy!
Photographer, businessman, and community activist Marion Lacy shot the photos that turned Whitefish into a destination.
Dec 20, 20245 min read
Whitefish’s First Business Magnate and Community Icon: M.M. Hori
This businessman built his empire when Whitefish was still young, but you've probably never heard of him!
Nov 20, 20247 min read
Waterskiing Stunts and Surfing Dogs
A look at when the Aquatic Sports Club ruled Whitefish Lake with their daring stunts on surfboards and waterskis.
Aug 1, 20245 min read
Surviving Whitefish: Tales from the Deadliest Job
Riding the rails used to be riddled with danger. Explore the train wrecks, mishaps, and avalanches that dominated Whitefish's history.
Jul 2, 20246 min read
The First Baseball Game
Long before the Range Riders threw their first pitch, Whitefish spent its time watching and playing America's favorite pastime - baseball!
May 9, 20245 min read
Top 10 Flathead Ski Hills (that aren't Big Mountain)
Sure, you have skied Big Mountain, but what about Little Mountain? These are the top ski hills in Whitefish, Glacier, Kalispell, & beyond.
Mar 15, 20248 min read
Stories of Yetis, Klowns, & Carnival Mysteries
Learn the lore behind the Whitefish Winter Carnival icons like Ullr, the Royalty, Vikings, Yetis, Klowns, Penguins, and more.
Jan 28, 20249 min read
A Christmas Surprise from 1934
Take a step back in time with us to Christmas Day in 1934. Bing Crosby's "June in January" topped the charts, FDR sat in...
Dec 21, 20233 min read
Whitefish's Secret People
Meet the people behind the scenes who built Whitefish into what it is today.
Dec 1, 20233 min read
100 Years of Sports
Exploring the best stories and photos from Whitefish sports history.
Nov 2, 20233 min read
Train Car Schoolroom & More
Over 100 years of Whitefish School stories and photos. Go Bulldogs! September means it's time for parents to rejoice and kids to groan as...
Sep 22, 20233 min read
Our Secret Huckleberry Spot...
Hiking, Huckleberries, and Hole-in-Ones - more summer adventures in Whitefish!
Aug 4, 20233 min read
Stumptown Summer Fun
Do you know the secret to summer fun in Whitefish? For over 100 years, the answer to finding summer fun has been...
Jun 30, 20233 min read
Museum Treasures
The Whitefish Museum sits inside the Depot building at the north end of downtown. Inside its doors, you’ll find a curated collection of...
May 19, 20231 min read
75 Years of Big Mountain
75 years on the Big comes to an end next week! To celebrate, we scoured the archives for some of our favorite photos that show...
Apr 1, 20232 min read
The Great Northern Iceman
Here comes the iceman! Ice delivery via horse-drawn sled was a staple of Whitefish throughout...
Mar 4, 20231 min read
Winter Carnival Memories
One of the popular events in the early Carnival years was the snow-shovel race. One competitor would pull their partner down...
Feb 3, 20232 min read
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