Billings, Part 2

The picture of the deer was taken when we were at Yellowtail Dam near Hardin, MT last week. Since then we've seen two does and 4 little ones munching in a garden across the road from the campground. I tried to get a picture last night after a trip to the Dairy Queen, but the fawns were too far away to get a good picture. I did get one of one of the does, however. I'm sure the family who planted the garden don't appreciate their "guests" as much as I did!

The picture of Jack and me was taken at Pompey's Pillar on Sunday when we went out to the Lewis and Clark celebration. Yesterday we stayed around the camp and enjoyed their park-like setting and planned what we'd do today. We washed clothes (yippee!!!) at a laundromat away from the KOA as KOA's machine's were too spendy for my way of thinking. After lunch in the trailer we went to the Visitor's Center and picked up an armful of brochures for Billings and future camp towns.

We visited the Moss Mansion and toured the house with several other tourists. The house was built in 1903 by Preston Boyd Moss who owned two banks, a hotel, a utility, and several other ventures. The house is 60 ft. x 60 ft. and 3 stories tall. The house was reported to be the most magnificent home in Billings. The last surviving member of the Moss family lived in the house until her death in 1983, at which time she donated the house and all the original furnishings to the City. The house cost $100,000 to build and was furnished elegantly. I noticed on a sideboard that the service for 12 of sterling silver cost $193.00!!!!! What a deal!

I don't think you can even buy one place setting of sterling for that amount today. Each room had a black and white picture taken of the room, and when you stepped into the room, it was exactly like the early picture.

One interesting note -- Mr. Moss got tired of having an operator listening in on his business calls, so he had dial phones brought to Billings TWO YEARS before New York City had them!

He also had electric lights in his house when it was built.

Tomorrow we're touring several museums. More later!