blackfoot-valley

a popular place in the area for locals and motorists passing by to have a fam- ily dinner or just a friendly beer or two. That the floors of the old building sag and creak only adds to the old-time atmosphere of the establishment, and to the nostalgia connected with photos and memorabilia of Trixi on the walls. The site of Helmville, during the early years of settlement, was just something of a rural crossroads among a number of ranches. It received its first permanent building only in the early 1880s when the Quigley Saloon was erected. A two-story structure with a dance hall upstairs, it formed a commu- nity nucleus as dances held there became frequent events. Soon after, Alvin Marcum and Tim Lennon moved to Helmville from a former location in 1881, and built a building that served as both a home and the first store, selling dry goods. Other businesses followed, including notably the James Geary general store. Large signs on the front and side of the store proudly proclaimed. The Development of Helmville Inside, where shelves stocked with groceries, tools, and household goods were stored, the sign reached nearly to the ceiling. 138