Block 1, Lot 4 Conclusion
by Roy Millegan

In May 1937 the following ad was noted: " Yellowstone Theatre - one day only, most daring picture of the year, " Sins of Love. " See a real cesarean operation, a blood transfusion, an abortion, natural childbirth. If you faint easily, don't come. Nurses in attendance. Matinee for ladies only, 2 p.m., night for men only 7 p.m. 35 cents admission. No one under 16. In person, Professor Howard Young, eminent sexologist in dynamic sex lectures, bold, frank and daring."

The Oasis Bar opened up after prohibition ended, in the billiard parlor, operated by Gerald King. Dick Greaney and George Schaeffer took it over in August 1935, renaming it the Mint Bar in April 1936, then selling stock and furnishings to Rusty Roe later the same year. Roe operated it for about one year then it was E. T. Corrigan and Stewart " Bud " Moore, both from Havre, Montana, taking it over. H. C. McNulty of wheeler, Montana, located near Ft. Peck, bought the Huber block in May 1938. Corrigan and Moore continued on in the Mint Bar while Martindale, who had leased the theatre and confectionery for 16 years, continued to operate the confectionery. McNulty took over the theatre, doing another remodeling job. A new and larger screen was added, new sound equipment, new seats with coil springs, acoustical panels, better ventilating system, new ticket booth, added a men's room and improved the women's room. A marquee extending the full length of the building and nine feet over the side-walk sported a new neon light proclaiming this now to be the Jeff Theatre, short for Jefferson. Aisles were cut from three to two for more seating. Screeno, a version of bingo, was played every Wednesday night, adult tickets 13 for $5 with juniors 13 for $3.

The Blache Company of San Francisco came to town in late 1939 and filmed " Whitehall on Parade." This film , funded by Whitehall business firms, depicted local businesses, schools, mines, CCC camps, civic improvements, and nearby ranches. When completed, the Jeff Theatre had a premier showing. This film is to be put on videotape by Harold Hanson, present theatre owner, to preserve it. This 50- year- old film depict what our town looked like then during the 1990 Centennial celebration.

The " criers " would no longer disturb theatregoers after the crying room was installed in March 1940. Mothers still enjoyed the show after a loud speaker and windows were put in the separate room.

A defense tax was added to all admissions during World War II. For adults, it was 40 cents plus 4 cents tax or 44 cents; over twelve, 26 cents plus 4 cents tax or 30 cents and under twelve it was 13 cents plus 2 cents tax or 15 cents.

Bob Gohn of Virginia City, Montana, who had theatres there and Twin Bridges, Montana, leased the Jeff in January 1942. He added 66 new seats of a new design. McNulty left to join the Army Ferry Command, flying planes to their destinations.

Loval farm implement dealers annually had family parties at the theatre to show their appreciation for their patronage for the past year.

The Farmers Supply Co-op, in January 1942, called theirs " Farm and Arms Day." Everything was free, the ad proclaiming: " Frank and Esther Blood of radio station WCCO out of Minneapolis-St. Paul to be here. ( Evidently farm news broadcasters ). A duo of entertainers with straight and novelty musical numbers, instrumental and vocal. Joe Marvello, the man with a thousand faces. An outstanding balancing act, a fire-eater and thrill to the mystery of Resisto. There will be five brand new reels of movies." Some of the movies were about new machinery coming on the market. Free lunches were also provided.

In January 1945, Bob Gohn gave up his lease with Clarence Golder and Lee Preuninger, operators of the Civic Center Theatre in Great Falls, Montana, picking it up. More alignment of seats done as well as redecorating and acoustics taken care of. Cole Porter's " Something for the Boys " started them off. They then started the showing of one movie for two days, this being one for Wednesday and Thursday, a different one for Friday and Saturday, and a third one on Sunday and Monday, with Tuesday open.

R. C. McLean, who had operated the Town Talk in Helena, Montana, took over the Yellowstone Confectionery from Martindale in September 1945. Martindale had been in business here for 23 years. The name was changed to the Malt Shop and it quickly became a popular spot to stop at. Mr. and Mrs. Red Skelton, he the famous comedian, stopped in for refreshments in October 1945 while on their way to Kalispell to do some hunting. Autograph seekers were not turned down.

W. A. McIntyre operated the Mint Bar from 1939 to 1941 then Jess Rogers took it over. Rogers then sold the stock and furnishings to Leonard Schopfer, from Helena, Montana in March 1946. Schopfer had worked 11 years for the American Express before entering the service.

Earl and Charles Barker of Townsend, Montana took over the theatre in May 1946, selling it in July 1949 to Stanley Junge. As in the past, changes were made. A new coated lens was added to the projector to bring out the best picture yet to be known, stated to have been one of the first ever in the state. A new syno-screen was installed in order to eliminate the border seen around the picture, the owners stating it actually transported you into the world of the story. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Slater and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hanson round out the building theatre building owners.

In May 1947, McLean sold his interest in the Malt Shop to Ruth Carney Rollins, a former Waterloo schoolteacher. Helping her in the shop were her daughter, Molly, Patty Wellman, Nan Wellman, Mrs. Stella Lyczak and Kay McIntyre. In 1951 Steve Molnar had the shop, then later Ted Lewis. Today this location is occupied by the State Liquor Store.

In May 1951, ghosts took over the stage at the Jeff. The American tour of the London Ghost Show came to town for a midnight run.

This lot then has brought much joy to the people of Whitehall as well as those in the surrounding area. Here were all kinds of entertainment, drama, vaudeville, dances, educational lectures, movies, farm and ranch days and culture. On one side you could get a shave, a haircut, play billiards, later lift a few and conversation was always free. On the east side it was fruits, candies, tobaccos, men's clothing, papers, magazines, ice cream and then later all kinds of goodies, for the show or just relaxing. The present building has served the community for 75 years, housing the entertainment spots but also our town government, doctors, architects, dentists and others. One can only wonder what the next 75 years will bring forth from this building for the citizens of this area.