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The Town
Virgelle (pronounced ver-jill), Montana, was founded in 1912 by Virgil and Ella Blankenbaker. Located next to tracks of James Hill's Great Northern Railroad, Virgelle was meant to be a shipping point and commercial center serving the homesteaders who were then rushing in to settle the area. At its peak, the little town boasted a general store, post office, school, bank, and a grain elevator.
Homesteader Days at Virgelle
Soon the homesteaders realized that one could not make a decent living on only 320 acres (or less) of farmland in this part of Montana. Dry summers, bitter winters, inefficient farming methods, plus loneliness: all took their toll. The boom went bust. By 1930, trade at the Virgelle Mercantile store had dropped to only a few postal patrons and railroad workers. The Blankenbaker dream of a thriving community blew away on the the western wind. Virgelle Mercantile In 1912, the Blankenbakers built the two-story general store and living quarters. Despite hard times, it continued to operate until 1970, when Andy Anderson, the last storekeeper, closed the doors on what he presumed would the the last chapter in the building's history. But Virgelle was sleeping, only waiting to be discovered. In 1975, a pharmacist who'd been raised near Virgelle, saw potential in the old ghost town. He reopened "The Merc" as a thriving antiques business. The upstairs was converted into charming Bed and Breakfast rooms. Genuine Homestead Cabins now treat visitors to a glimpse of bygone prairie life. Each summer Virgelle hosts an international clientele who float the river, stay in colorful rooms, and enjoy good food. |
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