G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y P a g e 3 Memorable Montanans- Gwenllian Evans: Montana's first female homesteader. Gwenllian was born April 15, 1802 in Wales. She came to Montana in 1869 with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Evans. Shortly after her arrival, Gwenllian filed and enPhoto by Jolene Ewert-Hintz try on 160 acres of land that would later be known as Opportunity and, an opportunity it was. She lived on her land the required length of time and received a government patent. This place would also become one of the state's earliest post offices known by the name of Gwendale (later changed to Morristown as not to be confused with Glendale). Gwenllian acted as one of the territory's first post mistresses. Her son, Morgan Evans served as Marcus Daly's land agent. Gwenllian passed away in 1892 and is buried in a local Anaconda cemetery. Pipestone Hot Springs- Montana’s hot springs were a great way to relax and socialize. Some waters even claimed to cure such ills as bad kidneys, rheumatism and paralysis. Pipestone Hot Springs located between Butte and Whitehall was discovered in the 1860s by John Paul who had homesteaded in the area. Pipestone supposedly got its name from the material found in the area that was used to make clay pipes. Legend tells us the area was once dotted with wickiups and served as a meeting spot for local tribes under truce. Ollie Barnes became the first postmistress of Pipestone in the 1880s and under her management of the springs, a hotel, barn and guest house were constructed. The post office closed but would open again in 1887 with John Paul once again serving as owner. The cost to enjoy the springs and all of its amenities was $2 a day. Ollie and her husband, Charles Bucket, would take over yet again in the 1890s. John Paul passed away in 1913. Pipestone Springs became a station on the Northern Pacific’s main line. The property was acquired around 1918 by a consortium of Butte businessmen and with that, the hotel was joined by a bathhouse and 100 canvas-roofed cottages. The businessmen offered a sanitarium, an indoor swimming pool known as “the plunge” and for a time, a golf course. Croquet games in the afternoon and dances in the evenings followed by a good soak were enjoyed by many in the area. The resort closed in 1963. Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz
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