P a g e 4 M a r y s v i l l e , M o n t a n a G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y Photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz In the 1880’s, for Marysville residents, a Saturday afternoon was often filled with entertaining events such as Strawberry Festivals and Ice Cream Socials. The town bustled with over 3,000 people. Drug stores, restaurants, shoe shops, confectionaries, tailor shops, a lumber yard, a bakery and a meat market all kept busy. More than a dozen saloons were also lively. The Marysville post office opened in February of 1881. 3 churches filled with locals on Sunday mornings and a school was built for the 250 children in the community. The 4th of July celebrations were really something to see. From The Dillon Tribune– Nov. 4, 1937 It all started in 1876 when Thomas Cruse discovered gold along Silver Creek. Cruse worked hard to develop the Drumlummon Mine (named for his birthplace in Ireland). Coming from virtually nothing, Cruse struggled and borrowed money from others to develop the claim. But, word spread and soon, miners arrived from all over. The town was named for its first female resident, Mary Ralston. Tommy sold the operation in 1883 but still held onto a little piece of it for himself. The Montana Company found great success in the mine. Due to boundary rights, a fire in 1909 and a decrease in ore production, the town’s population slowly dwindled. If you get a chance to visit, don’t pass Marysville by! There is still much to see and explore here and the spirits aren’t gone yet. The Marysville Pioneers hold an annual picnic to raise funds for projects and maintenance around the town. And, The Marysville House has been said to serve to best steak in the state!
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