Author pens local history

When it comes to history, there is always more to be found. Local author/historian Fredi Pargeter can attest to that statement.

Pargeter has made it a point to learn the history of places she's lived, and the many transcripts on the different facets of each locale prove that she's no rookie when it comes to learning, interviewing, researching and digging up information that had lost hope of being found. With her latest published release, "This Old Town," she'll be proving it again.

Pargeter had no intention of adding to her list of 12 published history books and 13 non-fiction books, but when a good friend passed away she made it a point to reach out to the widower and see what had become of her years of research that had been the topic of many a discussion for the two seniors.

"Ann Miller was a dear friend of mine and we shared a passion for the area's history," Pargeter said of her friend who died in 2011. "She was dedicated to this project. When her husband invited me out to see what was left of her notes and research, I was overwhelmed when I saw her study. Years of research involving the entire county, notes, newspaper clippings, pictures. And, nearly 20 three-inch notebooks typed by her hand in tiny 10-point font – and that was just information on Thompson Falls." Pargeter said Mills had read every newpaper in Montana to glean information, and spent hours upon hours in correspondence with descendants of the characters ready to take shape in book-form.

The 111-page book is hot off the press, filled with multiple photos on every page and sections neatly wrapped into small stories and anecdotes about people, places and things of interest. The cover gives an old-timey feel, with an unrecognizable Main Street depicted. But most impressive is the five-page index, referencing and cross-referencing even some smaller details in the book.

Also worth commending is the time and effort put into seeking out the historic buildings and homes to collect a catalog of images that fairly represent the vintage look of Thompson Falls architecture.

"My husband, Denny, and Linda Rocheleau from the Sanders County Historical Society [who co-authored the book with Fredi, using Ann's notes] used Rocheleau's knowledge of the area and properties, as well as her familiarity with the Sanders County Museum's archives to capture a great catalog of these structures."

Some of Pargeter's favorite highlights in the book include president Teddy Roosevelt's two visits to Thompson Falls, where he enjoyed the company and character of local hunting guide, John Willis.

Those were the days when the Black Bear Inn was lodging fit for a president, and two balconies crested the second floor facing Main Street.

Some will be surprised to read that the legendary Wyatt Earp strolled through town, marking the first arrival of gold which was stashed in his gun boot and didn't get spent here. Those were the days when Belknap boasted a population of about 3,000 souls. Some may be familiar with the thermal vent tunnels perforating the town, deep caverns that are seemingly bottomless that spew frigid air. Not only were these phenomena the first form of refrigeration in the area, but there are old stories from across the U.S. dubbing the cold air wells "the eighth wonder of the world."

With her years of experience, Pargeter took a look at Ann's notes and figured she could whip the Thompson Falls book out in a short time.

"I have been at this for three years," Pargeter laughed. "I have to thank Linda Rocheleau for her attention to detail and wealth of local knowledge, as well as her desire to help pursue completion of this book."