Golden Canyon Days was a large Helena Chamber of Commerce / Helena Jaycees promotional celebration, commemorating the 85th anniversary of Helena's founding, and the official opening of construction on the new Canyon Ferry hydroelectric dam, east of Helena on the Missouri River.
The Chamber began planning for the event in early April of 1949. It ranks along with the 1939 Diamond Jubilee and the 1964 Centennial as one of the most extravagant city-wide celebrations yet.
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Artist's Rendering of the Proposed Dam
from the Golden Canyon Days Souvenir Program
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Naming Contest
Organizers
Accommodating the Pageant Crowd
Final Preparations
Downtown Decorations & Exhibits
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Slab Front, 320 N. Main (Last Chance Gulch)
COURTESY OF BOB & SUSIE LINDEBERG
Ward Drug Store Window Display
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Download the Souvenir Booket
by Clicking on the PDF Symbol
KENNON BAIRD COLLECTION
Childen's Mutt and Doll Parade • July 21, 1949
300 Block of Main St.
COURTESY OF RICHARD ALBERTS • COLORIZED IMAGE
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Hollywood Celebrities Participate
Gary Cooper
Frank James Cooper was born in Helena in 1901. He went on to become one of the most iconic motion picture actors of his era. You may read his Wikipedia entry here.
Helena native Gary Cooper speaking at Vigilante Stadium, July 22, 1949
Photo by Swenson-James (colorized).
George Montgomey & Dinah Shore
A native of Brady, Montana, George Montgomey was a motion picture actor, director, and skilled artisan. He was married to married famed singer, actress, and television host Dinah Shore from 1943 to 1963.
George's ties to Helena were strong ones. George and Dinah honeymooned at Lincoln, Montana, in 1943, making trips into Helena. George was good friends with the John and Sue Quigley family, who built and operated Frontier Town, a noted attraction west of Helena near the summit of MacDonald Pass. In 1973, George appeared in the Helena Chamber of Commerce's promotional film, "Helena -- City of Gold".
Stars on Parade • July 23, 1949
Dinah Shore Holding the Reins
KENNON BAIRD COLLECTION
COURTESY OF DAVID POOR
Left to Right: Hugh Potter, George Montgomery
Gary Cooper, Gov. John Bonner
KENNON BAIRD COLLECTION
COURTESY OF DAVID POOR
The Flashy Butte High School Band Was Featured
COURTESY OF BOB & SUSIE LINDEBERG
COURTESY OF RICHARD ALBERTS • CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE IN A NEW WINDOW
