Text Box: during that time were a saloon operated by J.D. Casey (where the Cottage Inn is now located) and a hotel operated by J.H Priest and M. Turk (seen at the far right in the photo below). Text Box: In the 1890’s, Harry C. Neffner and William Kiley went into partnership to form the Enterprise Lumber Company, with a mill on Smith Lake. By 1901, William Kelly was also involved. Around this same time, the Great Northern Railway company hired Charles Frederick Beals Haskell to do the reconnaissance through Northwestern Montana. The railroad to Kila was completed in 1892. It was originally intended to be the main line to the West Coast. The route was later changed due to the steep grade on Text Box: Haskill Pass. The railway station in Kila was called Sedan. For voting purposes, Kila is still known as Sedan Precinct #24. Kila officially got its name in 1901 when the Post Office was applied for. It was applied for under the name of Kiley for old-time settler, William Kiley. However, there was already a Kiley Post Office in Montana so the name was changed to Kila. The new Post Office was located in George Casey’s store. H.C. Neffner was the first Postmaster. They offered telegraph and mail daily. Other businesses operating Text Box: Kila Got Its Start As A Timber Town Text Box: My daily stop at the post office has become a pleasant routine, not just to pick up my mail but to glance at the bulletin board to see what's happening in our community.  On occasion, I have had the need to post an announcement or two of events or meetings of general interest to all.  To my disappointment, my flyers had been removed repeatedly within a day or so of posting.  Although quite frustrating, I took it in stride. Text Box: Last month, when the bulletin board was removed, I assumed that the privilege of using our local post office as a means of connecting to my Kila neighbors had ended.  So, I was thrilled to see the bulletin board back up several weeks later.  Not only had it been replaced, but a secured plexiglass cover had been added to protect postings from theft. I was curious to find out who had been so thoughtful and inquired at the post office counter.  Penny Text Box: Kila bulletin Building a sense of community Text Box: Penny For Our Thoughts Text Box: Kila, Montana 59920 Text Box: October 18, 2006 Text Box: Volume 1, Issue 1

Contributions and corrections to the Kila Bulletin can be emailed to cwade@montanasky.net

or mailed to Kila Bulletin, P.O. Box 105

Thanks to the Post Office and Kila Centennial News for providing historical information

Ulvila, a postal employee, admitted that
she had, at her own personal expense, added the plexiglass case to the bulletin board to protect our postings from theft.  I was deeply touched
and when I thanked her for caring about our community, she smiled and said how much she loved Kila. 

So, as you pause to read this and other postings from your neighbors, think
about Penny and stop in sometime to thank her.

                    Val Kurtzhalts