chuck went on a long labor day hike, so janet and i spent the day delving into more helena history. here are some pictures of the capital. within its cold, masculine walls i found an interior overflowing with warm stain glass ceilings, gold-leafed architectural details, geometric repetition of tile work, meticulous stencilling around very high, soft lit, alcoves. one really needs hours (and a mirror) to take it all in. it is also full of the stories of inspiring women, who have staked their claim in montana's history books as being peacemakers, union organizers, human right's activists. there was a whole display dedicated to the beginnings of unionized mining, the unbelievable and horrifying lynchings of those first few (though over a span of many years) to speak out. across these old newspapers, along with the graphic and disturbing images of murdered workers, were the faces and brave declarations of the woman that had enough. once again i am in awe of their toughness, their progressiveness, their unwillingness to let the cultural chains of patriarchy come near the borders of their large state. sure montana had its share of members only men's societies, but the women have always been out there in public life as well, working just as hard as the men,perhaps even harder. (i read the other day about a one of the most famous madams in helena's history, how she placed an announcement in the paper stating that she openly opposed anyone selling alcohol to her gambling husband. just the fact that women were speaking out in newspapers at that time is impressive, but it is amazing that she had the power to make people listen and obey her demands!) at one point janet looked over at me while browsing the display and said something similar to the following, "we are incredibly lucky that these murders don't happen today, that these brave people have paved the way for us to have fair wages and safe working conditions. and yet it is still so relevant with the election approaching. it is scary how similar the political scenery is, the large corporations having the power of decision making. we too must speak out."
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