So on our way to Glacier we traveled across Montana on Interstate 90. For many miles we saw billboards for the "Biggest Souvenir" store in Montana which did not attract us at all. Then I saw it claimed to have 50,000 silver dollars. Really? Well now I was interested. So we stopped in this small town called Haugan for lunch and gas.
I kid you not. As I remember the story, back in the old mining days of the area, men were paid in silver dollars. Well at some point the bar owner started drilling holes in the top of his bar (why - don't ask me - it looked cool) and patrons would put their silver dollars in these recessed holes with their names carved in and sealed. The story continues that the patrons remain the owner of the coin and have brought their grand kids to visit their coin.
So I think the earliest coins date back to the late 1800's.
Over the years they have taken the bar sections that have filled up and mounted them on the walls. Are you ready for this?
Well Joanie decided to get to know the locals while I was busy taking pictures. They exchanged emails and we continued on our way.
This picture of Joanie with the locals is a keeper. What a fun story...very slice of life Montana-style. Thanks for sharing it Chris.
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