SigMT

SigMT Vol12 Iss 3

Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1156244

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 64 of 115

SiG MT 65 Donna and Channing Hartelius Hartelius hopes to add more authentic period clothing to the cottage over time. Authentic 1890s Monarch coal-fired stove WHY BUY A BUNKHOUSE? Channing, a Great Falls personal injury aorney and history buff, along with wife Donna recently purchased what was originally a 12' x 24' bunkhouse and known in Russell's day as the "lile shack across from the railroad tracks." e tiny home packs some history. e Harteliuses bought it from the family of Gene Dwyer, himself a local artist and author of the book, Charlie, Nancy and Cascade. "I've always loved old houses," Hartelius notes. "I love Cascade; I love Charlie Russell. And I love sharing good things." Channing was inspired by Donna, who also owns the iconic Bunkhouse Hotel in downtown Augusta. eir historic home in Great Falls doubled as a bed and breakfast for some time; Channing recalls visits by eclectic clientele including actor Wilfred Brimley, rock musician Roger Daltry, and former President George W. Bush. ey also spend down time in Cascade, where they own a place along the Missouri River. "It's a great community. e people are wonderful and it's relaxing out here. And you can see bald eagles on a regular basis," he says. Hartelius continues, "I would drive by the Russell coage, knowing it was a major part of his background and success," explaining how he originally became interested in Charlie's home. CHARLIE'S CASCADE Charlie Russell spent most of the 1890s living in and visiting Cascade. According to Hartelius, "is was his studio before he and Nancy moved to Great Falls. He created approximately 200 paintings here." Donna notes, "is is what made Charlie famous," adding, "Nancy said being with Charlie at the honeymoon coage was the best time of her life!" Charlie and Nancy met in Cascade before marrying September 9, 1896. e home where they exchanged their vows still stands nearby. Aer the wedding, the couple retreated a short walk to the Honeymoon Coage, their first Montana home. Prior to the wedding, Charlie painted in an area near the front of the coage, while he was still working as a cowboy and sometimes bunked with like-minded fellows. His last cowboy job was in 1893, aer which he began painting on commission, eventually turning to art full-time. e "Cowboy Artist" met Nancy at a friend's home in 1895. She was just 18 and he was 32 when they married the following year. Wife Nancy was financially astute. She encouraged Charlie's artistic inclinations, eventually managing the business end of things, and suggesting they move to Great Falls where they'd find a bigger market for his work. Nancy, Hartelius says, was "a tremendous asset to his business." e couple le Cascade in 1897.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of SigMT - SigMT Vol12 Iss 3