Looking back at Missoula's history can be something special. There are so many ways to look back. There are buildings, roads, and archives. Sometimes just a picture can spark a memory. The University of Montana has an exhibit that looks at some ariel photographs of Missoula from almost a hundred years ago.

Read More: U of Montana Exhibits Spectacular Aerial Views of Views of 1930s Missoula

Recently we took a look back at the first 4th of July event that was held at Historical Fort Missoula, that took place in 1976, during our countries bicentennial celebrations. It was a different kind of event back in the 1970s than what you see today.

Read More: Look Back At 1976: Fort Missoula's First 4th of July Celebration

There are few Facebook groups that are dedicated to looking back at Missoula's past. There is "You know you've lived in Missoula, MT if", and "Missoula now and then", takes a look back at Missoula's past with stories and pictures. What I particularly like about some of these groups is the sharing of old photos and the comments connecting so many people to a place and time. They are private pages, but people can become members.

Facebook Group Filled with "Local Experts"

I had the chance to speak with John Thaggard, one of the administrators of the  "Missoula now and then" page, about beginning the page.

We got started because we got tire of Facebook just being cat memes and stupid videos. We wanted to start a group where everyone was an expert. If you look at our group the demographic is pretty heavy towards 65 and older. That's because these people have so many memories they can provide us with as well as photographs.

John explained that the idea is to start a conversation and people can share their experiences and their stories. One post with a picture can, not only bring back some nostalgia, but it can also spark a conversation about other past places, people and events in Missoula. That was the point of the starting the page. It also isn't trying to hold onto the past, according to John,  but to "celebrate" Missoula's past.

Missoula K-Mart Had a Deli?

John and I talked about a recent post of the grand opening of the old International House of Pancakes back in 1973. It was in the same area where K-Mart used to be located. My mother worked in the deli that was inside K-Mart at one time. John mentioned that they had "the best 59 cent submarine sandwich in Missoula.". If you told someone that at one time K-Mart had a great sub sandwich, I doubt that they would believe you. That is the beauty of pages like this. For those that don't know, K-Mart used to be located where Kohl's is today.

When the pandemic happened, it gave a lot of people a chance to look back through pictures, articles, and Missoula events from the past and you will see those posted on this site. If you want to take trips down "Missoula's memory lane", then reach out to them about joining. When engaging in conversation, please keep it respectful for all.

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From mushroom decor to that iconic jug (you know the one), let's take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to the quintessential '70s kitchen.

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