This is the Chet Shore-Governor Nutter Memorial Room, or what I simply call the “coolest room in Montana.” Take a look:
The Nutter-Shore Memorial Trophy Hall in the Montana Historical Society
The Montana Historical Society Weapons Room: that’s what I usually refer to this room as, the weapons room. That’s what I thought of it as when I was a boy, going in sometimes after pestering my mom in the Revenue building by the mall.
I grew up in Helena and for many years lived on Breckenridge Street by the Capitol, so this room was a cool spot to kill some time. Sadly, I think I was one of the few that ever visited, and I don’t think it gets many visitors today. It’s a shame, because it costs nothing to head up to the third floor of the Veterans’ and Pioneers’ Building to see it.
I grew up in Helena and for many years lived on Breckenridge Street by the Capitol, so this room was a cool spot to kill some time. Sadly, I think I was one of the few that ever visited, and I don’t think it gets many visitors today. It’s a shame, because it costs nothing to head up to the third floor of the Veterans’ and Pioneers’ Building to see it.
Chet Shore was a big supporter of the Montana Historical Society and did quite a few renovations on the Veterans’ and Pioneers’ Building. Sometime in the late-1960s or early-1970s the building had to undergo some changes, mainly so they could squeeze some more exhibit space from what they had. Shore may have helped with this, but we know he helped with redesigning the outside area in 1976. Helena History tells us what this entailed:
“Various flags and symbols of the Lewis and Clark Expedition were added to the area by the veterans of Montana under the direction of Mr. Chet Shore. Shore also finished the Trophy Room on the third floor furnishing it with many donations of Montana veterans of all the Wars.”
The Governor Nutter was Donald G. Nutter, who had a short term, one that ended in tragedy.
On January 21, 1962, the Helena Independent Record had a story called “Nutter Dedicates Military Room in State Museum.” An image of him was shown looking at some of the glass cases in the room, perhaps as he thought back on his own time piloting a B-24 bomber during the war. He flew 62 missions in all, putting in more than 500 hours, including thirteen months in the China-Burma-India Theater.
On January 21, 1962, the Helena Independent Record had a story called “Nutter Dedicates Military Room in State Museum.” An image of him was shown looking at some of the glass cases in the room, perhaps as he thought back on his own time piloting a B-24 bomber during the war. He flew 62 missions in all, putting in more than 500 hours, including thirteen months in the China-Burma-India Theater.
Montana Governor Don Nutter, January 21, 1962, just four days before his death
Perhaps his executive secretary, Dennis Gordon, was with him. He’d served in the Korean War, and at just 28-years of age, had been appointed the interim Military Governor of Korea. He was definitely with the governor four days later, on the night of January 25. The men were flying to Cut Bank where the governor had a speech, but over the canyons around Wolf Creek they met 100 mph winds. The C-47 Skytrain they were in had its wing sheared off and the plane went down, killing the six men onboard.
The Sydney Herald had a good story on Governor Nutter in June 2014, about who he was as a person. It’s worth checking out, or you can just wait until my sixth volume of Montana history comes out next year. Until then, let’s take a look at what I like to call “the coolest room in Montana.”
I really hope this post gets viewed and shared a lot, because more people need to see these weapons. More than that, they need to think about war and whether we should build a bigger room. After all, this one’s full, and it looks like war’s coming to the world yet again.
The Sydney Herald had a good story on Governor Nutter in June 2014, about who he was as a person. It’s worth checking out, or you can just wait until my sixth volume of Montana history comes out next year. Until then, let’s take a look at what I like to call “the coolest room in Montana.”
I really hope this post gets viewed and shared a lot, because more people need to see these weapons. More than that, they need to think about war and whether we should build a bigger room. After all, this one’s full, and it looks like war’s coming to the world yet again.
Montana’s Iraq War Weapons
It’s clear the room is full because the only room they have for Montana’s Iraq War stuff is for the first Iraq war. Here’s a dandy:
Iraqi RPG captured by Montana troops in 1991
The plaque in front reads “Captured Iraqi KPV 14.5mm Anti-Aircraft Gun on ZPU-1 Mount. Captured & Donated by 159th Support Group, USAR Helena.”
In front of it is a small case, which looks like this:
In front of it is a small case, which looks like this:
Montana's loot from the first Iraq War
That’s the rest of our Iraqi loot, and the small note in the corner lists off what it holds. That includes:
The items were loaned by Captain Mark Welker and the 159th USAR of Helena.
- Bank Note, 10 Dinar, Iraq;
- Rocket Powered Grenade Launcher, RPG 7-B mfg, China;
- AKM 7.62 x 39mm Romanian mfg;
- US Army Manual;
- Propaganda leaflets, US;
- Field radio, Iraq, Russian mfg;
- Surrender Leaflet, safe passage;
- Soldiers Guide to Saudi Arabia;
- Saudi Bank Notes;
- Kuwaiti Flag;
- Sumer Cigarettes, Iraq.
The items were loaned by Captain Mark Welker and the 159th USAR of Helena.
Montana WWII Weapons and Stories
We’re jumping a bit ahead of ourselves, as far as we can go, actually. Let’s pull back and take a look at some weapons from WWII, which make up the bulk of the collection in the Nutter-Shore Trophy Room. That’s the first thing you notice, really, the display cases full of WWII guns.
Montana WWII rifles
German pistols from WWII, in Helena, Montana
German Schmeiser Machine Pistol captured by Montanans in Corsica, c 1943
The top image are some American rifles, the middle image shows a case holding German pistols, and the bottom has a German Schmeiser machine pistol that was used against the First Special Services Force, or Black Devils, when they were in Corsica during the Italian Campaign in 1943.
There are lots of swords and knives as well, many captured from the Japanese in the Philippines.
There are lots of swords and knives as well, many captured from the Japanese in the Philippines.
Japanese swords and flag from WWII
You also get some really awesome swords from other places. For instance, these:
Captured WWII swords and other military swords
That huge blade at the top of the case is an old Persian sword. There are other fancy dress swords, and probably the most unique is Nazi Air Marshall Herman Goering’s Presentation Saber.
Nazi Herman Goering's Sword
It was likely captured from his quarters in Karvin Hall, Berchetsgaden, Germany, in May 1945 by Captain William Watson of the Canadian Army. He was the one that got one of the famed Nazi’s special cigars, after all.
Cigar belonging to WWII Nazi Herman Goerging
There are lots of cool Nazi things, like this currency and these medals and flags:
Captured WWII Nazi Items on display in Helena, MT
In another case you get lots of stuff, including a picture of Hitler himself, and a Nazi plate.
Display case of captured Nazi items
Nazi Officer's Mess Hall Plate
You’ll find lots of maps in the room that show where troops moved during the various campaigns. There fun to look at and have keys to make them easy to understand. You’ll also find war posters and patriotic propaganda, as well as military patches.
Map of Montana men's service in WWII
Montana's 163rd in the Pacific in WWII
Montana WWII Posters
WWII badges and patches
Some WWII Shrapnel from France
Captured Japanese Medicine Kit
That last image shows a medical kit that was taken off a Japanese POW at Guadalcanal in 1943 by Eugene J. Carroll of Great Falls. It has a syringe and various medicines, according to the note beside it.
WWII medals and soldier items
WWI mementos
There are lots of items in these images. The top image has a purple heart as well as a photo of Montana servicemen.
The bottom image has lots of items, including a white practice hand grenade, a compass & pocket knife, a large homemade knife that some concerned family members sent to a Montana boy overseas, and shrapnel from a Japanese kamikaze pilot. The photo is of course of the Japanese surrender in 1945, with some handwritten notes and signatures at the bottom. History rarely feels so alive.
The bottom image has lots of items, including a white practice hand grenade, a compass & pocket knife, a large homemade knife that some concerned family members sent to a Montana boy overseas, and shrapnel from a Japanese kamikaze pilot. The photo is of course of the Japanese surrender in 1945, with some handwritten notes and signatures at the bottom. History rarely feels so alive.
Montana Civil War Weapons and Stories
The Montana Historical Society weapons room really goes back in time. There’s a large case with a few mannequins wearing uniforms near the back of the room. In it you’ll find the few Civil War items that Montana has.
Civil War Bayonet
Spoon from Sherman's March, 1864
The items that standout to me are a spoon from Sherman’s March that Dr. W.A. Jarvis of Livingston gave to his son in 1896 and which eventually wound up with the Park County American Legion post, who donated it to the trophy room. What an amazing item!
Also in the room is a Union Army buckle that Chester K. Shore donated, though I’m not sure if that’s the person who wore it. If you were to go through the records of these veterans organizations, you might be able to learn that. Sadly, there’s no space for those except at Fort Harrison, and few Montanans head out there.
Finishing out the Montana Civil War collection is a rifle bayonet that was donated by Helena’s Edward Cowan. It’s clear from the collection that much of the material represents the North.
Also in the room is a Union Army buckle that Chester K. Shore donated, though I’m not sure if that’s the person who wore it. If you were to go through the records of these veterans organizations, you might be able to learn that. Sadly, there’s no space for those except at Fort Harrison, and few Montanans head out there.
Finishing out the Montana Civil War collection is a rifle bayonet that was donated by Helena’s Edward Cowan. It’s clear from the collection that much of the material represents the North.
Montana World War I Weapons and Stories
Right away upon entering the Montana Historical Society trophy room you’ll probably see some big guns.
Large-caliber guns used in WWI
Those huge suckers are from WWI, The topmost gun says WWI German 08-15 Machine Gun – Caliber 7.92mm. Donated by American Legion, Post #5, Miles City, Montana.
In the back of the room there are some cool items from WWI that Montana men were able to get back to the state.
In the back of the room there are some cool items from WWI that Montana men were able to get back to the state.
Helmets from WWI brought back by Montana soldiers
You’ll notice one case that has two sticks at the bottom, and on closer examination you’ll see that these are canes.
Canes given to Montana men in WWI
The topmost cane was taken from a Prussian Army major that Lieutenant John J. Burg captured. Burg was from Kalispell and served in the 362nd Infantry Regiment, 91st Division in the Argonne offensive of September 1918. The 362nd was tasked with taking the French village of Gesnes.
Colonel John “Gatling Gun” Parker commanded the regiment, though he was wounded early in the fight. The cane was given to him by Burg while he was recovering, and the men of the regiment carved “Powder River, Let ‘er buck” into the cane.
The 362nd was made up mostly of Montana men and they had more men killed and wounded, took more prisoners, seized more enemy war material, and spent more time in the fight than any others, says the plaque in the trophy room.
The bottommost cane was the following paper with it:
Colonel John “Gatling Gun” Parker commanded the regiment, though he was wounded early in the fight. The cane was given to him by Burg while he was recovering, and the men of the regiment carved “Powder River, Let ‘er buck” into the cane.
The 362nd was made up mostly of Montana men and they had more men killed and wounded, took more prisoners, seized more enemy war material, and spent more time in the fight than any others, says the plaque in the trophy room.
The bottommost cane was the following paper with it:
Memorial French Cane
Presented to the American Legion Department of Montana
This cane is herewith presented to all my American comrades of 1918. It was made from a holly tree taken from the forest of Saint Aignan, Loir et Cher: where the men of the 41st Division were stationed. We will never forget you and God bless you for your service to my beloved country.
Signed
Narcisse Beauvais,
Coulfy, Loir et Cher,
France
As far as I can tell, the 41st Infantry Division of National Guard units from the western states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, North Dakota and Washington saw no action in WWI at all, serving as a reserve unit only.
Montana Korean War Weapons and Stories
There’s a small wall display of Korean War items in the trophy room. Here’s what that looks like:
Montana's Korean War mementos
Anti-personnel weapons
Old Korean Pike Heads
We have some small projectiles that were dropped from high altitude on troop placements, some spearheads that date back centuries, and some items from a dead soldier.
The latter was Charles L. Sewell, who was killed in action. Some items of his include the pack of cigarettes there, as well as the pocket watch and the western union telegram telling his parents of his death. There are also some items from his brother, Russell L. Sewell. The Helena family donated them to the trophy room.
The latter was Charles L. Sewell, who was killed in action. Some items of his include the pack of cigarettes there, as well as the pocket watch and the western union telegram telling his parents of his death. There are also some items from his brother, Russell L. Sewell. The Helena family donated them to the trophy room.
Montana Vietnam Weapons and Stories
Bow and Arrows used by Vietnamese tribes against Americans
This is a really cool case, with some awesome bow and arrows. Yeah, you didn’t think they had Indian War here stuff, did you?
Well…they don’t. These aren’t from the Indian Wars, they’re from Vietnam. The caption on the larger set of bow and arrows reads “On Loan From: Dennis R. Larson. From Cambodia – Captured in 1969.”
The caption on that pinkish-orange piece of paper reads “Montagnard Crossbow & Arrows. These furnish silent death by a tribe fighting for the South Vietnamese. On Loan by Frank O. Vavrin.”
Something else that’s real cool is this kit here:
Well…they don’t. These aren’t from the Indian Wars, they’re from Vietnam. The caption on the larger set of bow and arrows reads “On Loan From: Dennis R. Larson. From Cambodia – Captured in 1969.”
The caption on that pinkish-orange piece of paper reads “Montagnard Crossbow & Arrows. These furnish silent death by a tribe fighting for the South Vietnamese. On Loan by Frank O. Vavrin.”
Something else that’s real cool is this kit here:
Medical Kit for American Military Advisers in Vietnam
It’s quite the amazing package of supplies, and the paper next to it reads “Survival Kits issued to US Military Advisors in Viet Nam. Donated by Ernest E. Brant of Biloxi, MS who served in Viet Nam 1963-64.”
The items are listed on a separate sheet and include:
The items are listed on a separate sheet and include:
- 1 Waterproof Bag
- 1 Signal Mirror
- 1 Flexible Saw
- 1 Flare Gun, w 2 White Flares
- 1 pkg Kling Gauze
- 1 Adhesive Plaster
- 6 Bandages, Absorbent, Adhesive
- 1 pkg Bouillon Cubes
- 1 Water Purification Tablets, Iodine
- 1 Betadine Solution
- 20 Salt Tablets
- 8 Spesin-PS Tablets
- 12 Tetracycline Tablets
- 10 Fungicidal Ointment Unettes
- 1 Insect Repellant
- 1 Tube Bacitracin Opthalmic Ointment
American helmets and hats from Vietnam
Guns used by Vietnamese against Americans in Vietnam
There are some hats and helmets worn by Montana men in Vietnam. The gun is a Communist AK-47 Assault Rifle that was used by North Vietnam and Vietcong troops, though made by the Chinese.
It’s unfortunate that so few know about Montana’s contributions to the Vietnam War. I’ve thought about it a lot, because the first school I ever went to was named after Jim Darcy, a helicopter pilot that was shot down in 1967. It was made sure that we knew why the school was named what it was, at least in the mid- to late-80s.
I’m not sure it’s spoken of as much today, but one place to learn about Montana and Vietnam as in the Nutter-Shore Memorial Trophy Room in the Montana Historical Society. Hopefully more people learn it’s there.
It’s unfortunate that so few know about Montana’s contributions to the Vietnam War. I’ve thought about it a lot, because the first school I ever went to was named after Jim Darcy, a helicopter pilot that was shot down in 1967. It was made sure that we knew why the school was named what it was, at least in the mid- to late-80s.
I’m not sure it’s spoken of as much today, but one place to learn about Montana and Vietnam as in the Nutter-Shore Memorial Trophy Room in the Montana Historical Society. Hopefully more people learn it’s there.
The Future of the Trophy Room
In the Spring of 2002 four veterans organizations moved from the Veterans’ and Pioneers’ Memorial Building to Fort Harrison. These were:
That year the Montana Board of Education requested $18,008 for a military package to accommodate that move, as well as $17,200 in 2003. This also assisted with the “appropriate handling, disposition, exhibit, or move of the artifacts and interpretive materials now located in the” trophy room. It was also revealed that “these veterans’ organizations hold extensive records on Montana veterans and have asked” the Montana Historical Society “to assume responsibility for them.”
I hope more people visit this room, and I hope these weapons and the stories behind them can be displayed more prominently. Children especially should see these, both for the thrill and to learn something. Having a revolving display that shuttles around the state’s schools would be one way to accomplish this, and perhaps some thought should be put into that.
Until then, the trophy room sits, empty most days, but with the lights on. It’s there, waiting for you.
- The 163rd Infantry Regiment;
- The American Legion;
- Disabled American Veterans;
- Veterans of Foreign Wars.
That year the Montana Board of Education requested $18,008 for a military package to accommodate that move, as well as $17,200 in 2003. This also assisted with the “appropriate handling, disposition, exhibit, or move of the artifacts and interpretive materials now located in the” trophy room. It was also revealed that “these veterans’ organizations hold extensive records on Montana veterans and have asked” the Montana Historical Society “to assume responsibility for them.”
I hope more people visit this room, and I hope these weapons and the stories behind them can be displayed more prominently. Children especially should see these, both for the thrill and to learn something. Having a revolving display that shuttles around the state’s schools would be one way to accomplish this, and perhaps some thought should be put into that.
Until then, the trophy room sits, empty most days, but with the lights on. It’s there, waiting for you.
