For country and community: Yaak’s Independence Day Celebration

For the fifth year, more than 70 Yaak residents and guests gathered at the steps of the Yaak Community Hall to celebrate America’s birthday by reading the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2024. 

This year had special meaning as it was the kickoff for a fund-raising drive to refurbish the 99-year-old Yaak Community Hall.

Sen. Mike Cuffe (Montana Senate District 1), Judge Matt Cuffe (Montana 19th Judicial District Court) and Judge Dan Wilson (Montana 11th Judicial District Court and candidate for Montana Supreme Court Seat No. 3) and Jim Hammons (Lincoln County Commissioner) were on hand to help celebrate and participate in the reading. 

They were joined by fellow readers, Jerry Thomas; retired Army Captain, Mike Zwiebel; retired Marine Corps Corporal, Sarah Rusnak; Yaak yoga instructor, Zippy Purdy; Yaak resident, and Mike Harrell; retired Air Force Master Sergeant.

The event began with a parade from the Yaak Community Church to the Yaak Community Hall. There were games for the kids, hot dogs and desserts donated by residents. Pocket constitutions were also available. 

Gov. Greg Gianforte, Sen. Jon Tester, Senate candidate Tim Sheehy and Montana District 1 Congressman Ryan Zinke sent letters of support and welcome that were read to the crowd before the Declaration of Independence was read.

Representatives of the Yaak Community Hall Board, Robyn King (treasurer) and Bonnie Surrell (secretary) were on hand to distribute information about the renovation plans and promote one of the fund-raising efforts. 

The Community Hall has applied for a Montana Historic Preservation Grant through the Montana Department of Commerce which requires a local 20% match of funds. The Hall has received support from the Heart of the Rockies organization, Jim Hammons and the Lincoln County Commissioners with grant preparation and administration. 

The first phase of renovation is to repair the floor and place a crawl space under the hall. 

In 1925, massive larch logs were placed on the ground for the building's foundation. Today, the logs are showing their wear and causing the floor to sink. In 1924, the Yaak Community Association appointed Walter Smoot, an early homesteader of the area, to oversee building a larger community hall for the residents. 

In 1925, large larch logs were cut and skidded down the hill directly to the site where the hall was built and still stands today, on U.S. Forest Service property. The hall officially opened for a dance on July 4, 1925. 

In honor of that bit of history, the Hall is starting a “100 for 100” Campaign and pledge drive. For a donation of $100, an individual will receive a 5-inch larch disk engraved with their name or the name of a loved one who has passed and was involved with the hall. 

The disks will be prominently displayed in the hall after renovations are complete.

For more information, contact Robyn King, Yaak Community Hall Board Treasurer, at 406-249-5694 or at robyn.king6565@gmail for more information about the Yaak Community Hall and the renovation project.