Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 43 THE FINAL DAYS In the last days of operation, the Montana Children's Center was home to 50 children. Most of them were Native American, the current owner Leslie Adams told me, with the occasional pregnant teenager or two sent there to wait out their "condi- tion" away from the judgment of their hometowns. The farm had ceased operations in the 1950s, and budget cuts had slow- ly been eating away at the facility. Published in 1970, MSU student Joseph J. Camarda wrote his thesis in architectural design about the Children's Center. Some of the cottages that were built in the 1920s had been damaged by earthquakes, and the center's needs were changing. What must have been simple, smart solutions back then looked like lofty goals to my eyes, my mind stained by the knowledge that the center wasn't going to last another decade. Just five years later, the Children's Center closed as the nation began to shift toward foster care and funding ran dry. THE PRESENT It was supposed to have been a quick turnaround for Les- lie Adams and her father when they purchased the Montana Children's Center in 2005. She related this to me with a sad smile as we walked the grounds this previous summer. The interior walls had been painted bright, cheery colors before closing, making for a stark contrast to the emptiness, broken windows, and dust from falling lathe and plaster. Seeking to prevent further decay, Leslie and her father had asbestos removed, replaced 15 roofs, and went through lengthy legal processes to ensure each plot of land had its correct paper- work for eventual sale. One hundred acres, 25 buildings, and over 140,000 square feet of space rest under her watchful eye. As caretaker of the property and its history, Leslie wouldn't sell to anyone who was without a comprehensive plan for the land and buildings. She is also the owner of the Blue Anchor building in the heart of Twin Bridges, and it is readily appar- ent that she loves these old buildings and the history behind them. She has made a beautiful home out of the old superin- tendent's residence and has plans to relocate nearby once the Children's Center is sold to a new owner. This would not have been possible without the dedication, kind- ness, and hard work of Leslie Adams, the helpful staff at MSU- Bozeman's Library Special Collections and Archives Division, my traveling companions, and everyone who has shared their stories about the Children's Center. Thank you. Noel Freedman's book Dumped is available on major EBook retail platforms. Featuring 35 dealers and 10,000 square feet of traditional and eclectic antiques. Open year-round, 11 am - 5 pm, Thursday through Monday Antiques Interiors Black Dog Antiques 1200 E. Park Avenue Anaconda, MT 406-563-0478 blackdogantique.com Offering an excellent selection of antiques, jewelry, clothing, glassware, collectibles, furniture, art, bottles, books, vintage items and much more! &

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