The Butte Archives and NorthWestern Energy will present a special Brown Bag Lunch on Wednesday, December 19, with a presentation by Jim Michelotti, Chris Fisk and Jim McCarthy about the Christmas displays created by the Meaderville Volunteer Fire Department from 1945 until 1960. Several original pieces are on display in the lobby of the NorthWestern Energy building at Park and Main Streets. The presentation will begin at noon and run about an hour in the auditorium of NorthWestern Energy, located at the corner of Park and Main in uptown Butte.

The Meaderville Volunteer Fire Department began building the elaborate displays as a holiday greeting to lift the community’s spirits following World War II. In 2003, the Montana History Club recreated a display at the Anselmo Mine. The club has installed one every year since, moving to the Race Track Fire Hall in 2006. Michelotti will present the history of the original displays through photos and research. Fisk and McCarthy will speak about the Club’s work in recreating the displays each year. Members of the Meaderville Volunteer Fire Department have also been invited to attend.

Guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Coffee and water will be provided. For more information, contact the Archives at 782-3280.