Whenever travelers or residents for that matter talk about Hi-Line towns, Havre, Shelby, Glasgow, Wolf Point always enter the conversation. Some places, inexplicably to my mind, never do: Harlem is a case in point.
A gateway to the Fort Belknap Reservation, Harlem is one of the early Great Northern Railway towns, dating to 1889, and was established to serve as a commercial center on the northern border of the reservation.When the homesteading boom swept through the Hi-Line during the early 20th century, Harlem quickly expanded and most of the historic buildings found there today date between 1910 and 1940.
What struck me powerfully when I visited in 2013, compared to my last visit in 1984, was dual themes of growth and decline. The Aaniiih Nadoka College, established in 1884, had left its initial spartan quarters on the edge of the reservation into new modern-styled buildings, that still reflected the spirit of earlier vernacular styled buildings.
The 30-year growth of the college certainly underscored new opportunities as the flashy facade of the Ft Belknap Casino, facing U.S. Highway 2, showed a new revenue source. Standardized designs for federal housing also indicated the growth of a large neighborhood just south of the U.S. 2 and Montana 66 junction.
The theme of decline, however, marked the historic business district of Harlem. When I visited in 1984, Harlem had over 1000 residents–now that number is close to 800. Classic roadside gas stations, even at prominent corners, had closed.
The Art Deco-ish Brekke Block (1941) only had a few going businesses; the early 20th century commercial block at Central and Main streets had even fewer signs of life. The Grand Theatre no longer showed movies. The imposing classical facade of the old state bank had broken windows and decaying architectural details. These historic buildings retain their potential to impress, and could be heritage assets in multiple ways. They need attention before it is too late.
While life and commerce enlivened the railroad and highway corridor, the downtown had a shuttered, tired look. But pride was there too. The Harlem Centennial Park, established in 1987, featured an memorial to the thirteen airmen who lost their lives when Air Force cargo planes collided north of town in 1992. The dedication and commitment to raise the funds and build such an appropriate monument impresses–and for travelers like me, I had no idea that this terrible air accident took place, and was glad that Harlem understood its obligation to the airmen and to history to record the event, permanently, with the memorial. It was one of several surprises I encountered during my visit to Blaine County in 2013.
Montana's Historic Landscapes 
Thank you for Taking a picture of this memorial. One of my best Friends was killed in this crash. 1st. Lt. Edward “Ted” Hoyle. He was the navigator on one of the jets. Miss you Teddy! God Bless & God Speed.
Visited this memorial in 2002. My nephew David Young was a flight engineer on one of the planes. A very fitting memorial for those thirteen airmen.
The 3rd pic you have on the page is of the old Hotel Cecil. Alfred Cecil was the owner and he is also noted as the founder of Harlem. He was my 3x great grandfather, his children, and grandchildren were all born and raised in Harlem. =)
Alfred Cecil was my 2x great grandfather and not all his grand kids were raised in Harlem. My Great Grandmother, Viola (Gram), daughter of Alfred and one of her daughters Evelyn (my Grandma) lived in Havre for years where I was born and raised. =)
Sorry! I guess I kind of lumped Havre and Harlem together 😉
I spent 11 years in Harlem, moved there when I was in the second grade. We lived across the street from the grade school and down the street was a German Prisoner camp. We use to fight the mosquitoes and go down and listen to them sing. They were still shipping horses out of Harlem, main street was booming. My mother and sister worked in the New England Cafe. On the west side several bars but also a Buttreys, J.C. Penny, a great Coast to Coast store. Men’s store called The Hub, it was a booming place at one time.