These are the earliest Known Photos of the Vinegar Jones Cabin. They were taken about 1917.
The Cabin was built on the Southside of the Original Great Falls Townsite in the Spring of 1884 by Fort Benton carpenter, Josiah Peeper.
We believe the Cabin was the first permanent home built in the Townsite, and that it is the only remaining building from 1884.
In 1890 W. G. Jones bought a lot across Fifth Avenue South and moved the Cabin to the new site. Jones built an addition on the back of the Cabin, and the Jones family lived there until 1912, when Jones moved a two-story frame house to the same lot.
Until his death in 1931, and the death of his wife, Rosa, in 1938, the Cabin was preserved, protected, and rented.
The Cabin survived fires, demolition permits, and in 2001 was bought by Mark Blom and Dale Nelson.
In June 2001, Mark approached the City/County Historic Preservation Officer, offering the Cabin to the City. A committee, under the City/County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission, began planning how to save and restore the Cabin. The plan was approved by the City's Parks and Recreation Department, and the City took ownership.
In December 2002, the Cabin was moved to the City's premier park, Gibson Park. With the support of a broad coalition of Great Falls businesses, labor unions, and individuals, restoration is underway.
The "Little Cabin That Could" has survived time, the elements, fire, and demolition permits to take its place of honor in Gibson Park.
