Cascade Courier - Your trusted local news source since 1910

Augustus Wedsworth, benefactor of the Wedsworth Estate, was born October 1, 1842, in Dupage County, Illinois. He came to Cascade County in 1875 to work in the dairy business at Lepley Creek, selling dairy products to the Army.

He was very successful, and in 1881, took up a homestead and later purchased several ranches in Chesnut Valley. He sold his interests in farming and ranching in 1910, when he moved to Cascade. He lived here until his death on January 15, 1915. At the time of his death, he was President of the Cascade Milling & Elevator Co., a director of the First State Bank, and Vice President of the Cascade Mercantile Co.

Mr. Wedsworth willed the bulk of his estate to the Town of Cascade. There is a Wedsworth Estate Board, consisting of two trustees, plus the mayor. The Wedsworth Estate includes Wedsworth Hall, Wedsworth Memorial Library, and land leased out for cattle. All upkeep of the buildings and property are paid for with funds from the lease, and usage costs from the Wedsworth Hall. The Wedsworth Memorial Library also receives assistance from Cascade County, as it has become a City-County library, for financial purposes. The Town of Cascade does not fund the hall, library, or land in any way.

It has long been believed that Augustus left the Wedsworth Hall for the children of the community to use. Per the will, "All of said rest, residue and remainder of my said estate, herein devised and bequeathed to said trustee, as aforesaid, shall be used exclusively and solely for the purpose of founding and establishing and maintaining a permanent library, reading room and gymnasium within the Town of Cascade, County of Cascade and State of Montana, for the use and benefit of the said Town of Cascade and its inhabitants forever..."

For many years, the youth and other groups within Cascade have been able to use the Hall at little to no charge. Due to the rising costs of utilities, wages, maintenance, and supplies, and beginning this year, the addition of property taxes, the Wedsworth trustees have created a small fee structure.

The Mayor and Wedsworth Board would like to thank everyone that has assisted with raising money for upgrades, for the grants awarded, and the volunteers that give their time. We appreciate you!