Collection SummaryCharles E. “Chas” and Helen R. Morris Heritage Collection
Charles E and Helen R Morris established a vast wholesale penny postcard distributorship, marketing photographic images of early Montana. Sent worldwide from Chinook and Great Falls, Montana, Morris’ postcards helped popularize Montana. Transformation from the open range to the homestead era is revealed:
· with authentic photographs taken by Charles in off hours while working as a Montana cowboy (1896-1902),
· through the artistic, standard-setting “tinting” by Helen Morris, which introduced colored post cards to the masses,
· by studio portraits, and numerous country and town images produced by Helen and Charles Morris (1903-1922),
· from other images distributed in collaboration with other businesses, photographers, and artists, including Charlie Russell.
The Morris Heritage collection began as a collaborative effort among the Morris family, Blaine County Museum (Chinook), The History Museum (Great Falls), and the Montana History Portal. Our goal is to preserve materials created by and related to Charles and Helen Morris. We encourage other public and private collectors to contribute to this Montana Morris Heritage collection.Contributing InstitutionBlaine County Museum
!["1900 Flood at Chinook" JE Ross City Stables](/img/placeholder.gif?1724120689 ""1900 Flood at Chinook" JE Ross City Stables")
