Greetings from the Mansion!

Kalispell's Johns Hardware (1931-1959)   undated photo courtesy of Museum at Central School

The interior of Johns Hardware located on Main Street from 1931-1959 shows an extensive gun collection.  Samuel E. Johns, an early Flathead Valley pioneer and businessman, wanted to preserve the pioneering history of the Valley and the state of Montana.  Among this collection were the guns of the C.E Conrad Family.  We're not sure exactly who sold the guns to Johns or when the firearms left the Mansion for display in Johns Hardware.  In 1959, the entire collection was donated by Johns' son to the Montana Historical Society where they remained for almost 55 years.  The return of the firearms on loan from the MHS will be marked by a special event  Friday, August 21 and Saturday August 22.

Two nationally recognized antique firearm experts, Philip Schreier, Senior Curator at the NRA's National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, VA and Garry James, Senior Editor of Guns and Ammo magazine will be at the Mansion to discuss the history and technology of these antique firearms.  

On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Mansion will open at 6 pm. for beverages and hors d'oeuvres.  The  presentation by Philip and Garry begins at 6:30 p.m.  A matinee event has been scheduled for Saturday only beginning at 1 pm.  Tickets are $45 each and all proceeds benefit the Conrad Mansion Museum.  Click here for more information, including the extensive backgrounds of the presenters.

Thank you for your continued support!