The small town of Opheim is in Valley County, Montana, about ten miles from the Saskatchewan border. The town was named for Alfred S. Opheim, its second postmaster. Largely, a wheat growing community, Opheim had no railroad until 1926, when the Great Northern extended its tracks to the area, among the last rail construction in Montana. During the homesteading period, the town was busy, with stores, banks, lumberyards, hotels, bars and other businesses. During the drought years, many of the farmers went broke and moved to other places. Then the town became the home of the Opheim Air Force Station, which was in operation from 1951 to 1979, after which the population of the town has declined significantly. Today, the air station is abandoned, and most of its buildings have been dismantled, although the foundations and a few buildings remain, although in disrepair. Opheim is located along Montana Highway 24 and 248, just west of Glentana.
Recommended Resources
The location and services of the airport in Opheim, Montana are outlined, along with an overview of airport operations and communications, ownership and management, operational statistics, and runway information. A sectional chart is posted to the site.
http://www.airnav.com/airport/S00/
Located in northeastern Montana, just outside of Opheim, Granrud’s has been in operation since 1977, although it was closed for a time before being reopened in 2005. The history of the business is related, along with an overview of its flagship product, the homemade style Norwegian potato lefse. Its location, hours of operation, and contacts are posted. Orders may be made online.
http://www.lefseshack.com/
NorVal Electric Cooperative, Inc.
The member-owned electric cooperative has offices in Glasgow and Opheim, Montana. Member services are outlined, and its bylaws, service area, employment opportunities, and safety information are featured. Customers may access their accounts and pay bills online.
http://www.norval.coop/
Situated on Rock Street, the Opheim, Montana K-12 school is featured, including a school newsletter, calendars, staff and teacher pages, and affiliated organizations and athletic programs. Public notices are posted to the site.
https://sites.google.com/site/opheimschool/
VetFriends: 779th Radar Sq., Opheim AFS, Montana
Reunion information for those who served in the 779th Radar Squadron, stationed at the Opheim Air Force Station, is posted here, along with an invitation for members of the squadron to register on the site.
https://www.vetfriends.com/units/index.cfm?unit=9549
