Montana's Visionary Mayor: Willard E Fraser

Publisher: ‎ Montana Historical Society Press (September 20, 2022)

Language: English

Paperback: 366 pages

Willard Edward Fraser (1907-1972) was mayor of Billings, Montana, during the turbulent Vietnam War era, but his reach and impact lay far beyond the borders of the Magic City. Fraser brought vision and energy to the mayor's office, using it as a platform to promote Billings and Montana to the world. He tackled air and water pollution, cleaned up urban blight, and ensured that women, youth, and minorities were not marginalized. He championed Montana's history, cultural heritage, and tourism potential. A true humanitarian, Fraser was equally comfortable rubbing elbows with high level politicians and celebrities--like his father-in-law Robert Frost--and hobnobbing with the "bums" of Skid Row. He followed his conscience even when it meant bucking the party line. No stranger to tragedy or defeat, Fraser served the people and the state he loved with optimism, dedication, and panache.

This Storied Land: A Montana Memoir

Publisher: Pronghorn Press (April 15, 2004)

Language: English

Paperback: 268 pages

Set in northeastern Montana, is a paean to the beauty and power of the high prairie, an elegy to the family farm, and a love story - a memorable depiction of parents who, as the family confronts the daily business of survival - hail, drought, blizzards, sickness - observe the customs of a fundamentalist religion in bringing up their children.