This little skateboard park has been dedicated to the memory of Gertrude Vacura Bryce. Born October 18, 1915 in Camas Prairie, Sanders County, Gertrude passed away on October 22, 2002 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. A snippet of Gertrude's life story is reproduced below.
Every year in early June, the town of Plains has a festival they call Plains Day. As part of the festival in 2009 this skateboard park had its grand opening, occurring on Saturday, June 6, 2009, with a ribbon cutting ceremony, the unveiling of the park's dedication sign, a blessing and speeches by several dignitaries and others. This was followed by a show of skill by several of the local skateboarders.
The park is in the east corner of the city park, behind the tennis courts and beside the basketball court. Not a large park, it has a railing, several small obstacles and even a picnic bench in the middle, all on a concrete pad. It was created solely with donated money from many citizens and businesses in the area.
The Plaque at the park simply states:
Gertrude Vacura Bryce Memorial Skateboard Park
Gertrude Vacura Bryce
Gertrude was born on the Vacura homestead on Camas Prairie on Oct. 18, 1915. In 1918, the family moved to Plains, where her father opened Louie's Garage. This was the beginning of Vacura Motors which operated in the same building that today houses Country Ford. Vacura Motors remained in the family for many years and was the cornerstone of the Vacura family, one of the few Ford dealerships in the United States to remain so long in the control of one family.
On June 17, 1935, she married Harry Smith in Wallace, Idaho. Two sons were born to the couple: Pat, on Nov. 7, 1935, and Mike, on June 19, 1938. She was preceded in death by Harry on Aug. 7, 1954.
After the death of her husband Harry, she was involved in the lease and operation of Harwood House, now Quinn's Hot Springs Resort, on the Paradise cutoff to St. Regis. A serious health problem ended this venture. She later leased and operated Ted's Sandwich Shop on Main Street in Plains for several years.
On Oct. 9, 1958, she married T. Millar Bryce in Plains. They enjoyed traveling in their own aircraft. They traveled extensively in the lower 48 states and also to Alaska, Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas and the West Indies. In their later years, Gertrude and Millar enjoyed a trip around the world on commercial airlines. On that trip they visited their relatives who were working in England, Italy and Indonesia.
Gertrude had been active in local activities and volunteer work whenever needed. She gave generously of her time to the VFW Auxiliary, St. James Ladies Auxiliary, 4-H Adult Leader, Clark Fork Valley Hospital Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. She and her husband Millar, along with other volunteers, were instrumental in establishing the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. She served several terms on the Plains Town Council and remained interested in local, state and national affairs to her last day.
Gertrude had a full and satisfying life. For the last 44 plus years, she was married to Millar and was a wonderful wife to him while in business and the later years of retirement. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother to her sons and their children. Gertrude was particularly proud of her family and of her Montana heritage and was a solid citizen of Plains, Montana and the United States.
From Find A Grave