In 1883, Charles M. Bair arrived at Montana and started working for the Northern Rail Pacific Railroad as one of its conductors. In 1891, he tried his hand in ranching but only hit the jackpot with investments in oil, mining, and real estate during the Alaska gold rush. Bair eventually became one of the world?s most successful sheep owners and became friends with various U.S. presidents and the likes of Will Rogers.

Bair?s family home was completed in 1936 and just in time to serve as venue for the celebration of Bair and his wife?s fiftieth wedding anniversary. During their frequent trips abroad, Bair?s daughters -Marguerite and Alberta - would purchase numerous artworks and antiques for the home. Many of those remain in display today, like the Native American collection in the Pine Room. Also worth checking out is a small beaded vest that Chief Plenty Coups gave to Alberta when she was six years old as well as the Paul Storr silver fills collection on display at the formal dining area.