FROM STAFF REPORTS

Ruffin Brothers Store circa 1900. When J.L. Ruffin got off a train in 1878and walked into downtown Helena, he undoubtedly had little notionthat those steps were the beginning of a 50-year commercial dynasty.Located on the west side of Main Street next to the railroad, the RuffinStore sold everything from hats to coffins and served as the town postoffice for many years.

Contributed/City of Helena Museum