Eileen Norton Blackmore
Early in the morning of April 30, 2015 Eileen Norton Blackmore quietly left her earthly home to rejoin all of her family. Born July 14, 1916 to Boda and Jeanette Norton in Townsend, Montana, Eileen joined her two brothers Howard and Earl to complete the Norton family.
Growing up on a farm and tagging along after two older brothers was exciting in those days, especially when she was big enough to crawl off a fence onto the bare back of a horse just to keep up. It was probably then that Eileen’s love for speed and adventure was born. Eileen’s school days were spent in Townsend, but shortly after her high school graduation the family moved to Helena.
Eileen’s father and brothers built a small drive-in a little to the south of Helena High School which was then located where the Helena Middle School currently stands. The drive-in, named “Eileen’s”, was her first entrepreneur endeavor. For a few years Eileen managed and worked at the drive-in, but during the World War II years of the 1940’s Eileen, like many other young women in the country, volunteered to help the efforts of the U.S. Army. Eileen spent a little more than a year in Anchorage, Alaska as a civilian secretary with the Army. Upon her return to Helena, and after a trip to Seattle to visit a friend, she again twisted her father’s and brothers’ arms to do a little construction for her, and she opened her favorite Helena business venture–“The Freezer”. Located on the corner across from the railroad depot, it was the place to go to on a warm summer evening. Eileen brought the recipe for soft ice cream from Seattle back to Helena–an ice cream cone for a nickel or a dime, but the best and biggest mike shake in the country for 20 cents! She had the sweet tooth of Helena twisted around her little finger–customers were lined up clear down the block waiting for a treat on the warm summer nights.
But Eileen was more than just a business woman. She was a community supporter. And she knew just about everybody in town. So, in the early 1950’s when she agreed to sponsor “The Freezer’s” fast-pitch softball team, she went to bat for them–harassing the county commission until they agreed to have a softball field provided and maintained for girls softball–just like they did for the boys baseball teams. And as a sponsor, her girls needed some equipment and uniforms–well, the uniforms were the flashiest black and gold ones she could order! She always liked to look snazzy!
In 1958 Eileen and Kenneth E. Blackmore were married. Kenneth worked for the Burlington- Northern railroad. Not long after they closed “The Freezer”, Kenneth was transferred to Missoula. A new chapter began for the Blackmore’s–Kenneth loved airplanes. They both became pilots, bought their own little single engine airplane, and buzzed over the Montana landscape especially enjoying flying over the hills and mountain ranges. After Kenneth’s retirement in 1987, they traveled extensively by plane, motor home and car. The Northeast, East coast, Southwest, West coast and the Northwest were all in their log books.
Following the sale of their last airplane and Kenneth’s passing in 2000, Eileen returned to Helena where her remaining family was living. She moved into Hunter’s Pointe where she quickly became involved in many of the activities. Eileen supervised the Bridge Club for several years, she and “Little Elizabeth” headed up the Welcoming committee for many years and her last big promotion was Happy Hour on Friday afternoons with the help of Bob and Susan Russell.
Eileen was quite a gal–she loved to dress in flashy clothes but never felt “put together” unless she was wearing a hat, she thoroughly enjoyed going fast in that big, beautiful, powerful deep red Crown Victoria, she was always loyal and kind to her friends and employees, ice cream with chocolate was her choice of desserts and a glass of dark red wine was her favorite night-cap.
According to Eileen’s wishes cremation was taken place and there will be no memorial service. However, an ice cream social gathering of friends will be held at Hunter’s Pointe, 2801 Colonial Drive, Helena, front entrance at 3:00 pm, Friday May 8, 2015 to share a few more Eileen stories. If you wish to send a donation in Eileen’s name please consider the Spokane Shriner’s Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 2472, Spokane, Washington, 99201, or the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 8, 2015
Hunters Pointe
2801 Colonial Drive
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
3:00 p.m.
Friday May 8, 2015
Hunters Pointe
2801 Colonial Drive
Helena, Montana
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missy mcmahon says
Eileen lived next to my parents for the last 18 months. As she went down the hall to and from meals with them she always made them smile. Thank you
Bonnie Bailey Browning says
I have known Eileen since 1952. Loved the Freezer and all she did for the sports in Helena. Especially the girls softball team. My Mom moved into the same home as Eileen and they became best friends. They kept the fun going. We always stopped to see them and then just Eileen whenever we came to Montana. We saw her about a month ago and was so worried about her.
Penny O'Neal Takala says
I remember fondly going to Eileen’s Freeze for ice cream with my parents back in the 50’s. It was always a real treat. I had no idea she was such a “modern lady”, flying airplanes and such. Good for her…My dad worked with her brother Earl at Hauser Dam when we lived there. I can even remember his tan plymouth station wagon.
Ahhhh, sweet memories. Farewell to a lovely woman.
Penny O’Neal Takala
Cindy Roberson Lopez says
I will miss Eileen and have missed writing to her these past few years. My dad, George Roberson, was Kenny’s best friend on the Railroad. They worked together for many years. My favorite memory is when Ken and Eileen would fly in live Maine lobster so we could cook them in a big pot out on the campfire at our cabin on Flathead lake. What a treat! I always loved Eileen’s store down by the Wilma building in Missoula. Eileen always had a smile for you. She was always so positive about everything. Rest in peace, Eileen!