Anaconda

Dear Family, Our family history is a rich tapestry of individual journeys and personal stories, each shaping who we are today. Two pivotal figures in our lineage are our ancestors, Fred, and Anna Mundy, whose decisions and resilience have profoundly influenced our heritage. Fred was born and raised in Peel County, Canada, amidst sprawling wheat fields and a close-knit community. But as the industrial opportunities began emerging in America, Fred’s gaze was drawn towards Anaconda, Montana. ‘The Stack,’ the massive smokestack of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, stood as a symbol of progress. Brimming with hope and determination, Fred left behind his life in Canada and ventured towards this new opportunity. Life in Anaconda was a stark contrast to what Fred had known. He found himself in a bustling, multiethnic community of laborers, all attracted by the same promise of steady work and a better life. Despite being a black man in a predominantly white town, Fred persevered. He worked in the smelter where he often undertook dangerous jobs for less pay due to the racial discrimination prevalent at the time. It was a challenging and demanding life, but Fred faced it with tenacity and resilience. Meanwhile, another chapter of our family history was unfolding in Helena, Montana. This narrative involves Anna Mundy, a figure of strength and resilience from a different side of our family tree. Anna and her family made their home in an area of Helena known as Dry Gulch. Dry Gulch, with its established black community, provided a safe haven of solidarity and support during a period of racial segregation and economic struggle. Anna, together with her family and community, built a life marked by resilience, resourcefulness, and determination. They thrived despite the harsh realities, a testament to their strength and the strength of the community they were a part of. The stories of Fred and Anna Mundy are foundational chapters in our family history. They illuminate the resilience, bravery, and the indomitable spirit that define our lineage. As we continue to share and honor their legacies, we draw strength from their stories and embody the resilience they’ve shown. Their lives are a testament to our rich heritage and the depth of our roots, reminding us of who we are and where we come from.