Colorful Characters—Let’s Meet Spider

Book 2 in the Sagacity Stories Series, Reaching for Reveries, is brimming with colorful characters. In blending history with fiction, I strive to bring these figures back to life, ensuring their memory endures. Many of these individuals left no descendants, making it even more important to tell their stories. Through careful research, including court documents, testimonies, and photographs, I weave a narrative that stays as true to history as possible while adding the dialogue that brings these figures to life.

I’m often asked how I keep track of all the characters. Picture my process as an oversized bulletin board covered in sticky notes, with yarn crisscrossing between them, connecting relationships, events and places. Each note represents a person, and through meticulous research, I bring them together to create a story that captures both their historical significance and personal essence.

Today, I want to introduce you to one such character: a bartender by the name of Spider.

Imagine stepping into the beautiful concert hall, the Gem Theatre at the turn of the century. Amid the laughter, clinking glasses, and high-quality performances, there stood Spider, effortlessly balancing a tray with 27 beer steins. As patrons sat at tables watching the evening show or late-night gambling, he wove through the crowd with uncanny grace. Patrons returned night after night, some as much for the entertainment on stage as for Spider’s presence behind the bar.

A conceptual image of Spider, generated by AI.

People have described Spider as resembling a 1940s Clark Gable. His job went beyond pouring drinks; he was an essential part of the Gem’s atmosphere, lightheartedly engaging with customers and adding to the establishment’s allure. While his primary role was behind the Gem’s first-floor bar, he also worked for William H. Yerrick at the Garden City Bottling Company, further cementing his role in Missoula’s bustling nightlife.

What makes Spider’s story so compelling is that he, like many of the figures in my novel, played a crucial part in shaping the social dynamics of his time. He was more than just a bartender—he was part of the Gem’s soul, providing the kind of charisma and energy that made people return night after night.

If you’re eager to uncover more about the fascinating individuals who populated the world of Reaching for Reveries, the novel is now available for pre-order at https://www.janinechellington.com/category/all-products

And stay tuned—next week, I will share a glimpse of Franklin J. Pierce's life—the man who held the Gem together. While many of the local historical figures featured in my novel have no descendants, Pierce does. I feel honored to have been able to connect with some of his descendants who have generously shared family photographs and personal artifacts. This provides me as an author fuller insight into the person he was and sheds light on his character. Every day at 11 am, Pierce walked downtown Missoula, Montana. You could see him greeting people, tipping his derby hat and a gold cane in hand. His story is one you won’t want to miss!