A 16-Foot Cake Was Baked for a Major Montana Milestone in 1964

Major milestones are always a big deal. For example, when a person, town, or state reaches its 100th birthday, the celebrations are typically quite significant. Longtime residents probably remember when Montana celebrated its statehood centennial in 1989, with much fanfare.

However, 1964 was also a big year in the Treasure State, because that year marked the 100th anniversary of Montana becoming a Territory. Residents marked the occasion in several fun ways, including a humongous cake, big enough to serve 3,000 people!

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MontanaHistoryRevealed.com Senior Archivist Ellie Arguimbau shared details about the celebrations that occurred in Montana that year, which included a Centennial Train to Washington, DC, a beard-growing contest, and a grand Centennial Ball in Helena.

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It was at this ball, hosted by Governor & Mrs. Tim Babcock, that guests got to see - and eat - a huge cake, specially made for the occasion. The cake measured 8 x 16 FEET. Here is the recipe:

124 pounds of granulated sugar
100 pounds of confectioners' sugar
6 pounds of salt
18 gallons of milk
63 pounds of shortening
50 pounds of butter
6 pounds of baking powder
120 pounds of cake flour
660 eggs
1 quart of vanilla

The cake reportedly took 75 man-hours to create and cost $700 in 1964 money. Today, that same cake would cost over $7,200 to make.

Mmm... cake. Photo by Ilona Frey on Unsplash

Things that turn 100 in 2025.

The Grand Old Opry is 100 years old this year, as is the Scripps Spelling Bee and Mount Rushmore. Corona beer, Honey Maid graham crackers, Mr. Goodbar, and Taroni syrups all celebrate 100-year milestones in 2025.

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