Photographer, businessman, and community activist Marion Lacy shot the photos that turned Whitefish into a destination.
Marion Lacy didn’t just photograph Whitefish—he captured its heart. From the snowy slopes of Big Mountain to the laughter-filled streets during Winter Carnival, Lacy’s work reflects a life devoted to community, creativity, and history. With every click of the shutter, he froze time, leaving us a treasure trove of memories and milestones.
In this edition of Stumptown Stories, we explore the story of Whitefish's photographic pioneer, his work, and the family behind the lens. Plus, we share a few never-before-published stories about what it was like growing up with Marion Lacy in town. For example, did you know that Lacy was an avid sailor and made his own wooden kayak and sailboat? He spent the winters crafting that sailboat. But when he approached the end of the project, he needed a bit of help: he couldn't reach the cables through the narrow bow of the boat. So he recruited the neighbor boy, who was small enough to fit in the bow, to help him run the cables.
Rarely seen in front of the camera, Marion Lacy is pictured here on his way to the summit of a peak in Glacier. Can you help us identify which peak this is? The photo contains the notation, "R20 Sum" but we have not been able to figure out where this photo was taken.
Framing a Legacy: The Photography of Marion Lacy
Marion’s camera was a storyteller. His images of the 1947 Hellroaring Ski Club race weren’t merely photos; they captured the determination on skiers’ faces as they tackled the new Big Mountain trails. In 1958, his photograph of the Main Street remodel became the defining image of Whitefish’s modern revival.
Lacy wasn’t just snapping moments; he was creating art. His award-winning entry in the 1961 State Photography Competition, a dramatic shot of the sun rising over the Great Northern Railway Depot, earned him first prize and regional acclaim. Critics praised the photograph’s rich contrast and evocative detail, calling it "a masterpiece of light and shadow."
In 1962, Lacy’s lens turned to the Winter Carnival’s famed Torchlight Parade, where he immortalized the glow of torches against freshly fallen snow. That same year, his portraits of the Whitefish Fire Department’s drill captured both action and camaraderie, earning him accolades from the Firefighters’ Union.
Here are a few of the countless times Lacy's photos graced the pages of the Whitefish Pilot:
Marion the Builder: Shaping Whitefish Beyond the Camera
While his photography was iconic, Marion’s contributions went far beyond the darkroom. In 1947, Lacy purchased his brother’s stake in Lacy Studios for $2,400, expanding it into a regional hub for portraits and community storytelling. By 1959, his civic plan to redesign Depot Park included adding 14 new benches and creating pathways to highlight the Depot’s architectural charm—a plan the town council approved unanimously.
Marion also served on the Chamber of Commerce’s Publicity Committee, where he spearheaded campaigns like the 1955 "Whitefish in Bloom," which featured 10,000 tulip bulbs planted throughout the town. In 1954, as a founding member of Winter Sports, Inc., Marion helped launch Big Mountain Ski Resort, advocating for chairlift expansions and increasing the skiable terrain by 40 acres.
Enjoy a few moments when Lacy was caught in front of the lens for awards, workshops, and community work:
The Family Behind the Man
The Lacy family was a cornerstone of Whitefish’s cultural fabric. (And, just to be clear, the photo above is not the Lacy family!) Mrs. Lacy’s involvement in the Women’s Club led to the establishment of the annual "Whitefish Arts Week," which debuted in 1953 with 22 artists showcasing their works. Mr. and Mrs. Lacy also enjoyed a record subscription that would send new music to them on a regular basis. After listening to the records, they were known to donate them to the library for the public to enjoy. They also donated a set of records with the Bible recorded on them!
Sheila Lacy shined academically, making the honor roll at Hamline College in 1955 while also pledging to Alpha Omicron Pi, a sorority known for its philanthropic focus. Meanwhile, Robert Lacy, Marion’s eldest, earned a scholarship for historical preservation at Montana State University in 1963, later using those skills to digitize parts of his father’s photo archives.
The Lacy family home was a beautiful place inside and out. Inside housed everything photography-related: a studio filled with cameras, chemicals, and large baths for developing giant prints. One wall was covered with giant photos of the waves Lacy took during his annual trips to Mexico with his wife. Outside, Lacy worked hard to keep a stunning garden and lawn. His yard was a fantastic collection of flowers, veggies, and gardening supplies! He grew lettuce, carrots, potatoes, snapdragons, and countless other annuals. And he kept the grass in pristine condition with his trusty push mower.
Once when the Lacy family was out of town, a neighbor boy (who will remain nameless for this story!) was mowing their lawn for them. After trying to use the push mower for a while, he gave up and wheeled over his parent's new gas-powered mower. The blade started spinning and he was on track to finish in record time until the blade caught something hidden in the grass. The blade found a loose rock and sent it hurdling through one of the Lacy's windows!
The Mountain That Bears His Name
In October 2020, Marion’s lifelong passion for skiing was recognized when Big Mountain named a ski run "Lacy Lane". The dedication ceremony, attended by over 300 residents, featured a speech by Marion’s grandson, Peter Lacy, who shared how his grandfather’s 1955 photo of the Big Mountain chairlift became a symbol of the resort’s pioneering spirit.
Pictured above, you can see downtown Whitefish (ca 1950) from Lacy's camera. This photo was taken from 3rd Street looking up at Big Mountain, where a ski run now bears Lacy's name. Not only did Lacy take this photo, you can also see Lacy's car on the front left side of the photo. Lacy's Hudson was well known to the boys in the neighborhood, especially one Carl Schenks (who pointed this detail out to us).
Framing our History
Lacy’s photos are more than images—they’re a time capsule. It's impossible to walk through Whiteifhs without seeing one of his photos on display. They captured the metamorphosis of Whitefish growing into a ski destination. We own him a large debt of gratitude for capturing the moments that shaped Whitefish into the special place it is today.
Thank you for reading this Stumptown Story the work of photographer Marion Lacy!
-The team at the Stumptown Historical Society
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