West to the Mountains 1936
Dust, Drought, and Depression in Eastern Montana
The "Dust Bowl" is often associated with Oklahoma, as popularized in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.
In fact, the dust extended across most of the Great Plains states, including eastern Montana, and into Canada.
1936 was one of the low years of a bad time in history.
Many first and second generation homesteaders left their farms and sought a better life.
The Turner's and others were reluctant, but also moved out.
In fact, the dust extended across most of the Great Plains states, including eastern Montana, and into Canada.
1936 was one of the low years of a bad time in history.
Many first and second generation homesteaders left their farms and sought a better life.
The Turner's and others were reluctant, but also moved out.
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An estimated Chronology of Events during the Summer of 1936:
The James and Levi Turners, the Ruggles, Ericksons, and other homesteaders had earlier moved to Western Montana.
Dad & mom, with Grandpa Turner, went west to the mountains in the spring (June?) of 1936 to visit and to explore the area.
The James and Levi Turners, the Ruggles, Ericksons, and other homesteaders had earlier moved to Western Montana.
Dad & mom, with Grandpa Turner, went west to the mountains in the spring (June?) of 1936 to visit and to explore the area.
First stop - Great Falls
At Great Falls, they may have stayed at this tourist camp
They crossed the Divide on Hwy 10 (now Hwy 200?), going toward Missoula
Roadside spring on Hwy 10, near the Divide
Approaching Missoula and the Bitterroots
They continued to the Bitterroot Valley and the town of Lolo to visit old friends,
the Snedigans(?) and the George Ledford family
the Snedigans(?) and the George Ledford family
The Bitterroot Range
George Ledford home at Lolo
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They visited Lolo Hot Springs ‘Rock Face’ below Lolo Hot Springs
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Near Lolo Hot Springs
Edna Snedigan(?) & Esther in the Hot Springs pool
From Lolo they went north, stopping to view buffalo at the National Bison Range near Moiese, MT
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They continued north along the east side of Flathead Lake, stopping at Bigfork |
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Bigfork Dam
They visited the Swan River country, and looked at some property they liked
(The tree farm hadn’t happened yet)
(The tree farm hadn’t happened yet)
Swan River, from bridge near the future tree farm
"A place we liked" on the Swan River, with Auburn
At Kalispell, they visited the Ruggles by the Flathead River
The Ruggles family
Auburn with Ruggles' youngest child on roof
The Ruggles and the Turners on the bridge over the Flathead
The Ruggles’ place by the Flathead River and Hwy #2
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They decided they would move to this new life among the Mountains Dad with his Dad, at Kalispell.
(Were they contemplating the move, or just having lunch?) |
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From Kalispell, they returned east to the Hanes house at Poplar, sold out, and packed the remainder in the Essex trailer.
Gosses Gather at the Grove
Before saying 'good-bye' to a quarter-century in Eastern Montana,
they went down to Sidney for a “family reunion and farewell picnic” with the Gosses
at Lovering's Grove (now Richland Park), north of Sidney, on the Yellowstone - June 23, 1936
Before saying 'good-bye' to a quarter-century in Eastern Montana,
they went down to Sidney for a “family reunion and farewell picnic” with the Gosses
at Lovering's Grove (now Richland Park), north of Sidney, on the Yellowstone - June 23, 1936
The Gosses
Joe Klasna, Helen, Joe Jr, & Kenneth (Joe Jr. would’ve been 16 – is this right?)
The Russell M. Hulings
Dot & Hank with Marvin
Donald & David, Uncle Joe Klasna
On the Road Again
The family then headed west again to Kalispell and Flathead Lake
with the 3 children, in the Auburn, pulling the Essex trailer - July 1936
The family then headed west again to Kalispell and Flathead Lake
with the 3 children, in the Auburn, pulling the Essex trailer - July 1936
Their first stop at Kalispell was Grandpa Turner’s house
Donald & David at Grandpa & Grandpa Turner's - July 1936
Temporary home in the summer of 1936
Young's cabin at Lakeside - "our little home on Flathead Lake" - 1936
Nice view with swimmin' hole included, $5/month
Nice view with swimmin' hole included, $5/month
Questions about the Summer of 1936
They planned to make Kalispell area permanent home?
Where did they leave the children during their tour of the mountains?
Looked for a place to stay and to work
When did Grandpa Turner move to Kalispell? 1935?
Possibly wanted to buy a small farm close to town?, like Grandpa Turner and the others
Dad had a history of both farming and working in town - (Poplar)
Recurring ad in Kalispell Daily Interlake for mining work in Burke, ID
Left Lakeside, Young’s, Kalispell, and senior Turner’s for a job as Timberman in Hecla Mine, Burke, ID
(This list needs to be expanded and confirmed for a better and more complete Trek and Tale – n)
They planned to make Kalispell area permanent home?
Where did they leave the children during their tour of the mountains?
Looked for a place to stay and to work
When did Grandpa Turner move to Kalispell? 1935?
Possibly wanted to buy a small farm close to town?, like Grandpa Turner and the others
Dad had a history of both farming and working in town - (Poplar)
Recurring ad in Kalispell Daily Interlake for mining work in Burke, ID
Left Lakeside, Young’s, Kalispell, and senior Turner’s for a job as Timberman in Hecla Mine, Burke, ID
(This list needs to be expanded and confirmed for a better and more complete Trek and Tale – n)