Ultra-Modern in 1915

Oil on Canvas
24″ x 20″
Sold

Steffen Ranch
Bill and Fred chose homesteads diagonal to each other and cleverly built a large shack situated on both sites. The ranch expanded when the government increased the size of homestead plots to 320 acres, and their two sisters also homesteaded property adjacent to theirs. The shack in the painting actually belonged to one of their sisters, for theirs burned to the ground and they moved this one onto their place.

When Fred married Margaret Rusche from LaCross, Wisconsin, he did not want her living in such humble lodgings. He contracted to build for his bride the first house north of the Yellowstone River with indoor plumbing and heating. Lignite powered their steam radiators and they still function perfectly. The house was beautifully sheltered by the lovely hill where their three children loved to play. Thanks to the WPA their creek was dammed and protective trees planted. The large stone ruins were once a cattle shed, while the ruins behind were a smoke house. In one of the fields to the left of the house was a large corral, used for a rodeo when their son, John, was a babe.

This beautiful home, full of fond memories is crumbling away. To no avail their sons, Clarence and John, have tried to turn the land into a state park. Now, with buckets collecting the roof leaks, the house itself is becoming a ruin.