Voices from the Past

May 4, 1923

Roundup at Cross Ranch June 16

A one-day Roundup will be given at the Cross ranch on Little Powder River, Saturday, June 16, by Robert Eccles, Charles Scofield and Bobby Higgins. The program will be replete with such western thrills as bronco riding, both bareback and with saddle, steer riding, roping, and racing numbers.

Features of the day will consist of a baseball game between Broadus and another team, either Belle Creek or Bay Horse. There will be airplane exhibitions by Mr. Powers of Casper who will pilot his machine to the Cross ranch especially for the event and while there will carry passengers in aerial “joy rides” for a nominal sum.

The Roundup grounds are about 300 yards up the river from the Cross ranch near the site of the steel bridge. A natural arena is found there for the staging of a wild west show. A half mile circular track was built there several years ago and will be placed in the best of condition. An ample supply of artesian water and shade is available and camping grounds are ideal. One chute is on the grounds and two more will be constructed to expedite the numbers on the program.

The fitting finale to the day’s entertainment will be a big dance in the evening for which special music will be provided.

The Cross ranch is at Biddle post office, about thirty miles southeast of Broadus and accessible to points in southeastern Montana and northeastern Wyoming, and for that reason it is quite likely a large crowd of performers and spectators will be present for the day.

April 30, 1948

Crowd Enjoyed Senior Comedy

“It’s a Great Life” proved to be a great success Friday and Saturday night of last week when an all senior cast of the graduating class of 1948, Broadus High School put on their annual production in the high school gym.

Playing to a good opening night crowd Friday evening, the players were faced with the Standing Room only sign Saturday night with the people continuing to come long after the curtain had gone up on the first act.

Tommy and Tomasin Wilson, Jim Cole, Ted Stokes, Joy Rogge, Mr. Charles Wilson, Howard Smith, Mrs. Eloise Wilson, Betty Elkins, Miss Gertrude Harris, Lucille Huckins, Mary Wilson, Phyllis Alderman, Marie George, Vivian Dent, Wilbert Wiggins, Chris Mangen, Alstead Billings, Sweetie Smith, Theresa Gant, Jackey Daniels and “Muscles” O’Rourke, Wayne Leff. Gene Wice acted as stage manager and Margaret Wice was in charge of makeup, costumes and prompting.

The first act intermission entertainment was given by J.L. Wilson, Broadus High school junior, with a piano solo. Rita Cathey, sophomore, sang “How Lucky You Are” and was then joined by Vivian Dent, high school senior, in singing “Apple Blossom Wedding”. Miss Bettyan Halleck, junior, accompanied the vocalists on the piano. The BHS Band, under the direction of Paul Hanson, played several numbers before the opening act.

A dance, sponsored by the senior mothers was held at Gilmore Hall after the play. The hall had been donated to the seniors and senior mothers for the dance through the courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. M.D. Gilmore. Phil Sickler and his Miles City Playboys furnished the music.

This entertainment climaxed a series of entertainments by the seniors to finance an educational “Skip day” tour of the State of Montana. Plans are being made to visit Montana State College, University of Montana and the State Capitol at Helena. Phil Langston, Broadus High school coach and Director of Athletics of the school system, is the class sponsor.

May 3, 1973

Dixie Fletcher to Autograph Records

Miss Dixie Fletcher will be at Reliable Drug Store in Broadus for a short time Friday morning around 9:00 o’clock and will autograph records for anyone purchasing one at that time or those that already have purchased one. The record is of Dixie singing “Get Out of My Life” and “Violet and the Rose”. It was recorded in Tyler, Texas after Dixie had been chosen the winner in a series of talent contests.

The records are on sale at the Drug Store in Broadus and at McRae’s Service in Ashland.

April 30, 1998

4-H Livestock Judges Practice Their Skills

Fifteen youth practiced their livestock judging skills last week, according to County Extension Agent Mary Rumph.

“The youth concentrated on the use of EPD’s in selecting bulls for use on heifers and cows,” she said. Three classes were judged at Rumph Ranch, two bull classes and one steer class. Official for the judging was John Carrel, manager for Beartooth International.

“The best way to become good at giving reasons is to practice, practice, practice,” said Carrel. “Practice saying them to yourself in the mirror until you get sick of yourself.”

Participants included Brian and Mike Williams, Meghan, Carsten and Austin Phillippi, Ren Gardner, Ray Randall, Joey Talcott, Lynelle Brimmer, Jill and Brandon Rumph, Cortney Riggs, Samantha Swift, Alex Rumph, and Autumn Rumph.

“Judging is an important life skill that can be developed through the 4-H program,” said Rumph. “Judging helps youth practice making decisions and giving reasons develop their skills in justifying those reasons.”