Did you know there was a strong connection between Lewistown
and France, the epicenter of all things cultural NOT agricultural?
Comment voulez-vous arrêter ce grincement?
The Metis were the original settlers of Lewistown.
Metis means "cross-breed" in French.
An indigenous race unique to North America -
they are neither Native American nor Caucasian, French nor Canadian,
Cree nor Chippewa. Rather they are a mix of them all.
as it was infamous!
"It was as if a thousand fingernails
were drawn across a thousand panes of glass"
Joseph Kinsey Howard , Writer
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| Judith and Pierre Berger - Among the first settlers of Lewistown in 1879 Courtesy Montana Memory Project - Lewistown Library |
Every Labor Day the Metis return to Lewistown for a celebration.
It's an amazing way to experience what life was like here just 130 years ago.
Est-ce que c'est l'ouest sauvage?
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| Stage Coach, Main Street Lewistown, 1900s - Courtesy Montana Memory Project - Lewistown Library |
Father Vermaat needed help starting a hospital and school in Lewistown.
For several years he built his case with the Bishop and his higher ups.
One morning in 1903 (after an eight day journey from Quebec),the stage dropped off three French nuns. All members of Les Filles de Jesus
a sisterhood founded in Brittany in 1834. Today we will focus on the hospital.
By January 1904
the sisters were treating patients in a converted log cabin.
in the Fall of 1908. Standing high on a hill overlooking town - this stone edifice was built by Croatian stonemasons. Within it's walls was a fully equipped surgery, sterilizing rooms, heating plant, morgue, and vast kitchens.
For over 70 years the sisters helped heal the sick throughout Fergus County. Saint Joseph's hospital grew to become the regional healthcare hub. Ultimately it was deemed obsolete and a new facility was built. And sadly, this monument to charity closed it's doors.
But miracles do happen. Several years later it was developed into a condominium complex called Fountain Terrace. Today Frank and I reside in the former surgical suite complete with fabulous mountain views from every window.
où est la gamme de l'herbe?
The ultimate French connection involves a sheep rancher from Grass Range.
32 miles from Lewistown, mostly ranchers and sheep call this place home.
Local boy Bill Stockton was drafted into the Army during World War II.
While stationed in Paris he fell in love with art and... a pretty mademoiselle.
They soon married and stayed in Paris post war so that Bill could study art.
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| Bill Stockton - Paris - 1948 |
Finally in the 50's it was time to return to Montana and run the family ranch. Running sheep is brutal, tough work. But leaving the city of lights for a town of 109 was probably even harder.
How did Bill prepare his jeune fille for that transition? Fifty years later, her voice still thick with a charming
french accent, his wife "E"
recounted this conversation -
So I ask Beeel,
"Is it cold in Mont-tah-na?"
And he seez...
"Oh no my love, it is always beautiful!"
When I get there I tell him...
"You are a dirty, stiiinking LIAR"!
 |
| Lone Pine - Bill Stockton - 1993 - Yellowstone Art Museum |
Throughout the balance of his life Bill created a body of remarkable work. Using livestock markers, oils, watercolors, or iron nails from the barn - He created abstract paintings and dynamic sculptures that capture the essence of life on land he loved.
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| Bill Stockton - Chief Joseph |
Today "E" still lives in Montana.
Her love for Bill
remains as strong as ever.
But...
I think her love for Montana
has over the years
grown to be almost as strong.
Montana is a wild
and wonderful land.
At times harsh.
Often beyond lovely.
And...
no matter the weather,
it always surprises.
Otherwise...
why would
you ever
leave Paris?
