From the Family Archive
Ranch Stories
The history of this place, told the way the family tells it — from their own album, letters, and interviews. Every word traces to the record.
The Meadow Home Dairy, 1908–1995
Milk left this ranch for eighty-seven years straight — by pail, by bottle, by sled, by truck — through four generations of one family.
Arthur & Teresa: The First Dairy at Eureka
A burned smelter worker on crutches met a homesteader's daughter at a pioneer gathering in Kalispell. Everything here started with that.
The Fox Farm on Big Creek
Steamboat cordwood, a WWI cavalryman, silver-black foxes — and a house that now rests beneath Lake Koocanusa.
The Wagon Train of 1972
Eight wagon teams, fifteen saddle horses, and a high-school history class riding an old Indian trade route from British Columbia to the Eureka fairgrounds.
Jessie's Hundred Years
Born December 23, 1897. One hundred years later, to the weekend, the whole family gathered on the ranch — golf tournament, fun run, Mass, and wagon rides.
Corner Cake
A coffee cake from Dad's grandmother's recipe files, named by the kids for the crispy corners they fought over. Still the favorite.
Got a Purdy Ranch story of your own?
Neighbors, cousins, old hands — the archive is still growing. Share yours on the Purdy Wall.