Ya Reckon?
 | Author:
Denise White Thompson, Rancher and Columnist
Denise Thompson |
Ya Reckon?
Denise White Thompson
Rancher and Columnist
Homesteads. Cabins. Ranch life. The old stories. The people..those incredible people that bred so much LIFE into this land we call home! This county has such a deep, rich and beautiful history. Within that chronicle lies a number of multi-generation farms and ranches that have shaped this county into what it is today. I, like some of you, yearn to hold on tight to that deep taproot of agricultural history.
Vince and I had the pleasure of helping the Plymale Ranch round up cattle this fall. It afforded us the opportunity to ride with some new folks, see some new country and learn more about the area around Wall Mountain and the old Doig Ranch. Much to our surprise, the home was still standing and in relatively good condition. Per the Broadwater Bygones, the Doig Ranch was originally homesteaded by Tom Sherlock. David Doig, his wife Mary and their three children came from Scotland, settled briefly in Helena then bought the Sherlock place.
The homestead is nestled in a secluded, tranquil setting, with Sherlock Creek (often referred to as Spring Creek by some of the local ranchers) meandering by towards Sixteen Mile Creek. Wall Mountain (referred to as Walled Mountain in the Broadwater Bygones) serves as the stately backdrop to this special place, owned and well cared for by Plymale Ranch, one of the treasured generational ranches in the county.
Just like in the good old days, these family ranches work together, relying on kinfolk, friends and neighbors to get the work done. It is not unusual to see three and even four generations working side by side, living off the land and cherishing this lifestyle.
George Washington was quoted as saying, “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man”. Perhaps we should do all we can to preserve agriculture and the tales of days gone by, ya reckon?
For the love of Ag, from the heart of a western woman,
Denise Thompson
Article Images
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PhotoCredit: Denise Thompson Photo
Image 1 Caption: Rider Vince Thompson with historic Doig Ranch homestead in the background at Wall Mountain near White Sulphur Springs.
Denise Thompson Photo
Image 2 Caption: Plymale ranch crew gathering cows on Wall Mountain.
Denise Thompson Photo
Image 3 Caption: David Plymale counts cows to ensure the entire herd is ready to go home.
Denise Thompson Photo
Image 4 Caption: Stephanie and David set up a 'spread' for the crew to enjoy lunch in the great outdoors.
Denise Thompson Photo
Image 5 Caption: The next Plymale generation is ready to help: older brother Charlie and twins, Sutton and Sage, children of David and Stephanie Plymale.
Denise Thompson Photo
