The arrival of spring is a joyous occasion on most farms and ranches, especially in the northern states. Spring means melting snow, frolicking calves and green grass, all of which are welcome sights. Warmer weather also brings a variety of chores and projects that could not be accomplished under a foot of snow.
Homesteaders were not afraid of the chores that came with spring. They gathered as much help as possible to get the tasks completed. Mabel, Myrtle and May Buckley took a break from the work to pose for this photograph that captures the change in seasons.
The Buckley's sisters ran a horse and cattle operation southeast of Terry, Montana while their father Franklin Buckley was tied up in other business ventures. The Buckley sisters were trained by some of the best cowhands in the area and their skills rivaled that of Montana's best cowboys.
Photographer Evelyn Cameron enjoyed the Buckley sisters taking many photographs of them working cows, roping and riding. Cameron noted that on April 9th, 1914, when this photo was taken, that the spring day on the Buckley ranch was “Cloudy, Rather Windy, Rainy Squals.” Well what else could you expect of a spring day in Eastern Montana?
Photo Credit to the Montana Historical Society PAC 90-87 NB080F
