Iowa Man Recalls Camping In Malta, Act of Vandalism

Dear Editor,

Here at Marble Rock, we have a volunteer monthly newspaper. Our circulation is approximately 400 and is sent free to everyone with a 50653-zip code.

I am writing you since I write an article each month, mostly about our history. Sometimes I cover personal stories. The one this month mentions Malta, Montana.

My wife and I were in our early 20’s and we decide to take a vacation to Glacier and Yellowstone. We didn’t have much money, so we were camping.

It was nearly dusk when we pulled off to stay overnight in Malta. By the time we finished evening dishes, our white gasoline lantern gave a much-appreciated friendly glow. We had noticed a vehicle filled with some teen-age boys driving through the park a few times.

For the second night, old favorite hymns were sung by a Michigan couple with a guitar which lulled us to sleep. About 1:00 a.m., we were woken up with the tent falling around us. I discovered the ropes supporting our tent had been cut.

I made the necessary repairs and went back to sleep. I was young once and did some crazy things, but nothing quite like this. We forgave whoever did this since they were young not knowing any better, but never forgot Malta, Montana.

Sincerely,

Max C. Handley

Marble Rock, IA