Phillips County Museum News for Wednesday, May 22, 2024

On June 18, 1923, a Farm Bureau picnic was held on the Jansy Tieden farm at Valleytown, which was a community on Frenchman Creek. The Extension Department of Montana State College conducted demonstrations on methods of hitching and handling large horse teams, different kinds of harnesses, and methods of driving larger teams using different farm equipment. The object of the demonstration was to show farmers how to cultivate and seed their fields at a minimum expense and in a timely fashion so that they could successfully raise a crop on the dryland farms of northeastern Montana. Most farmers in the area were driving 6 to 8 horse teams but after the demonstrations, several said they would use 10 to 12. Tips for improving crop production were also given. There was also a poultry culling workshop.

These picnics were big events for the communities where they were held. Each family was asked to bring a picnic dinner for their family members and cups for the coffee that was provided.

After the workshops, there were races, games and, of course, a dance.

Farm Bureau picnics were held often in various communities of the county. One was held at Fred Edgren’s farm at Bennett Lake on June 19, with the same demonstrations as those at the Tieden Farm.

The Phillips County Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Stop by and check us out.