P a g e 4 G h o s t T o w n s a n d H i s t o r y Minimum Requirements for Ranching ~A wide-brimmed hat, one pair of tight pants and $20 boots from a discount store. New Chicago, Montana was once known as the best stage stop on the Deer Lodge to Missoula run. A double murder, a hotel fire and a nearby railway line would dash hopes for this community. Photos: Freight wagons, New Chicago, Montana Territory from the Mansfield Collection (UM), Current photo by Jolene Ewert-Hintz ~At least two head of livestock, preferably cattle (one male, one female). ~A new pickup with automatic transmission, power steering, and a trailer hitch. ~A gun rack for the rear window of the pickup, big enough to hold a walking stick and a rope. ~Two dogs to ride in the bed of the pickup. ~A $40 horse and a $300 saddle. ~A gooseneck trailer, small enough to park in front of the café. ~A little place to keep the cows, on land too poor to grow crops. ~A spool of barbed wire, 3 steel posts, and a bale of hay to haul around in the truck. ~Credit at the bank. ~Credit at the feed store. ~Credit from your father-in-law. ~A good neighbor to feed the dogs and cattle when you are fishing. ~A pair of silver spurs to wear to BBQs. ~A rubber cushion to sit on for four hours at the auction ring every Thursday. ~A second-hand car for feeding the cows when your son-in-law borrows the pickup. ~A good pocket knife, suitable for whittling to pass the time away at the auction ring. ~A good wife who won’t get upset when you walk across the carpet with manure on your boots. ~A good wife who will believe you when you come home at 11pm saying “I’ve been fixing fence”. ~A good wife with a full time job at the courthouse.
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