Leagacy of Nelson Story discussed at YGM’s next ‘Ranching Roundup’
John Russell
The second edition in Yellowstone Gateway Museum’s fall speaker series, ‘Ranching Roundup: Story & Song,’ will take place Wednesday, October 16th. “Treasure State Tycoon: Nelson Story and the Making of Montana” will be presented by author John C. Russell. The free programs are held at Downtown Livingston’s Park Photo, 115 S Main St., beginning at 7pm. A book signing will follow the program. Doors at 6:30pm.
The presentation is based on Russell’s book of the same name, which recounts the remarkable life of Nelson G. Story, a colorful and contradictory figure whose influence on Montana’s development was profound and rivaled by few others in its history.
After striking it rich in gold fields of Alder Gulch, Story drove the first herd of cattle from Texas to the territory that would become the Treasure State and went on to build a commercial empire of diverse interests, the success of which relied both on his determination and ingenuity as well as his penchant for fraud and deceit. Story’s reputation for ruthlessness in both personal and professional conduct was well earned, but he was also a generous philanthropist, supporting local churches, schools, and other civic improvements. He tirelessly promoted the upstart community of Bozeman, playing a central role in the establishment of the Montana State College of Mechanical and Agricultural Arts – today’s Montana State University.
Like other political and business leaders of his time, Nelson Story left behind a legacy rife with paradoxes that gave shape to life in Montana and continues to resonate in the contested mythology of the American West.
John C. Russell was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and moved to Bozeman to attend Montana State University. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1978. He has worked as a broadcast reporter in television and radio, and was director of the Gallatin (County) Historical Society from 1997-2014. John has written several historical articles, one published in Wild West Magazine. Treasure State Tycoon: Nelson Story and the Making of Montana is his first book. John and his wife Peggy live in Bozeman.
Future programs include “A Pure Quill Montana Photographer” by Barbara Van Cleve on October 30th. The evening will include stories of her career taking photographs of the western range, ranchers, rodeo, cowboys, and cattle women. Barbara grew up on a ranch near Big Timber. Neal Lewing presents “The F.A.R.M. Show,” a Farm and Ranch Musical tribute on November 13th – a fast-paced family friendly show using music, poetry, history, legends, lies and a few laughs to celebrate the myriad aspects of agriculture through the ages.
“Rancher. Citizen Activist. Montana 1997,” an exhibit of black and white photographs will be at Park Photo during the speaker series, featuring photography by John Gayusky. He photographed nine ranches from Sweet Grass County to Circle in eastern Montana, documenting what inspired and motivated ranchers and their involvement in natural resource and agricultural policy making. The ranchers were members of the Northern Plains Resource Council.
For more information about the museum and other upcoming programs, visit www.yellowstonegatewaymuseum.org or find them on Facebook (@yellowstonegatewaymuseum). •
