blackfoot-valley

On the Ranch itself, manager Jim Phillips gave me maps, answered ques- tions, and allowed me to make copies from a number of sources at the office in the bunkhouse, where I stayed several times during my visits. I also enjoyed sharing meals at the kitchen table with the ranch hands and Mike Phillips. Bob Meyer’s daughter Toni, who lived on the Ranch for several years, provided me with several leads. Dave Ostler, whose grandfather owned the present Meyer Ranch headquarters, provided me with several pieces of information as we talked in the horse barn. Several other ranch hands, as well as Pete Chavez and Fred Bessette, both of whom live on the Ranch, supplied me with valuable content for the book. Pete’s wife Donna, employed as the bunkhouse cook, provided wonderful meals and conversation. Dick Mandeville gave me the de- tailed story of the sporting-clay course on the Ranch which he built and runs. On a warm July 4th in 2000, he encouraged me to try my hand at shooting the clay birds and rabbits which hurled every which way from several stations. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of those mentioned above. I also hope that the readers, who may be thumbing through this volume while staying as guests at the Ranch, will find it of interest, helping them to become better ac- quainted with the region, the local area, and Meyer Company Ranch itself. May reading this enrich your stay in this historic setting. Lee G. Madland 6 1997 to 2001