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Ledger: The rebirth of a community |
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Wednesday, 18 June 2008 |
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The Ledger area has had many a famous Montanan grow up there. Former Lieutenant Governor Allen Kolstad is from the Ledger community. We cannot mention Ledger without thinking of their much-loved postmaster Freda Hall. She was a legend in Montana and also the town mother. Even though Hall did not arrive in the community until 1941, she was arguably the most recognizable person in the area. Hall has the record in Montana for longest tenure as postmaster. She also oversaw the longest mail route in United States history. She held the title until 1960 when she was forced to retire at the young age of 70. Her daughter, Idell Moore, then took control of the route. They became the legendary mother-daughter-postmaster duo, famous all over the state.
Ledger’s unique history is what makes the renovation of the area so special. Operating Dry fork Ag are Brad Birch, Nina McCracken, Ernie and Brian Ratzburg, and Paul and Jill Johnson.
Three out of the four managing partners have distinct ties to the Ledger area. McCracken, the Ratzburgs and Jill Johnson all grew up and attended school in the area. As Nina puts out it, “We are enjoying a sense of Homecoming.”
McCracken is quick to mention all the support they have received from the community. During their brief time back in the area, the native sons and daughters have begun to rebuild the Community Hall, which McCracken’s grandfather, Tom McCracken, helped first build almost 50 years ago. Interestingly enough, McCracken’s parents, Bruce and Nadeen, were also first married in the hall. They have also cleaned up the old town site, and renovated the elevator. McCracken also points out what an integral role John Balkenbush played in cleaning up the surrounding area. Already people are beginning to come back to the community. After the Community Hall renovation, a new generation of youth has begun to play basketball in the hall, just like their relatives before them.
Ledger should be a shining example of what you can do with a community if enough people care. I guess the old saying is not true, because “You can go home again!”
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