More About The Society


The 2007 Gather held at Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada on October 11th through the 14th was an amazing success. We had over 132 attendees that traveled there from 18 states in the United States and from 5 of the Canadian provinces. Many relatives of Will James, the Dufault family, were present and were introduced to everyone at the banquet by Rachel Beairsto, a great grand-niece of Will James. Rachel is an absolutely lovely young woman with a vivacious personality. We all look forward to seeing Rachel and her husband, Max, along with other family members, at the 2008 Gather in Durango, Colorado. It’s a long trip, but we promise a good time will be had by all.

Allan Jensen, our Canadian host of the 2007 Gather, did a marvelous job of providing us with entertainment and daily sightseeing activities in and around Medicine Hat. He made the trip to Medicine Hat more like a guided tour vacation. We all enjoyed it and really appreciate all his hard work. For most of the attendees from the states, it was a long drive, or an otherwise expensive trip to Medicine Hat, but Allan certainly made the trip worthwhile. Thanks again, Allan, for all your hard work and wonderful surprises.

We were honored to have Diana Scheidt, Director of the Big Horn County Historical Society, attend our Gather at Medicine Hat. Diana gave a very emotional plea for help at the banquet dinner for the project underway by the Big Horn County Historical Society. They have been offered the opportunity to move two historical buildings on the property of the “Rockin’ R” ranch, formerly owned by Will James. The ranch is located in the East Pryor Creek area, near Montana, and the Society will move the original stone house and the log studio, to a 35-acre complex located one mile east of Hardin, Montana.

This is a difficult and very costly project for the Society, and after hearing Diana’s plea for help at the banquet dinner, we passed Don Dawson’s big Stetson around the room and collected $3,000.00 for Diana’s project. We encourage each of you out there to send a donation to help the Big Horn County Historical Society to accomplish this very important project to keep the history of Will James alive.

The Big Horn County Historical Society is a 501C3 non-profit organization (like the Will James Society) and therefore, all donations are tax deductible. No donation is too small. You may send your donations to the Big Horn County Historical Society (mailing address is at the bottom of this page). We know your contribution will be most appreciated. We are actually considering a future Gather to be held at the museum in Hardin, Montana, within the next two years (giving them time to complete the move and restoration project). At that time, we can all be present to enjoy another great gather of old friends, meet more new friends, and see the museum project. Best of luck to you, Diana!

Big Horn County Historical Society
Diana Scheidt, Director
RT 1, Box 1206A
Hardin, MT 59034



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