What is a native Montanan (Bozeman: hotels, camp, living in)

[ElkHunter]

I would say a "Native" Montanan is one that was born there. Regardless of age. In order say "I'm from Montana" doesn't require you to have generations there, or even be 100 years old like was pointed out.

[wildhorses_craze]

Like ElkHunter said, to be a native Montanan yu must have been born there. Im a native montanan, but my mom is from California, my dad is from Great falls montana. = )

[JetMech72]

Originally Posted by ElkHunter

I would say a "Native" Montanan is one that was born there. Regardless of age. In order say "I'm from Montana" doesn't require you to have generations there, or even be 100 years old like was pointed out.

Very good point. But I have to wonder about those that are members of Pioneer Families. My Great-Grandfather immigrated from Germany and settled in Havre, back when Havre was known as Bullhook Bottoms. I think that a lot of the old timers have a little more of a connection to Montana....a pioneer connection and the particular pride that comes with it.

[ElkHunter]

You are absolutely correct. And that's what I would call them. You may be a Native by being born there, but generations before you, I'd call pioneer families.

Edit - The reason I said that is somewhere on City-Data I saw somebody say "Just cause you were born here doesn't make you a native." I thought, what???? What does it make you? hahaha

[Timberwolf232]

I'm a native of somewhere... just happened to land in these woods. Still recognize my old stomping grounds but sleep where home is for the time.

I'm sure there are plenty of people who can understand that.

[ExilefromCa]

Having spent several years in Montana, I personally do not agree that native Montanans are mean-spirited towards "outsiders." I come from enemy territory #1 - California - and I have never had a problem making friends in Montana or fitting into the local culture. I defected from the Socialist Republic of California because I wanted to live the American dream, kind of like Captain Ramius' first officer in "The Hunt for Red October." I cam here to embrace the culture of Montana, not to try to conform it to the culture of California. Native Montanans don't want people from out of state coming here to change the culture and tell them how to live. If you can treat people with respect, you should be just fine.

[Timberwolf232]

Originally Posted by ExilefromCa

Having spent several years in Montana, I personally do not agree that native Montanans are mean-spirited towards "outsiders." I come from enemy territory #1 - California - and I have never had a problem making friends in Montana or fitting into the local culture. I defected from the Socialist Republic of California because I wanted to live the American dream, kind of like Captain Ramius' first officer in "The Hunt for Red October." I cam here to embrace the culture of Montana, not to try to conform it to the culture of California. Native Montanans don't want people from out of state coming here to change the culture and tell them how to live. If you can treat people with respect, you should be just fine.

Very true. I came to MT a few years after I got out of the Army, but was born and raised in Colorado. I'd say 75% of my good friends were born and raised here. (Including my wife.) The rest are from various places but nobody really cares. The things that bug ALL of us are the same things that people talk about on these threads.

[jjpage]

All of Washington and Oregon and California are gathered together in the same welfare state liberal bucket....

Has any of you visited Plains or Paradise lately??... You should hear what's being said there about the transplants from Washington.... or not, lest someones feelers get hurt....


I do not disagree with the first paragraph.

My Wife and myself, are helping our Daughter move to Helena, where she is continuing her 3rd year in Carroll's Nursing program, and her duties as a cheerleader for the athletic dept.

My Father's family is from Zahl, ND., my Wife was raised on a wheat farm, outside of Rosalia, WA. We have lived together, and raised our two children in the Spokane Valley.

I was first "introduced" to Montana in 1965/66, my Father was hauling bombs from Gary, IN. to Bremerton,WA. in support of the Vietnam war.

Hardin, Billings, Bozeman, Belgrade, Butte, Garrison Junction, Missoula, were all towns I remember driving through as a kid, while riding in my Dad's truck.

My Dad finally settled us in Spokane, in 1966. When I graduated highschool in 1974, once again, I was connected to Montana. I was hired by a Public Utility Contractor, "Montana Telephone & Power", a man named, Lowell Stevens, from Corvallis, gave me the opportunity to earn my way, installing underground telephone utilities.

I worked with a crew, around the State, Billings, Coalstrip, Crow Agency, Hardin, Broadus. After that, I worked for the same man in Wa, ST. Only to return to Montana, Helena in 1978/79. Buried telephone cable all over Helena, Canyon Ferry, Townsend.

I and my Wife of 24 1/2 yrs, want to relocate to Montana, we are weary of fighting the growing number of government dependent, no account, trash, that we have to subsidize through our tax dollars in WA.ST.

We will not be a burden. To quote the first poster, what will you say about us?

[Reziac]

I remember when Spokane was more of a major rural hub than a big city, back when I was a kid. Then the uncontrolled growth started, with spec houses sprouting like acne (especially along the highway south of town), and things changed after that. But a whole lot of eastern Washington, away from the cities, is still very much like eastern MT -- high desert type farms and ranches, and regular people.

What will we say about someone who comes from that rural life and helped build MT's infrastructure? "Howdy" for starts.

[jjpage]

Originally Posted by Reziac

I remember when Spokane was more of a major rural hub than a big city, back when I was a kid. Then the uncontrolled growth started, with spec houses sprouting like acne (especially along the highway south of town), and things changed after that. But a whole lot of eastern Washington, away from the cities, is still very much like eastern MT -- high desert type farms and ranches, and regular people.

What will we say about someone who comes from that rural life and helped build MT's infrastructure? "Howdy" for starts.

Howdy back to you! And Thanks!