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Whether Clark’s Rivers Across, Dornix at the time of the old sawmill, or Big Timber when the railway left its own legacy, the area around the Boulder and Yellowstone rivers has always been characterized by enterprise and enduring beauty.
Sweet Grass County and Big Timber are today home to less than 4,000 residents, many attracted by the dual benefit of living in a place where small business is encouraged; and daily rewarded with incredible vistas and landscapes unmatched for living and recreational opportunities. In Big Timber these is room for most every pursuit, whether it be a business, world-class golf courses or an afternoon of fishing on the Yellowstone River. The local business people seem to have a common bond and connection to each other, born of odd diversity and a distinct common ground. According to Phillip Land, a local real estate broker, “People come here because they want to live here, not because they have to.”
Though the Sweet Grass Chamber of Commerce boasts some 68 members, the true level of small businesses and entrepreneurship runs much deeper that the hardware store, restaurants, or salons of main street business. There are two custom rifle companies, a substantial honeybee enterprise, a forge operation for specialized iron work, a large, grass-fed beef ranch, a company that does customer survey work worldwide and many “stealth” businesses like that of Ron McAdams, who is a self-styled “business advisor,” working with a company in San Francisco. “I live here because of the lifestyle,” says Ron. “I’ve got a good one.”
“Lifestyle,” is the common refrain among business owners in Big Timber, who seem to couple rugged, Western determinism with a strong desire to enjoy “the great outdoors” and fully appreciate the benefits of small town living. Any sense of isolation is readily buffered by the easy, one hour drive to the bustle of Bozeman or Billings, their cultural attractions and international airports. Not that Big Timber is lacking in any area. The Grand Hotel’s talented head chef, Amy Smith, has for 20 years served up some of the best dining in Montana, right in downtown Big Timber. She has prepared food for the likes of local residents Michael Keaton (a regular) and Tom Brokaw, and visitors like Jimmy Buffet, Robert Redford, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and retired Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, all of whom would likely respond “lifestyle” if asked why they now homestead or visit Sweet Grass County.
An unexpected surprise, fine businesses like the Grand Hotel are what make Big Timber so special. Within shooting distance of each other, C. Sharps Arms and Shiloh Riffles offer their worldwide clientele the finest quality in custom-made, single shot rifles. According to owner, John Schoffstall, custom rifles from C. Sharps Arms have been in great demand since he set up shop in 1975.
By Bill Muhlenfeld and Phillip Land\Reprinted from Farm and Ranch West – Volume 45
Click here for full article (Pages 16-18)
