The World Wars and Great Depression
WWI ushered in great demand for meat by the government. Military men needed food and South Park ranches were ready to supply. Rancher George Everett described the roundup right before WWI as the largest he ever worked.[1]
Even everyday Americans demanded quality meat, so for a good few years, cattlemen had a steady income. Deferments were even handed out to cattlemen during the war as they were considered more useful on the home front.[2]
Park County experienced economic difficulty after WWI as the markets flooded with livestock and demand decreased, causing a post-war depression in the area.[3] The nationwide depression combined with dry weather conditions resulted in economic trouble for ranchers.
"Back in 1934…it was during the depression area. The farmers around there raised just about everything that they ate. My grandmother raised chickens. They raised cattle. They butchered a steer once in a while and pigs. And she canned chickens and they made ham and bacon. Raised vegetables in the garden. Anything that she could she canned. We had a basement just full of canned goods" - Marie Chisholm [4]
While difficulties continued throughout the Great Depression, WWII jump-started the economy yet again. Hay dominated the agricultural market in South Park along with cattle ranching during the war. Ranch hands were difficult to come by due to many boys going off to serve in the war.[5] After WWII, ranching fell into decline, especially as municipal governments acquired water rights. Ranchland was bought or sold and converted to residential homes and highways during the during the post-WWII period.[6] South Park’s scenic beauty continued to attract visitors, and many ranches converted into tourist sites.
In their 2002 interview with Cara Doyl located below, Budde and Arthur Freeman discussed life on the ranch during WWII.