I sure do miss the peace and quiet of our town Roundup.The old Roundup had mainstreet stores that closed at 5 pm and then opened at 7 pm for craft groups and quilting bees.It was obvious that Roundup was a ranching town and old vintage pickup trucks with horse trailers attached would do a slow cruise down main. Our small hamlet was casual and we liked it that way.Local kids could play running down side streets and main streets without the fear of being run over by a speeding driver. We had a brotherhood and looked out for one another back then.We still do in a way.As a early morning walker with my dog in tow I use to be able to cross the highway to walk on the former rail road path.But not any more.It takes at least 2-5 minutes to cross now as bumper to noisy bumper traffic has now taken over our local roadways.I noticed that many new comers are buying land parcels and building in the old burn area on the Divide.We call it the old burn because in 1983 the Majerus Ranch fire jumped the highway and burned out 53 families who lived there.It was a terrible and heartbreaking time for Musselshell county residents.People are building large homes on the east side of town.One right behind the City Park.What a distraction it is.These new residents are unaware of our history of cave ins.As a coal mining town mine caverns are everywhere under the top soil.As a matter of fact just a few years ago while sitting in her living room on 7th.avenue west,a home owners nerves were frayed when a cave in took place right behind her home.Well it has been nice to reminisce with you about the old days living here.I know that you too miss the old backward,slow paced goofy little town of Roundup that was established in the last century that sits near the historic Musselshell River. I often wonder what mountain men like Jeremiah Johnson would think if he came back today.After all the Musselshell river was the highway he followed into the wilderness. What a thrill he had back then never realizing it.
Nancy Kemler-Roundup
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