TL Larson’s Ranch

  Our last stop in this road trip was the TL Ranch in Almont, ND! This has been in my family since 1881! Being able to have my Grandma Lois there as a tour guide was perfect! She was born on this property! The land has changed over the years, but it hasn’t! The highest spot in the county lies on their property. Jay Larson currently owns the ranch. He is the son of Grandma’s brother Jake Larson. The ranch is beautifully maintained by Jay and his wife Tracey. They raise Black Simmental cows. Their hospitality and company is top notch! We appreciated them opening up their home, ranch, and home grown food for us! What a special treat!


  Growing up my family would visit the TL ranch. One of the most memorable times was going during branding season. What an exciting and learning curve that was on the ranch! Especially for this ND city girl! Not that much excitement happening on the this trip! Perfect for us to walk around and hear the stories from Grandma! We went up the hill where you can see most of the ranch! We could see the path Grandma would have taken from her home to school. None of these buildings are still there but you can image it! 

Grandma showing us the history

  Jay and Tracy’s daughter, Amanda, and her three kids were there for short time as well! It was great to see her! We haven’t seen each other for 10 years. In fact we have a picture of us 10 years ago with our oldest daughters. Of course we had to reenact the picture with our grown 10 year olds! Fun memories! Hopefully it won’t be another ten years till we see each other!

10 years ago!
Current!

  After the Ranch we headed to Sims Church. So much family history here! It is the oldest church west of the Missouri. It is in the National Register of Historical Places. My Grandma and her sisters helped restore the parsonage! It was amazing to walk through and see all the hard work they had done. Seeing pictures of family members over the years, and hear the stories of Grandma remembering when she went to church in the parsonage home, because the church wasn’t built yet. She attended bible school up stairs, but not in the winter because there was no heat upstairs!

Outside the church!
Grandma Lois’ confirmation class
From the balcony
Altar!
Out houses! These were fully functioning when I was a little girl!

  
100 years celebration! I’m in the green circle on the right

Grandma’s Grandparents were charter members of the church and helped build the church. In face both set of Grandparents attended the church. It is crazy to think of how many years, around 130 years, our family has been attending that church and continues to attend. We have deep roots there! In fact, another family member, Jay’s son, will be married there next fall!  

  Going to Sims church was my favorite growing up. It’s a quaint country church! Every time we would go the family would sing for church. The pews would be half empty because there were so many of them. It was Grandma Lucille’s, Grandma Lois’ mom, favorite when her grandkids would sing at church. Every time I sing hymns I image this country church.  

Country church! Sims Lutheran
Great Grandma Lucille

   We headed up to the Sims cemetery. Fascinating to see all the history on that hill. Walking down memory lane with Grandma Lois was priceless. Hearing the stories of so many family members. So much history recorded in a cemeteries all over the nation. Couldn’t help but wonder if my current generation will use cemeteries to preserve the history for centuries to come.  

Brand for the ranch on Great Uncle Jays marker

View from the cemetery

   Our last stop before heading west, was a stop at a family, fun tradition! Salem Sue! She is the world’s largest Holstein cow at 38 feet high and 50 feet long! Doesn’t get any better than this!  

Prairie with Salem Sue in New Salem, ND
Worlds largest cow! Right off of I94!

Chris Ireland

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