Nelson

I'm a 5th generation Montanan and have been collecting artifacts since the age of 9 which would be about 1956. I'm retired from a large const. company where I was a structural Supt. I have lots of hobbies which include finding jobs for my wife. (4 isn't enough). We've been married for 3 1/2 years. I married the enemy, a Southern California gal. Whom I might add belongs in Montana more than a lot of Montana natives do. We both appreciate our beautiful State for everything it has to offer. We have a small farm where we practice being self sufficient and try to hold on to the values and ethics that are so hard to find this day and age.

My start came from Dad taking us kids to places where he grew up in Central Montana. His Dad and ancestors farmed and ranched here. There was a buffalo jump there with many teepee rings. We were not serious collectors till later in life when I moved back to Mont.

WE spend two weeks in the Spring and two weeks in the Fall camped at the sites. We look for everything and take pleasure in learning the types of points and the people that created them. We also like being somewhere that is void of people. Many cultures have used these areas-we are just the most recent and will not disturb it.

When about 10 my brother found a buffalo skull in a crevice that had a small plains side notched stuck in it. This item has been lost. My wife's favorite is a turtle effigy. My second favorite is a metal trade point.