HISTORY, ORGANIZATION & CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE BITTER ROOT BCHas written by Les Linendoll (in 1997?) I suppose there was some overriding concern, threatening horse use in the back country, for the proposed formation of the third Back Country Horsemen club in America. Whatever the reason, a group of loyal, tried and true horsemen and horsewomen met March 13, 1976 at the Ravalli Electric Association building in Corvallis. Several members of the Missoula BCH were in attendance to assist in the formation of the new BCH club. Marvin Bell was the President Pro-tem and Sharleen Ashcraft was Secretary. The club was formally organized 17 March 1976. Elections followed: 1976 BRBCH Officers & DirectorsPresident: Tom Ford Vice President: John Owsley Secretary: Vina (Sauke) Spencer Treasurer: Metzie McCormick Directors: Dick Johnson, Jack Edens, Marvin Bell, Irene Gibford, Sharleen Ashcraft, Pickles McGregor, Robert Bartholomew, John Lance, Ben Lowman In addition of the above named officers and directors the meeting was also attended by: Agnes Bell, Gene & Marion Tingle, Ron Gibford, Nancy Carter, Dale Lance, Joan Campbell, Richard & Betty Shook, Maxine Linendoll and Belle McGregor. All of the above named members would be considered CHARTER MEMBERS of the Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997 UPDATE:March 13, 1997 marks the 21st anniversary of the founding of the Bitter Root BCH. Since that time our club has conferred thirteen (13) Life Memberships on deserving members of the club. They are in alphabetical order: Marvin & Agnes Bell (Marvin deceased April 17, 2011; Agnes deceased August 2, 2011) |