Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

Stories Of The Past: Sherwood Publishes Generational Stories Of Homesteading in Montana

Ruth Sherwood was born in Hinsdale in 1940, and spent her childhood on farms along the Milk River near Hinsdale and Glasgow. Growing up she helped in the kitchen where her mother shared stories of Montana's homestead days and farming experiences. At the age of 11, Sherwood and her family moved to Missouri. When Sherwood had her own family, she shared the stories her mother shared with her.

As time went on Sherwood decided to document these stories so they could be shared and passed down. Where the Wind Never Sleeps a Memoir from the High Plains of Montana was published in 2022 by Sweetgrass Books, based in Helena, Mont. The cover illustration is by Beth Loftin. Loftin painted the picture from a photo of Sherwood's mother, Ruth Helen Clark, on the northeastern Montana prairie at age 17. The title also has ties to Sherwood's mother who always said, "As sure as the sun rises in the east, the wind will blow." Sherwood stated she thought long and hard for the title, as she wanted something descriptive of the high plains, and that is certainly the wind.

When reflecting upon the experience of writing this book, Sherwood admits she did not realize what a stable loving home she grew up in. "We were a family, and did things together. My childhood was never boring. There was always something to do. My parents were exceptionally interesting and well informed, and we children were always learning from them. I did not realize until I was writing the book, how much richer this made my life," explained Sherwood. This book has been about 10 years in the making, from writing the stories to getting the book published.

While the book was in the publication process, Sherwood had the opportunity to return to her roots this past June. She, her daughter and three nieces visited northeastern Montana, making stops along the way at locations described in the book. "The people we met were terrific! It was such a great experience that we hope to come back next summer," said Sherwood. "Visiting Valley County after leaving in 1951 was all and more than I had hoped it would be. I attribute much of the success of the trip to the wonderful people we met."

After 28 years as an educator and reading specialist with the Alaska Public Schools System, Sherwood currently resides in Missouri where she continues to write.

Sherwood welcomes readers to reach out to her via email [email protected].

 

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