Nellie: New Wife of a Young Rancher

Nellie Flinn and Conrad Warren were married May 1, 1934. It was a modest affair, attended by immediate family and their closest friends. Their new cottage home was built according to plans Nellie picked from a magazine. It was featured as "A Country House for city people who like apartment living." It reflects the influence of that era's Domestic Economy and the age of the automobile - an indoor bath, a kitchen with all the modern conveniences, and an attached garage. Nellie especially liked the large, open-beamed living room.

Warren House Plans, Woman's Home Companion, 1934

The young bride began the domestic chores expected of her with a positive attitude. Her dear aunt, Anna Kohrs Boardman, writes:

"Nell, you assuredly are a good cook, have learned so much in the short period you have been housekeeping . . . I am so glad you like your housekeeping - that you do not make drudger of it - but instead weave a joy into it by your attitude. . ."

The newlyweds made the most of their spare time in a difficult economic era called the Great Depression. When Con wasn't making improvements around the old ranch or developing his growing herd of Belgian horses, the couple took advantage of what recreation was close at hand. Con and Nellie loved Lindberg Lake Lodge and all it had to offer. Here was a rustic cabin where they could enjoy swimming, archery, sailing, shooting clay pigeons, and riding horseback into the spectacular Bob Marshall Wilderness. They continued to take pleasure in Lindberg Lake long after their children had come along to enjoy it with them.

Nellie practicing archery, ca. 1940

Hiking in the Bob Marshal Wilderness, ca 1940