THE JAMES CANT RANCH HOUSE
The Cant Ranch House, built in 1917, replaced a smaller dwelling located on the present south lawn. The Cants, their four children, ranch hands, and herders all lived in the house. Mrs. Cant frequently served dinner for twenty or more. A room or meal was always available for a traveler.Born in 1879, James Cant, Sr., left Scotland at the age of 20 for South America. There he spent five years raising horses to be used in the Boer War. He then came to the United States and traveled overland from New York to John Day country. Upon arrival in Dayville, in 1905, James Cant herded sheep for the Murray family. After a few years he was able to send for his sweetheart, Elizabeth, still in Scotland. They were married in Canyon City on October 10, 1908. Two years later, Mr. Cant purchased a ranch and 680 acres from the Officer family to begin his own ranching operation.
The furniture in the parlor is on loan by the Cant family. Many of the furnishings were gathered from other parts of the house. Photographs on the east wall include James, Sr. [top center], James, Sr. and Elizabeth's wedding picture [bottom center], and their children [left to right] Christina, James, Jr., Charles, and Lillian.
Lillian Cant married Lawrence Mascall, and moved to the Mascall ranch located on the south entrance to Picture Gorge. Earlier this century, the Mascall ranch was a stopping place for many prominent fossil hunters. They included Dr. John C. Merriam, a world-renown paleontologist, who named the Mascall Formation after the ranch.
The National Park Service acquired a portion of the Cant Ranch in 1975 and plans to maintain its historic appearance. To assure preservation, the ranch house, surrounding buildings, and 200 acres were designated a National Historic District.
