Last updated: January 22, 2022
Place
A Rhythm of Seasons
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
Cant Ranch Historic District
Significance:
Ranch work depended on the changing seasons.
Time has erased much evidence characteristic to ranch life. In contrast to today's lawn, the back yard was originally bare ground trampled by livestock. Two small buildings below the ranch house were a feed shed and a chicken coop. The wire-enclosed chicken yard and nearby hog pen no longer exist.
Ranch work followed a rhythm timed with the changing seasons. Produce from two large gardens and fruit trees provided fresh summer vegetables and preserves for winter months. Cold weather was critical for river ice that was "put-up" in an ice house in winter months. An ice box on the ranch house porch was the only source of refrigeration throughout the following spring and summer months.
Ranch work followed a rhythm timed with the changing seasons. Produce from two large gardens and fruit trees provided fresh summer vegetables and preserves for winter months. Cold weather was critical for river ice that was "put-up" in an ice house in winter months. An ice box on the ranch house porch was the only source of refrigeration throughout the following spring and summer months.