Publications

Montana: Voices of the Swan - Volume II

Rooted in firsthand voices, this new book continues the story of Montana’s Swan Valley through the people that shaped it. More than 80 individuals shared their stories between 2011 and 2026, offering an intimate look at work, family life, community ties and the resilience required to build a life in a remote mountain valley.

Like the original 2011 volume, based on interviews conducted from 1999 to 2011, this book preserves voices that might otherwise fade with time. Together, the narrators in both volumes cover over 100 years of history, from the 1920’s to the present.

Behind the scenes, an extraordinary team of volunteer interviewers, transcribers and writers spent countless hours preserving these stories so the voices of the Swan Valley will continue to be heard for generations.

The cost is $45 per book or $40 each for two or more + $7 USPS postage and handling per book.

Montana: Voices of the Swan Volume I
Stories From The Upper Swan Valley Oral History Project

Over the past decade, many of the Swan Valley's early settlers and residents have been interviewed, sharing their stories of what it was like to be among the first to inhabit this wild and rugged land. The Upper Swan Valley Historical Society has published these experiences so future generations will have a better understanding of the challenging lifestyles as well as the changes on the landscape that our ancestors experienced. The book is filled with tales and recollections told by those who experienced them! Numerous photos and incidental historical information as well as maps have been added to the stories to help bring the past to life for the reader.

The cost is $45 per book or $40 each for two or more + $7 USPS postage and handling per book.

Montana: Voices Of The Swan - Volumes I and II are also available for purchase at the following locations:

The Gathering Place

Swan Valley’s Gordon Ranch

Long before it became known as the Gordon Ranch, this natural prairie in the Swan River Valley has been a gathering place. From the Pend d’Oreille people gathering to dig camas, to the Hollands bringing hunters together for a pack trip, to the mapmakers and surveyors gathering to resupply and camp, to Dr. Gordon and family coming to celebrate the newly constructed lodge, the Gordon Ranch has provided many hardy souls with shelter, companionship and sustenance.

Inside this volume the reader will gain a broader understanding of the natural, cultural and historical aspects of the region as well as discover the oftentimes amusing and downright astounding tales about authentic western ranch experiences of the owners, caretakers, and ranch hands. From branding, to fencing, to haying, to horse-driving, to outfitting, the record of their experiences gives us a sense of who we are and how the landscape shapes us.

The cost per book is $25 + $6 USPS postage and handling.

Montana Arts Council's review of The Gathering Place.

The Huck Book

Swan Valley's Berried Stories, History And Recipes

Inside this collection of huckleberry stories, historical accounts and recipes you’ll discover the distinctive flavor of Swan Valley. Sprinkled with archival photos, The Huck Book looks back at the traditions and lore that showcase the most sought- after fruit of the forest. Sample Swan Valley’s rich and varied culinary heritage from over 80 recipes generously supplied by the valley’s finest cooks. The Huck Book is a feast of historical accounts and nostalgia as well as a guide to the best huckleberry delights in the West.

The cost per book is $15 + $4 USPS postage and handling.

As Time Goes By: A Chronology of Swan Valley

Inside this chronology of the scenic Swan Valley in western Montana you’ll learn about  events that connect us to the Indian people who first encountered the Swan Valley, the surveyors  who mapped thousands of acres of uncharted land, the homesteaders who toiled to eke out a living, the foresters and woodsmen who managed the natural resources, and numerous citizens who worked to make the character of Swan Valley what it is today. Whether you are a student of local history or a curious visitor in the Swan, reading this chronology will expand your understanding of the natural, cultural and historical aspects of the region.

The cost per book is $18 + $4 USPS postage and handling.