Joseph "Joe" Zelezny Interview, August 13, 1954 and August 31, 1954

Joseph “Joe” Zelezny talks about his experiences as one of the first homesteaders on Flathead Lake, near Rollins, Montana. He describes moving to the area in 1899 by covered wagon, building a log cabin, clearing the land, and helping build the schoolhouse. He talks about the difficulties in moving around the valley before roads were built, telling stories of travelling by wagon, horseback, and boat. He discusses a number of hostile interactions he had with Native American tribes in the area. He also tells the story of how Angel Hill, in Flathead County, got its name. Zelezny then talks about his experiences fishing and hunting, particularly bear hunting. He mentions his time in the Oklahoma during the land rush of 1889. Zelezny concludes by recalling his childhood in Nebraska, and his interactions with the Sioux and the Pawnee there.