A glimpse into Montana’s Norwegian past

In the busy new world, we have few reminders of what life was like long ago. But John W. Hoiland is one of those reminders. At 92 years old, he is still operating his cattle ranch outside of Livingston, Montana. "It's hard work and like it is I still can't do quite what I used to do but I still take my time" Hoiland said. Hoiland is of Norwegian descent and represents a handful of cowboys that came to Montana in pursuit of the lifestyle. 

A film “John the Last Cowboy,” based on Hoiland’s life and directed by Norwegian documentarian Frode Filman, premiered at the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture last Monday, Sept. 26. The documentary was presented by the Bozeman Series. Filman has directed many Norwegian documentaries. In “John the Last Cowboy,” he wanted to highlight the ranching communities of Norwegian heritage in Montana. Hoiland’s father was a Norwegian immigrant that came to the United States through Ellis Island.

The valley that Hoiland lives in, an area that used to be filled with ranches, is now only filled with "ornamental cowboys," Hoiland said. His only other cowboy friend, Jim Larkin shares a similar sentiment. He longs for keeping things the way they are. As far as Hoiland and Larkin are concerned, ranching is the only way they want to live.

You won't find a T.V. in John's house, you won't even find a modern stove. He cooks his meals over a wood-burning stove, and to entertain himself he plays the piano and accordion. He also enjoys listening to a tape recording of his old dog howling along while he plays his accordion.

I highly recommend “John the Last Cowboy.” It is a unique film experience and is thoughtful and entertaining at the same time. You can check out more documentaries presented by the Bozeman Doc series at http://www.bozemandocseries.org/.