The story of Ridge

Editor’s note: The following was written by Charlene Hayes Elston prior to the Ridge Centennial Celebration in 2009.

In 1909, just twenty years after Montana statehood, before World War I, before women had the vote and just as Ford’s assembly line was cranking out Model T’s, Ridge, Montana was established.

In the far southeastern corner at the head of Thompson Creek, Joseph Hayes staked a claim and established the Hayes Brothers General Mercantile Store at Ridge. Hailing from the Black Hills, the Hayes family were merchants near Keystone. Joe Hayes was the “next generation” and he was sent wes...