89
w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m
Mission Valley. This is followed by displays devoted to the ear-
ly white settlers, the fur traders of the Hudson's Bay Company,
St. Ignatius' "Blackrobes," and the saddles, spurs and guns of
the early West. Finally, you exit through a large diorama of the
natural history of the area, set around a depiction of an Ameri-
can Indian camp circa 1880. The nature trail behind the muse-
um is named for Adelle Rogers, Bud Sr.'s wife, whose line goes
straight back to the Clarks of Lewis and Clark fame.
Unfortunately, the lodge was not a profitable venture, and in
2011 the Cheffs had to let it go, along with most of its property.
However, they were able to save the museum, which remains a
tireless act of love on the part of the Cheffs.
Bud and Laurel have stepped back a bit these days. A second
generation of Cheffs, Jo, now manages the museum as its exec-
utive director, though the two of them remain active on its board
of directors. When touring the museum, you can still have Bud
himself walk you through and explain the history, background,
significance and stories behind many of the displayed items, by
means of a programmed audio headset available at the front desk.
It is the nearest thing to Bud giving you a personal tour.
BUD AND L AUREL'S
OWN PER SONAL
COLLEC TION
MAKES UP WELL OVER
HALF THE ITEMS
ON DISPLAY.
DOUG
STEVENS
Blackfeet War club similar to the one that Bud Cheff found as a 9-year old.
