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Show The Survey's Findings 45 Three generations: Max Tanner, his grandson, Tom, and his son-in-law, Doug. (Tom Carter; GCCS TCB-25584/15) In the 1980s the cowboy life is changing. The only real "buckaroo crew" in town is run by Milt Oman for the J.R. Simplot company. It has always been hard to make a living, and since at least the 1940s many Grouse Creek cowboys like Winfred Kimber have taken jobs with county government or have moved away. More and more of the young men in town are turning to a mechanized type of ranching, and those considered to be good ropers and riders are dwindling. Some, like Jay Tanner and Randy Kimber, have grown up in the tradition and value it, and others, like Doug and Kathleen's son, Thomas, are just entering it. Thomas, now five, started this year to ride with Doug and Max. "He's really helped a lot," his mother said. "I don't think he can do anything except follow instructions but he does do that pretty well. I think he's going to be a real good cowboy because he's got a patient dad who teaches him how." Like Doug, Thomas has taken to the riding part of the job. "Every morning he comes in and asks if we are riding, irrigating, or fencing. If it's riding, he's right there, if it's the other two it takes a little prodding." |
