Montie Montana was a Hollywood cowboy actor, stuntman and trick roper; famous for his ability to lasso anything that moved.
Koni and I lived in Duluth Minnesota when we were first married. One day I received a phone call from my oldest brother, Orlo. He was a geologist, and the sibling we felt an urge to become or at least try and match his success. He was hired to supervise an iron ore mine north of Palm Springs California. Who would have thought southern California would have iron ore, right?
The phone call was a welcomed surprise. An acquaintance of Orlo had told my brother about a business venture he was involved in. The gentleman spoke about needing a graphic artist to come on board to help with the visual and creative needs of the business. The project described was led by the best-selling, western author, Louis L’Amour. L’Amour had written 89 novels by the time of his passing.
L’Amour’s dream was to build a 19th century old western town in Colorado. The town, Shalako, would be complete with a main street with a livery stable, dry good stores, sheriff’s office, saloons, and quaint shops. Also included, was a one room school house and church with a steeple.
Unknown Artist’s Rendering of the Shalako Village Concept
A rodeo trick rider named Montie Montana was on the project. Montana was a Hollywood cowboy actor, stuntman and trick roper; famous for his ability to lasso anything that moved. He became well-known in the United States when he lassoed President Eisenhower at the president’s 1953 inauguration. I can imagine the Secret Service was a little embarrassed they allowed the incident to happen.
I gathered up my portfolio and flew out for an interview soon after. At the interview, I met the cowboy! He appeared as a tall, lean ranch hand with all the trimmings. He liked my portfolio and asked, “Would you be interested in relocating to Colorado Springs?” I told him yes without hesitation. Colorado Springs was about 6 hours north of the project site and would be the headquarters for L’amour’s project.
I was told to wait as they were tying up loose ends and I would hear from them. I was very excited to say the least!
I waited patiently while a marketing research company was hired to evaluate to potential profitability of the Shalako and deliver their findings to the group. Unfortunately, the company said there was no profit to be made here. The western town would also be located in a wilderness area that would have to undergo an environmental study if it were to become a reality.
Unfortunately, Montie, who was producing Wild West shows around the country, had got himself in some financial straits and had to remove himself from the project.
Shalako was to remain a dream for L’Amour, and my dream to work for America’s most famous western writer came to an end.
