In 1905, the United States Government purchased, from the Crow Indian Tribe, a portion of their reservation known as the ceded strip and opened it to homesteading. "Proving up" on a homestead was accomplished by building a standard homestead shack at least 9' x 12' and breaking sod.


John Torske came to America from Norway in 1908 searching for greater opportunities. It was a custom in their homeland to pass the farm onto the oldest son, so if you weren't the oldest you had to find other work. His homestead consisted of 160 acres located, on the west bench, southwest of Hardin. John built onto the homestead house when his sister Sarah came to this area in 1912.

The homestead shack was being used for storage on the Torske farm. The homestead shack was donated to the BHCHM in January 2008 by the Miles Torske Family.

 

Homestead Shack