Pilgeram Ranch marks 100 years

William Pilgeram, along with his two brothers, migrated from Germany nearly 100 years ago. Now, his descendants are celebrating the longevity of the Pilgeram Ranch near Plains.

With more than a few generations still alive and well, family members gathered at the ranch located at the top end of Lower Lynch Creek Road to celebrate all there is about the long-running ranch.

The ranch boasts around 50 breeder cows and a handful of bulls. Though it is not a big operation compared to others located within Sanders County, it has seen many changes over its 100 years of operation.

Although the ranch is still on its original plot, it has grown over the years. There is even a merry-go-round pole from the old Lower Lynch Schoolhouse that sits in a paddock just below the big hay shed.

Though most of the family thoroughly enjoy coming back to the ranch for a visit, and this year’s centenary celebration, they all have diverse backgrounds — from working the ranch, to teaching and some even venturing into the medical field.

Love of family, history

The love of family and their history was something that came from all who attended as they scattered across the front lawn under trees and gathered on front porches.

While Doug and Karla Padden live on the property with Karla’s parents — Keith and Carol Pilgeram — they all enjoy a close-knit relationship with each other that uniquely comes with the raising of the traditional ranch-living lifestyle.

As kids played next to one of the old wood sheds in the sunshine, the others gathered on the front porch in the shade of Keith and Carol’s porch.

Laughter and smiles filled the ranch last Saturday afternoon — just as much as the sun hitting the paddocks around them. With the last calf now dropped for the season, though a late-comer, the young heifer may just embody the name of Centenary to truly mark the 100 years settled by the Pilgeram family.