Fergus County Poor Farm
Heart of Montana Farm in the Dell.
Reed and Bowles
Alonzo S. Reed and J.J. Bowles built and operated a combination Indian trading post and station on the Carroll Trail on Big Spring Creek about 2 miles north of Lewistown, Montana from November, 1874 until 1880. Reed and Bowles bought the building at Fort Sherman, transported the material down Big Spring Creek, and reconstructed it.
1874
County Poor Farm
In 1891 Fergus County purchased the Old Clegg Ranch for $3000 with the goal of creating a county poor farm. In addition to using the Reed and Bowles cabin, they built multiple other structures including a hospital, house, barn, and multiple outbuildings.
1891
End of the Poor Farm
After nearly 75 years the County decided to close the poor farm. On July 1st 1965 the County Rest Home was closed and it's residents were rehomed to Valle Vista Manor. After closure the land was leased out to neighboring farmers and ranchers while the buildings fell into disrepair.
1965
Farm in the Dell
Lowell and Susan Bartels decided they could not accept or reconcile the treatment of the handicapped in the US and they decided that if they didn't work for them as their advocates, who would? Their plan was to build a home for disabled individuals in every dell, and to have the residents participate in the operation and upkeep of the farm.​
1978
First Farm is Opened
In 1986 the Bartels successfully opened the first Farm in the Dell near Kalispell Montana. The home is still in operation on the original 35 acres under the name Lighthouse Christian Home. Since its opening, Farms have been established across the US, as well as several abroad.
Heart of Montana Farm in the Dell
In 2016 a group of concerned citizens and parents came together with the idea of creating a safe and supportive environment where disabled adults could live and work independently. With guidance from the Bartels they founded the Heart of Montana Farm in the Dell in 2017.
2016
1986
Acquiring the Poor Farm
With the mission to provide a lifelong home to individuals with developmental disabilities in place, the Board of Directors began looking for land. In 2019 the county awarded the Farm a long term lease on the old County Poor Farm, allowing us to continue and improve upon it's legacy.
2019
CDBG Funding
We hired our first employee in April of 2025, an Executive Director. With assistance from Snowy Mountain Development and Fergus County he completed an application to the MT Department of Commerce for $1.8 Million in CDBG funds. We received the full amount requested, and construction of our home will begin in 2026.
2025
