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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Story of the X-L Ranch, Jaffray BC

	Scandinavian Immigration to North America
	Gabriel and Hilda Mattson came to Jaffray, BC in 1905
	Gabriel was "tie-hack"
	Education
	Elmer went to work at age 14
	Elmer and Mary McNeil were married in 1942
	Elmer and Mary purchased the X-L Ranch in 1944
	Working out is the only way to survive
	I wasn't much of a rancher's wife, claims Mary
	Lynda was groomed to be a rancher's daughter from the time she was small.
	The Matsons were surrounded by family and friends and their social life was full and exciting.
	The men are making icecream for a social gathering
	Travel and Transportation
	Medical Care
	Haying
	His brother used to say, "Elmer why don't you get a tractor?"
	Waldo Stockbreeders Association and the Elko cattle sale  brought in buyers who gave the ranchers a better deal.
	The Libby Dam
	Switching from Angus to Simmental cattle in the 1970s
	Elmer and Mary retired in 1992 and Lynda and Gordon took over,  changing the name to Bar X
	These days you have to have modern business management skills.
	There are easier ways to make a living