John Maruska Papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: SC-2737

Staff Only

Content Description

John Maruska Papers (1948-2015) Collection includes 11 diaries kept by George Maruska, rancher outside Roy, MT (specifically near Bohemian Corners in Fegus County) documenting weather and ranching activities from 1948 through 2015. Some years appear to overlap across multiple diaries. Also includes brief weather accounts of years preceeding 1948. These can be found throughout the diaries.

Dates

Creation: 1948-2015

Creator

Maruska, John Leo (1926-2015) (Person)

Biographical / Historical

John Leo Maruska was born on February 28, 1926 In Roy, MT to John and Mary Maruska. He attended Coal Hill School until the 8th grade, when he and his brothe rFrank moved to Roy to attend high School. He graducated from Roy High School in 1944. He was drafted into the United States Army during World War II, where he served as a mechanic in Hawaii. After being honerably discharged as a Corporal in 1945, John returned to the family farm to work with his parents. He married Betty Stilson in 1962, and they returned to the farm to raise winter wheat and Hereford cattle. The couple had a son, George, in 1971.

On top of ranching, John was also a member of the Montana Farmers Union, American Legion, and the Lewistown Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

John made daily diary entries up to the last months of his life.