Visit Terry Montana

Salem, Oregon
January 2, 2010

Honorable Residents of Terry, Montana:

Thomas Wolfe wrote “You can never go home again.” Last July, with a heavy heart and hurtful task I returned to the town I was named after.

Terry Zeller-Taylor and MeMe

My father, Roland Zeller taught school in Terry. He loved the town, the people and the land. I was just two years old when he passed away from a massive coronary at age 47.

My mother, Elsie Zeller moved my sisters and I back to England, the place of her birth and where she met and married my father during WW2. My siblings, Craig and Gail talked endlessly about the “wonders” of Montana. Their stories and recollections seemed foreign to me and as I got older it seemed we were raised by different parents.

In March 2009, my mother passed away. My brother and I returned to North Dakota to place her ashes on his grave. Shortly after that we arrived in Terry. We arrived on a hot day in July tired and sad.

I walked around a bit to see the sights, marveling at every store that had my name on it (ha!). At the Prairie County Museum an elegant and kind woman showed me the history of the town and County. She even offered to open the gallery next store if I wanted. I went across the street to the small store to pick up some groceries for the RV and was shocked to see the young checker patiently assist her elderly customer by bagging her groceries and then politely asking me if I minded waiting while she took them to her car. I promise you, that doesn’t happen where I live.

Next I spied a store front promising souvenirs of Terry and assorted other goods. We walked into the store and my brother Craig was immediately greeted by Mr. Dale Galland, the proprietor who remembered him. I could hear them laughing and going over the “good times” remembered as teenagers. Dale started talking about my father.

I was thankfully still hidden in an aisle because all of a sudden – My father became real to me through the stories being told. I was overcome with tears. Mrs. Galland found me and in that aisle and while she may not have noticed my tears, she pressed a huckleberry taffy into my hand and began to tell me a story about my mother and a crib she purchased from my mother for her daughter Connie.

I wanted to stay forever, in that moment, but we were tired and road weary. The Gallands recommended an RV Park – Small Towne RVPark -”just down the road a bit.” Dale called to make sure someone was there for us.

Upon arrival, Maynard guided us in and Myra greeted us with a welcome mat and a clean trash can. This stands out because we’ve put many miles on our little RV and stayed in many parks. None have offered a welcome mat. I guess when folks say “Welcome” in Terry Montana, they really mean it.

Maynard and Myra told us to come over for a cool drink after supper. We thought they were just being polite but shortly after supper they wandered over and asked them to join us at their picnic table. They asked what we wanted to see in their area. Myra offered to drive my brother Craig (who is disabled now) to look up old friends. Maynard told us where we could go plinking and find agates. All the while we were entertained by “Cody the wonder dog.” Citizens of Terry, this dog is amazing. I am still telling tales of the dog who rings the door bell, recycles cans and keeps the RV park clear of all manner of critters.

I guess what I am trying to say is that your towns kindness to a stranger has touched me in a way I could never have imagined. I know so little of my father (though I am told I look very much like him). To stand where he stood, to see the things he saw and to be in the part of the country he loved gave me some much needed closure. I can see what drew him to the area and especially the people.

Please know that you are the best of what is good in America. Your kindness to a stranger will never be forgotten. How could you have known it was a time when I needed it most? Your values and community stewardship is what makes this country great. I can see why my siblings say my parents were the happiest when they lived near and were involved with your town. I am so honored to be named after Terry, Montana.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you! And God bless us everyone.

Terry Zeller-Taylor