Something Special in Cleveland, Montana | Photos by Todd Klassy

There's a place on the eastern Montana plains where People's Creek and the Bear Paw Mountains meet. It's a place they call Cleveland.
On first glance there's not much to Cleveland except for a saloon (when it is open) and a one-room schoolhouse (which serves one student). And it would be perfectly fair for those passing through to think nothing special ever really happens there. But they would be wrong.
Every spring, as the stiff Chinook winds begin to melt away a long winter's snow, neighbors - often separated by many miles - come together to help gather each other's cattle and brand them with the mark of their ranch. It is a tradition few people outside of Cleveland ever get to see.
Yes, Cleveland is quiet, but something special happens there every day...especially in the spring.
These are real cowboys; not the ones you see on the silver screen, but men and women who work hard every day to fight Montana's harsh weather, the struggle of raising a family, and whatever else the good Lord throws at them.
This is their story.
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#VisitMontana #MontanaPhotography #WesternPhotography #RuralAmerica

[@stonevillemusic]

Thank you Todd for reminding me of coming home to Montana. When I left, part of my soul stayed there, because it knew where to belong and where peace and rest was located.

[@sfm1017]

I come from Havre. When I retire, I will go back to Montana. Montana is just another way of saying heaven.

[@B214306]

I now live in North Carolina. My brother lived in Montana. When I was living in Maryland, I went out to visit him one year, my first year in Montana. It was the best vacation of my life. I have been around the world, and met many people, but I have never met such an honest bunch of people than I did in Montana. I love the state.

[@oysterman1223]

The cowboy life is not dead. Thanks to you all who are keeping it alive!

[@janew6892]

Harsh rugged but so beautiful country I was completely absorbed in these wonderful pictures capturing a way of life I hope will continue on forever

[@janahart5755]

I live in Kalispell, MT and it doesn't matter where in this state you live, or visit it is heaven, and Todd is right, if you can't appreciate it, especially if you have never been here, don't comment about it, you are just blowing smoke. Thanks for this video Todd, haven't been to Cleveland yet, but plan on a long tour of our gorgeous state. AMEN TO MONTANA!!!!!

[@8lorilei]

Thank you Todd Klassy. I was raised on a ranch in the Helena valley, was lucky enough to have a Dad who taught me all this growing up. I've been away from it for too many years to count and my Dad has passed. You have completely touched my heart and captured by roots in a way that is hard to describe. Thank you. I need a tissue now.

[@toddklassy]

Thank you Dianne. I appreciate your kind comments very much. They mean a great deal to me. And thank you for following me, too. It's much appreciated.

[@montanaman3336]

Beautiful. Accurate. It took us 40 minutes to get to Cleveland where the pavement began, that is, when the roads were dry. A guy could get used to pavement. Left the family ranch near the next town over (Lloyd) 19 years ago seeking work. Went south & east. Couldn't stomach neighborhood life. Bought a small farm. Boys ran a few cattle for college tuition. Here my wife can garden, even in winter. My saddle is stowed. Spurs sit in some forgotten drawer. But, my boots, hats, and favorite Charlie Russell Bronc to Breakfast buckle attire me. And I refuse to pave our driveway. The man may leave Montana, but Montana never leaves the man. Thanks.

[@lynnolson3546]

Mr. Klassy, what a beautiful slideshow. I used to work at a ranch close to Loyld Mt. back in the 80's, and watching your video brought a smile and a tear to my eye. Branding time is such a special time, bringing family and friends together. Everyone pitching in to help out. Your pictures are truly works of art. Thank you for sharing them, and the good people of Cleveland Mt. with the rest of us.

[@mtbronk]

2 years ago I seen these. man it gets better with time ! thanks ! I still miss that nick of the woods. wood love to be back on the pitman ranch!

[@AgriStudios]

Very well and good. You told the story just right without using words. We need so many more folks just like you to tell our story to the world so that they can better understand how much we care for our livestock and how food is really made in this great country. I am 70 or 80 miles South of Cleveland in Winifred Montana. Your are welcome here anytime.

[@susieschend9876]

I'm glad millions haven't flocked to Montana.....we would like to keep it that way :) Awesome video Todd.....brings back great memories :)

[@greengiant3421]

Fantastic!!! Thank you, thank you, & thank you!!!

[@grandsaigne]

bonjour, merci pour ces belles photos,pour moi c'est la vie dont j'ai toujours rêvé...une vie authentique avec de vraies valeurs,du respect, de la loyauté, de l'entraide....vous avez de la chance de vivre dans un tel endroit, le monde dans lequel nous vivons maintenant est fou et il est de plus en plus difficile d'y trouver sa place !!! j'ai adoré votre vidéo

[@jamispencer1]

This was lovely to view. I did not want it to end! My family had a ranch south of Cleveland, and your video brought back many happy memories. Thank You for sharing.

[@cnebel25]

Gorgeous Photos. As a fellow Nebraska rancher I know all too well how the processing goes. We use a tilt table to work our calves though. I have gone to a branding. They are a lot of work but it is amazing how neighbors pull together to help each other.

[@12332121234567]

That's America at its best I live in the city but I'm a cowboy deep in my heart .. People travel all around the world why when they can stay here and visit our land of beauty

[@fredbes356]

Thank you dear american friends... America land of freedom more than ever...

[@sluggersmom1]

Brings back so many fond memories from my childhood in Montana! I sure miss ranching and that way of life!

[@lubetubing]

who is to say life on a ranch in Montana is less than a life anywhere else. Some of the best moments of life are as simple as having breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa at the table.

[@masseyman750]

Makes you want to packup and move great video thank you

[@urmyfathersjoy1]

What an amazing video. Would love to visit. Hello from Sunderland, UK.

[@dabubba891]

Very nice video Todd, Cleveland is an awesome place. I helped Nick Faber brand one year in that area. I recognized Clayton Hofeldt in the pitcures.

[@69williAM19]

Thanks, Todd. The Highline is a sub-geography and a sub-culture of the state as a whole. My homeland is XXXXXXX County. (I don't want to draw attention to it). Only different from the Highline to a keen eye. A balanced program would have more living images, i.e. a school in use today. A church with pickup trucks out front. A saloon with cowboys jawin' on the front porch or steps, etc. But, I'm an expat for awhile, and I appreciate any Montana image. May the wind be at your back...

[@Treegatefarm]

Don't worry about the haters. Montana is special, and it's no one's loss but his own if he's too angry or hateful to consider that might be true. That's his burden, not yours, Todd.

[@olmose]

Pioneer stock...type that settled this country. God bless 'em. Wish this spirit could spread like a virus through America, Lord knows we could sure use it in Washington, D.C., before it's too late.

[@suzieparis6821]

Thank you ♡

[@chelackie]

Yes wonderful photographs,thankyou so much ! Inspirational!

[@djb3Gi]

i would give up everything here in austria for riding with those guys!

[@sirizadik]

1 million? lol I knew I loved Montana for a reason.

[@KBickford78]

Well I dont know many people out there but I recognized Tyler! =) Used to go to my great uncle Nick's branding out by Cleveland. I definitely miss not getting to as many brandings as I used to when I was a kid! These pictures are definitely making me miss home!

[@virginiajones4649]

My Husband and I have spent a lot of time in Cleveland, with my dad Fred Duffield who worked for Nick Faber, and all my Cousins the Hofeldt's

[@timothyperry7760]

Right on Todd,People like that will never see or feel the beauty.of a great strecth of land and real People who have been true to Themselves and family for over 100 years and never changed or waivered. ..I spend time in New Mexico and hope to retire out there from the East Coast, the People are so genuine and real pleasure to meet.Unlike the brain-dead,face-book Ipad don't ever look up to and Talk to People as texting has become a way of waisted life to many... take careTim

[@marywyatt09]

you are all belssed and lucky to have such a good life

[@timothyperry7760]

I have ridden My motorcycle from Maine through all states mentioned,all beautiful ,but winters are still very harsh, take a look at New Mexico .org, I have fell in love with that state,mild winters and year round bliss , and close enough to Montana,Utah, Colo,Gods'Country for sure. Some spots haven't changed in over 100 years and thats so rare nowadays...

[@mtbronk]

thanks for the video ! used to live up there. 10 miles south of cleveland on the then pitman ranch. in the 80s man i mess it ! did a little time in the bar to. where i got my handel from. great job thanks agen.!

[@gmwwc]

Very nice vid. Good photography excellent choice of music. I have lived from Maine to Alaska and now in TX. I am not much on cows but have ridden all my life.Your vid makes me want to drive northwest at least for a visit.

[@nickmichell]

wow would love the chance to help out that time of year, beatifull country side

[@bahaamh]

2:42 the best part :)

[@LeoMcDowell]

What a wonderful video. I'm not the photographer that you are, but a friend suggested I do a similar video of a day of branding in Cohagen, between Jordan and Miles City. I may have to look at the day's worth of pictures from 2009 and see if I can put something together.

[@laurajade9497]

Please God Please, I am a horsewoman & outdoor lover. Please get me out of New Jersey.

[@Trakehner20]

Laura Jade How did you get there?

[@caymanfabian5489]

Yep this is where I call home! I have lived in MT all my life. And we don't like tourist here they destroy the beauty and our simple life style :(

[@suzieparis6821]

They already have

[@ktb767]

When I grow up I want to live somewhere in the plains. It's nice in Ohio and Kentucky where I have lived, but I'm thinking about Nebraska or North Dakota or Montana. What do you think?

[@lorenkolb9994]

Great Video 👍👍👍

[@bobduvar]

Attendez moi ! Je prends l'avion à Nice Côte d'Azur, je fais une escale à New York et je suis là demain soir !!! Surtout ne partez pas sans moi !! Soyez sympas ! J'ai besoin d'un énoooorme bol d'air pur !!!! J'ARRIVE !!!!

[@sirizadik]

You want to know why? It's because its a hard life,cold cold winters, hard work you should probably stay were you are. The weak don't last long in Montana.

[@ryanjordan6680]

All I can say to you is You are a city person and don't see the way real life is lived out here in Montana. Yes from a real Cowboys perspective, Montana weather and harsh cold conditions are not for everyone, especially a person who has electric heat and doesn't have to work to provide heat for their family. Maybe you just need to come out and see how much you can take. An another thing is we care about our families more than you do because we rely on them to survive.