Love Of Paleontology Prompts Family To Move To Glendive and open a new business

The discovery of a dinosaur on a “dig-for-a-day” excursion near Jordan a few years ago was the turning point for a family who soon decided to move from Washington state to Glendive and open a store.

By Margaret Brinkley
Ranger-Review Staff Writer

With the entire family having a serious interest in paleontology, the Burys, Steve and Christie, along with daughters Chantell and Cortney, began looking for a vacation home in the area a few years ago. The family considered Lemmon, S.D., Kimball, Neb., and Glendive because of their abundant fossil resources.

Christie said they chose Glendive because of the wonderful people and potential of the area. “The quality of life out here is so much nicer than Seattle,” Christie said.

The summer after they bought their first home here, they were on a dinosaur dig with Paleoworld when they discovered what was believed to be a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Since the discovery, however, it has been determined that although it is a very large dinosaur with a shoulder bone of more than three feet, it is not a T-Rex, Steve said.

It was that discovery which had the family beginning to consider a permanent move. “Without that original trip, this wouldn’t have happened,” he said. Although the decision to relocate was made fairly easily, the actual move took a little longer. The Burys have been planning and saving for their move to Glendive for most of the last two years.

Having finally completed their move, the family has purchased the JC Penney’s building. In the words of local realtor Tami Freas, “the rumors are true, the building has been sold.” The Burys have worked very closely with Freas, and realtor Richard Crouch, both of Montana East Realty, in making their dream a reality.

Former owner of the JC Penney’s building, Fred Dion, was also instrumental in the move, Steve said. “There’s never a good bargain unless both parties come out ahead,” Dion said of working with the Burys. “It’s a revolutionary venture for Glendive.”

Initial plans for the building were for a fossil store and dinosaur museum. But with Steve’s experience in the music store business, it was decided to add a music store as well. The plans don’t stop there and they have so many ideas, from gift shops to tours, the Burys can’t wait to begin. “Our goal is to really serve the community,” Christie said. “There are so many things we can do, the challenge is – can we do half of them,” Steve said.

It will be two to three months before Steve completes his contract with his present company, however, Christie and the girls are in Glendive. Christie is working as a special education para-educator at Washington Middle School where Chantell and Cortney are attending school.

While the Burys are serious about paleontology and plan to open a fossil store, they generally don’t believe in selling dinosaur bones and fossils. Steve sees no problem in having those fossils which are plentiful, such as shells and shark’s teeth, for sale. However, those that are rare should be replicated. The replicas can be sold and the original put on display for everyone to enjoy. That way, everyone wins, Steve said. “I want to encourage the thrill of discovery,” he added.

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