The news was just as shocking to Cooke City old timers, and hundreds and hundreds of boys who had the opportunity to spend 6 weeks of summer at the B-4 Ranch, located just outside of Cooke City, MT.

The story began in 1941, when Vic Heyliger visited the Yellowstone area on his honeymoon. Vic was so impressed, he made plans to purchase the Absaroka Lodge just outside of the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park and set up a summer camp for boys. After a few years, the Absaroka Lodge proved to be too small for the rapidly growing summer camp, and Vic purchased the B-4 Ranch, just outside the Northeast entrance to Yellowstone, near Cooke City. It is reported that Vic purchased the B-4 Ranch from Buffalo Bill Cody's adopted son.