From Landlines to Lost Diners: How Montana Has Changed in 20 Years

Montana has changed a lot over the past 20 years, and some things that were common then are extremely rare today. Many everyday sights and habits that once felt normal have quietly faded away.

If you lived in Montana 20 years ago, things were much different. Some places considered local landmarks have been torn down and are gone forever. It's not only about businesses and buildings but also about how people used to treat each other.

I asked listeners to tell me about things that were common 20 years ago, but are surprisingly rare today, and they were quick to share their thoughts.

Common sense and critical thinking were mentioned, along with kindness, accountability, and good manners.

Having a landline telephone and calling people instead of texting was common two decades ago, and most vehicles were equipped with a cigarette lighter and ashtray.

One person mentioned 24-hour diners or diners in general. Many of those places have disappeared over the years.

Integrity, respect, and compassion for fellow humans are other things that are rare these days. It's crazy to think about how much things have changed in such a short time.

The comment below was one of my favorites.

There was always a guy in a Camaro with T-tops and a cardboard sign trying to run his own taxi service outside the R Bar.

One person mentioned the iPod Shuffle, which honestly is something I haven't thought about in a really long time.

While not everything has changed, there’s no denying that Montana today looks and feels different from the way it did 20 years ago.