OCTOBER 1993
'Il'IHIJE (()) li.JEG(()) N ~ Solving Mysteries Along the Trail or., !lw,nay ft.as grave aou6ts By Lee Underbrlnk The fact that there were many deaths With all this death along the trail in reburied Quintina's remains with the along the Oregon-Califomia-Monnon the area, it is unusual that until 197 4 we help of his students on June 16, 1988. trail is known by everyone. That an knew of only one marked grave. Neigh The class then built a fence around the W1usual amount of these deaths occurred boring Converse County is said to have gravesite to protect it. in Natrona County, Wyoming is not so more marked and identified trail grave Randy, chairman of OCTA's Graves well known. Diarists of the trails wrote and Sites Committee, is Wyoming's ofseeing many graves at Willow Springs "Randy was suspicious ofhow present day super sleuth of the trails. He and near Devil's Gate. The largest loss a dead man could have carved had often wondered why T.P. Baker's of life in the county occurred with the his name at a point further name and the date "1864" were inscribed 1856 Martin handcart company, who along the trail than his grave." so low, and to one side of the large buried approximately 150 emigrants in the October snow. continued on next page • • • • sites than any other county along the trail system. The only identified grave site in Natrona County was thought to be that of T.P. Baker, whose remains The January, 1994 issue were thought to lie at what we now call of News From the Plains T.~iAT Right: Baker inscription as it appears today on rock that Randy Brown bslieves_is the Fulkerson rock described in Bruff's drawing. photo by Randy Brown NFP October 1993 - page 2 Right: Randy Brown points out the Baker inscription found in Devil's Gate. photo by L99 Underbrink • • • • continued of the grave had much fainter letters. Bernard replied "Now you are wreck ing all the recorded history of the T.P. Baker grave, besides I've spent a lot of time up there deepening the inscription on the grave so it will last". This proves that there's a love of history in more people than we suspect Now that we are convinced that T.P. Baker is not in his supposed grave, a mystery still exists. Who was inscrip tion carver T .P. Baker, and where does he finally rest? PAUL HENDERSON MAPS DONATED TO OCTA byMerrillMattes Incidental to the OCT A Board notations by Paul, a railroad freight the Overland Journal for my extensive meeting at headquarters in late March, conductor by trade, but in his off-duty article about this unique individual who time out was taken for a special little time a gifted self-trained amateur Or was the source of inspiration to me and ceremony, the undersigned represent egon Trail historian. innumerable others who over the de ing the Board to accept from Marge Paul's ''thing" was, on his own cades visited Paul in his Bridgeport, Waitman, OCTA member and the tfine, to travel and explore hundreds of Nebraska home.) Ironically, Paul died daughter of Paul Henderson, a fine col miles along the trail, all the way from before OCT A was conceived and orga lection of "working" Oregon trail maps Missouri to Oregon, identifying and nized, but he was remembered by us left together with a collection of old making notes on trail Jandmarks and most dramatically in August, 1985 dur historical magazines, many bearing trail remains. (See the Spring 1984 issue of ing OCTA's third annual convention, when we assembled at the Bridgeport cemetery where he is buried to dedi cate our own granite memorial to his memory. We again express our appreciation to Marge Waitman and her husband "Dyke" who took the trouble to pack and bring a heavy load of this material to Independence in their own "covered wagon" pickup. Thanks also to Na tional Frontier Trails Center archivist John Mark Lambertson for his coop eration, and to Bill and Jeanne Watson for special courtesies extended on that occasion. It should be noted that Paul Henderson's final set of Oregon Trail maps, along with the bulk of his large collection ofemigrant diary copies, was earlier donated to the University of Abo\19, leftto right:OCTA President Ross Marshall, Merrill Mattes, Marge and Dyke Wyoming Library at Laramie. We have Waitman, pictured in the Merrill J. Mattes Ubrary during the acceptance of the been promised a copy of the complete Henderson collection. A portion of the collection is on the table. final set of Henderson Oregon Trail photo by Mike Bateman maps. NFP October 1993 -page 3 UPDATE ON THE REP The last issue of the NFP (July) contained a brief outline and a description of the three major funds (Endowment, General and Designated) which make up the Revenue Enhancement Plan (REP). A number of you contacted me at the Baker City Convention to inquire about the fund raising drive and to offer suggestions for other funds or special classes (Memorials) for providing funds to aid in preserving our trail heritage. It was very encouraging to hear from Don Buck and Susan 3°.IUJ.m I&, Badger Doyle that the Emigrant Trail Historical Study Series has been the recipient of over $3,000 in just a few months. These funds .~ will be used to offset some of the publication expenses for the first volume in this new historical series. Eastern Oregon is certainly a beau· We are continuing our efforts to refine the plan and will share tiful area of our country. It was my first visit The display of wild, black the details of our progress in the next NFP. In the meantin:te, if you eyed "susies" on the open hillsides was have any questions about the plan, please contact me. a delight. Walking in the ruts at the Jim Budde, Treasurer Blue Mountain Crossing, and looking across the Snake River at the old Fort Boise crossing were also sights that captured my imagination. But the most impressive man·made sight had to be the Flagstaff Hill Interpretive Center, HOWELL DIARIES WILL BE with its commanding view of the trail and its uncanny appearance ofa wagon FIRST IN NEW SERIES when viewed from the interstate. My new camera was used often trying to An update from Don Buck, Publications Chair and capture all these sights, and more. Susan Badger Doyle, Gen~ral Editor of the There were many new faces at this convention, including many new mem· Emigrant Trails Historical Study Series hers. Hopefully they will all be back next year. New members mean new talents and experience that OCTA can The new Emigrant Trails Histori· Baker City, close to $3,500 had been use in a variety of areas. Those of us cal Studies Series that we announced in donated with several pledges in the off. who have been around the organiz.ation the July issue of the News from the ing. It is gratifying to see members for awhile need to find a niche for the Plains is moving right along. The first supporting this endeavor and we ex· new faces, a place where they can en· book in the series will be an outstand· tend wholehearted thanks to them. joy OCTA as we do and also contribute ing unpublished overland diary and However, we need to reach our what they can. journal, "The 1849 California Trail Dia· goal of $10,000 to make the series fi. Chapter members, please take note ries of Elijah Preston Howell." nancially self·sustaining. If you are of the reminder on the front page. Merrill Mattes, in his Platte River thinking of making a contribution to Road Narratives, has awarded the OCTA, please consider the Special Pu~ Rose Ann Tompkins, Editor Howell journal his highest rating of lications Fund. You can make the Emi· 1125 W. Mission Dr. five stars, commending its "superior grant Trails Historical Studies Series a Chandler, AZ 85224 quality for the extent of its revealing reality. Thank you very much. Send (602) 963·3565 detail as well as literary competence." your check to: So far we are very pleased with the contributions to OCTA's new Special OCTA-Special Publications Fund '1vxt NFP deadli.ne Publications Fund that has been estab· P.O. Box 1019 lished to finance the hjstorical studies Indej)ende~.~O,~SJ-QS,19.... ~, series. By the end of the convention at NFPOctober 1993 ·page4 PRl8/DlNr8 CDRNlR David Bigler To match the excellence of the Oregon Trail Trails Historic Studies Series." OCTA's growth in Sesquicentennial celebration, this year's convention membership speaks for the fine work ofJackie Lewin, had to be outstanding. And it truly was, thanks to Membership Chairwoman, and our headquarters Dick and Trudy Ackerman, Lowell Tiller and the staff and volunteers. Northwest Chapter, plus a devoted band of volun Especially gratifying at Buer City was the de teers. sire expressed by a number of aspiring authors to Long remembered will be Buer City and the prepare articles for Overland Journal and News generous hospitality and uniform kindness of new from the Plains. Such interest testifies to the grow friends there. ing status ofthese publications, edited by Lois Daniel This year's convention climaxed a number of and Rose Ann Tompkins. notable achievements in recent months, under the These and other achievements will challenge positive leadership of Ross Marshall, now Past Presi the new members of our leadership team, including dent. your president, not to mention the proved associates A gift to the ages is OCTA's Census of Overland who will continue to serve in existing posts or take Emigrant Documents (COED) Program under Kathy on new assignments. Roubal, now holding more than 1,200 diaries and Utah Crossroads last month applauded the elec over 40,000 names. For a computer novice, like me, tion of its first Board member, Will Bagley of Salt to see Chuck Dodd, creator of the COED software, Lake City, one of his state's best young historians. reduce research time from months to seconds was He joined Lee Underbrink of Wyoming, Rose Ann like watching magic. Tompkins of Arizona and Larry Jones of Idaho, also Now opened is the opportunity to make a gift to elected this year to new three-year terms. preservation that goes on giving beyond one's life Fonner Director Chuck Martin, Jr., of Indiana time, thanks to Treasurer Jim Budde and his Rev is our new Vice President and Chairman, N ominat enue Task Force. This new Revenue Enhancement ing and Leadership Committee; Mary Ann Tortorich Plan places a foundation for sustainable future of California will direct the Convention Committee; growth. and Utahn W. L. "Bud" Rusho, will take over as Off the press, just in time for Baker City, were Chairman of the Awards Committee from Larry the first copies of Editor Bob Berry's handsome, Jones. newly enhanced map, "Western Emigrant Trails, My own purpose will be to build OCTA from the 1830-1870," one of our most bottom up, to strengthen exist popular offerings. ing chapters and add new ones. By the time the latest For this reason, I am especially printing of 10,000 is finished, happy that Past President Ross there will be some 1,500 or Marshall has agreed to serve ders already on :file. as Chairman of the newly re Also introduced at this activated Chapters Committee. year's convention were some As we recognize the other significant publications. progress we have made, all of These included Bill Hill's new us who will serve over the next est work, Reading, Writing year, starting with me, enlist and Riding Along the Oregon your support and involvement California Trails, an educa in making OCTA an even tional activity book, and the greater force for historic trails new Mapping Emigrant Trails preservation in the future. (MET) manual, produced by Don Buck, Andrew Hammond, Tom Hunt, Dave Johnson and Left: Newly elected OCTA President, John Maloney. David Bigler, on right, confers with Progress by Susan Doyle, •;1 Dick Ackerman, Convention General Editor, offers great • Chairman, during the convention promise for "The Emigrant banquet. NFP October 1993 - page 5 SALT LAKE CONVENTION PREVIEW Reflecting the sig Bridger to Great Salt nificance of Salt Lake Lake; The Hensley Cut City as a major crossroad off from Salt Lake City in the saga·ofwestem mi to City of the Rocks; Sig gration, the organizers for nificant Trail Sites in the the 19940regon-Califor Salt Lake Valley. nia Trails Association A post-convention convention have prepared tour on Sunday August a remarkable program of 14th, will cover the lectures and field ·trips. Hastings Cutoff, with an The scholastic depth and inspection of Floating Is quality of the events have land, and dedication of been recognized by the Donner Spring Monu- Brigham Young University. ment, the famous spring at Those who wish may regis- the base of Pilot Peak. The ter with the U Diversity for fully ..... Donner Spring Monument is transferable worlcshop credits. As p&Iticularly significant. It is the an additional featme, conventioneers result of laudable cooperation by the will be introduced to the world re Dr. LaMar C. Berrett, "From Ft Bridger land owner and the efforts of members nowned facilities for genealogical and to the Valley on the Pioneer trail" of the Crossroads Chapter of OCTA. historical research of the Church of Robert and Lyndia Carter, ''The Hand Vernon Gorzitze designed, organized, Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mor Cart Emigration" and led the construction of this major mons). H. Rush Sped.den, "The Featful Long historic landmark. There will be a choice of pre-con Drive, The Salt Desert Crossing" Special arrangements have also vention tours on Monday, August 8. Norman Wright, "Measuring the Dis been made for conventioneers to attend The selection will offer: Hastings Cut tance, Pioneer Odometers" the broadcast of the Mormon Taber off across portions of the Salt Lake Dr. Floyd W. O'Neil, "Gold Rushers nacle Choir, and to tour portions of the Valley to the Hastings Pass and an over Meet the Saints, The Kingdom at Pony Express Trail. view of the Salt Desert ... or .•. along the Crossroads" Jack Shapiro the Mormon Trail to Fort Bridger and Michael Landon & Dr. Kenneth Owens, Publicity Chair, '94 Convention the Needles. On Tuesday August 9th, "First Wagons Over the Salt Lake an archeology field workshop will be Cutoff, 1848" conducted in the morning, and a tour of Dr. Brigham D. Madsen, ''The Trail WITH SINCERE Mormon Church facilities in the after North to Montana" GRATITUDE noon. The convention will officially Dr. David B. Madsen, "Excavation of open Wednesday, August 10th. the Donner-Reed Wagons on the I want to express my apprecia Conventioneers will have a broad Great Salt Lake·Desert" tion to the officers, directors, com menu of fascinating events from which Steven K. Madsen, "The Spanish Trail" mittees and members at large for to choose. As of this date the following the support and cooperative spirit you distinguished scholars and researchers In addition, workshops in the fol extended to me as your president have been scheduled to lecture: lowing subjects will be available: Ge the last two years. Each of you made nealogy; Preservation; COED; COED the job fun and very rewarding. Dr. Fred R. Gowans - "The Fur Trade Data Entry; Mapping; and the pre-con Whenever there was a job to be done and the Opening of the Trails" vention Archeology Workshop. all I had to do was pick up the phone Roy D. Tea-'The First Wagons Across An exciting slate of field trips has and someone was always eager to Utah, The Bartelson-Bidwell been scheduled around decades of ex help complete the task. And I know Party" ploration by outstanding trail research you will all do the same for our new Will Bagley - "Lansford W. Hastings, ers. Conventioneers will have a choice President, Dave Bigler. I look for Honest Entrepreneur or Heartless of several trails of major historic im ward to continuing to work with you Promoter'' portance: in the future as we together fulfill the Dr. Stanley B. Kimbal, ''The Mormon The Donner Party and the Hastings purposes of OCTA. Emigration" Cutoff; The Mormon Trail from Ft. Ross Marshall NFP October 1993 - page 6 f 993 .llnnual ~ On pages 7, 8, 15 and 16 are found exceu,ts from~ of the annual reports presented to the board at the Baker City meeting. It is not possible to publish all of the reports, but the members may find these excerpts of interest. They give a flavor and depth of the numerous activities within our organization. 1'~O,Uicu,, 'P~ ~ r1laMJudt 3. Expenses should always be con trolled and minimized. However, when 2om, f:uu,J, OCTA can certainly be proud of revenue increases, expenses will very its achievements in the past 10 years. possibly increase. A good example is CITY OF ROCKS, IDAHO. As However, a number of challenges con our headquarters. We have an excellent of this writing, we are still awaiting the front us: headquarters staff, but we are begin publication of the final Management I. The purposes of OCTA as con ning to push the envelope. The increases Plan for City of Rocks. What the delay ceived by the founders remain as sound in membership, services and revenues in publication indicates is hard to tell. as in the beginning, that is, preserva are stretching the staff, both paid and It is clear that the director of the Re tion.PRESERVATION, PRESERVA volunteer. serve is enamored with the rock-climb TION. We must continue ;reservation 4. The discovery and enlistment of ing mystique, but all agencies involved of trail remains and sites, the written future leadership, both national and at in the planning procedure have indi record and the story of westward emi the chapter level. cated that they expect the final plan to gration. This job is never done and S. A persistent need to always in place primary emphasis on the historic must be the foundation of all we do in crease the effectiveness of our commu trail aspects of the Reserve and not the the future. nications with each other; between of rock-climbing activities. It was made 2. We have been and must remain ficers and directors, national with chap abundantly clear to the director that an organization of volunteers. This is ters, and chapters with members. this is what Congress intended in des not to say that we should not have paid 6. The increased trail stewardship ignating the Reserve. We must be pre staff. It sometimes is easier when you that we now have with the Cal Trail pared to react quickly and decisively if can afford it to just hire it done, but this bill, but much work is ahead. The pos there should be any attempt to circum is not always best If we maintain the sible consolidation of the .. Corridor'' vent this expressed congressional in volunteer personality in our activities trails makes our agency relationships tention. and in our relationships with each other, even more important in the future. we will be a healthier organization. If 7. We should never lose the warm Ff. HALL, IDAHO. I am encour we need help, money, goods, services and personal climate at OCT A. The aged to report that the Army Corps of or expertise, we need to always ask for popularity of the conventions is a good Engineers (at the request of the it I continue to be amazed at the num indication that our members enjoy each Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and with ber of people who are willing to help other. I know I do. I hope it will always OCTA's full support) has conducted a out if they know what is needed and be that way. field survey to assess the threat of ero believe in the purposes. OCfA's pur sion from the Snake River to the Ft. poses are good. Hall site. This threat has been a con cern to OCTA for a number of years now, but that concern has not been addressed by either the BurRec or the BIA. The Corps recommendation fully supports OCTA's position in this vex ing matter. The Corps is recommend ing action to prevent a possible change in the course of the Snake and also the further erosion of the banks upstream from the site. The Corps will contrib ute some funding to the effort; the BIA and BurRec are being asked to assume the balance of the costs as is their obli gation under their respective jurisdic tional responsibilities for the site. It is continuedonnextpage • • • • • Above: Ross Marshall during a tBIBvision interview at the convt1ntion. NFP October 1993 - page 7 • • • • continued Springs. As for Twin Springs itself, this well known emigrant watering site not sure that the BIA and BurRec will :JMil~~ is no more. Sometimes called Rock even accept the Corps' recommenda Springs or Red Springs, it was fre tion. They are free either to accept or AtRaftRiver three gravesites were quently noted by trail diarists. Last year reject it. Since their position all along restored. the state water engineer forced the les has been that the Snake River presented In Wyoming the marlcer at Wann see to make "improvements" at the no threat to the Ft Hall site (and OCTA Springs will be replaced. This is the spring or his water right would be lost. and all other concerned groups were first OCTA marker to be vandalized or The rancher was well aware of the wrong to feel that it did), it is possible stolen. springs' historic importance and pro that they ·will not accept the recom Near Rock Springs the 1852 grave tested, but to no avail. The spring was mendation which, after all, would con of Malinda Armstrong will be marked capped and piped into a stock tank. stitute a tacit admission that their as In Oregon OCTA is marking the However, according to the rancher, sessments of the situation had been 1852 grave of David Koontz. these improvements need not be per wrong. We must now wait and see how At the suggestion of Greg Franzwa, manent. The spring could be restored they respond to the Corps' proposed I recently restored to Register Cliff the to its natural state, and he is willing to course of action. Unthank inscriptions that had nearly do it, provided the bureaucrats in Chey Another consequence of OCTA's washed away. Using a photo of the enne can be persuaded to concede that continued interest in the FL Hall site is names as they appeared fifty years ago the spring deserves protection from de that the Tribes have agreed to allow a template was made and the inscrip velopment. This will be the major ob several archaeological test pits to be tions were put back in the same spot on stacle to the spring' s eventual restora dug in order to determine for sure the the cliff. Meanwhile, the rest of the tion. actual location of the Ft. Hall site. inscriptions there continue to fade away. The committee would like once The Crossroads Chapter continues more to thank Greg Franzwa who has their work at Donner Spring located at continued to make the layouts for our the west edge of the Salt Desert cross OCTA markers at no charge and for his eJ:JRJJ). KaJJu; &uJal ing. Fencing of the spring nears comple helpful editing suggestions. tion and several interpretive marlcers The following figures give a cu will be installed in time for the Salt mulative total of documents in the Lake convention. The chapter has raised COED database. Note the incredible funds locally for this project and should amount of surveys completed by COED be congratulated for accomplishing that volunteers since the Rock Springs Con feat. :J/ulil~~ vention one short year ago! The Utah chapter received 100 Carsonite trail markers this summer and TOTAL TOTAL members will be busy marking the METManual DATE DOCUMENTS NAMES Hastings and Hensley cutoffs in prepa Revisions of the MET manual have 8/06/93 1,332 43,402 ration for 1994 convention trail tteks. been completed. Changes include sim 8/05/92 652 25,511 In Wyoming trail marking contin plification and clarification of coding, 7/31/91 291 10,072 ues in various locations. Some trail was elimination of some forms, and updat marked in the vicinity of Porter's Rock ing various sections. on the so-called Plateau Route west of PLANS FOR 1993/1994 Guernsey. On the "Hill Road" west of Trail Mapping Data Base Fort Laramie a mile of existing ruts I have begun a data base which -Complete data entry handbook. was marlced this spring. Also near eventually will include all of the 7 .5 -Recruit a Data Entry Coordinator to Guernsey, two recently "discovered" minute quadrangle maps which cover train COED volunteers on data en routes that lead to the river from the all of the emigrant trails. So far the data try. high ground west of the fort were base includes the maps for all of the -Finish output programs for the upcom marlced with carsonites. Finally, west California Trail from Utah to Califor ing genealogical name searches in of Guernsey, the route through Cold nia, the Applegate Trail, and the main time to open to the public by March Springs pass was remarked as was the route of the Oregon Trail. 1994. junction of the Warm Springs and Cold Assistance is being sought from -Continue working on dial-up capabili Springs routes which is on the big hill persons familiar with the other trails ties for COED. that separates Warm Springs canyon (including prominent cut-offs) who -Contino~ to develop maps, routes and and Cottonwood Creek. would be willing to trace the routes of codes for the Bozeman, Southern Near Glendo a mile of existing the trails as accurately as possible on and Santa Fe Trail Systems. ruts was marked in the vicinity ofTwin continued on page 15 • • • • • • NFP October 1993 -page 8 ,x,,rptt from an Oregon Trail Diary Baker City, Oregon Augutt J}-14, 1J)J)3 Montlt1y t1J• 9t1J copies of close to 1000 diaries, and sentations by Susan Butruille, three original diaries. Pocatello is an Jacqueline Williams, Mary Cross and Old friends filter in early for nounced as the 1997 convention site Mary Oman. The afternoon picnic in ocrA•s 11th convention. I meet a long (1994 in Salt Lake City, 1995 in Grand City Park has people arrivmg early as time acquaintance from Long Island at Island and 1996 in Elko). they get used to long lines. a rest stop at Boardman, another at The afternoon is filled with speak Back to the High School for an Pendleton Burger King. In Bak.er City ers led off by Greg Franzwa's informa evening of superb entertainment Joyce registration is running smoothly already tional history. The Trail Tenders pro Badgely Hunsacker as "Fanny" has the despite requests to "switch this" or "add vide cultural connections between audience in the palm of her hand. We that" The archaeology field school is speakers Shirlee Evans, Jackie Cook laugh at how she handles her husband already under way at the Oregon Trail and John Woodward. Theo, cry when her daughter Della dies, Regional Museum. and laugh when she pokes fun at two guys named Ackerman T 1111Ay tb JIJt'1 and Mattes. The Trail Band has us clapping and More than 300 people stomping our feet to gcxxt participate in pre-convention original music, trail songs activities. That's more people and diary quotes. The Trail than OCTA had members in Band is dripping with talent. 1983. Buses head to Hell's Can Greg Franzwa demands an en yon to ride the jet boats, to Sumter core and got two. Merrill Mattes Valley to ride the steam railway, to says this is the best band he has Flagstaff Hill to participate in the ever heard in his life. Bill Watson, archaeology field school and to Pleas in his usual calm manner says, "Fan ant Valley to hike the trail. 150 hikers tastic, wonderful, great entertainment brave the hot, arid trail for ten miles. ... and a full house.'' Many found no virtue on Virtue Hats. A member headed off to the day-long The evening social provides people F,itlt1y t1,, 11 t1J board meeting says, "I'll be locked up with the opportunity to get to know all day and miss the fun stuff.'' each other. Name tags include relatives It must be unlucky to run toms on who traveled the trail. More than one this day. Twelve buses head off in two w,,,,.,,,.Y r1t, JJr1J set of .. cousins" are discovered. Past directions. One has air pressure prob conventions are roasted by judge Ross lems and must off-load its passengers Registration hits 730 people as Marshall, prosecutor Bill Hill and de onto other buses. Another loses its air OCTA's largest ever convention offi fense attorney Charlie Martin. OCT A's conditioning at the hottest part of the cially gets under way. Baker High impromptu trail band with another trip south. Four become lost as guide School is taken over as chapter meet fiddle and a spoons player pleases the Helen Holmes misses the turnoff ings are followed by the general meet audience. (twice). It becomes the Lost Holmes ing. The Mayor of Baker City proclaims Party in search of the Holmes Cutoff OCTA Appreciation Week. Two dona T1J11,,11., ,,,, 12tT, somewhere along the Owyhee River. tions are announced. Jeanne Miller of At the same time four buses in Independence presents the 1854 Back to Baker High School for a LaGrande, hearing of a pioneer cabin, Mayhew Diary and Merrill Mattes an mornmgoftalksandgoodslidesby do the School Bus Shuffle as four buses nounces the transfer of his papers from Richard Hanes, Keith Clark, Irving arrive at the same intersection at the the Nebraska Historical Society to Merrill, Richard Reick, and Earl same time from four different direc OCTA The Merrill Mattes Research Schmidl Shuttle buses then take par tions. Library in Independence now houses ticipants to Flagstaff Hill for more pre- continuedonnextpage • • • • • • • NFP October 1993 - page 9 • • • • continued Despite these minor glitches {see Dick Above: This beautiful setting is in the new Blue Mountain Interpretive Park, where the Oregon Trail swafe is very evident, as shown here. Ackennan'sreportonbuses)theSouthernRoute · photo by Dick Ackerman sees Fort Boise, Vale, Farewell Bend and the Swayze Cutoff. The Northern Route sees Below: This handmade, all wood, full-size wagon wheel was presented LaGrande, the Blue Mountains, a Paiute Indian to OCTA by the Idaho Chapter at the banquet. demonstration and the new Forest Service In-· terpretive Park. s,n,..,,,,, ""' 14t1J Another day of tours is much more sub dued as the drivers now know where to tum. The Blue Mountain Crossing Parle is impres sive as thunder in the Blues provided appropri ate sound effects. The final banquet, with 400 people in at tendance, starts with musical entertainment by the Prairie Dog Music Company. Awards are awarded and prizes raffled (see Norm Lindburg• s report). As the 730 attendees depart either Satur day or Sunday they read on the marquee at Sunridge, "Happy Trails, ocrA." Ji• Tom1lfi111 The welcome sign on page 9 was adapted from a photograph by Dick Ackerman. NFP October 1993 - page 10 RAFFLE REPORT Norm Lindburg, chairman of the raffle committee, reports that not only did they have a lot of fun during the convention but it was also a financial success. Cash distribution lists $1341.37 went to the National Treasury and $177.83 to the Northwest Chapter treasury. Winner of the Grand Prize, the OCTA quilt, was Betty & Herman Zittel of Carpinteria, Cali fornia. There were lots of contributors to the raffle and Norm wants a special thank you to go to each and every one of them. Those who contributed to the raffle were Trudy Ackennan, Will Bagley, Roger Blair, Arlene Boschert, Susan Butruille, Joy Cassidy, Judy Chamberlain, Arthur H. Clark Co., Mary Cross, Bill Dobell, Shirlee Evans, Porter French, Greg Franzwa, Levida Hileman, Bill Hill, Helen Holmes, Jack Holmes, Idaho State Historical Soc., Jack Ingram, Don Jordan, Oregon Trail Mercantile, Bob Ripley, Shann Rupp, Don Shannon, Bob Shellenberger, Edgar Stanton, Tamarack Books, Lowell Tiller, Trails West Books, Bert Webber, Willamette Valley Vine yards, and Jackie Williams. There was also a special drawing for three special collec tor coins in a small box donated by Terry Kmp of the Oregon Trail Mercantile. The coins had a value of $350.00 and to be eligible for the drawing, all you had to do was drop into their place of business and sign a card. The winning ticket was drawn just before OCTA's raffle began. The winner was Evelyn White of Gilroy, California. Evelyn was not at the banquet but friends agreed to take the coins to her. The raffle has grown to be something our membership looks forward to and the revenue generated goes to assist OCTA with its many worthwhile projects. The real winners are Above: L9d by Jim Renner, the trail between Birch Creek all of us who enjoy the history and trails of the western and Farewell Bend was partially hiked by the Fort Boise migration because that's where the money goes. Job well done! Hiking Tour. A trail marker can be seen in the foreground. Thanks Norm & Donna. Above: From a distance, the Flagstaff Hill Interpretive Center is silhouetted against the horizon. When seen from the Interstate north of Baker City, it seems like a distant wagon coming over the rise. NFP October 1993 -page 11 CONVENTION Below: Jim Renner indicates the location of adouble grave near Farewell Bend. These unknown remains were found during /-84 construction and reburied at this site. The grave contains the remains of a man and a woman buried in a wagon box. According to Bob Renne/ls, a fragment of the woman's dress and the heel of the man's boot were found, but the wagon box was decayed. Bottom, right: This musical group, Willa Bailey and the Buffalo Chips, entertained with trail music and songs during "Cultural Connections n, a part of the presentations schedule. Above: The 1993 Volunteer of the Year recipient, Chuck Dodd, receives the appreciation of the banquet attendees. photo by Dick Ackerman Below, left: Earl Schmidt gave a presentation entitled "The First Overland Emigrant Family to the Westn. This was one of some twelve presentations by a variety of speakers. NFP October 1993 - page 12 FACES Clockwise, starting above: Betty Scheinost enters thB banquet room through the covered wagon Bntraf1C9; Friend of the Trail award winnBr from Nebraska, WaynB Koch, shares his collection of trail relics found on his ranch over the years; GBorge Watkins (IBft) and Merrill MattBs visiting at the banquBt; Hal Manhart (left) andDick Ackerman greet each other at thB high school aurfJtorium. NFPOctober 1993-page 13 BUSES AND MORE The Baker City Convention Com mittee went about selecting a bus com pany to provide service for the '93 con vention in the customary manner check CLOSE-OUT SALE ing prices, track record. schedules, and like a used car buyer, inspecting William H. Jackson coaches, kicking tires, and in the end Prints the bus company we felt could serve our convention the best was Mid-Co Reproductions of water color paintings of lumbia Bus Company. Most all of our legendary landmarks: business dealings with them was con ducted through Mike Blagg, manager Crossing the South Platte 13x20 ($100) of the LaGrande operations. Approaching Chimney Rock 10x15 ($85) William Henry Jackson As time went on, we not only found them very friendly and helpful to deal Independence Rock 10x1S ($85) (1843-1942) with, they helped plan some of the routes which were quite difficult be cause of either dust, comers, hills or combinations thereof. It was obvious NOW: All three for $29.95 plus $3.50 P&H their first concern was to help us plan convention trips that our participants would enjoy. Then on our trial runs, we QBBQOll'ee&Lll'OBBl4 were exposed to more of their person 'l'B&ILB A8BOCIATIOH nel and drivers and we were further P. 0. Box 1019 / 524 S. Osage St. impressed. What we didn't realize at ~I Independence, MO 64051-0519 the time was how much we also must have impressed them by talcing them along trail remnants right in their back yard which they did not know existed. The company decided that they wanted to become members of OCTA and UMATILLA INDIANS PLAN joined as a Patron $100.00 member OREGON TRAIL INTERPRETIVE CENTER ship. Then we received a letter from Douglas Flatt, one of the company vice The Confederated Tribes of the of the Tribes using the Oregon Trail as presidents who asked if they could help Umatilla Indian Reservation have been a reference point in time. sponsor our Wednesday evening open working on the development of the Or The Interpretive Center will be the ing reception and also help sponsor egon Trail Institute since 1989. It was cornerstone for tourism development Marv Ross and the Trail Band and at that time that the State sponsored on the Reservation, and is expected to Fanny. Any amount of sponsorship of Oregon Trail Advisory Council first spur approximately S22 million in pri these events of course is something we approached the Tribes regarding the vate investment for associated attrac really look forward to and it definitely possibility of locating an Oregon Trail tions. helps assure a successful convention. Interpretive Center on the Reservation. The Oregon Trail project will serve More importantly to a convention After intense scrutiny and discussion, to address Tribal goals of both cultural committee such interaction with a pri the Tribes agreed to the concept with preservation and economic develop vate company opens the door forOCfA the stipulation that they would have ment, and with its unique theme, will to show another group of individuals· complete control over the facility and make a statement for indigenous the importance of the history and heri the storyline that would be presented. peoples worldwide. tage of our trails. Mid-Columbia Bus, Plans call for a 38,000 square foot we welcome you as new members, we $13 million facility unique in its Indian feel certain you will enjoy your rela perspective of the Oregon Trail experi tionship with ocrA and we look for ence. It was agreed at a special meeting All photographs by the editor un ward to doing business with you in the of the General Council that the overall less otherwise credited. future. Dick Ackennan theme of the Center would be the story NFPOctober 1993-page 14 from Highway 30 but very difficult to Station in October, 1992. Fairbury resi • • • • continued from page 8 find when actually on the trace because dents, Estaline Carpenter and Lester the USGS map indexes. It is n of the surface geology. Additionally Jones, gave a talk and slide presenta simple process for anyone familiar with two miles of later vintage Oregon Trail tion on the trail in Jefferson county and any routes of the trails. Persons inter on three private ownerships were Nebraska. ested in doing this should contact me. marked. In June, 1993, the chapter met at --Marking three-fourths of a mile the site of the Diamond Springs Road Trail Mapping of Oregon Trail between 1-84 and Idaho Ranch west of Brule to view the Lower With the MET manual now com State Highway 81. The land is owned California Crossing of the South Platte pleted and the data base well under by State ofldaho. This trace lays within River. Trail guides, Bob Berry and way, we are seeking qualified individu a couple of miles of Marsh Creek. Randy Brown, led a hike up California als who would be willing to map vari --Moving one Trails West marker Hill. After following the trail by car ous sections of the trail according to to a more accurate position at Birch caravan, hikers walked the last part of the guidelines outlined in the MET Creek crossing of the Goose Creek Road the ridge leading to Windlass Hill. Af manual. as well as a new Trails West marker set ter lunch at Ash Hollow with Dennis higher up in Birch Creek. Shimmin, park superintendent, and a Mapping Outings and Workshops --Marking between five and six stop at the Rachel Pattison grave, the Don Buck will be leading a trail miles of Goodale's Cutoff on Idaho day ended with a hike on the Cedar mapping outing with the Southwest National Engineering Laboratory land Grove Trail. Chapter in October to field test the and public land adjacent to INEL. Past The chapter and the Douglas changes which have been made in the managers at INEL have been reluctant County Historical Society cosponsored MET manual. At the Salt Lake City to allow such marking but the INEL a program by Charles Martin on June Convention in 1994 a mapping work archaeologist paved the way for IOCTA 6, 1993, honoring National Trails Day. shop will be offered for persons inter to mark on the INEL site. On June 27, 1993, Jim Denney gave a ested in, becoming involved in trail --Participating in the construction program on Chimney Rock and other mapping activities. of the BLM kiosk in the Thousand significant points along the trail at the Springs area of Nevada as its contribu Stuhr Museum living history trails day Global Positioning System (GPS) tion to National Trails Day celebration. in Grand Island. Several individuals within OCTA --Supporting Bureau of Land The Oregon Trail Sesquicenten have been experimenting with OPS in Management's Oregon Trail teachers nial has provided an opportunity for an effort to determine if it would be of education program by furnishing chapter members to publicize the im benefit to our mapping efforts. At this IOCTA members as historic trail knowl portance of the trail and the role of stage we can't be certain if such a sys edgeable resources for the program. OCTA. Omaha radio station KKAR tem within our financial means would --Establishing a listing of mem featured Bob Berry in an interview. be accurate enough to augment our bers who are available for making Or Betty Scheinost has spoken to several mapping. egon Trail or California presentations. county genealogy and historical societ --Providing an OCTA plaque com ies in the Columbus area. Helen Sundell memorating the McAully Toll Road, provided a program for the Omaha Li which will be dedicated as part of the ons Club, and among the many groups 9.ddw.~ Peg Leg Smith Rendevous Days in addressed by Charles Martin are the IOCTA field efforts involved: Monlpelier. Western Hills Presbyterian Senior aub, --Setting an OCTA plaque and John Davis, Chapter President the Good Fellowship Club, the North fencing the three gravesites in Raft Omaha Community Club, the Westside River Oregon Trail and California Trail Kiwanis Club, P.E.O. and the D.A.R. parting of the ways vicinity. The He will also participate in a panel at the gravesite plaque was dedicated on the ~~ Nebraska Writers Literature Festival in evening of July 9 as part of the Official The Nebraska chapter sponsored Lincoln, dealing with trail diarists. Wagon Train program. The program four events during the past year. in Bob Hurst of Lincoln was instru was the effort of the gravesite land cluding two trail treks and two pro mental in placing two trail sites on the owners Lyle and Carol Woodbury. grams. All events were well attended, National Register of Historic Places, -- Marking about two miles of trail including many visitors who learned of Water Holes Ranch and Deadwood on Big Hill both on the west face and at these OCTA activities through public Draw, both located near Sidney. the canyon exit using OCTA and BLM ity in local papers, museums and li Helen Sundell, Chapter President Carsonite markers. This segment of braries. marking involved both public and pri The fall trail trek was held at Rock vate lands. A small part of the trail was Creek Station State Park and continuedonnextpage • • • • • • • not marked, as the trail is easy to spot Hollenburg Ranch and Pony Express NFP October 1993 - page 15 • • • • continued W"J,OfflW} ~ Randy Brown has completed a list NEWS FROM HEADQUARTERS of more than 3000 names inscribed along the Trail and has these on a com Jeanne Miller, Headquarters Manager puter program. Randy, along with Lee Underbrink, utilized this information to unravel and solve the puzzle of a This past summer OCTA Headquarters received an unusual gifL rock tombstone inscription proving that George L. and Anna Tilton of Spanaway, Washington have presented OCTA the person buried there died 17 years with a beautiful plaque which honors all oxen who were used on the trails. before the inscriber placed his name on The plaque, made of ash wood, is 12.S" by 21" and is framed in a unique way the rock. using no nails. It displays, under glass, a news article about oxen and their shoes, A new, higher level of cooperation and the plaque is designed to swivel to show the continuation of the article on the with the Wyoming State Highway De back; Mounted on the front of the plaque is a pair of authentic ox shoes made in partment has evolved as a result of New Hampshire. 1992's fiasco regarding the highway Mr. Tilton is a retired fine furniture maker, who has his own lumber mill. He batch plant located on top of the ruts selects and cuts trees, cures and dries the wood for his projects. He tells us he also west of South Pass. In late July the site is helping to restore the Ezra Meeker mansion in Puyallup, Washington. of the Monnon Ferry across the Platte The plaque will be displayed in the board room of OCTA Headquarters in Casper was marked with a plaque building. and dedication. Things do change- presently on this site is a city of Casper sports complex. * * * * * * * * * * * A vigorous effort is underway in Casper and throughout Wyoming to build a National Historic Trails Inter NEW MATERIALS AVAILABLE FROM OCTA pretive Center in Casper. The City of Casper has donated land on a hill north of the Platte River overlooking the val Fort Boise to the Blue Mountain Crossing: Tours on th9 Oregon Trail ley. From here one can see the route of This is the tour guide booklet from the Balcer City Convention. It contains 27 the Trail south of the Platte River, the pages of commentary and 11 pages of maps site of the Mormon Ferry directly un Spiral Bound $6.00 derneath the Interpretive Center site the P&H 2.00 Platte Bridge location further upstream; and the reconstructed Platte Bridge Sta tion (later renamed Fort Caspar). The Wagons West: Trail Tales 1848 by Robert Shellenberger· BLM is a prime partner in this enter Reviewed in the OJ ( 11: 1) Written for the elementary schoolage reader, this prise and hopes to obtain money from is an engaging and informative story of one family's trek westward on the eve of Congress. The biggest letdown to date the great Gold Rush. has been the failure to secure any funds paperback $9.95 from the State of Wyoming to help this P&H 3.00 Interpretive Center become a reality. Frank "Pinky" Ellis, Chapter President A Road from El Dorado: The 1848 Trail Journal of Ephriam Green edited by Will Bagley Reviewed in the OJ (10:3) This book is a journal which deals with a journey --- and~ --- of some members of the Mormon Battalion from California to Salt Lake City. The real wmic which makes this book outstanding is the work of the editor who starts After eight pages of facts and figures, with events leading up to their discharge and this eastbound journey. our Treasurer, Jim Budde reports: paperback $10.00 P&H 3.00 OCTA~ All books are avallable from OCTA. Remember • 10% off book ~wund! prices for OCTA members. Postage and handling • $3 for first book, $1 each addltlonal book. NFP October 1993 - page 16 The video everyone's ta.lld.ng about.. . . . is now available in a shorter, more-affordable version TIIE STORY OF TIIE ORB001'1 'l·RAII- The Story ofthe Oregon Trail is a condensed version of the classic four-part video series titled The Oregon Trail. This shorter tape is perfect for those with a limited budget, and makes a great gift too. Only reated by an Emmy-winning producer, The Story of the Oregon Trail is a fascinating $J.9.95t television documentary. Three-years in the ~ making, this one-hourvideo tells the complete story of the great trek to the Willamette Valley. Included are hundreds of rare photos and paintings Prom an Emmy from the Trail's glory years-as well as live footage winning producer of the untouched, scenic beauty that still exists along much of the route. Interspersed throughout the film are excerpts from pioneer diaries and comments from the Trail's top historians. Most important, A full one-hour historical accuracy was never compromised. (Running time: 1-hour) in.length The co1:1plete story on A longer, more in-depth aud10 cassette ... version of the video above ... The Story of the Oregon Trail The Oregon Trail (Audio Cassette) Episode J.: Begbudnga Episode 2: Acroaa the Plains In your car or at home, listen to the complete story Episode 3: Through the Rockie• of the great western trek on audio cassette. History Episode 4: The Final Steps comes alive as our narrator takes you on a 2,000-mile This 4-tape expanded version is perfect for those who want a more journey along the Trail. On the way, you'll hear detailed look at the western migration. This complete history includes: selections from pioneer diaries, commentary from renowned historians, and authentic sounds of the Trail Lewis and Clark • The Ascorians • The Whitmans • The Great Migration • Reasons behind the journey • Political overtones • Preparations for the trek • so real you'll think you've stepped back in time! Oxen vs. Mules • Daily life on the Trail • Death and Hardship • Encounters This audio cassette contains the same information with Native American tribes • Buffalo • Cutoffs and alternate routes • The as our videotapes, but it's much more "portable" and less Mormon trek • 49ers on the Trail • Role of the British • Settling in • Plus, expensive. Best of all, it's historically accurate, fast background on all the important sites along the way-from Independence, paced, and fun-a great family learning experience. (A Missouri to Ft. Vancouver. 2 hours total length ($49.95) full 90 minutes in length) ONLY $9.95 r.------, To order Call toll-free: 1.-800-473•2238 (Visa and Mastercard accepted) OR use the order form below: I Ouancitv Price Subtotal I I The Stor\' of the Oregon Trail. (1-HOUR VIDEO) $19.95 Name I Address I The Storv· of the Oregon Trail . (AUDIO CASSETTE) $9.95 I I The Orc~on Trail (4-TAPE VIDEO SET) $49.95 City/State/Zip I I sh·1pping. · . $Z .95 Make check payable to Boettcher/Trinklein.,.-...._..... _._ Send to: J I Boettcher,&~---- I I Grand Total: 1881 N. :l"ootlllD Road I L ------ldallo------~ :ran. m 83401. NFP October 1993 -page 17 vatedforthecenter, planned for comple CHIMNEY ROCK DEDICATION tion in late 1994. The event was well by Merrill J. Mattes covered by TV and state newspapers. While in the historic Platte Valley, I made medicine on two other fronts. Lawrence Sommer, new Director On the afternoon of the 11th, Larry of the Nebraska State Historical Soci Reed, new Superintendent of Scotts ety, sent Clare and me an invitation to Bluff NM, joined me in a quick tour of attend the long awaited dedication of famous Robidoux Pass (not part of the planned site of the Chimney Rock SBNM, but should be). Robidoux Pass Visitor Center and Museum in western is where the Oregon Trailran up through Nebraska, scheduled for June 12. We 1850 to cross over the Scotts Bluffs quickly accepted, not only to partici looped chain. Mitchell Pass within pate in this historic event, but to pay a SBNM was not opened for use until nostalgic visit to nearby Scotts Bluff 1851, when the California Gold Rush National Monument, where I spent my became the main overland event At first ten years with the National Park the time of our visit OCTA trail mark Service, and in the vicinity of which all ers erected by Randy Brown were in three of our boys were born. Also, I place both at Robidoux Pass and within have been a member of the NSHS for SBNM, but interpretive signs supposed nearly 60 years, ever since 1935 when to be provided by the Seattle Office of then NSHS Superintendent A. E. the NPS were nowhere to be seen. Sheldon hunted me up in my Gering, On the 13th, on the way to Denver NE office, and extracted $2 from me to with Warren, our oldest boy who is a become a member of the NSHS. (In high school teacher in Omaha, and his 1966, before my transfer from Omaha wife Carmen, we paid the obligatory to San Francisco, I became a Life Mem visit to the historic shrine known as ber of the NSHS.) Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Above: Me"ill Mattes wore his OCTA As Regional Historian in Omaha I Here another part of my heart is to be sweatshirt to the Chimney Rock found, as it's first "Acting Custodian" did the research work and wrote up the dedication. photo by Clare Mattes justification for recognition of Chim (out ofSBNM),Regional Historian out ney Rock as a National Historic Site. Prior to the dedication Clare and I of Omaha, and Chief of Historic Pres Also, before getting transferred to San attended a barbecue for invited guests ervation out of Denver in the research, Francisco I completed my manuscript at the Oregon Trail Ranch, 1 1/2 miles preservation and restoration of the ven for my Great Platte River Road, pub distant from Chimney Rock, owned by erable historic buildings that survive lished by the Nebraska SHS in 1967, OCTA member Gordon Howard who there, from 1849 to abandonment in and now in its 4th edition. In this book takes people on covered wagon trail 1890. is one whole chapter on ''Chimney tours. The Charlie Martins and OCT A Rock, Eighth Wonder of the World." Nebraska Chapter's Helen Sundell were among others present. We drove to the dedication site 1'. NEWS FROM THE PLAINS about l/2 mile due east of the Chim Utt£ is published quarterly by the Oregon ney. Less than half of the crowd of total @©'il~ ©@mw@aoll~@~ California Trails Association, P.O. Box over 200 were able to get seats in the 1019, Independence, MO 64051-0519. $®~1 il.@!k~ enw11 :1n:m~ tent at the site, but the weather was The Association disclaims any re coolandacoommodatingtostandees. sponsibility for statements or facts or Utti With Mr. Sommerpresiding, there were opinions expressed in signed contribu @!I'@~~ l1l®In1W11 tions. The Association is not respon introductions of a few luminaries such ta@~ll'©l81k@I sible for unsolicited manuscripts, pho as the Governor of Nebraska, legisla tographs, artwork, or other materials tors, and a variety of state and local u,,, submitted for editorial consideration. citizens who headed up or contributed ]Jae@. INl@W Why the big smiles? Because these of Land Management, and the Idaho ery, Linda Cook, BLM archeologist folks have just completed the marking National Engineering Laboratory, the Dick Hill, INEL. Archeologist Sue of an eighteen mile segment of last unmarked portion of the 53 miles Miller, East Idaho historian Quincy Goodale's Cutoff from Big Southern of nearly continuous Cutoff ruts from Jensen, and Fred Dykes (not in photo Butte, seen in the background of this near Springfield to near Arco was graph). There is no OCTA decal on the photograph. On May 21 and 22, in a signed at quarter mile intervals. marker because the supply had all been joint effort of the Idaho Chapter of The Those participating, from left to used. Teakettle Butte is in the near back Oregon-California Trails Association, right, are Bill Wilson, Ralph Thornton, ground. the Idaho Falls District of the Bureau Linda Montgomery, Gary Montgom- ROSS MARSHALL IS MAJORS HOUSE DIRECTOR Ross Marshall, OCTA's immedi Fe Trail, Pony Express, Oregon Trail, initial thrust toward prosperity. ate past-president, became the first full and stagecoach lines," Ross stated. The Majors House, built in 1856, time Executive Director of the Alexander Majors and his freight is listed on the National Register of Alexander Majors House and Museum ing firm, Russell, Majors. Waddell, are Historic Places. Restored in 1984, the in Kansas City, Missouri on June l, responsible for establishing Kansas house stands in a 5 acre park in the 1993. City's commercial destiny along with heart of Kansas City. "I am excited to be involved with the foundation and principles on which During your next visit to OCTA not only preserving the House and site, the west was built. Majors western Headquarters in Independence, plan a but the heritage of Alexander Majors. freighting operation was instrumental visit to the historic Majors House. It is He was involved in not only local his in attracting governmental and private located at 8201 State Line Road; the tory, but was a leader in the westward shippers to unload goods at Westport telephone number is (816) 333-5556. expansion of our country, on the Santa Landing and this gave Kansas City its Ross will be glad to see you. NFP October 1993 - page 19 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage OBBGOH•CALll'OIUOA TI\AIUI ASSOCIATION PAID lndep.MO P.O. Box 1019 / Independence MO 64051-0S19 Permil No. 244