Published for members of the State Historical Society March 2018 Volume 65, Number 2 Heard INDIAN EDUCATION FOR ALL on the Thanks to the new Indian Edu- through 12th grade. Some of the cation For All law passed by the changes are substantial. Historical Legislature in March 2017, histo- The Wyoming Board of Educa- Trail ry, civics and social studies stu- tion was slated to get its first look dents across Wyoming will soon at the draft Feb. 15. The draft will be learning more about their be available for public comment The National Council for History neighbors on the Wind River Res- soon, after which those comments Education recently announced that ervation and about other tribes of go back to the board for rejection, WSHS member Sam Mihara has the region, too. The law mandates approval or some other option. been named the winner of the Paul that the Wyoming Department of Check back next month for news A. Gagnon Prize as the 2018 His- Education, in consultation with on how to comment. New stand- tory Educator of the Year. This the Eastern Shoshone and North- ards may be in place as soon as prestigious award is given to an ern Arapaho tribes, review and, if the start of the 2018-2019 school individual who has made a signifi- necessary, revise the standards to year. Teachers would then have cant contribution to history educa- better address the cultural herit- two or three years to put them in- tion. Sam received the award for age, history and contemporary to practice. his work lecturing around the contributions of Native Ameri- The law also requires the state country about his imprisonment as cans. to link to resources on the depart- a child at Heart Mountain Intern- Last spring and summer, the ment’s web site to help school ment Camp during World War II. department assembled a commit- districts meet the new stand- Sam will be in Sheridan and Buf- tee of two dozen people to review ards—but the Legislature set falo in March. To invite Sam to the standards and draft suggested aside no funds to develop curricu- your area contact him via email at revisions. Most, but not all, were lum. That effort is being left up to [email protected]. You Wyoming educators and around individual school districts—or to can also view his website at half were Shoshone or Arapaho. other organizations willing to step www.sammihara.com. Tom Rea, editor of WyoHisto- up. Wyoming PBS, for example, “From Gators to Buffalo Robes” ry.org, represented the Wyoming in 2016, developed a series of was the topic of a program hosted State Historical Society on the short videos on tribal culture and by the Hot Springs County His- committee. history, together with lesson plans torical Society earlier this month. Over the course of two-day written by Native educators. Thermopolis native Merlin Heinze meetings the panel concentrated WyoHistory.org is also develop- and his wife Barbara have devel- mainly on the social study stand- ing new content on Wyoming’s oped a very successful business ards and on the history and cul- Indian history, together with new worldwide that comes from tan- ture of the two tribes on Wind digital toolkits for classroom use. ning natural hides and furs. River, Wyoming’s only Indian For more details about this plan reservation. The panel suggested you can visit with Tom Rea at (Continued on page 3) changes at all levels, kindergarten [email protected].

Wyoming History News March 2018

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE tive known as “Visit Philadelphia” was established to foster Philadelph- Doug Cubbison, President, NW Rep. From the [email protected] ia as a visitor destination through Leslie Waggener, 1st VP, At Large President. . . focused investments in historic sites [email protected] and museums, combined with an Jane Gebhart, 2nd VP, At Large innovative marketing strategy. The [email protected] Dear friends, results were staggering. In twenty Carl Hallberg, Secretary, At Large Energy has years, tourist visits to Philadelphia [email protected] been historical- nearly doubled. Spending from these Rick Robbins, Treasurer, SE Rep ly, is currently, visitors generated $10.7 billion in [email protected] and will doubt- economic activity, supported more Lisa Thalken, At Large [email protected] less remain in than 93,000 jobs, and generated $612 Jonita Sommers, SW Rep the future the pillar of the Cowboy million in state and local taxes. This [email protected] State’s economy. However, Tourism is the power of heritage tourism. Sylvia Bruner, NE Rep. is our state’s second largest econom- To maximize heritage tour- [email protected] ic contributor. The prosperity, or ism dollars, guests must be offered John Shields, At Large (Out of State) lack thereof, of petroleum, coal and sufficient venues and amenities to [email protected] natural gas is in large measure driven encourage them to remain overnight. by the international commodities A Family Group day visit generates Executive Secretary and Editor market…resulting in thirteen boom a mere $90.00, while an overnight Linda Fabian, 322-3014 and thirteen bust cycles since state- stay brings $320.00 into a communi-

All correspondence, membership hood! As recently as February 12, ty ….and these are 1996 dollars! issues and questions 2018 Governor Matt Mead told law- Simply attracting a handful of cars should be addressed to: makers “the state's current budget off the interstate highways overnight, challenges shouldn't prevent spend- every day, can make a significant Wyoming State Historical Society ing … to help diversify the state contribution to our small-town econ- Linda Fabian, Executive Secretary economy from its heavy dependence omies! To achieve such economic P. O. Box 247 on the energy industry.” Unfortu- benefits, public private partnerships Wheatland, WY 82201 nately, in times of economic duress, must be established that invest in the knee-jerk reaction is to cut in- Wyoming’s historic sites, parks and Preferably via email to [email protected] vestments in historic sites, parks and museums; rather than denuding our museums in a misguided attempt to state of these irreplaceable and ex- reduce budgets. Governor Mead’s tremely vulnerable treasures that own proposed budget called for a have the potential to unleash eco- The Wyoming State Histor- reduction in State Parks and Cultural nomic prosperity by attracting tour- ical Society, a non-profit, Resources alone of four staff posi- ists off the interstates and into our membership driven organ- tions and approximately three mil- communities. ization, encourages the lion dollars. Currently, the City of As President of the Society, study of Wyoming history. Casper is contemplating seasonally I am attempting to visit every one of closing the Fort Caspar Museum, our chapters this year, permitting me We believe to study the one of the nation’s top ten western to personally explore the full past is to understand the museums. Thus, our state’s econo- breadth, diversity and strength of present and prepare for my, already battered and buffeted by heritage tourism sites throughout our the future. Our vision is to the turbulent energy market, is being communities. If you know of such a insure that Wyoming’s further eviscerated by self-inflicted site, or a historic preservation fo- wounds. cused business that you feel I should past remains accessible to In 1996, the City of Phila- discover, or needs publicity or sup- present and future genera- delphia, Pennsylvania faced a similar port, please let Linda or me know. tions. challenge. Although Philadelphia’s population is three times larger than Until Next Time, the entire Cowboy State, its tourism Doug predicament was identical- it was treated as a “drive-by city” by east- ern tourists, much as western tourists Visit www.wyshs.org and “like” drive past Wyoming’s communities us on Facebook on their way to Yellowstone or Grand Teton. A public-private initia-

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Wyoming History News March 2018

(Heard on the Trail continued from page 1) Laramie. The event will also fea- WSHS/WCC Historical Society ture an overview of the work by member Dr. Jess Clark is assist- Alexander Gardner, a photogra- ing in a tour to commemorate the pher during the 1860s. 75th Anniversary of D-Day in the The Historic Bishop Home in summer of 2019. Enrollment is Casper enjoyed a successful Val- required by February 28, 2018. entine’s Day Tea, and are working www.efcst.com/2100429CV. on future events. The historic The Exchange Both the Platte County and home is available for rental for Natrona County Historical Soci- small groups, lunches and events. WILLARD ELEMENTARY eties enjoyed a program by You can also schedule a tour. For SCHOOL: WSHS member WSHS president Doug Cubbison additional details call 237-2443 or Mary Lynn Corbett is gathering about Indian Doughboys in the [email protected]. historical information on the Great War. WSHS board member The Converse County Histori- Willard School in Natrona Coun- Lisa Thalken also shared infor- cal Society recently toured the ty. If you have memories or ma- mation about the Society’s Stagecoach Museum in Lusk. If terials to share please contact Emerging Historians initiative at you haven’t visited that museum Mary Lynn at 234-2009. the same program. Doug will be make time to do so. The group’s JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: The visiting the Fremont County Emerging historians will host Alliance for Historic Wyoming is Historical Society on March the second annual Prohibition Par- seeking a part-time Executive Di- 11th, and the Albany County ty fundraiser at the Headstrong rector. For details visit Historical Society on March Brewery on March 29th. Plan to www.HistoricWyoming.org. 20th. On April 24th he’ll be visit- attend and have some fun condu- SESQUICENTENNIAL: ing the Goshen County Histori- cive to the period! For details Several community organizations cal Society in Torrington. contact Lisa Thalken at 307-797- are planning events around WSHS board member Sylvia 2493 or [email protected]. Laramie’s 150th anniversary. For Bruner presented a talk recently The history of Bedford and details email [email protected]. to the Campbell County Histori- Turnerville will be the topic of Watch Wyoming History News for cal Society about The Bomber in discussion for the Star Valley details as they unfold. The Alba- the Big Horns, a 1943 crash of a Historical Society on April 19th. ny County Historical Society B-17 in the Cloud Peak Wilder- For details call 885-9259. invites you to visit their website at ness. WSHS member and past presi- www.wyoachs.com. The Johnson County Histori- dent, Rick Ewig, was the guest cal Society recently enjoyed a speaker at a recent meeting of the program titled “The Finding of Laramie County Historical So- the Thornburgh Wagon Trail,” by ciety. He spoke about the influ- archaeologist, Colin Ferriman. ence of Fort D.A. Russell and WSHS members John Davis Camp Carlin on Cheyenne. At and John Waggener have been their April meeting they’ll hear enjoying book tours across the from Ellen Thompson who will state. John D. recently spoke at talk about Wyoming’s POWs. Western Wyoming Community The Fort Bridger Historical College about his book The Trial Association will host the 23rd of Tom Horn, and John W. has Annual Jim Bridger Birthday Cel- been a guest of various chapters ebration on March 18th. Email speaking about his book The [email protected] for details. AWARD NOMINATIONS: Snow Chi Minh Trail. The Homesteader’s Museum in The new Awards Manual is avail- WSHS member Tom Rea, pro- Torrington will host “The Way able by emailing lin- ject director of WyoHistory.Org, We Worked,” a travelling exhibit [email protected] or going to the So- will be a guest panelist at the from the Smithsonian Institution ciety’s website. Deadline to sub- Brinton Museum on April 14th. through March 18th. mit nominations is April 30. The topic will be the 150th Anni- versary of the Treaty of Fort

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Wyoming History Calendar Through March 18-Torrington. “The Way We April 9—Laramie. Wyoming History Day compe- Worked,” an exhibit sponsored by the Smithsonian tition. Judges needed. Contact Jessica Flock at Institute. Call 532-5612. [email protected]. February 28— Deadline to receive Homsher Re- April 14-Big Horn. Treaty of Fort Laramie Sym- search Grant Applications. See WSHS website for posium sponsored by The Brinton Museum. To details. register call 672-3172. February 28—Deadline to sign up for D-Day Tour April 19-Afton. A program about Bedford & taking place in 2019. See page 3. Turnerville history. Call 885-9259 for details. March 3– Casper. WSHS Executive Committee April 21-Cheyenne. Laramie County Historical Quarterly Meeting. Email [email protected] for Society will host a program about Wyoming’s details. POWs. For details email [email protected]. March 11— Hudson. WSHS president Doug Cub- April 24-Torrington. WSHS president Doug Cub- bison will speak at a meeting of the Fremont Coun- bison will speak at a meeting of the Goshen County ty Historical Society. Historical Society. March 14—Sheridan. WSHS member Sam Miha- April 26—Casper. Natrona County Historical So- ra will be the guest speaker, Call 675-1150 for de- ciety’s spring banquet. For details email tails. Sponsored in part by the Sheridan County [email protected]. Historical Society. April 30—Deadline to submit nominations for So- March 15—Buffalo. WSHS member Sam Mihara ciety’s Awards program. Nominate someone now. will be the guest speaker . For details call 684- Contact [email protected] for manual, or view cate- 9331. Sponsored in part by the Jim Gatchell Muse- gories online at www.wyshs.org. um. June 29-July 1-Fort Bridger. The Society’s annu- March 16—Gillette. WSHS member Sam Mihara al Trek will be hosted by the Fort Bridger Historical will be the guest speaker. Sponsored in part by the Association. Watch for details. Campbell County Historical Society. July 26-Heart Mountain. Annual Pilgrimage. March 18-Fort Bridger. The 23rd Annual Jim Early registration begins February 1. Visit Bridger birthday Celebration. For details email www.heartmountain.org for details. [email protected]. March 20-Laramie. WSHS president Doug Cubbi- Laramie turns 150 years old in May, 2018. son will speak at a meeting of the Albany County Watch for details! Historical Society. Call 766-5652 for details. March 29-Douglas. Prohibition Party fundraiser sponsored by the Converse County Historical Soci- Note: All phone numbers are Area Code 307 ety and Emerging Historians. For tickets call Lisa at 797-2493.

Wyoming History News welcomes information about events of interest to the general membership and others. Information should be sent at least a month in advance and should reach the WHN editor by the 15th. Send items to [email protected] On the Book Shelf….

WSHS member Kathy Ogle of Cheyenne recently authored this delight- ful book titled Rudy Mudra: Master Saddlemaker. Her work explores the changes to saddlemaking over a period of 77 years, and the saddle- maker’s personal history. Kathy grew up riding a Rudy Mudra saddle, where countless hours of her childhood were spent riding horses on her family’s cattle and horse ranch on the Wyoming and border. This book is available from local booksellers or online.

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Wyoming History News March 2018

On the Book Shelf…. (continued) Due to the overwhelming demand of WSHS member John Waggener’s first edition of Snow Chi Minh Trail: The History of Interstate 80, the Society has published a second revised edition. This new edition expands upon the first edi- tion with updated information and some ALL NEW information made available to, or discovered by, the author after the first edition was released. The book retails for $24.95 plus applicable sales tax and postage. The book is available at LOCAL bookstores statewide or by contacting the Society at [email protected].

WSHS member Bob Audretsch, and retired National Park Service ranger, has devoted himself full time to researching and writing about the CCC. Currently liv- ing in Lakewood, , the author is proud to an- nounce the release of Volume I, The Civilian Conser- vation Corp in Colorado: 1933-1942. Bob has a life- long interest in history, natures, books, and art, and has written numerous publications in those fields. This book can be purchased by visiting your local bookseller or online.

WSHS member Bill Hill of Centereach, NY recently announced the republishing of The California Trail: Yesterday and Today. Bill enjoys the history of the West, Wyoming and the historical trails. He said, “Even though I live in the east, my heart is in the west!” This book shares details of the rush to get to California during the mid-to late 1800s. To purchase the book contact the author at [email protected], or

Along the Sylvan Trail, by WSHS member Julianne Couch, and published by Sa- strugi Press (Jackson), is the author’s first novel. One review noted, “….(this book) makes one wish that the landscape were real and that one could meet the characters in real life.” Another said, “The author writes with effortless poise about characters negotiating lives for themselves…” The book can by purchased from local booksellers or online.

Two recent releases by WSHS member Mark Stratmoen from Riverton are Finding Undetermined, and Wyoming Coroners and the Law. Mark is the elected Coroner for Fremont County, and worked as a medical-legal death in- vestigator for 18 years. He has written several books and he delights in bringing details of his work to life (so to speak). These books can be purchased at your local bookseller or online. You can also contact the author by visiting his website at www.markstratmoen.com.

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The Saga of Medicine Bow, Wyoming sub- nor Nels H. Smith. The ranch is still there. Many mitted by WSHS member Alan Gates explorers came to the Bow, including Kit Carson Alice and Alfred Gates moved to Wyoming (scout and guide), and Butch Cassidy who was a in 1926 and first settled on the southern edge of the frequent visitor. Snowy Range southwest of Laramie, Wyoming. The Elk Mountain Community had a popu- They moved from Colorado when Alfred acquired lar dance hall featuring big bands from the era. work as a manager for the fox Park Timber compa- Some were Lawrence Welk, Billy May and many ny. others. It was rumored that the dance floor had rail- The family rented a house in Laramie where road springs underneath which made the floor jump the fourth son (Alan) was born in 1929. Shortly up and down as people danced. That dance hall thereafter Alfred opened a grocery store in Medi- (The Garden Spot Pavilion) was owned by a Mark cine Bow, the Bow River Cash Store. The building Jackson from Hanna who organized a big band that still stands and became many types of business, a played all over the country, including the KOA ra- pool hall, a dance hall, a rock shop and others. dio station in Denver When the depression hit in 1929, many local My mother went to college in Greeley, Col- families could not pay their bills or buy groceries. orado and became a well-known reporter who took This resulted in the store closing and many busi- pictures of everything. She was a published poet, nesses in town collapsed writer and musical director/teacher. She taught Alice Gates was educated at the State over 100 students the piano, guitar and other things. Teachers college in Greeley, Colorado and she was When she died in 1981 I inherited all her items and the first person to own cameras. She started taking have written a book titled “The Saga of Medicine pictures while living in Colorado continuing to Wy- Bow,” which contains pictures of the area beginning oming. Alice became a published author, poet and in 1868. A group of locals have formed a commit- painter, and many photographs still exist. tee dedicated to bringing back the nostalgia and ex- There has been so much history around the citement of the area. To contact us please call Alan area and so many historical happenings took place. Gates at 365-8094, Jeanette Fisher, 365-8094, Cindi One being the author Owen Wister who was writing Chace, 365-8094, or Scotty and Vicki Vernone, 379 the book The Virginian while sleeping on a counter -2377. in the store on the south side of UPRR which is also (Editor’s Note: Thanks to Alan for submitting still there. There were several situations that took this compilation. He encourages you to contact him place close by. Two local law enforcement officers if you have information that would be of interest to were instrumental in apprehending Bill Carlisle (the the local effort). last lone train robber). Bill was imprisoned at the Territorial Prison. Big Nose George also had a rep- utation of robbing banks, trains and murdering folks. The two Medicine Bow lawmen (who had served in World War I) were part of the posse that captured him and hung him to a tree about ten miles west of the Bow. There was a petrified forest north of town which was an area where Uranium was found. East of Medicine Bow a dinosaur graveyard was discov- ered by local ranchers after which they built a house along the dirt highway (The Lincoln Highway, Highway 30). The house was written up by Robert Ripley who wrote stories and called it “Believe it or Not.” Ripley said it was the oldest house in the world (because it was made from dinosaur fossils). About three miles east of Medicine Bow there was a ranch called “Robbers Roost” which became a hiding place for criminals. Whey my family first Owen Wister, author of “The Virginian” moved to the Bow the ranch was owned by Gover-

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Wyoming History News March 2018 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND THANK YOU DONORS At Large WWCC Historical Society Robert Orr , Boulder, CO David Tate, Rock Springs Jackie Byrd, Casper Bridger Van Deburg, Rock Springs Rick Hollis, Casper Philip Parne II, Rock Springs CMI Joseph Plessner USN, Keller, TX Lorretta Hopkins, Bryans Road, MD Esley Hamilton, St. Louis MO Wyoming Historical Foundation Janet Gregory, Groveland CA Beth and Jim Meteer, Wildwood, MO Tim Evans and Eileen Starr, Bowling Green KY Mike and Peggy Jording, Newcastle Ken Barbe, Casper Mr. and Mrs. Scott Alston, Tulare, CA John Thorburn, Buffalo Deryl Novak, Encampment Henry Oliver, Ashland OR Barbara Abrahamic, Albany NY Robert Audretsch, Lakewood CO Laramie County Historical Society Lynne Sadler, Dundee OR in memory of Lois Mottoes John Monnett, Lafayette CO Col. Frank Bartonella, Ret., Kerrville TX Peggy Bromley, Sandy OR Michael Krampner, Silver spring MD Henry Oliver, Ashland OR Albany County Historical Society Jim Carlson, Powel Tammie Sims, McFadden William Hill, Centereach NY Terry Winchell, Jackson WY Converse County Historical Society David Argenbright and Johnna Shepherd, Douglas Bob and Vickie Winney, Douglas WyoHistory.Org Richelle Balcazar, Douglas Gregory Rea, Montgomery Village MD John Sullivan, Douglas Lynn Houze, Cody

Crook County Historical Society Wyoming History Day Vernon Davis, Beulah Pinky and Jackie Ellis in memory of Mary Larson Goshen County Historical Society Deb Davidson and Jerry Tomayer, Yoder Jennifer Lannier, Fort Laramie Special thanks to the Wyoming Historical Founda- Marilyn Pettit, Torrington tion Board of Directors for their continuing efforts Vickie Zimmer, Torrington in fundraising. If you have questions or concerns please contact Charlene Busk, WCF Treasurer, at Johnson County Historical Society [email protected] or call her at Stephen Birbeck, Buffalo 685-6997. Foundation board members are: John Taffner, Buffalo Robert Melonuk, President Rick Ewig, Vice President Natrona County Historical Society Charlene Busk, Treasurer Benny Alcala, Casper Linda Fabian, Secretary John Waggener Park County Historical Society Joe Fabian Catherine Laughner, Big Sky, MT Dave Kathka Michele Hemry, Cody Pinky Ellis Jack Cash, Cody Judy Musgrave Dave Taylor Platte County Historical Society Ronald Green and Ellie Behrmann, Guernsey

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Non-Profit Organization Wyoming State Historical Society U.S. Postage P.O. Box 247 PAID Wheatland, WY 82201 Cheyenne, Wyoming 82009 Permit No. 71

• Save the date: Trek June 29th-July 1. Address Service Requested • Inside this edition: The Saga of Medicine Bow

In Memory... Our condolences to the family of WSHS/Natrona County Historical Society member Mary Larson who died in Casper on January 21st. Mary worked as a sec- retary at Mountain View and Willard schools for many years. She is remembered as an important, influential, kind, fun, caring and wonderful woman. Memorials to the Society’s Foundation and/or History Day have been requested by her family. Also to the family of Adelyn Fraley, a member of the WSHS/Park County His- torical Society. Adelyn died on February 3 in Cody at the beautiful age of 104. She claimed her secret to longevity was garlic. Adelyn loved history and shared it by demonstrating the different hats people wore for various occupations. Long-time WSHS/Converse County Historical Society member, John Pexton, died on December 25th in Douglas. John was a lifelong resident of Douglas, a proud member of the Society, and past president of the chapter. John served in the United States Army during World War II, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. And to the family of WSHS member George Cottingham of Greeley, Colorado. George died in an oil field accident on November 24th. He loved Wyoming history and would participate in as many events as possible. Gay Day Alcorn Clark, a WSHS member since 1977, died in Saratoga on December 7th. Gay loved history, and shared it through her writing. A seasoned traveler, Gay often said that researching history took her from cabins to castles. Gay was a past recipient of the Society’s Homsher Research Grant, and most recently was writing a pictorial history about the pioneer women of the Saratoga and Encampment Valley.

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