Wyoming History News November-December 2011
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Published for members of the Wyoming State Historical Society November-December 2011 Volume 58, Number 10 Heard First Annual Convergence Successful! on the More than 100 people from across Wyoming „converged‟ on Cody the first weekend of October. Sponsored by the Wyoming Department Historical of State Parks & Cultural Resources, the purpose of the conference was to leverage efforts by Wyoming‟s creative, cultural and historical re- Trail sources. Participants represented a broad range of individuals whose interests ranged from art to libraries to local and state history to educa- The Sheridan County Historical Society tion and business. The topics were geared toward increasing coopera- recently enjoyed a program about the his- tive planning across communities and to gain an understanding of what tory of the old Sheridan High School, our common goals are. The information was valuable in that we had presented by Richard Urbatchka. The an opportunity to listen to what others are doing in their communities school was built in 1925 and was used as — what some of the challenges are that they face, and whether or not both a Junior High and High School. Mr. cumulative efforts could be taken to a higher level for the good of the Urbatchka was a teacher there for ten whole. Participants were able to share resources, learn from others and years before moving to the new Sheridan generate partnerships to improve statewide cultural outreach. It was High School nine years ago. generally agreed that by pooling our efforts we all have a better chance Congratulations to Boy Scout Brandon at success —- whether it be with legislative matters, or just helping oth- Jaggi of Lyman who is working to pre- ers learn the value of what is commonly termed „quality of life‟ issues. serve the cornerstone markers of the orig- UW president, Dr. Tom Buchanan, kicked things off, followed by a inal boundaries of Fort Bridger as par of keynote speech by Dr. Pete Simpson. One of many highlights was lis- his Eagle project. So far Brandon has lo- tening to what other communities are doing. More than nineteen com- cated all four markers and preserved munity „bright spots‟ were featured, including our own Tom Rea who three of the cornerstones. spoke about the Society‟s WyoHistory.org project. The topics were At this year‟s OCTA conference sever- presented in a fast-fire method, all having only five minutes each to talk al WSHS members were recognized for about and/or show what is happening locally and statewide that draws their efforts. Green River‟s Fern Linton attention to these types of resources. Several panels were held, led by served as convention co-chair; Rob and individuals with a wide range of experience, with the focus on what is Martha Hellyer, along with Clint cultural heritage tourism, and how can you discover what your commu- Gilchrist, all from Lander, received the nity‟s creative vitality is. Tours were provided to the Buffalo Bill His- Friend of the Trail Award. Dr. Phil Rob- torical Center, the brand new and very powerful Interpretive Learning erts received the Educator Award, and Center at Heart Mountain, the historic Irma Hotel and the Buffalo Bill Sam Drucker of Pinedale received the Dam. Discussions are continuing about where we go from here. In the Distinguished Service Award. And, meantime you can learn more by going to Pinky Ellis retired from the board just in www.convergencewyoming.com. Conference materials, audio presen- time to be appointed to the Society‟s tations and PowerPoint presentations are on the site now. Thank you to Foundation Board of Directors! everyone who attended, and especially to those who worked so hard to (continued on page 3) make the conference a success and reinforcing that there is power in numbers. Wyoming History News November-December 2011 Wyoming State Historical Society It has been a busy year for the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Society and its chapters. You are From the Rick Ewig, President, SE Rep, all doing a great job of preserving 766-6385,[email protected] President. and promoting your local history. Mary Kelley, 1st VP, NE Rep, 685-1231 Many of the chapters are in the [email protected] nd process of taking this time to re- Judy Musgrave, 2 VP, At-Large Dear friends, view their bylaws. It would be 751-1919, [email protected] Charlene Busk, Secretary, helpful if you would mail a copy At Large, 685-6997 Due to a death in of your bylaws to Society head- [email protected] my family I was quarters at P. O. Box 247, Wheat- Jeremy Johnston, Treasurer, unable to attend land, WY 82201. Considering NW Rep, 754-9689 the recent [email protected] that chapter officers constantly Russ Tanner, SW Rep, 382-5765 “Convergence change it is a good idea to have a [email protected] Conference” in copy of your bylaws on file and Joe Fabian, At-Large, 331-2586 Cody. However, I‟ve heard noth- readily available should you need [email protected] ing but good things resulting from them. Pam Thompson, At-Large, 896-6101 the event, including methods we [email protected] By now the chapter treasurers Tamsen Hert, At-Large, 460-3135, can all use to leverage our cultur- have received the year-end finan- [email protected] al efforts to develop thriving cial report form required by the communities. If you would like Internal Revenue Service. These Executive Secretary and Editor to participate in a continuing dis- are due to headquarters no later Linda Fabian, 322-4237 lin- cussion please e-mail [email protected] than November 15th. If you have [email protected]. any questions about how to fill All correspondence, membership It‟s that time of year when we out the form, or why you need to, issues and questions start to think about giving. I please call our accountant‟s office should be addressed to: know that there are so many or- and ask for Amy Stoneking. Her Wyoming State Historical Society ganizations and interests out there Linda Fabian, Executive Secretary phone number is 234-7800. P. O. Box 247 vying for your donations, but Thank you all for your kind Wheatland, WY 82201 please consider the Wyoming condolences upon the death of my State Historical Society- sister, Lindi. Wyoming Historical Foundation long-term endowment. Your The Wyoming State contribution will aid the Society Rick Historical Society’s in its work to present and pre- vision is to insure serve Wyoming history by pro- tecting the Society‟s long-term that Wyoming’s past sustainability. The endowment‟s remains accessible to goal is to raise $100,000 over a present and future two-year period of time. Accord- generations. ing to Foundation president, Mike The Society’s mission Jording, more than $10,000 has been raised so far. is to educate, support Many of the chapters have ei- and foster the study ther already made a donation to of Wyoming history. the endowment, or are discussing it. Please know such a contribu- tion would be very much appreci- Visit www.wyshs.org ated. 2 Wyoming History News November-December 2011 (Heard Along The Trail continued from page 1) The Albany County Historical Society recently enjoyed a talk about the Willie Handcart Company, based on research by WSHS member Gary Long. This month they will learn more about Wyoming‟s role during world War I, presented by Sean Hayes. Belated congratulations to WSHS members Mr. and Mrs. Dale Wright and the McCreery Family (all in Campbell Coun- ty) on being designated Wyoming Centennial Ranches. The program is sponsored by the Wyoming State Historic Preserva- tion Office to recognize families whose ranches have been op- THE EXCHANGE erating for over a hundred years. Thanks also to Arlene Saun- Tracks Across Wyoming has a new website http:// ders, Campbell County Historical Society, who helped promote www.TracksAcrosssWyoming.com. The site fea- the program. tures a calendar of events, a page dedicated to the Members of the Weston County Historical Society recently Lincoln Highway Association and a slide show of enjoyed a program about the Story of Bluegrass Music in com- Randy Wagner‟s photographs. memoration of the life of Bill Monroe. They also successfully You might also enjoy exploring http:// hosted another “Barn Tour.” rockartifacts.com/ACM/index.html. The Virtual The Campbell County Historical Society recently co-hosted a Museum project was created by Patty Kessler, a country and bluegrass music concert featuring Bryan Ragsdale. Homsher Grant recipient, and features the Araphao The chapter is heavily involved in efforts to celebrate the 100th Cultural Museum. This project provides resources anniversary of Campbell County, and have been successful in that teachers, scholars and others can use in re- doing so. searching the Northern Arapaho people or related WSHS/Laramie County Historical Society member Jack topics. Mueller, recently presented a history of rural schools in Wyo- Congratulations to Mike Strom who has been ming. In November Marirose Morris will talk about her grand- named manager of the Wyoming State Archives mother, Princess Blue water, a member of the Cheyenne Fron- (Wyoming Dept. State Parks & Cultural Re- tier Days Hall of Fame. sources). Mike comes to Wyoming from Texas WSHS/Albany County Historical Society member, Mac Christian University. Mike replaces Roger Joyce Blewer, entertained members of the Platte County chapter with who retired last year. his theories about Butch Cassidy. There is a new organization taking shape. Justin The Historic Bishop Home in Casper has a new coat of paint Gaskin, director of the West Texas Trail Museum thanks to many volunteers. They celebrated with a “Hallo- in Moorcroft, tells us that the Great Western Cattle Wine & Spirits” party.