Published for members of the State Historical Society April 2017 Volume 64, Number 3 Heard Explore Historic Natrona County on the The Natrona County His- (1929-1949) Natrona County Air- torical Society will host the Wy- port, Wardwell Field at Bar Nunn. Historical oming State Historical Society’s After lunch at Three Crowns Golf Trail 2017 Trek on the weekend of Course, WSHS member Lisa June 23-25, 2017 in Casper, Wyo- Thalken will present a walking ming. This year’s trek will begin tour of the Sand Bar Red Light May is National Historic at the Wyoming Veterans Memo- District in Casper. That night we Preservation Month. This is the rial Museum with Friday after- will have a country dance at the perfect time to highlight the work noon driving and walking tours of Banner Family Ranch, a Wyo- you’re doing in your community the World War II Casper Army ming Centennial Ranch originally to the general public and elected Airbase (today’s Casper/Natrona owned by Wyoming Governor officials. If you have questions County International Airport). B.B. Brooks. Sunday we will contact Erica Duvic at Eri- Friday evening begin at the Fort [email protected]. She is the WSHS/Natrona Caspar Museum, Community Preservation Coordi- County Chapter and conclude with nator for the Wyoming SHPO and member Johanna optional driving would be very interested in any Wickman will tours to Hell’s Half activities you plan. present a pro- Acre or the Tom It’s also time to consider nom- gram on Sun Ranch at Dev- inating a family-owned and oper- “Hollywood in il’s Gate. ated ranch for the Centennial Wyoming” fol- The official Ranch program. Again, contact lowing a dinner registration from Erica for details. at the Casper will be in the May Members of the Wyo- Country Club. issue of Wyoming ming Community College His- Saturday morn- History News. In torical Society enjoyed a presen- ing we will take the meantime, hold tation by Amanda Benson about buses following this weekend open! Sweetwater County. Amanda is the Black Gold the curator at the Sweetwater Byway to visit A B-24 flies over Casper County Museum. the Salt Creek Army Air Base, ca 1944. The Sheridan County Histor- Museum and Courtesy Wyoming Veter- ical Society and Museum will Salt Creek Oil host their annual fundraiser titled Field in Midwest, a World War II

“A View from the Governor’s B-24 bomber crash site at Edger- Did you know: Natrona County was Mansion” on May 13th in Sheri- ton, and the Teapot Dome Oil- named for the deposits of natron that are dan. field. On the return trip to Casper found in the area. we will pass through the first

Wyoming History News April 2017

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE It is also time to begin

Tamsen Hert, President, SE Rep. From the looking toward our summer fes- 460-3135 [email protected] tivities. The March issue of Doug Cubbison, 1st VP, NW Rep. President. . . WHN mentioned the recent Wyo- 472-1857 [email protected] ming additions of National His- Jessica Clark, 2nd VP, At Large toric Landmarks and the “Save 382-1864 [email protected] Carl Hallberg, Secretary, At Large Spring the Date” information for the fes- 778-8577 [email protected] Greetings to tivities celebrating this achieve- Lisa Thalken, Treasurer, At Large our members ment for the . [email protected] and friends! Our annual Trek will be in 797-2493 Leslie Waggener, At Large You can al- Natrona County and I look for- Jonita Sommers, SW Rep ways tell it is ward to seeing many of you there. Sylvia Bruner, NE Rep. Spring in Wy- The Executive Committee 684-9331 [email protected] oming because held its quarterly meeting in Rock Rick Robbins, At Large, 331-3024 the weather Springs on March 25th. We ex- [email protected] influences tend a very special thank you to Executive Secretary and Editor your travel plans. We had to board member Jessica Clark and Linda Fabian, 322-3014 postpone the WSHS Board meet- her team of amazing students ing in February due to a major (WSHS/WWCC members Savan- All correspondence, membership statewide storm. Spring also nah McCauley Megan Lord, issues and questions should be addressed to: marks the beginning of our major Jorden Pitt and Kathy Wegner. activities. On April 10th it will who helped coordinate the meet- Wyoming State Historical Society once again be time to gather in ing at Western Wyoming Com- Linda Fabian, Executive Secretary Laramie for Wyoming History munity College. Having our P. O. Box 247 Day. I wish all participants the meeting there gave us the oppor- Wheatland, WY 82201 best as they present their research tunity to see the outstanding re- Preferably via e-mail to in various formats in this im- sults of their efforts to transition [email protected] portant program. into a new chapter, the Western Two other programs are Wyoming Community College well underway as well. WSHS Historical Society. Their mission member Doug Cubbison is in to plan, promote and sponsor edu- The Wyoming State Histor- charge of the Homsher Research cational programs for the chapter ical Society, a non-profit, Grants this year and they have and general public on historic membership driven organ- received several excellent appli- subjects pertaining to Southwest- ization, encourages the cations! It is always interesting to ern Wyoming has been hugely study of Wyoming history. see what new areas of Wy- successful thus far, and we expect We believe to study the oming’s history are yet to be un- it to continue to do so. If you past is to understand the covered. And, our newest pro- have any questions about the present and prepare for gram, Wyoming’s Top Ten Arti- chapter please don’t hesitate to facts, is also moving ahead. The ask. We’ll direct you to the right the future. Our vision is to panel of judges are reviewing the person. insure that Wyoming’s nominations and will be reducing Meeting in Rock Springs past remains accessible to these to a pool of 15. From what also gave us a chance to visit with present and future genera- I have heard, all nominations Lincoln County chapter officers, tions. were qualified and this reduction Dennis and Donna Oden, and is going to be difficult. I do want from the Historical to say that we did not receive as Association, Martin Lammers. It many nominations as in the first was a delight getting to hear from two years of this program. I al- each of you. Visit www.wyshs.org and “like” ways have hope that we will get Enjoy the beautiful Spring us on Facebook something from all qualifying in- season in Wyoming. . . stitutions. Tamsen 2

Wyoming History News April 2017

(Heard on the Trail continued from page 1) Congratulations to Converse The benefit will feature past Wy- County Historical Society for host- oming Governors Michael Sullivan, ing a successful Prohibition fundrais- James Geringer and David Freuden- er last month in Douglas. thal. You do not want to miss this A hearty thank you to the follow- evening which is sure to be educa- ing volunteers from the Campbell tional and fun! For details contact County Historical Society who the Sheridan County Historical Soci- spent a total of 27 hours working on ety and Museum at 675-1150. the “Non-Event Gala” mailing. They THE EXCHANGE The Laramie County Historical are Sandra Holyoak, Myrna Sharp, Society will host WSHS/Laramie Susan Kirk, Nola Wallace, Diane County Historical Society member Hackett, Jeff Busk and Charlene PLEASE: When you forget to Marietta Dinneen on April 23rd in Busk. tell us your new address it costs Cheyenne. For details contact Mary The Fort Bridger Historical Asso- the Society $5.69 for the post of- at [email protected]. ciation’s annual James Bridger fice to return your Annals of Wy- Platte County Historical Society Birthday Celebration was held March oming, and $2.64 to return Wyo- members enjoyed yet another pro- 19th and was a huge success by all ming History News. gram on the upcoming “Great Total accounts. Solar Eclipse” presented by Roger Back issues of Annals of Wyo- 2017 HEART MOUNTAIN Spears, a professor at Eastern Wyo- ming (taking up approximately 1,900 PILGRIMAGE-July 28-29: If ming Community College. square feet of space) have now been you are interested in sponsoring The Campbell County Rockpile inventoried, thanks to the help of this event, or supporting a schol- Museum and the Campbell County Alex Lockman of Wheatland. See arship for students to attend Historical Society reported a huge- “The Exchange” if you need to round please contact WSHS member ly successful oral history workshop out your collections. Sam Mihara via email to presented by WSHS member Barbara WSHS member Cheryl O’Brien, [email protected]. Bogart. author of Camp Dubois in the Au- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Congratulations to WSHS mem- tumn 2015 issue of Annals, continues SOUGHT: The Jackson Hole ber Brenda Roberts on being named her research which includes contact- Historical Society and Museum is Acting Executive Director of the ing US military personnel and Ger- Jackson Hole Historical Society and man officials who were assigned to seeking applications for the posi- Museum. the camp, and may still be living. tion of Executive Director. Re- Members of the Hot Springs She was recently contacted by Ger- sumes should be sent to County Historical Society enjoyed man officials advising they have lo- [email protected] by April 30. a presentation by Kevin Skates, Supt. cated one former German POW from ANNALS OF WYOMING: The of titled “Hot Camp Dubois and he does wish to be Society has numerous copies of Springs State Park: Flowers, Buffa- contacted. That’s great news! We’ll back issues if you are interested. los, Nudes and other Challenges!” look forward to hearing the “rest of They are $6.00 each plus postage. Kevin has been at the state park since the story.” To order send an e-mail to 2006. Members of the Albany County [email protected]. Several vol- WSHS member Sam Mihara says Historical Society recently enjoyed umes/issues are available for the this year’s pilgrimage at Heart a presentation by Jennifer Lawrence Mountain will be one of the best ever who spoke about the history and liv- following years: with a gathering of the country’s best ing conditions of army laundresses.  1921 to 1968 talents for education and entertain- The State History Day competi-  1992 to 2006 ment in one weekend. See page 4 for tion is coming up fast (April 10). To  2008 to current. contact info. They’re also looking find out more visit www.uwyo.edu/ This is a perfect opportunity for for sponsors and/or individuals will- ahc/historyday/. libraries and individuals to round ing to support scholarships. WSHS member David Wolff re- out their collections. Several chapters are taking ad- minds us that there will be a sympo- CHAPTERS: Easy fundrais- vantage of social media and have sium in South Dakota on June 1-3 er...Wyoming: A Pictorial History started Facebook pages. Two off the titled “Forts, Wars and Treaties on and Schwiering Prints. Contact top of my head are the Crook and the Northern Plains.” For details Society headquarters for details at Platte County Historical Societies. call him at 605-642-6361. It’s always a good resource for get- [email protected]. ting information out.

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Wyoming History Calendar

April 8-Casper. Wyoming Veterans Museum June 23-25-Casper. Natrona County Historical reception for “Wyoming in the Great War.” Contact Society will host the annual Trek. [email protected] for details. July 7-8-Laramie and Ames Monument. Nation- April 8-Torrington. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. al Historic Landmark Dedication. Call 777-7696 for Proceeds benefit Homesteaders Museum and West- details. ern History Center. Call 575-0333 for tickets. July 28-29-Powell. Annual Heart Mountain Pil- April 10-Laramie. Wyoming History Day. grimage. Register online at shopheartmountain.org/ April 13-Casper. Spring dinner with OCTA and pilgrimage. If you’re interested in being a sponsor the Natrona County Historical Society. of this event e-mail [email protected]. April 19-Green River. WWCC chapter will host August 21-Total Solar Eclipse. Glendo and Cas- Dr. David Tate. For details e-mail per are planning huge celebrations. Watch your [email protected]. local calendars for details. April 23-Cheyenne. Laramie County Historical September 8-9-Cody. WSHS Annual Meeting Society hosts Marietta Dinneen. hosted by the Park County Historical Society. April 30—Deadline for Society Award Nomina- tions. Note: Area Code for all Wyoming phone numbers listed May 13-Casper. Wyoming License Plate Society throughout the newsletter is 307 annual event. Call 210-326-1645 for details. May 13-Sheridan. “A View from the Governor’s BOOK NOW FOR THE TREK Mansion.” For tickets contact the Sheridan County Ramkota Hotel—$84.99—307-266-6000 Historical Museum. June 1-3-Fort Meade. “Forts, Wars and Treaties. Courtyard Marriott—$83.00 307-473-2600 For details email [email protected].

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 Editor, Wyoming History News, P. O. Box 247, Wheatland, WY 82201.

This past fall the Ames Monument in Albany Coun- ty in Wyoming was desig- If you can identify where nated a National Historic this winter wonderland pic- Landmark. The large pyra- ture was taken (hint: a pop- mid, which has been on the ular state historic site) send National Register of Historic an e-mail to Places since 1972, honors [email protected] to receive brothers and a special gift. Oliver Ames, Jr., who were Note: Certain people are instrumental in the construc- not eligible to answer —- tion of the first transconti- you know who you are. nental railroad. There will be a celebration July 7-8 in honor of this designation in Laramie and at the site. Call 777-7696 for details.

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Wyoming History News April 2017 Welcome New Members and Thank You Donors At Large Wyoming Historical Foundation Bob Ruby, Mesquite, UT (The long-term endowment) John R. Olson, Sheridan Michael and Marion Jablin, Billings, MT Ed McAusian, Riverton Lynn Sutton, Stockton, CA Joel Ivey, Riverton DeeBee Worthington, Gillette Katherine Kasckow, Laramie Del and Sandy Tinsley, Wheatland Atlantic City Historical Society Jim and JoAnn Kearns, Laramie Tom and Betsy Bradley, Spokane Frederick Drake, Ten Sleep Bertha Ward, Laramie Ken Steele, The Woodlands, TX Art Kidwell, Clark David and Linda Kathka, Loveland, CO Albany County Historical Society Jodale Russell, Wheatland RoseMarie Aridas, Laramie Chuck and Katie Brown, Wheatland Albany County Tourism Board, Laramie Dave Foreman, Cheyenne Linda Waggener, Laramie Peter Colley, Casper Kim Nelson, Benicia, CA Carbon County Historical Society Robert Murray, Beaverdam, VA Gilberta Funk, Rawlins Lucille Dumbrill, Newcastle

Converse County Historical Society Ken and Tamsen Hert, Laramie Mark Nelson and Veronica Holmes, Douglas Robert and Beth Melonuk, Fort Laramie Carolyn Morin, Douglas Jonita Sommers, Pinedale Alicia Malcomson, Douglas Benjamin Roman, Story Sherri Mullinex Sandra and Wayne Holyoak, Rozet Margaret Farley Jeff and Charlene Busk, Gillette Jody Young Wyoming History Day Fort Bridger Historical Association Jeanette Chambers, Glendo Sara and Brian Hooten Alan and Ann Simpson, Cody Bertha Ward, Laramie Hot Springs County Historical Society Dave Foreman, Cheyenne Rick Hudson, Thermopolis Virginia Capron, Ralston Lucille Dumbrill, Newcastle Laramie County Historical Society Morgan Martin, Cheyenne Mary Ostlund, Cheyenne Richard McKee, Cheyenne Robert and Beth Melonuk, Fort Laramie Lloyd Eisenhauer, Cheyenne Jonita Sommers, Pinedale Karen and Edwin Gibson, Cheyenne Mr. and Mrs. David Hansen, Meriden WyoHistory.Org Claudia and Dale Wilen, Cheyenne Bertha Ward, Laramie Vincent Szafranko, Denver Natrona County Historical Society Nancy Curtis, Glendo Wayne and Sue Clements, Casper Dave Foreman, Cheyenne Lucille Dumbrill, Newcastle Platte County Historical Society John Voight, Chugwater Henry Poling, Wheatland Robert and Beth Melonuk, Fort Laramie Sheridan County Historical Society Jonita Sommers, Pinedale Jeanne Konkel, Sheridan Homsher Research Grant Project Western Wyoming Community College Bertha Ward, Laramie Historical Society David and Linda Kathka, Loveland, CO Kaitlynn Snell, Rock Springs Ken and Tamsen Hert, Laramie George Eckman, Green River Robert and Beth Melonuk, Fort Laramie Continued on Page 6 Jonita Sommers, Pinedale

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Donors NOMINATIONS FOR SOCIETY (Continued from Page 5) AWARDS ARE DUE APRIL 30TH

Wyoming Historical Foundation The updated Awards Manual for 2017 has Campbell County Historical Society been mailed to chapters statewide. It is also Chuck and Mary Engebretsen, Lost Springs available at www.wyshs.org or by contacting So- Scott Alston, Tulare, CA ciety headquarters at [email protected]. Kenilynn Zanetti, Rock Springs Nominations must be postmarked on or be- Tom and Barb Rea, Casper fore April 30th to be eligible for consideration. Patsy Parkin, Wheatland One exception are the Youth Awards which are Carol Seeger, Gillette to be postmarked by June 1. Certificates, plaques Rick Ewig, Cheyenne Barbara Abrahamer, Albany, NY and (in some cases) monetary wards will be pre- Ronald Hansen and Julianne Couch, Bellevue, IA sented at the Society’s annual meeting in Sep- Judy Musgrave, Sheridan tember, hosted this year by the Park County His- Darwin Pace, Cheyenne torical Society. The Esther J. Murray Trust, Cody The Awards Committee consists of WSHS John and Diana Marie Waggener, Laramie members Jessica Clark, Chair, Rock Springs; Robert and Kathleen Ahrens, Sheridan David Ebertz, Gillette Ruth Lauritzen, Green River; Jane Gebhart, Louise Raimondi, Cheyenne Gillette, and Cindy Brown, Cheyenne. The com- mittee will meet in July to judge the nominations. History Day Campbell County Historical Society Myrna Sharp, Gillette Dona Bachman, Carbondale

WyoHistory.Org Campbell County Historical Society Tom and Barb Rea, Casper Judy Musgrave, Sheridan

Homsher Research Grant Project Campbell County Historical Society John Shields, Boulder City, NV Tom and Barb Rea, Casper John and Diana Marie Waggener, Laramie

Editor’s Note: Thanks to everyone who participat- ed in our “Non-Gala” event by donating. You are very much appreciated.

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Wyoming History News April 2017

On the Book Shelf…Please support your local booksellers first. If they don’t have what you want ask them to order it.

WSHS member Robert Murphy continues his tril- ogy “The Iron Horse Chronicles” with the publica- tion of “The Golden Spike.” Robert’s previous publications have been recognized by the Society in recognition of the outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Wyoming’s legacy. Robert is an avid outdoorsman, railroad aficionado, and his- tory buff. In conducting research for his trilogy Robert traveled the route of the railroad, from Omaha, Nebraska to Sacramento, California, visit- ing museums and historic sites along the way.

WSHS member C.J. Box is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-two novels including the Joe Pickett series. A proud Wyoming native, C.J. has won numerous awards for his works which have been translated into 27 languages. In his latest novel, “Vicious Circle,” the past comes back to haunt game warden Joe Pickett and his family with devastating effect. Tidbit: Did you know that C.J. donates all his pa- pers to the American Heritage Center and that’s where he kicks off his newest works?

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

Address Service Requested

IN MEMORY…. The WSHS/Carbon County Historical Society lost a dear friend when Joan Lawrence died on February 5th. Joan joined the WSHS/Carbon County Chapter in 1987. In 1994 she signed the chapter bylaws as presi- dent, and served in that capacity again (and treasurer) from 2007 to 2010. Joan was a strong advocate for Fort Fred Steele State Historic Site, and the Wyoming History Day program. Plus, she probably sold more Calendars of Wyoming History that anyone else in the state! Joan was well-known for her exquisite photography which led her to be named “Wyoming Photographer of the Year.” She leaves behind four children, six grandchildren and six great-grand children. The Sheridan County Chapter and all of Wyoming lost a good friend with the death of John D. (Jack) McDermott who died on New Year’s Eve, 2016. Friend and fellow historian, Lee Noyes, wrote “Jack will be remembered for his notable contributions to the study of the Plains Indian Wars, as well as his distinguished federal government service. Few have matched his impact on so many.” Jack joined the National Park Service in 1960 as chief historian at Fort Laramie. Twenty-six years later he retired as policy direc- tor of the President’s Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. and moved to Sheridan. He became a friend and an advisor to the / Association and helped write the state’s first master plan for those sites. He also served as president of the Sheridan County Historical Society, and more. Jack’s reach will be remembered in his books, and all of his many contributions to Wyoming’s history.

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