Wyoming History News June 2018

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

Address Service Requested

Published for members of the Wyoming State Historical Society June 2018 Volume 65, Number 5 Heard Estelle Reel Day on the Thanks to the efforts of WSHS/ process. In the campaign she ac- Laramie County Historical Socie- tively traveled the state by horse- Historical ty member Jack Mueller, and to back, carriage, stagecoach, and Trail Representative Jared Olsen (R- railroad. At times she traveled by Laramie County), the 64th Legis- herself, causing Democrats to lature of the state of Wyoming condemn her because a single Interested in running for a po- passed HB0108 recognizing Es- woman always needed a chaper- sition of the Society’s Executive telle Reel as the first woman on! She must have been one of Committee? Call headquarters at elected and to hold the office of the first to use “dirty tricks,” as 322-3014 to find out more. state superintendent of public in- the Democrats also slammed her The Campbell County Histori- struction, and the second woman for unfairly sending postcards In Memory…. cal Society and the Rockpile Mu- elected to hold a statewide office with her picture, dabbed with per- seum in Gillette jointly hosted an anywhere in the United States As fume to the lonely cowboys. They It is with a great deal of sadness we announce the passing of exhibit titled “The Way We a result, January 7th of each year were then willing to ride long dis- WSHS member Mr. H. G. “Gene” Cooley of Casper. Mr. Coo- Worked,” created by the National is now designated as “Estelle Reel tances to the polls. She carried all ley died on March 19th. A veteran who served in the US Army Archives, and a part of Museum Day.” The bill states that the day 12 counties in the state. She re- during WWII, Mr. Cooley served with an intelligence unit of the on Main Street, a collaboration shall be observed by state and lo- ceived many more votes than the cal governments, and may be ob- winners of the other statewide Army Security Agency, and later with the National between the Smithsonian Institu- tion and Wyoming Humanities. served in public schools and by candidates that year. Guard. He worked in various mining operations in Wyoming, The exhibit will be on display organizations within the state. During the 1896 election she Texas, and California, retiring in 1986 as a Mill Supt. through July 15th. The governor shall, in advance of supported William McKinley for From the Mining division of Getty Oil at Shirley Basin. Mr. Coo- The Weston County Historical January 7th of each year, issue a President, even though he did not ley loved Wyoming history, and (as an individual) purchased Society will host a field trip down proclamation requesting proper carry Wyoming. She achieved more of the Society’s calendars than any other person. You could the Dewey, Road. observance of “Estelle Reel Day.” another first when he appointed always count on a very nice note from him about how much he Tentatively scheduled for June Her story is one of firsts. She her to head the Indian schools run 30th. To reserve a space contact had been elected county superin- by the US Government. As such, enjoyed the calendars, but especially how he enjoyed distributing them. There are no im- Maxine Kaul via e-mail at tendent of schools in Laramie she was the FIRST woman to be mediate family members and interment as been in the Cooley plot in the Greenwood Cem- [email protected]. County in 1890 by campaigning confirmed by the US Senate. She etery at Chadron, Nebraska. Congratulations to WSHS/ alone throughout the county, held the post for many years, trav- Laramie County Historical Soci- which at that time included the eling extensively and working to ety member, Jack Mueller, upon land now in Platte and Goshen improve the education of Indian being inducted into the Cheyenne Counties. She then ran for the students. Frontier Days Hall of Fame. The nomination for State Superinten- Later she married a Washington induction ceremony will be Sep- dent at the 1894 Republican state State rancher, Cord Meyer, and tember 7th in Cheyenne. convention. At that time candi- moved to Toppenish where she dates for statewide office were died in 1959. (Thanks to Jack for infor- (Continued on page 3) selected through the convention mation in this article)

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Wyoming History News June 2018 Wyoming History News June 2018 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Creek Crossing Site between Buffalo and Kaycee, and the Grattan Massa- Wyoming’s Boom and Bust Cycles: Oral History Opportunities Doug Cubbison, President, NW Rep. From the [email protected] cre Site at Lingle. Leslie Waggener, 1st VP, At Large President. . . The story of the Frontier Army and Booms and busts are characterized by rapid eco- x Start with less probing questions. More prob- [email protected] the Indian Wars is one of the most nomic expansion (the boom) and contraction (the ing questions can come later. Jane Gebhart, 2nd VP, At Large popular historic themes. Annually, bust). They have occurred in a variety of indus- x Do more listening than talking. And allow si- [email protected] Dear friends, the National Park Service estimates tries and have happened ever since Euro- lence for interviewee to think. Carl Hallberg, Secretary, At Large As you that 300,000 tourists visit the Little Americans began to visit and settle in what would x Limit interview to about an hour, depending [email protected] know, the Fort Bighorn Battlefield National Monu- become Wyoming. They usually involve the pro- on fatigue levels. Rick Robbins, Treasurer, SE Rep Bridger Histor- ment- and nearly all of them travel duction and marketing of a single commodity. x If possible, take photograph of interviewee. [email protected] ical Associa- through Wyoming along their way. Lisa Thalken, At Large See, for example, the fur trade boom in the Rocky x Have the interviewee sign a release form be- [email protected] tion is hosting However, these visitors, already ful- the 2018 Trek, based at historic Fort ly committed history buffs, all too Mountains of Wyoming caused by increased de- fore you leave. Contact Leslie Waggener about Jonita Sommers, SW Rep mand for beaver felt to use in hats, the gold min- release forms at [email protected]. [email protected] Bridger. In 1843, two Mountain Men often simply pass through Wyoming. Sylvia Bruner, NE Rep. who were experiencing the demise of Other states, including Tennessee, ing boom around South Pass, the coal industry as- x Label and number all recordings immediately. [email protected] the Fur Trade, Jim Bridger and Louis Georgia, Arkansas and Virginia, sociated with the railroad and its coal powered Photographs too. Make an extra copy of each John Shields, At Large (Out of State) Vasquez, opened a Trading Post on have well-developed Military Cam- steam locomotives, the open range cattle industry in case of loss. [email protected] the Green River to provide supplies paign brochures that provide both of the northern plains and the uranium industry. x Consider long-term storage at an archival insti- to travelers on the Overland Trail historic and interpretive background, All of these economic booms were followed by tution such as the Wyoming State Archives or Executive Secretary and Editor (also known as the Oregon or Cali- and exhaustive historic site and tour- busts caused by changes in fashion, playing out of the American Heritage Center. Linda Fabian, 322-3014 fornia Trails). In 1855, the fort was ism information. These combined the easily obtained gold, the replacement of coal- Wyoming’s previous booms and busts are worthy All correspondence, membership sold to the Church of Jesus Christ of campaign and heritage tourism bro- fired with diesel powered locomotives, overgraz- of recording. They have lessons for all of us. We issues and questions Latter Day Saints. However, when chures are distributed at Welcome ing and severe winter weather, and fears of nucle- should pay close attention. Contact Leslie Wag- should be addressed to: hostilities broke out between the Centers and other tourist sites Mormons and the United States in throughout their states; and have ar plant accidents. Most recently, Wyoming has gener at [email protected] for more infor- Wyoming State Historical Society 1857, they burned the fort to prevent proven extremely effective at attract- experienced booms and busts in the mineral indus- mation. Besides Leslie the Society’s Oral History Linda Fabian, Executive Secretary the Army from utilizing it. The U.S. ing historically minded visitors…and tries, including uranium, oil and gas, and coal. Committee includes Andrea Graham, Laramie; P. O. Box 247 Army occupied the site and con- their tourism dollars. Wyoming lacks Maybe wind power is next? Barbara Bogart, Laramie; and Sandy Holyoak, Wheatland, WY 82201 structed a new fort in 1858, to safe- a military history, Indian War and The WSHS Oral History Committee is interested Rozet. guard the Overland Trails and the Frontier Army focused marketing Preferably via email to in recording your experiences with Wyoming’s [email protected] route to . Fort Bridger would be effort to solicit visits to our commu- boom and bust economy. It is this year’s theme for - Submitted by Leslie Waggener (with thanks to occupied by the Frontier Army nities from these 300,000 tourists oral histories. We call on institutions and WSHS Dave Kathka for text inspiration). throughout the Indian Wars period, passing through our states. Soon, the chapters to capture the experiences of people in until its closure in 1890. Society, in conjunction with other their communities. Please contact WSHS Oral The Wyoming State Histor- Wyoming is blessed with numer- local, regional and state tourist offic- ical Society, a non-proit, ous Frontier Army and Indian Wars es, will be examining the possibility History Chair Leslie Waggener at membership driven organ- sites – Fort Bridger among them. of creating just such a brochure! [email protected] to talk about best recording ization, encourages the The U.S. Air Force maintains the This year’s Trek promises to be a methods. Here are some tips for creating interviews: study of Wyoming history. historic Fort D.A. Russell as the fascinating and educational historic modern missile Fort F.E. Warren in experience, and my wife and I look x Compile a list of questions. We believe to study the Cheyenne. The National Park Ser- forward to joining everybody at the x Ask one question at a time so as not to confuse past is to understand the vice operates Fort Laramie National end of June! Registration forms and interviewee. Follow-up as needed before mov- present and prepare for Historical Site. Wyoming State lodging information was in past is- ing on to next question. If a topic comes up the future. Our vision is to Parks, Historic Sites and Trails man- sues of the newsletter. If you have and you think it’s important, let your list of insure that Wyoming’s age many of the Cowboy State’s misplaced yours contact lin- questions go for a bit to explore it. treasures- including Fort Phil Kearny [email protected] for a replacement. x Test your equipment before doing an inter- past remains accessible to in Banner; Fort Fetterman in Doug- The deadline to register is June 16th. present and future genera- las, Fort Fred Steele near Sinclair, view. tions. and the Connor Battlefield Site in x Pick a quiet place for the interview in which Ranchester. The Fort Caspar Muse- you won’t be interrupted. um, identified as one of the Top Ten x At the beginning of each interview, recite into Old West Museums in the nation, is Until Next Time, the microphone: run by the City of Casper. Other his- Doug Your name toric venues are not established parks Name of interviewee Visit www.wyshs.org and “like” but are still commemorated with his- Location us on Facebook toric markers – including Fort Reno Date near Kaycee, the Crazy Woman The topic of the interview

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Wyoming History News June 2018 Wyoming History News June 2018

(Heard on the Trail continued from page 1) WELCOME NEW MEMBERS AND THANK YOU DONORS Congratulations to the Socie- ty’s youngest member, Ocean Clark, upon her recent graduation

Wyoming Historical Foundation from Kindergarten! Many of you At Large Karline Stetler, Shoshoni will remember Ocean as an assis- Jerry Carbone, Brattleboro, VT Richard and Linda Jacobs, Dayton, VA tant during the annual Awards Jared Woodard, Sandy, UT Judy Hurdle, Bath, Il in appreciation of ceremonies. She is the daughter The Exchange Kevin Melson, Denver, CO Mary Harman, Carl Hallberg and Harry of Jess and Will Clark of Rock Dan Dandridge, Broken Arrow, OK Osborn for assistance in researching Springs. 2018 TREK: Don’t forget to reg- Randy Rowland, Banner The Natrona County Histori- ister for the 2018 Trek, hosted by her ancestors. cal Society recently held their an- the Fort Bridger Historical As- Clay and Gayla Rowley, Sheridan nual membership meeting in part- sociation, the weekend of June Carbon County Historical Society nership with OCTA. Longtime 29th. Registration form can be Keith Miles, Rawlins In Memory of Georgia Graves OCTA member and trails scholar Congratulations to WSHS/ downloaded at www.wyshs.org, Cal Rerucha, Laramie Darlys Pexa and Tom Hill, Laramie Randy Brown of Douglas led the Converse County Historical So- or by calling 782-3842. Participa- Governor and Jane Sullivan, Casper field trip to important trails sites ciety members Scott and Jacey tion in the Trek is open to every- between Douglas and Casper. The Bauman, owners of the historic Sheridan County Historical Society Nancy Weidel, Laramie one, members and non-members chapter is also hosting a Tour of College Inn bar, received an alike. Linda Brownell, Wyamo Cecily Goldie, Centennial the Oregon Trail Through Casper award from the Douglas Historic Isabel Wallop, Big Horn HISTORIC SUNRISE AR- David and Linda Kathka, Loveland, CO on July 21st. For details contact Preservation Commission for their CHAEOLOGY TOUR: To sign Stephanie Bablonie, Sheridan Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hageman, Douglas [email protected]. restoration efforts. up for the Archaeology Tour at John Lamberton, Sheridan Joan and Larry McKee, Wheatland Correction : Last issue it was Sunrise Mine on June 23rd, con- Mary Nystrom, Cheyenne mistakenly reported that the Hot tact WSHS member George Zei- Springs County Museum was Star Valley Historical Society Steve and Mary Cotherman, Washburn, WI mens at 575-2020. closed indefinitely due to a fire. CHAPTERS: Please remember Shannon and Laurie Laren, Bedford Mel and Eileen Nelson, Douglas We’re happy to report that is NOT that officers MUST BE members John and Diana Waggener, Laramie the case. Everything is back to of the Society in order to hold of- Weston County Historical Society Duane and LeeAnn Siebken, Douglas normal, and all the downstairs fice. Questions? Contact Linda at Judith Lorenz, Newcastle Rick Ewig, Cheyenne galleries and the annex are fully [email protected]. Kay Thomas, Newcastle open and ready for visitors. Pete MANAGER SOUGHT FOR Coggi, director, reports that they Lynn and Peggy Moller, Newcastle WyoHistory.Org HISTORIC BISHOP HOME: had several hundred students tour To apply contact the Cadoma Thomas Schmitt, Westport, MA the end of May, and they are Foundation via 307-3235-5277 or

“indeed thankful that the disrup- e-mail tion has been minimized.” [email protected].

WSHS member Richard Knight Congratulations to WSHS mem- INFORMATION SOUGHT RE

of Nashville recently stopped at ber Judge Margaret McKeown WINNING HORSE: Loren

Society headquarters in Wheat- of San Diego, CA on being named Schumacher from Cincinnati is

land to visit Linda Fabian. Dick, the Rentschler Distinguished Lec- looking for any information and/ a retired attorney, is a member of turer by the American Heritage or photos about the winning horse

the Society’s Constitution and By- Center at the University of Wyo- and jockey from the September 6, law’s Committee. ming. She recently presented her 1887 Cheyenne and Laramie Club

The West Texas Trail Muse- lecture titled “Do Trees Still Have Cup Race at the Wyoming Terri- um in Moorcroft is hosting “Rural Standing? The Environmental torial Fair. The horse’s name was

Landscapes and Wyoming Fenc- Legacy of Justice William O. Climax, and his jockey was F. M. es” through July. The exhibit is Douglas and the Wyoming Ware. You can contact Loren at

courtesy of the Wyoming State Muries.” [email protected] or by calling 513- Museum. For details call 756- 604-7014.

9300.

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Wyoming History News June 2018 Wyoming History News June 2018

Wyoming History Calendar For those of you attending the 2018 Trek the weekend of June 7-Fort Bridger. Wyoming Humanities July 11-15 Lingle. Celebrate Lingle’s historical June 29th in Fort Bridger, you might consider staying over speaker series in celebration of the 1868 Sesquicen- Centennial Anniversary. Call Lingle town Hall for tennial of the Fort Bridger Treaty. Also on June 14, details at 837-2422. for this big event. For details about the re-enactment contact 21 and 28. Contact [email protected] for de- July 21-Casper. Natrona County Historical Socie- tails. ty Tour of the Oregon Trail. Contact ale- [email protected], or [email protected]. June 23-Sunrise. Annual Archaeological/ [email protected] for details. Historical Tour. Contact John Voight at July 26-Heart Mountain. Annual Pilgrimage. [email protected] for details or call George Early registration begins February 1. Visit Zeimens at 575-2010. www.heartmountain.org for details. June 29-July 1-Fort Bridger. The Society’s annu- July 28-Star Valley. Trek to Piedmont and sur- al Trek will be hosted by the Fort Bridger Historical rounding areas, hosted by the Star Valley Historical Association. Watch for details. Society. For details call 885-9259. June 30 - Newcastle. Sign up now for the Weston August 25-Pinedale. 17th Annual Roundup Fund- County Chapter’s field trip down the Dewey, SD raiser and BBQ sponsored by the Wyoming Stock Road. For details email Growers Land Trust. For details contact [email protected]. [email protected]. July 3—Fort Bridger—Fort Bridger 1868 Treaty Signing Re-enactment. July 13-Moorcroft. Houdini, a one-man act, at the West Texas Trail Museum. Contact wttmdirec- [email protected] for details. Note: All phone numbers are Area Code 307 July 14-Moorcroft—Settlers Breakfast at the West Texas Trail Museum. Contact wttmdirec- [email protected] for details. July 14-Douglas. Sign up now for the Campbell County Chapter’s field trip to Douglas. Call 685- 6997 or 685-1231 to register.

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]

JACKSON HOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR Morgan Albertson Jaouen grew up in a small colonial New England village where she participated in regular historical reenactments and visited many house museums as a kid. Her “backyard” experiences inspired her to pursue a career in the field of history, with a specific interest in historic preservation, ar- chaeology, and experiential learning. Morgan first visited Wyoming and the Tetons, when she was six years old on a family cross-country road trip. While she may not have realized it, this place really stuck with her. After earning her bachelor’s degree in archaeology, she Morgan moved out West for both work and play. It was both the rugged landscape and enduring pioneer spirit of Jackson Hole that Morgan im- mediately felt reconnected to; a place she now considers home. Morgan has worked for Grand Teton Na- tional Park, the Teton County Historic Preservation Board, and the Alliance for Historic Wyoming. She most recently completed her Master of Science in Historic Preservation at the University of Oregon and started as the Executive Director of the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum in July 2017. Mor- gan oversees the organization’s programming, strategic planning, financial management, special events, and fundraising. She is looking forward to connecting with other Wyoming history organizations. When not at the Museum, Morgan can be found out on the ski slopes, mountain bike trails, or investigating his- toric cabins.

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