Pioneer Post Summer 2015 Edition Newsletter of the Wyoming Pioneer Association Est. in Wyoming Territory in 1884 Incorporated in 1926 The infamous Wyoming bucking horse has appeared on Wyoming license plates since 1936. According to documents in the Wyoming According to a historical booklet in the Wyoming Pioneer Pioneer Museum, Stub Farlow of Lander Museum, the Wyoming State Flag was adopted by the was the inspiration for the bronc rider. fourteenth Wyoming Legislature on January 31, 1917. The flag Some claim the horse is Steamboat, but was designed by Mrs. A.C. Keyes of Casper. The original sketch the museum documents say it is not is in possession of the Wyoming State Archives and Historical a specific horse. The bucking horse Department. insignia was used by the 148th Field Artillery in World War I. the next 20 years, according to documents collected by the Wyoming State Library, “the territory used that time to Pioneers Celebrate Wyo’s Birthday develop Wyoming politically and economically in order to “A GREAT DAY,” read the July 24, 1890 headlines of ensure her growth into statehood.” the Cheyenne Daily Sun. Wyoming was celebrating her In September of 1889 fifty-five delegates, 49 of statehood, having been named the 44th state in the Union. whom helped draft the constitution, met for Wyoming’s While President Benjamin Harrison signed the paperwork Constitutional Convention. On November 5, 1889 on July 10, 1890, celebrations of the monumental occasion Wyoming’s voters approved their work at the voting booths. took place on July 23, 1890. In December of that same year both houses of Congress had While the state celebrated statehood, women across bills introduced for Wyoming statehood. Wyoming simultaneously celebrated their right to vote Members of the Old Timers’ Association, the predeces- thanks to the hard work of leaders like Theresa A. Jenkins sor group to the Wyoming Pioneer Association, were among and Esther Morris. Morris, known as the mother of women’s those celebrating. The term ‘Old Timers’ was defined as suffrage, was in attendance during the July celebrations and “including only those who personally had a part in bringing presented the flag carrying 44 stars to Wyoming Governor the Territory into Statehood.” The Old Timers began meet- Francis E. Warren, stating, “On behalf of the women of ing in 1884 and statehood was among the group’s goals. In Wyoming, and in grateful recognition of the high privilege of 1926 the Old Timers Association was officially incorpo- citizenship that has been conferred upon us, I have the honor rated. to present to the state of Wyoming this It’s only fitting that during the 2015 Wyo- beautiful flag. May it always remain ming State Fair & Rodeo, the long-time annual the emblem of our liberties, ‘and the meeting time of this group, Wyoming’s state- flag of the union forever.” hood will again be recognized. As Wyoming “The figure -44- representing celebrates her 125th birthday the group will the number of our star on the dear again pay tribute to the important occasion. old flag — the handsomest and best- Wyoming flags will fill the room during the loved national emblem in the civilized Aug. 13 Annual Meeting. On Saturday, Aug. world — will always stand with us for 15 at 2 p.m. members of the Wyoming Pio- justice and equal rights,” stated Warren. neer Association invite the public to visit Wyoming Territory was created the Ruthe James Williams Memorial Con- in 1868 when then President Andrew ference Center for cake and ice cream in Johnson signed the Organic Act. Over celebration of Wyoming’s birthday. In 1927, the Western Meadowlark was named Indian Paintbrush became Wyoming’s as Wyoming’s state bird. official state flower on Jan. 31, 1917 of his death. Beverly From the President Holmes will be mak- Dear Wyoming Pioneer Association Members, ing a special military Listen closely, you can hear the presentation for John whooping and hollering of the Old Williams. Beverly Timers who first met in 1884. They also spearheaded were concerned things in the Cow- efforts to have a boy State were moving too quickly marker placed at the and Wyoming history lost amidst gravesite of John the changes. We can’t even imag- Hutton, our organi- ine the excitement and the thrill zation’s first presi- they must have felt to celebrate and dent who is buried in honor their beloved Wyoming on Cheyenne. Statehood Day 125 years ago. If We invite you here today, they would say, “Hats off to the Pioneer Associa- to walk around our tion for your continued diligence to protect, preserve and pro- courtyard and enjoy the Pioneer Museum mote Wyoming history and memorabilia.” The Wyoming Pio- Arlene with artist Jerry Palen at the 2012 neer Museum is one of the finest museums, housing outstand- with its new dis- Wyoming Pioneer Association meeting. ing collections. Fort Fetterman is rich in history and this year plays. See the arti- we can celebrate the re-opening of Camp Douglas. The Camp san booths in Pio- was the primary Prisoner of War (POW) camp for Wyoming neer Cabin, the school houses, the grist mill and the landscap- from 1943 to 1946. The Officers Club, the only building left ing that’s starting to take shape. We have a wish list of needed standing, is now open 10:00-4:00 Wednesday through Satur- items to complete the new building, including an icemaker, day, May through September. You need to stop by and see the and areas in the building that can still be dedicated as a memo- wonderful display of western murals Italian POWs painted on rial. Outside we are creating a memorial park with many ideas the walls. and places to remember loved ones. We are also working with Arlene Earnst, Museum Director, has announced her State Parks to develop a small children’s play area, another plans for retirement the first of September. She and her hus- area in need of sponsorship. band Mike will be moving to Montana. It will be difficult to We look forward to seeing you and sharing a special day tell both of them goodbye and they will be deeply missed in that should be most enjoyable. Our meal is dedicated to the the community. We thank Arlene for her work in the museum memory of Bill & Anne Gray and Beef Bolln. For years they and with the Pioneer Association. served the Pioneers beef brisket, corn on the cob and water- Our new building has officially been named the Ruthe melon. This year we will be doing the same. James Williams Memorial Conference Center. We look for- ward to hosting you for the 89th Annual Meeting in this beau- Sincerely, tiful facility. This year our meeting is dedicated to the 125th Mary Engebretsen anniversary of Wyoming statehood and the continued story President, Wyoming Pioneer Association of Ruthe James Williams and her husband John ‘Jack’ Wil- liams. Williams was on active duty in World War II at the time WYOMING PIONEER ASSOCIATION P.O. BOX 1545 • DOUGLAS, WY 82633 EXECUTIVE BOARD 2014 - 2015 Andrea Carmin Richardson, Riverton President ~ Mary Engebretsen, Lost Springs 2014-2016 BOARD MEMBERS H: 307-334-2929 • C: 307-359-3850 • [email protected] Peg Wintermote Middleton, Douglas 1st Vice President ~ Art Reese, Cheyenne Peggy Collins, Glendo • Arlone Carson Hild, Douglas H: 307-635-2223 • [email protected] James Hageman, Casper • Moriah Shadwick Moore, Douglas 2nd Vice President ~ Robert Vollman, Douglas Harold Haefele, Douglas • Jean Etchemendy, Douglas Secretary ~ Tina Willis, Wheatland EX-OFFICIO Treasurer ~ Kay Moore, Douglas Arlene Earnst – WY Pioneer Museum Director, Douglas Office: 307-358-9288 Past President ~ Rory Cross, Cheyenne Milward Simpson – WY State Parks & Cultural 2013 ~ 2015 BOARD MEMBERS Resources Director Kristy Vivion Thompson, Casper • Izetta Foster, Douglas Jen Womack – Editor – Sagebrush Marketing, Newcastle Jess Rodgers, Douglas • Jane Garber, Douglas C: 307-351-0730 • [email protected] Rod Cross, Douglas • Janet Jones, Douglas CATCH THESE EVENTS AND MORE AT THE WYOMING PIONEER MUSEUM DURING STATE FAIR WEEK 2015! THURSDAY, AUG. 13, 2015 IT’S PIONEER DAY AT THE WYOMING STATE FAIR & RODEO! 8 a.m. – Registration (Ruthe James Williams Memorial Conference Center) 10 a.m. – 89th Annual Wyoming Pioneer Association Meeting 11:45 p.m. – Lunch (included in registration) 1:00 p.m. – Presentation by Chip Carlson featuring Stock Detective Tom Horn 2:30 p.m. – Beef Bolln History Essay Winners recognized 3 p.m. – Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame benefit concert and cowboy gathering featuring Jerry Bell, Rhonda Sedgwick Stearns ‘Ernie’ a life size bison, will be on display at the Pioneer Museum and Thatch Elmer Complex during the 2015 Wyoming State Fair. Silent Auction benefitting ALL WEEK! the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame H Fantastic displays in the Wyoming Pioneer Museum! Celebrate Wyoming’s 125th birthday H with the Pioneers on Crafters and exhibits in Pioneer Cabin FRIDAY, AUG. 14 Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. H Ernie the Buffalo, showcasing the skeletal system of a bison, will be on display 5:30 p.m. Wyoming H Come see the improvements in the Ruthe James Williams Department of Agriculture Excellence in Agriculture Memorial Conference Center, located adjacent to the Awards Wyoming Pioneer Museum SATURDAY, AUG. 15, 2015 H Come see the historic brands in Pioneer Cabin! H Special exhibits in for State Fair 1:30 p.m. Stick horse rodeo SATURDAY, AUG. 8, 2015 2 p.m. – Join the Pioneers in the Ruthe James Williams 10 a.m. • Kiddie Parade, beginning at the Cowboy Drive Memorial Conference Center for cake and ice cream in entrance to the Wyoming State Fairgrounds (located along celebration of Wyoming’s 125th birthday and a reception Brownfield Road) and ending at the Pioneer Museum.