Pioneer Post - Wyoming Pioneer Association

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
Pioneer Museum, Stub Farlow of Lander
was the inspiration for the bronc rider.
Some claim the horse is Steamboat, but
the museum documents say it is not
a specific horse. The bucking horse
insignia was used by the 148th Field
Artillery in World War I.
Pioneers Celebrate Wyo’s Birthday
“A GREAT DAY,” read the July 24, 1890 headlines of
the Cheyenne Daily Sun. Wyoming was celebrating her
statehood, having been named the 44th state in the Union.
While President Benjamin Harrison signed the paperwork
on July 10, 1890, celebrations of the monumental occasion
took place on July 23, 1890.
While the state celebrated statehood, women across
Wyoming simultaneously celebrated their right to vote
thanks to the hard work of leaders like Theresa A. Jenkins
and Esther Morris. Morris, known as the mother of women’s
suffrage, was in attendance during the July celebrations and
presented the flag carrying 44 stars to Wyoming Governor
Francis E. Warren, stating, “On behalf of the women of
Wyoming, and in grateful recognition of the high privilege of
citizenship that has been conferred upon us, I have the honor
to present to the state of Wyoming this
beautiful flag. May it always remain
the emblem of our liberties, ‘and the
flag of the union forever.”
“The figure -44- representing
the number of our star on the dear
old flag — the handsomest and bestloved national emblem in the civilized
world — will always stand with us for
justice and equal rights,” stated Warren.
Wyoming Territory was created
in 1868 when then President Andrew
Johnson signed the Organic Act. Over
In 1927, the Western Meadowlark was named
as Wyoming’s state bird.
According to a historical booklet in the Wyoming Pioneer
Museum, the Wyoming State Flag was adopted by the
fourteenth Wyoming Legislature on January 31, 1917. The flag
was designed by Mrs. A.C. Keyes of Casper. The original sketch
is in possession of the Wyoming State Archives and Historical
Department.
the next 20 years, according to documents collected by
the Wyoming State Library, “the territory used that time to
develop Wyoming politically and economically in order to
ensure her growth into statehood.”
In September of 1889 fifty-five delegates, 49 of
whom helped draft the constitution, met for Wyoming’s
Constitutional Convention. On November 5, 1889
Wyoming’s voters approved their work at the voting booths.
In December of that same year both houses of Congress had
bills introduced for Wyoming statehood.
Members of the Old Timers’ Association, the predecessor group to the Wyoming Pioneer Association, were among
those celebrating. The term ‘Old Timers’ was defined as
“including only those who personally had a part in bringing
the Territory into Statehood.” The Old Timers began meeting in 1884 and statehood was among the group’s goals. In
1926 the Old Timers Association was officially incorporated.
It’s only fitting that during the 2015 Wyoming State Fair & Rodeo, the long-time annual
meeting time of this group, Wyoming’s statehood will again be recognized. As Wyoming
celebrates her 125th birthday the group will
again pay tribute to the important occasion.
Wyoming flags will fill the room during the
Aug. 13 Annual Meeting. On Saturday, Aug.
15 at 2 p.m. members of the Wyoming Pioneer Association invite the public to visit
the Ruthe James Williams Memorial Conference Center for cake and ice cream in
celebration of Wyoming’s birthday.
Indian Paintbrush became Wyoming’s
official state flower on Jan. 31, 1917
From the President
Dear Wyoming Pioneer Association Members,
Listen closely, you can hear the
whooping and hollering of the Old
Timers who first met in 1884. They
were concerned things in the Cowboy State were moving too quickly
and Wyoming history lost amidst
the changes. We can’t even imagine the excitement and the thrill
they must have felt to celebrate and
honor their beloved Wyoming on
Statehood Day 125 years ago. If
here today, they would say, “Hats off to the Pioneer Association for your continued diligence to protect, preserve and promote Wyoming history and memorabilia.” The Wyoming Pioneer Museum is one of the finest museums, housing outstanding collections. Fort Fetterman is rich in history and this year
we can celebrate the re-opening of Camp Douglas. The Camp
was the primary Prisoner of War (POW) camp for Wyoming
from 1943 to 1946. The Officers Club, the only building left
standing, is now open 10:00-4:00 Wednesday through Saturday, May through September. You need to stop by and see the
wonderful display of western murals Italian POWs painted on
the walls.
Arlene Earnst, Museum Director, has announced her
plans for retirement the first of September. She and her husband Mike will be moving to Montana. It will be difficult to
tell both of them goodbye and they will be deeply missed in
the community. We thank Arlene for her work in the museum
and with the Pioneer Association.
Our new building has officially been named the Ruthe
James Williams Memorial Conference Center. We look forward to hosting you for the 89th Annual Meeting in this beautiful facility. This year our meeting is dedicated to the 125th
anniversary of Wyoming statehood and the continued story
of Ruthe James Williams and her husband John ‘Jack’ Williams. Williams was on active duty in World War II at the time
of his death. Beverly
Holmes will be making a special military
presentation for John
Williams. Beverly
also
spearheaded
efforts to have a
marker placed at the
gravesite of John
Hutton, our organization’s first president who is buried in
Cheyenne.
We invite you
to walk around our
courtyard and enjoy
the Pioneer Museum Arlene with artist Jerry Palen at the 2012
with its new dis- Wyoming Pioneer Association meeting.
plays. See the artisan booths in Pioneer Cabin, the school houses, the grist mill and the landscaping that’s starting to take shape. We have a wish list of needed
items to complete the new building, including an icemaker,
and areas in the building that can still be dedicated as a memorial. Outside we are creating a memorial park with many ideas
and places to remember loved ones. We are also working with
State Parks to develop a small children’s play area, another
area in need of sponsorship.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing a special day
that should be most enjoyable. Our meal is dedicated to the
memory of Bill & Anne Gray and Beef Bolln. For years they
served the Pioneers beef brisket, corn on the cob and watermelon. This year we will be doing the same.
Sincerely,
Mary Engebretsen
President, Wyoming Pioneer Association
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
1 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
st
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
2013 ~ 2015 BOARD MEMBERS
Kristy Vivion Thompson, Casper • Izetta Foster, Douglas
Jess Rodgers, Douglas • Jane Garber, Douglas
Rod Cross, Douglas • Janet Jones, Douglas
Milward Simpson – WY State Parks & Cultural
Resources Director
Jen Womack – Editor – Sagebrush Marketing, Newcastle
C: 307-351-0730 • [email protected]
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!
‘Ernie’ a life size bison, will be on display at the Pioneer Museum
Complex during the 2015 Wyoming State Fair.
ALL WEEK!
H Fantastic displays in the Wyoming Pioneer Museum!
H Crafters and exhibits in Pioneer Cabin
H Ernie the Buffalo, showcasing the skeletal system of a
bison, will be on display
H Come see the improvements in the Ruthe James Williams
Memorial Conference Center, located adjacent to the
Wyoming Pioneer Museum
H Come see the historic brands in Pioneer Cabin!
H Special exhibits in for State Fair
SATURDAY, AUG. 8, 2015
10 a.m. • Kiddie Parade, beginning at the Cowboy Drive
entrance to the Wyoming State Fairgrounds (located along
Brownfield Road) and ending at the Pioneer Museum.
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
and Thatch Elmer
Silent Auction benefitting
the Wyoming Cowboy Hall
of Fame
FRIDAY, AUG. 14
Celebrate Wyoming’s 125th birthday
with the Pioneers on
Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m.
5:30 p.m. Wyoming
Department of Agriculture Excellence in Agriculture
Awards
SATURDAY, AUG. 15, 2015
1:30 p.m. Stick horse rodeo
2 p.m. – Join the Pioneers in the Ruthe James Williams
Memorial Conference Center for cake and ice cream in
celebration of Wyoming’s 125th birthday and a reception
honoring all of Wyoming’s centennial ranch families
SUNDAY, AUG. 9, 2015
8-10 a.m. Dutch oven breakfast cook-off, Energy Lane
MONDAY, AUG. 10, 2015
Noon • Exhibit halls open
TREASURER’S REPORT – ALL BANK ACCOUNTS
Financial Report to be filed for Audit as of July 1, 2015
Converse Co. WPA Gen. Checking Acct.
Converse Co. WPA Building Acct. TOTAL ASSETS JULY 1, 2015
Respectfully submitted,
Kay Moore, Treasurer
$37,554.20
$75,133.63
$112,687.83
Buy a Book,
Support Your
Museum!
Douglas natives Linda Graves
Fabian and Carol Price Tripp
celebrate the publication of
their pictorial history of their
hometown. Photos are from
the collections of the Pioneer
Museum, and the authors
generously donated all their
proceeds to the museum!
Copies of the book are
available at local bookstores
and the museum.
Pioneers host 88th Annual Meeting in the Ruthe James Williams Center
NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers
Nomination
Chairman Jess Rodgers’
reported as follows: The
motion was made to
accept the nominating
committee report; for
nominations to cease
and to cast a unanimous
ballot for the following:
Until the MOU is signed Mark Moore, holding a rifle that belonged
Nate Champion, was the guest
with all state agencies the to
speaker at the 2014 annual meeting of
current executive board the Wyoming Pioneer Association. Moore
The annual Pioneer meeting provides a great chance tor old friends, like has agreed to continue discussed his great-great, grandfather
Leslie Eathorne and Thea Nuckolls, to meet.
to serve in their current Lee Moore and his days in early Wyoming.
Douglas, Wyo. • Aug. 14, 2014 — President Mary Engebretsen capacities. Retiring with
called the meeting to order at 10:30 and led the assembly in the our heartfelt thanks include members Marjorie Sanborn;
Marilyn Werner. New members include:
Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Echo Klaproth opened Helen Miller; and
nd
Bob Vollman 2 Vice; Izetta Foster, Secretary; Kay Moore,
the meeting with prayer.
Notable guests were acknowledged, even in their absence. Treasurer; Past President, Rory Cross. Motion: Tina Willis
Milward Simpson sent his regrets and indicated he would be in Second: Barbara Dilts Carried
attendance later in the week. Greetings were sent from Jerry and Nomination Chair Rodgers report further stated that a slate of
officers had agreed to serve as board members for 2014-2016.The
Ann Palen.
Peggy Middleton researched all those in attendance over motion was made for nominations to cease and a unanimous ballot
the age of 80 and is cast for the attached slate of nominees.
those with military Motion: Peggy Middleton Second: Barbara Dilts Carried
OTHER REPORTS
service records. A
•
President
Engebretsen
reported that no more brand boards will be
rose was presented
accepted.
She
reiterated
that stones with brands will be available
to these distinguished
at
a
future
date
during
the
landscaping portion of the building.
members.
• A report and donation of beautiful shirts to the Pioneer Museum
MINUTES
The motion was was made by the Parker sisters.
made to approve the • The Ruthe James Williams Memorial Conference Center kitchen
minutes as presented. will be dedicated with an acknowledgement and salute to Annie
Motion:
Barbara Gray.
Dilts Second: Kristy • A salute to the military
was made with Past
Thompson Carried
President Bob Vollman
TREASURER’S
recognizing all who
REPORT
A financial have served. Tina Willis
report
was followed with a poem
delivered by Kay dedicated to our veterans.
Moore and Marilyn • Tiffany Schwenke
Werner. $79,487.03 spoke regarding the
Wyoming Pioneer Association member Fawn is in the building Wyoming Cowboy Hall
Cole stops along the fairway during the 2014
fund; $28,872.00 in of Fame.
Wyoming State Fair.
the general account. • It was reported that
That brings the John Hunton was the
Association’s total holdings to $108,304.75 as of July 1, 2014. first WPA president and
Elsie Bishop was the
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
President Engebretsen reported that fund raising efforts secretary in 1926.
will continue indefinitely. A new fund raising opportunity will be • Roses were presented
memorial stones; granite rounds; and stone benches to accent the to Mary Engebretsen,
Bidders show their support for the Wyoming
proposed landscaping. Cash donations are always encouraged. from her board, for her Cowboy Hall of Fame during the silent
continuing service.
auction at the end of Pioneer Day.
Discussion was held regarding content insurance.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Ruthe James Williams Memorial Conference Center will host:
§
Mark Moore’s historical presentation on Lee Moore
§
Trinity Seeley Benefit Concert for the Wyoming Cowboy
Hall of Fame Fundraiser and Silent Auction.
ADJOURNMENT
Seeing no further business,
President
Engebretsen
adjourned the meeting prior
to the official photograph
and luncheon.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Miller
Secretary
The Parker Sisters, shown here with President Mary Engebretsen,
presented beautifully embroidered shirts to the Wyoming Pioneer
Association to be added to the historic collections. Their mother
embroidered the shirts for their father, Way Parker. The family
homesteaded at Shawnee.
Cowgirl musician Trinity Seely performs
on Pioneer Day at the Wyoming State
Fair. The Wyoming Cowboy Hall of
Fame held a concert at the Ruthe
James Williams Center, following the
annual meeting, to raise funds for their
organization.
Pioneers have posters, mugs, necklaces for sale
The Wyoming Pioneer Association has available for purchase
two historic posters, a coffee mug commemorating the 100th
Wyoming State Fair & Rodeo in 2012 and a necklace featuring
“Runnin’ with the Big Boys.”
The first poster, printed in 2012, began with the contribution
of a photograph from 1947 by Mr. Bud Tillard of Douglas. Much
work was done to identify as many of the cowboys and cowgirls
in the image as possible and an identification sheet is available
with the poster.
With the help of photographer Rick Kilmer, a panoramic was
taken at the 100th celebration featuring attendees, dignitaries and
special guests from the 1947 photograph. This photograph was
made into a poster released at the 101st Wyoming State Fair and
Rodeo.
In 2012, also in celebration of the 100th Wyoming State Fair
and Rodeo, the Pioneers created a commemorative mug featuring
the historic Pioneer Seal. Mugs are available for purchase from
the Pioneers or at the Wyoming Pioneer Museum.
Copies of both posters are available at the Wyoming Pioneer
Museum at a cost of $10 each. Proceeds benefit the Wyoming
Pioneer Association and its efforts.
With the help of Wyoming
artist Jerry Palen, the Pioneers
have released a necklace featuring “Runnin’ with the Big
Boys.” A medallion on the necklace, created with a likeness to
the larger bronze, features two
buck antelope and a jackalope
at a full run. The bronze, after
which the necklace was created,
was added to the front lawn of
the Wyoming Pioneer Museum during the Summer of
2012.
The silver necklace medallion is available for $125 or
costs $175 with the inclusion of a silver chain. Inquire
with board members if you’re interested in owning one of
these necklaces, a piece of Wyoming history!
The Association is a 501(c) 3 not-profit.
Wyoming Pioneer Association, 2014
Wyoming Pioneers fondly remember loved ones, friends
The late Bill Gray, a long-time Wyoming Pioneer Association member,
and friend Jess Rodgers catch up on old times at the 2012 Annual
Meeting.
Each year the Wyoming Pioneer Association receives gifts in
memory of loved one who have passed away. Gifts in memory of
the following have been received in the months since the Wyoming Pioneer last met. We fondly remember these friends and
loved ones and send our thoughts and prayers to their families:
Paula Rider Kreycik • Joanne Carol “Jody” White
Charles “Chas” Kane • Darla Funk • Kelly Middleton
Tracy Alger • Vern Vivion • Gene Litton • Paul Sherwood
Lee Gorsuch • Dorothy Cross • Denny Sonnenfelt
Jack & Mildred Sullivan • Harold & Pansy Carson
McKenna Kay Burke • Joe & Phyllis Price • Chet Stephens
Kathleen Nance • Mary Irene Fletcher
Jim & Lila Stratton • Mary Bruner • Evelyn Reynolds
Warren E. Alexander • Jane Kreycik • Rodney Joe Haefele
Barbara Wise • Harold “Red” Graham
Pink & Rachel Reider • Wendy Larsen • Leroy Stausner
Clarence Brimmer, Jr. • Pauline Hollandsworth
Carol L. Roe • Dale Alberts • Vernon Dale Carson
Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Brow • Esther Clark
Calvin King Fogg • Donna Miller • David R. Rodeman
Johnie Pickinpaugh • Philip Lawson
Emma Lou Stroud • May Jane Strand
Mark McDaniel • Don Pellatz
Shirley Reed • Jack Alfred Bartenhagen
Tom & Ella Robinson
James W. “Dick” Strock
David York • Dawn Carpenter
Neil “Mick” McMurry • Charles C. Wilcox
William Shaw “Bill” Gray
The Wyoming Pioneers would like to
extend a hearty thank you to the following
list of people who chose to make a gift in
memory of one or more of the above individuals. Please know
your contributions are appreciated.
Joanne Carol
‘Jody’ White
Andy & Kay Moore • Ann Obrzut • Ann Teneralli
Barbara Costopoulos • Barbara Dilts • Bart Trautwein
Bear Creek Minerals (Connie Lewis, Dan Lewis & Linda Eaton)
Becky Constantino • Beecher Strube
Bernie & Sally Seebaum • Bert & Diana Emery
Betty Minor • Blake & Darci Scott • Don & Carolyn Irwin
Bob & Carol Fenner • Brad & Joy Johnson • Brad & Laurie Boner
Bruce & Andrea Richardson • Bryant & Lois Gilbert
Butch & Valora Scott • Carl Steinle • Carol Statkus
Chloe Haefele • Chuck & Mary Engebretsen
Corky Lisco & Family • Craig & Jacque Goodrich
Dale & Ruth Critchfield • Darin & Crystal Rodgers
David & Connie Hill • David J Kreycik • Deena Wangler
Dick & Tina Willis • Don & Susan Smylie • Donna Fae Pennington
Donna Golden-Strube • Dorothy Robinson Butler
Douglas & Carol Erickson • Duane & Lee Ann Siebken
E.H. “Buddy” Fletcher • Earl & Valora Scott • Edwin Brolyer
Frank & Elaine Moore • Gay Bolln • Gene & Betty Payne
George & Bobetta Etchemendy • Gerald & Maxine Lebeau
Ginger Watts • Gordon & Margaret Taylor
Greg & Carolyn Stinson
Guy & Debbi Ehlers • Haefele Livestock
Hale & Jane Kreycik • Henry & Connie Woehl
Henry Turner • Iris Ditzler
Herman & Karen Strand
JS Rankin Family Trust
Jack & Patty Showalter
James & Dorothy Willox
James & Nancy Hinton
James & Peggy Middleton
James Magagna • Jan Bruegger
Johnie Pickinpaugh
Jacque & Summer Foos
Jeff & Paige Kreycik • Jeff & Tracy Boner
Jerry & Teri Griffin • Jess & Eleanor Rodgers
Jerry’s Welding/Steel Fabrications
Jewell Reed • Jim & Kathryn Carmin • Jim & Sharon Brow
Joe & Bonnie Carmin • Joe & Donna Mundorf
John Huntzinger • John Sullivan • Leda Price
Jonathon & Nancy Aal • Karen Dodway • Lucie Helvey
Kathy Coon • Keith & Audrey Kreycik • Kim Roy
Larry & Jeri Philbrick • Larry & Kay Fox • Laura Gossman
Lenhart Mason & Associates, LLC • Mae Ann Manning
Marcia White • Margaret Boersma • Marilyn Fitzhugh
Marilyn Werner • Mark Shipley • Marlon & Lois Schlup
Marilyn Fisher • Maxine Pollock & Family • Nancy Kay Mayer
Nine Mile Land Company • Omer Swavee • Pat Litton
Paul & Beverly Schwieger • Paul Lowham • Peak Fitness
Randy & Susan George • Raymond & Arlone Hild
Porter Muirhead Cornia & Howard • Raymond & Helen Miller
Richard & Debra Murray • Richard & Mary Cannady
Rick & Echo Klaproth • Rob & Annie Boner
Robert & Delores Kassner • Robert & Mary Ide
Rod Cross • Ronald & Mary McKay
Rory & Demi Cross • Ruby Burks • Sandra Allard
Scott Ranches • Smith Sheep Company • Smylie Animal Clinic
Steve & Karen Smith • Steven & Susan Kerr • Susan Rosa
Thomas Hill • Tim & Dawn Pexton • Vern & Rita Russell
Vic & Jane Garber • Waive Yager • Weisshaar & Associates
Wes & Margaret Hineman • William & Alice Vollman
Thanks to the Schwiegers for making a donation in
honor of Echo Klaproth, Wyoming’s poet laureate.
Historian Chip Carlson to discuss Tom Horn’s conviction
Douglas — Tom Horn’s saddle stands inside the front entrance
to the Wyoming Pioneer Museum in Douglas. Those familiar
with Wyoming’s history can’t help but wonder about the
saddle’s travels during a bygone era. Was it on the trail behind
Geronimo as Tom Horn served as a scout for the lawmen in
pursuit of the Apache leader? Was it in the hills northwest of
Cheyenne in July 1901 when a 14-year-old boy was shot and
killed?
Author Chip Carlson, who has been researching Horn
since the late 1970s, will bring Horn’s story to life Aug. 13
when he discusses Tom Horn and the trial that resulted in his
conviction. Carlson is slated to speak at 2 p.m. in the Ruthe
James Williams Center following the Wyoming Pioneer
Association luncheon.
Horn, who described
“So that is Tom Horn! A very himself
as a detective
different man from what I who patrolled the
expected to meet. Why, he is range looking for out
of place cattle, was
not bad-looking, and is quite hung in Cheyenne,
intelligent; but a cool devil, Wyo. on Nov. 20, 1903
for a crime Carlson
ain’t he?” — Wyoming
says he doesn’t believe
Governor W.A. Richards after he committed. “Horn
remains controversial
meeting Tom Horn
for two reasons,”
wrote Carlson in
an essay appearing on WyoHistory.org. “First, because of
doubts that he actually killed 14-year-old Willie Nickell at
Iron Mountain, northwest of Cheyenne, on July 18, 1901, and
second, because of the questionable nature of his trial. By then,
he already had led an eventful life in a West that was evolving
from frontier territory to a place more settled and economically
developed.”
Horn is believed to have arrived in Wyoming around
the same time the state earned statehood. “At that time,” says
Carlson, “the owners of large herds of cattle were struggling to
survive in a business that just a decade before was making them
rich. In the 1880s, they ruled their ranges like private fiefdoms.
Tom Horn’s saddle, on display
in the Wyoming
Pioneer Museum.
Tom Horn braids a horse hair rope. Author Chip Carlson will discuss
Horn and the trial that resulted in his hanging on Nov. 20, 1903 in
Cheyenne. Carlson is slated to speak on Aug. 13 in conjunction with the
Wyoming Pioneer Association’s annual meeting.
Most had little concept of the true carrying capacity of those
ranges, however, and stocked them with more cattle than the
land could support.”
The crash of the cattle market, depleting range conditions,
drought, the winter of 1887 and rustling were among the many
pressures facing cattlemen. “Rustling was definitely a factor,”
wrote Carlson, “but only one of the many difficulties facing
the ranchers who owned large tracts of land. Claiming they
were forced to make an example of thieves, cattlemen lynched
homesteaders Ella Watson and Jim Averell on the Sweetwater
River in 1889. When that crime went unpunished, leading men
of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association led a private army
of 50 men into Johnson County in northern Wyoming in 1892
to kill suspected rustlers there. They murdered two men, but
those crimes, too, went unpunished.”
By the late 1890s Tom Horn’s diminished reputation and
public sentiment against the cattlemen surely made it difficult
for him to receive a fair trial. Many questions surround his
supposed confession and the handling of the trial. Learn more
when Carlson speaks on Aug. 13.
Those who were in attendance for the 2014 presentation
on Lee Moore will enjoy the connection between the two life
stories. Moore claimed Horn was among the men who pursued
him after he was accused of rustling after registering his own
livestock brand.
Wyoming Pioneer Association
P.O. Box 1545
Douglas, WY 82633
www.WyomingPioneerAssociation.com
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
DOUGLAS, WY
PERMIT NO. 22
GUSSY UP in your best duds and be in
Douglas Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015 for the
89th Annual Wyoming Pioneer
Association meeting. Remember to wear
red, white and blue for Wyoming’s 125th
birthday!
REGISTRATION FORM ENCLOSED!
or call 307-359-3850 or 358-9288
bership
m
e
M
e
m
i
t
Life
Just $50
Join Today!
2015 Bolln Essay Winners announced, recognized
On July 10, 1890, Wyoming was the 44th state to join
the union. Since
then, the state has
experienced many
firsts and lasts. It
has changed with
the times while
still
remaining
true to the western
heritage that it was
founded
upon.
The
Wyoming
Pioneer Museum
showcases those
changes with their
exhibits, providing visitors a peek
at the past.
Yearly
the
Wyoming Pioneer
Association sponsors an essay contest for the youth
of Douglas and
Glendo known as
the Bolln MemoThere are plenty of items in the Wyoming rial Essay Contest.
Pioneer Museum to spur a child’s interest As an added honor,
in history and writing.
some of the winners
A special thank you goes out to Gay Bolln for all she does to
ensure the essay contest is a success and inspire area young
people to learn about history!
are selected to present their essays at the Wyoming State Fair.
Fourth graders from Douglas and Glendo are invited to
the Wyoming Pioneer Museum in Douglas to tour the exhibits. After that, they choose an exhibit and write an essay on
the subject. Once all of the essays are submitted, the top three
essays from Douglas and Glendo are selected. The winners
from the 2014-2015 school year are as follows:
Glendo Bolln Essay Winners
1st Place Kailey Porter • “Chrome Spurs”
2nd Place • Tess Palen • “Horse Before Dawn”
rd
3 Place • Madison Sanborn • “Run for the Mountains”
Douglas 4th Grade Bolln Essay Winners
1st Place
Sydney Peasley • “Story of the Gourd”
Carter Trujillo • “The Snake Story”
2nd Place
Paige Reese • “The Butter Churn”
Callie Kunz • “School House Story”
3rd Place
Madison Pexton • “Hercules Basket”
Brianna Hansel • “Campaign of 1904”
Humor Award
Thomas Goold • “The Saddle by Douglas Market 1910”