Pioneer Post - Wyoming Pioneer Association

Pioneer Post
Newsletter of the Wyoming Pioneer Association
Est. in Wyoming Territory in 1884
Incorporated in 1926
Ruthe James Williams Remembers
her Wyoming Roots
Douglas — Ruthe James
Williams’ story is laced with
Wyoming’s pioneer spirit.
Fittingly, Ruthe, who passed
away in September 2008,
left a large portion of her
estate to the Wyoming Pioneer Association. Beyond
allowing the Pioneer Association to pursue its important goals, the gift has resurrected a World War II story
of heroism and perseverance during hard times.
In 1917 William and Carrie James, along with their
two oldest daughters Gladys
and Louise, arrived in Douglas, Wyo. and homesteaded 18
miles from town. The young family from Iowa lived in a
tent while their new home was built and sod was broken
for the crops they’d grow.
In December 1919 a mid-wife delivered the James’
third daughter – Ruth, who would later add an “e” to the
end of her name. Ruthe’s sisters were ages eight and ten at
the time of her arrival.
At age six Ruthe was sent to Douglas for schooling.
She, along with her then high-school age sisters, lived in a
long-narrow building with cement floors. “I believe it was
originally a laundry,” Ruthe later wrote in a short memoir.
“We were comfortable and lived under the watchful eyes
of Margaret and Jim, a Catholic sister and brother who
owned this boarding house for ranchers and farmers who
visited the county seat for business or doctor’s calls.”
The following year Ruthe was able to receive her education at a country school a mile from the family’s homestead. “In good weather I walked a mile, a little less if I
cut across the pasture. Sometimes I would see meadowlarks nesting under the sagebrush, and their song can
still make my heart quiver.” While attending this school
Summer 2010 Edition
Ruthe made her first of
two “grade skips,” which
landed her in high school
three months before her
twelfth birthday.
“1927 was the only
year they ended in the
black, moneywise,” wrote
Ruthe. “How proud and
happy my folks must have
been. We made a trip to
visit relatives in Iowa.
We had new clothes. My
mother bought me a red rubber-like raincoat and hat.”
Good times were short-lived. “Depression did not start
for farmers in 1929,” recalled Ruthe. “It had been building for some time and farmers were the first to know it.”
Hard times took a toll on Will and Carrie’s marriage and
Ruthe and her mother were soon living in an apartment in
Douglas and later Iowa. Ruthe graduated from high school
in Iowa at age 16 and shortly thereafter returned to Douglas.
Back in Douglas, Ruthe and Jack Williams began courting. Five years later, in September 1941, the young couple
married. At the time of Jack’s death in March 1942 Ruthe
had resigned from her job with the telephone company
and was making plans to join him on the coast. She followed through with the move and lived the remainder of
her life in the Seattle area.
Wyoming Pioneer Association members are busy putting Ruthe’s generous gift to work improving and expanding the Wyoming Pioneer Museum.
Barracks fire claims Douglas natives
Pacific Northwest • March 1942 — Jack Williams,
a member of the Wyoming National Guard, was stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., when Pearl Harbor was
bombed in December of 1941. His unit patrolled the
Northwest Coast for Japanese submarines.
In March 1942 Jack’s unit was stationed in Roseburg, Ore., living in temporary barracks where
ammunition was also stored. Jack was on night
watch when the ammunition exploded causing an
early morning barracks fire. Then 25 years old, Jack
entered the building to save his friend, Sergeant
Harry Boles. Both young men died in the fire.
Just six months earlier, on Sept. 19, 1941, Jack
had married Ruthe James while on a two-week furlough in Wyoming. At the time of Jack’s death the
young couple hadn’t yet told their families of the
quiet wedding that took place at a parsonage in
Chadron, Neb.
Pioneers Come to Town for 2009 Annual Meeting
Douglas — Wyoming Pioneer Association members from
across the state gathered in Douglas Aug. 13, 2009 for the
83rd Wyoming Pioneer Association Annual Meeting. President Barbara Costopoulos of Guernsey oversaw the annual
event.
Member Recognition
Pioneer Association members honored their older attendees, specially recognizing those 80 years and older with a
garter:
Raymond Miller
Dick Hornbuckle
Shirley Goodrich
Florence Canady
Bill Gray
Anne Whitehead
Betty Drolet
Pat Litton
Ella Robinson
Faun Cole
John Dilts
Bill Vollman
Gene Litton
Ada Schulties
Lucile Baker (104)
Jean Blair
Alice Vollman
Betty Smith
Peggy Collins
2009 Beef Bolln Memorial Essay Contest
Bolln Essay Chairwoman Elaine Crummer offered a brief
history of the contest launched in memory Beef Bolln. Following a field trip to the Wyoming Pioneer Museum, Douglas and
Glendo Fourth Graders write an essay on an aspect of their
visit. A committee of Pioneer Association members judged the
essays and selected the 2009 winner as follows:
1st Place • Douglas • Elli Wortham & Sean Rasmussen
1st Place • Glendo • Raelyn Branum
2nd Place • Douglas • Meghan Welch & Kamry Headings
2nd Place • Glendo • Hannah Wilhelm
3rd Place • Douglas • Savannah Connolly & Ty Larsen
3rd Place • Glendo • Colton Roark
Humorous Award • Douglas • Olivia Kitterman
Essays are available at the Wyoming Pioneer Museum for
those who would like to read them.
Wyoming History Day
Kirsten Bright and Duncan Gans were recognized as the
2009 winners of the Wyoming History Day competitions. The
Wyoming Pioneer Association sponsors the awards presented
to two age categories, a junior and senior division.
Memorial Plaques
John Huntzinger and Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Miller were
thanked for their efforts making the new museum memorial
boards.
Ruthe James Williams
Wyoming Pioneer Association members recognized the
generous gift of Ruthe James Williams. Williams, who passed
away in 2008, became a life member of the Wyoming Pioneer
Association in 1984 and left one quarter of her estate to the
Association.
John Hunton Memorial
Beverly Holmes reported on continuing efforts to mark
John Hunton’s grave, which is located in Cheyenne. Hunton
was the Wyoming Pioneer Association’s first president. Retired
Army Colonel Bob Fesack retrieved the Civil War records for
Mr. Hunton and in February sent an application to the Veteran’s
Administration. As of the August 2009 meeting, the group was
awaiting word on the application.
Wyoming Pioneer Museum
President Costopoulos extended many thanks to Pioneer
Museum Curator Arlene Ekland-Earnst and her museum staff
for the continued knowledge, customer service and upkeep of
the Wyoming Pioneer Museum. Our Pioneer Museum always
gets rave reviews.
Minutes of the 2009 Wyoming Pioneer Association will be presented in their entirety when the group meets in Douglas on Aug.
19, 2010 in conjunction with the Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo.
Wyoming Pioneer Assn. Executive Board, 2009-2011
President: Pat Henry, Casper
1st Vice President/Treasurer: Mary Engebretsen, Lost Springs
2nd Vice President: Art Reese, Cheyenne
Secretary: Marilyn Werner, Douglas
Past President: Barbara Costopoulos, Guernsey
Board Members, 2008-2010
Robert Vollman, Douglas • Verla Etchemendy, Lost Springs
Mary Julia Wilson, Douglas • Marjorie Sanborn, Glendo
Helen, Miller, Casper
Board Members, 2009-2011
Marilyn Werner, Douglas • Elaine Crummer, Douglas
Beverly Holmes, Cheyenne • Peter Pier, Lusk
Del Tinsley, Casper
Ex-Officio
Wyoming Pioneer Museum ~ Arlene Ekland-Earnst, Curator
Wyoming State Fair ~ James Goodrich, Director
2009 at Pioneer
Cabin
Pioneers’ Founder to Receive Proper Grave Marker
John Hunton was one of Wyoming’s pioneer cattlemen
and the Wyoming Pioneer Association’s (WPA) first president when the group was launched in 1884.
Hunton was born in Madison, Virginia in 1839 and served
in the Civil War before moving to Wyoming. In 1867 he arrived in Fort Laramie, Wyo. where he began working as a
teamster and later as a store clerk. In 1870 Hunton negotiated
MEMORIALS RECEIVED FROM
Aug. 2009 – July 2010
Those appearing in caps are people we’ve lost over the past year.
Those listed in lowercase letters have made donations in their memory.
ANN BONER • Pat & Karen Hand • John Bishop
Wayne & Georgia Riehle
MABEL THOMSON HITSHEW • James & Peggy Middleton
JACK LARSON • James & Peggy Middleton
PAUL KRUSE • James & Peggy Middleton
LIL MIDDAUGH • Miriam Fawcett
SHIRLEY BISHOP • John Bishop
JUNE BISHOP • John Bishop
WILLIAM MICHAEL HENRY • Raymond & Helen Miller
Jess & Eleanore Rodgers • Rory Cross
Chuck & Mary Engebretsen
SKYE HISER • Rory Cross
DR. PAUL WHITE • Bob & Judy Hageman
MARIE HAGEMAN STRAW • Chuck & Mary Engebretsen
James & Peggy Middleton • Marilyn Werner
CHET LANE • Chuck and Mary Engebretsen
James & Peggy Middleton • Irene Stoderl
RUTH LUNDBERG • Gayla Magil • Jesse & Brenda Kell
Earl & Jewel Reed • Jess & Eleanore Rodgers
James Patrick Bradley • Bill & Alice Vollman
Janis Carrigan • Stanley & Betty Lundberg
H. G. Gasbarre • Karen Holmes Wolsten
RHODA MOORE • Marilyn Werner
Chuck and Mary Engebretsen
JOAN STODDARD • Chuck & Mary Engebretsen
Stanley & Beth Lundberg
LAWRENCE PRAGER • Marilyn Werner
Jess & Eleanore Rodgers
EDITH KNISLEY • Marilyn Werner
PETER MIKE CURTIN • Michael & Mary J. Wilson
Marilyn Werner • Wm. S. ‘Bill’ & Ann Gray
JUDGE WILLIAM A. “AL” TAYLOR
Chuck and Mary Engebretsen • Wm. S. ‘Bill’ & Ann Gray
Jess & Eleanore Rodgers • Marilyn Werner
his own contract to supply Ft. Laramie
with firewood. His business expanded
to include hay, beef, charcoal and more
as he hauled freight from military post
to military post across Wyoming Territory.
Diaries Hunton began writing in
1875 and kept in detail through 1888
and sporadically through his death in
1928, serve as some of Wyoming’s
earliest historical documents.
In addition to serving as the WPA’s
first president in 1884, Hunton helped establish the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the Cheyenne Social
Club. When Wyoming earned statehood in 1890, the WPA
that Hunton had helped form was instrumental in helping the
state reach this goal.
Hunton, who served as a Laramie County Commissioner, is buried in Cheyenne. Unfortunately, his grave does not
have a proper marker. That’s something the WPA has been
working to repair with the help of Pioneer Association member Beverly Holmes of Cheyenne.
A recognition and stone placement ceremony is scheduled for later this summer in Cheyenne. Those interested in
receiving additional information or event details are to call
Holmes at 307-632-7566.
2010 Beef Bolln Essay Winners Announced
Douglas Winners
1st Place: Phonograph Trouble by RyLee Ramsey
1st Place: Navajo Girl by Brianna Goodell
2nd Place: Mr. Snake by Sawyer Layher
2nd Place: Fetterman City by Macquire Thiel
3rd Place: The Hide Tipi by Cody Blair
3rd Place: The Old Beaver Trap by Nate Underburg
Humorous: Doctor’s Useful Things by Taylor Towner
(recognition provided by the judges)
Glendo Winners
1st Place: How the Boy Became a Man by Ty Anderson
2nd Place: The Stolen Wolf Hide by Taylor Bohannon
3rd Place: Mud Houses by Tearza Armijo
Due to Douglas’ larger schools, more awards are presented
in the community. Third graders are also allowed to participate
in Glendo. The first placing individuals have been invited to join
the Wyoming Pioneer Association at its annual meeting.
Year Unknown at
the Hotel LaBonte
Welcome to the 2010 Wyoming Pioneer Assn. Meeting
Dear Wyoming Pioneer Association Members,
What a pleasure to WELCOME you to the 84th
Annual Wyoming Pioneer Association meeting,
Thursday, August 19, 2010, 10 a.m. in the McKibben
Cafeteria on the State Fairgrounds.
It is with regret that the Association has accepted
the resignation of our President Pat Henry. Her
letter states, “Due to my poor health, as well as the
knowledge that there is much to be done right now
for the Pioneer Day at the State Fair, I have decided
to withdraw as President of the Wyoming Pioneer
Association.” The Association and all of her friends
wish her well. Pat is very passionate about Wyoming
history and will continue to be a great asset to our
organization. Thank you Pat for time served.
The Board is very excited to share the good news of
our future goal for the coming year as we pursue the
possibility of constructing a Ruthe James Memorial
Addition to the east of the Museum plus a landscaped
courtyard and parking area. We will be working with
State Parks, State Fair, the Wyoming Legislature and
grant dollars. We also plan to set up a foundation
with a portion of the Williams bequest, which will be
the catalyst for future memorial gifts. The Memorial
Addition will be large enough to host the Wyoming
Pioneer Museum Art Show and a wonderful space for
all of our Members to hold their Annual Meeting.
During State Fair we are turning the Pioneer Cabin
into a free Children’s Western Museum. We are asking
all members to join with us in promoting the Museum,
new memberships and memorials to the Wyoming
WYOMING PIONEER ASSOCIATION FINANCIAL BALANCE
As of July 1, 2010
ASSETS:
CCB – Now Checking Account
$9,249.85
CCB – 12 month CD
$16,517.88
CCB – IMMA Bolln Memorial
$386.43
CCB – IMMA Ruthe James Williams Estate
$103,628.34
CCB – 6 Month CD Ruthe James Williams Estate $153,271.19
FSB Guernsey – IMMA Ruthe J. Williams Est. $344,163.38
TOTAL ASSETS
Balance as of July 1, 2010 $627,217.07
CCB: Converse County Bank • FSB: First State Bank
Wyoming Pioneer Assn. Executive Board, 2010-2011
President: Mary Engebretsen, Lost Springs
1st Vice President: Art Reese, Cheyenne
nd
2 Vice President: Marjorie Sanborn, Glendo
Treasurer: Marilyn Werner, Douglas
Secretary: Helen Miller, Casper
Past President: Barbara Costopoulos, Guernsey
Board Members, 2008-2010
Robert Vollman, Douglas • Verla Etchemendy, Lost Springs
Mary Julia Wilson, Douglas • Marjorie Sanborn, Glendo
Helen, Miller, Casper
Board Members, 2009-2011
Marilyn Werner, Douglas • Elaine Crummer, Douglas
Beverly Holmes, Cheyenne • Peter Pier, Lusk
Del Tinsley, Casper
Ex-Officio
Wyoming Pioneer Museum ~ Arlene Ekland-Earnst, Curator
Wyoming State Fair ~ James Goodrich, Director
Pioneer Association. Have a Wonderful Pioneer Day at
the Fair.
We also have some exciting news as it relates to
the museum. New cabinetry is being installed in both
women’s bathrooms to provide an infant changing
station and lockable storage for cleaning supplies,
vacuum cleaners and other needed supplies. The
Old School House has been scraped and painted. The
Pioneer Cabin trim has been painted and hail damaged
windows were replaced.
Thank you to Elaine Crummer and Margie Sanborn
for conducting the Bolln Memorial Essay Contest in
the Douglas and Glendo Schools. Elaine will be retiring
after nine dedicated years. Gay Bolln will continue the
project with Margie Sanborn.
Thank you to the Crummers for setting up and the
use of their sound system for the Annual Meeting.
Thank you to Jennifer Womack for publishing our
new newsletter, the PIONEER POST, and for taking our
Association group photos.
A reminder to all, membership to the Association is
not just for Pioneers but for anyone who has a desire
to see Wyoming History preserved from Yesterday,
Today and Tomorrow.
Mary Engebretsen, President
1930 at Pioneer
Cabin
WYOMING PIONEER DAY SCHEDULE Thursday, August 19, 2010
Local Authors Host Book Signing
Douglas — New from Arcadia
Publishing and lifelong friends
Linda Graves Fabian and Carol
Price Tripp comes “Images of
America: Douglas.” More than 200
vintage images depicting the history of the “Home of the Jackalope,”
give readers a unique opportunity
to reconnect to the history that
shaped their community.
The authors will be signing
copies of the book at the Wyoming
Pioneer Museum on Thurs., Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3
p.m. in conjunction with the Wyoming Pioneer Association’s annual Pioneer Day.
The book is also available at area bookstores, independent and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or 888-3132665. All proceeds from the book benefit the Wyoming
Pioneer Museum.
8:30–9:30 a.m. REGISTRATION – Center St. Entrance
Entertainment by the Yampa Valley Boys
Transportation will be provided to the cafeteria
10:00 a.m. ANNUAL MEETING at McKibben Cafeteria
Pledge of Allegiance (Bob Vollman)
Honoring our Servicemen and Women (Bob Vollman)
2009 Meeting Minutes
Treasurer Report
Correspondence
Standing Committees
Reading of Memorials (Mary Julia Wilson)
John Hutton Project (Beverly Holmes)
Children’s Western Museum (Mary Engebretsen)
Special Committees
Nominating Committee (Verla Etchemendy)
New Business
Presentation of Bolln Essay Winners (Elaine Crummer)
Honoring Sr. Members (Barbara Costopoulos)
Adjourn
Entertainment provided by Marty Davis & Brady Goss
1:00 p.m. GATHERING AT PIONEER CABIN
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Milward Simpson, Director Wyoming State Parks
Book signing at Wyoming Pioneer Museum
Group Picture of all attending members and guests
Children’s Western Museum
Annual Art Show • Aug. 13 • Museum!
The 2010 Douglas Invitational Art Show will get
underway Friday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. with the event’s
opening reception. Tickets to the event, which includes
a silent auction, are $25
each. Reservations can be
made by calling 307-3589288.
Festivities
continue
Saturday, Aug. 14 when
the art show is open to the
public beginning at 9 a.m.
and span through 6 p.m.
At 3 p.m. the annual quick
draw competition, reception and art auction get underway. On Sunday, Aug. 15, visitors can view the art show
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to Wyoming Pioneer Museum Director
Arlene Ekland-Earnst, 25 plus artists will participate
in this year’s show. Don’t miss this opportunity to support area artists and the Wyoming Pioneer Museum!
WYOMING PIONEER DAY MEETING REGISTRATION & MEMBERSHIP FORM
Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010 • Please mail registration forms by Aug. 13, 2010
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
p $8.00 for Annual Meeting and Luncheon
p $15.00 for Annual Membership
p $50.00 for Lifetime Membership
p $______ Donation to the Wyoming Pioneer
Museum
p $______ In Memory of a Friend of Loved One
Please fill out the adjacent panel
$__________ TOTAL Enclosed
Zip:
Make checks payable to:
Wyoming Pioneer Assn.
P.O. Box 1545
Douglas, WY 82633
Name and Address of Next of Kin to be Notified of Memorial Gift
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
EARLY REGISTRATION is encouraged for the Wyoming Pioneer Association Annual Meeting, but isn’t
required to attend. Those who have questions about
this year’s meeting can contact Mary Engebretsen at:
307-334-2929
Pioneer Cabin to be a Center of Activity at 2010 State Fair
Douglas, Wyo. — Wyoming Pioneer Association members will have an increased presence at the 2010 Wyoming State Fair and Rodeo.
Beyond the group’s annual meeting, president Mary
Engebretsen says WPA members will be working to
ensure the state’s youngsters have an opportunity to learn
about our state’s pioneer days.
The 2010 Wyoming State Fair begins on Saturday, Aug.
14 in Douglas. Beginning on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at the
cabin adjacent to the Wyoming Pioneer Museum, youngsters will have an opportunity to take a peek back in time
at the Wyoming of yesteryears.
Rhonda Dilts of Douglas will be spinning wool. Rhonda
spends countless hours educating Wyoming’s young people about wool and Wyoming agriculture. Drawn to the spinning
wheel, youngsters quickly take an
interest in the information Rhonda
has to share.
Mary says they’ll also have the Discovery Trunk from the Wyoming
State Museum on hand. The trunk,
according to the State Museum,
“is designed to complement the
teaching of Wyoming history and
the history of the American West.”
Filled with replica artifacts, the
Ron Duckworth
trunks offer youngsters a chance
Wyoming Pioneer Association
P.O. Box 1545
Douglas, WY 82633
REGISTER TODAY!
Hitch up your team and head to
Douglas for the 2010 Wyoming Pioneer
Association’s annual meeting. Friends
and neighbors from across Wyoming will
gather at McKibben Cafeteria at 10 a.m.
on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010 to carry out
the organization’s business, renew old
friendships and make new ones!
to explore the lives of plains Indians, mountain men, the
frontier Army and emigrants on Wyoming trails.
According to the State Museum, “The Discovery Trunk
Program helps create a unique and challenging learning
environment that enhances traditional classroom instruction through hands-on experience with historical objects.”
Ron Duckworth from Cheyenne will be helping in the
cabin while donning mountain man attire. Ron says he’ll
be setting up his lodge, a tipi. “I put everything in there the
way it was in the 1830s,” says Ron. “I explain why things
are where they’re at and I do children’s storytelling.”
Children’s crafts will also take place throughout the
week, says Mary. The Converse County Cow-Belles are
moving their annual stick horse races to the cabin area.
Mary says races will take place throughout the week. The
lawn behind the museum and cabin provide a perfect location to host the youngsters. Attendees can also view historic farm equipment provided by Douglas area rancher
Bob Vollman.
“We’re excited to be adding to the activities available
for young people at the State Fair,” says Mary. The event
also provides the Wyoming Pioneer Association members
an opportunity to interact with the public and share their
organization’s goals and message. “We hope people see all
of the new activities and consider becoming an involved
member in the Wyoming Pioneer Association,” she says.
Stop by the Pioneer Cabin during the 2010 Wyoming
State Fair for details and an itinerary of activities.
PRSRT STD
U.S. postage paid
Casper, wy
permit No. 165