From the President’s Pen Carolyn Turbiville, President, Museum Volunteers September 2009

My how time flies when one is having fun and keeping busy. I sure have enjoyed the pleasant temperatures this summer. We had a most delightful picnic at Beverly Goodman’s beautiful mountain home August 2. Thank you, Beverly, for being such a gracious hostess! A very successful Arts and Crafts Show and Sale is now behind us. We are now ready to move on to some additional productive and fun activities. It looks like the next item will be to survive September and with it the advent of fall. Then we will revisit the Historic Homes Walk, October 3 and the Fall Meeting and Potluck Luncheon, to be held Monday, October 5, 12:00 noon in the multi-purpose room. We are asking that you sign-up to bring a main dish, salad or dessert. There will be a signup sheet at the information desk. Please stop by and signup for one of the three items. When you sign-up, also please indicate how many will be coming spouse or a friend is welcome. Please sign up by October 1 so we can have some time to plan. You can contact Sarah or Carolyn if you wish to come but can’t make it down to sign up. Table service will be provided. Staff will be our guests. Staff members please let Sarah know if you are planning to come. Barbara Nelson had congestive heart failure in July. She had a defibrillator put in and she is doing fine. Barbara is off to Sweden to join her husband, Kent. We are so happy that she is recovering so well. She will soon be back at the information desk after her return from Sweden. Please be sure to read the suggested by-law change included in this Vaquero. I hope that all is going well for all. Looking forward to seeing you at the October 5 meeting and luncheon. Your Prez, Carolyn

Kay Thomas

This month’s SMV profile features Kay Thomas. She has been a volunteer since 1989. Kay was born and raised in England. She entered the field of nursing and during World War II she met an American GI, Robert Thomas, a native of Iowa. At the end of the War she and Robert married and returned to the States, settling in Wheatland. Robert worked at the time for a jewelry company and there was hope of discovering quantities of jade in the area. But, after further exploration there was little or no jade to be found. Kay and Robert moved to Cheyenne where Kay resumed her nursing career working for a cardiologist. Robert got a job with KFBC radio where he worked until his retirement. During retirement Robert struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease. When Robert passed away the couple had been married for 52 years. Kay kept on working for the cardiologist until he retired in 1989. At that point Kay found herself out of work at 73 years of age. In wondering what to do next, she spoke with the Cheyenne RSVP coordinator, who steered Kay to the Wyoming State Museum and Wyoming State Archives, where she went to work as a volunteer. Kay told me she started out working with LaVaughn Bresnahan in Archives, then moved on to Collections, where she packed artifacts, did some painting and constructed covered clothes hangers during the period the Barrett Building was undergoing renovations. She did research and updated card catalogs for outlying museums, but most of her volunteer time was spent in Collections, where she still fills out condition reports for new items acquired by the museum. She measures the item, describes it with its proper name using as few words as possible, and then catalogs the exact condition of the article. Kay said that language skills are a must in order to be concise, but brief. There are approximately 100 headings to be checked for each item, so she said that there are times when she only does three or four items during her four-hour shift on Mondays. Kay told me that she is fascinated with the work that goes on in a museum environment behind the scenes, such as restoration, that the average lay person visiting the museum never knows about. I asked Kay about activities that involve the State Museum Volunteers, and she had high praise for the Board and their activities. She said they do so much more now than they used to, but because of a hearing loss Kay herself doesn’t attend functions as much as she would like. Besides the museum and archives Kay volunteers 4 hours on Tuesdays at the Laramie County Library. Her hobbies are reading and flower gardening.

State Museum Volunteer Profiles a continuing series of interviews

by Gil Gianetti

Kay has two children Susan, who is Albany County Library Director, overseeing three libraries; and Robert, who lives with his wife and twin college-age students in Salt Lake City. As I wrapped up my interview with Kay, she was quick to mention that she is 92 years old. A brass plaque in the multi-function room at the museum indicates that Kay was voted Volunteer of the Year in 1991.

Fall Lecture Series 2009

After a summer hiatus, it’s that time once again to kick off the monthly lecture series. We have a great line-up this fall starting with ”Bandit to Bigshot: An Outlaw’s Journeý” by Clark Allen on September 10. Mr. Allen will discuss the life of Clark Pelton, an early Laramie resident. The presentation will cover Pelton’s wild west experiences as a young man (including robbing a stagecoach) and his activities later, as a carpenter, merchant, contractor and builder. The October lecture will be given by our own Carl Hallberg from the State Archives. Carl has recently done a great deal of research on the socialist party in Wyoming and has kindly agreed to talk about his findings. Carl’s presentation, “So Would You Be”: Socialists and Socialism in Wyoming Politics, 1902 to 1940, is scheduled for October 8. On November 12, Coloradan Bob Willis, a television travel pioneer and freelance travel journalist, will share with us the history of the many attempts to locate the famous Lost Dutchman Mine in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. Many thanks to the State Museum Volunteers for helping with Mr. Willis’ travel expenses so that we can enjoy “Seeking the Dutchman’s Lost Treasure”. We will round out the fall lecture series on December 10 with a program on Lester C. Hunt by Rick Ewig of the American Heritage Center. Hunt, Wyoming governor and U.S. Senator, was one of the state’s most popular politicians from the 1930s to the 1950s, so the program should draw a good crowd. I hope that these topics interest you and will entice you to attend one or more of the lectures!

~ Sarah Ligocki

Curator of Education

Photograph by Carolyn Turbiville

SMV Gift to the State Museum By Mandy Langfald, Curator of Collections

In June the SMV Board agreed to purchase two modern Native American artifacts for the State Museum’s permanent collection. The items were a pair of beaded cowboy boots and a complete bow and arrow set made by Annin Soldier Wolf, a Northern Arapaho and descendent of Sharpnose. These objects are a very important purchase for the Museum. Because these are modern pieces made by a contemporary Native American, the Museum has no applicable purchase budget of its own for such acquisitions.

While the Museum has a large and beautiful Native American collection, most of the objects

are 1920s or earlier. Native Americans living on the Wind River Reservation are part of a larger, active, traditional and modern culture. As a people of the past, present and future, their story should be told as such; and contemporary pieces by modern artists help the Museum show a more complete picture of continuing artistic traditions. There is meaning behind the designs in everything that Annin makes and he blends tradition and modern practices with ease. Everything he makes is functional as well. He wore the boots to a graduation and he has hunted with the bow and stone tipped arrows. We hope to have these pieces on exhibit next summer with a full description of the meaning and uses behind them. We are excited to see them on exhibit and hope

to have Annin down to talk about what he does. On behalf of the Museum staff, I would like to thank you for making this possible with your generosity.

Wyoming State Museum Volunteers’ Annual Picnic

The Wyoming State Museum Volunteers' annual picnic was held on Sunday, August 2, 2009 at Beverly Goodman's WindSong property near Buford, WY. Thirty-one of us enjoyed beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, and a multitude of hummingbirds. 4 feeders filled 4 times a day feeds a lot of hummingbirds! Spouses present included Gaylord Fosdick, Mel Loose, Ken Barrow and Janie Lujan. Guests in attendance were Carolyn and Dennis Olson, (Frances Hardy's sister and brother-in-law), Kelsey and Keaton Marsh, (the Fosdick's grandchildren) and Jessica Brandl, (Judy Binger's future daughter-in-law). We were also pleased to have staff members, Larry Lujan and Sarah Ligocki with us. Scotty and Reno, the dogs, enjoyed each other and the few table scraps they could mooch. Reno has much better manners than Scotty who knows no shame when it comes to mooching. Those present built a 6-foot long Sub Sandwich to eat along with all the other food available. While the volunteers and guests were appreciative of the surroundings and Bev's generosity, Bev herself feels it's a privilege and honor to share her home with such nice people and good friends. You're welcome anytime! Plans are already under way for next year and a Milk Can dinner.

---Written by Beverly Goodmanthis guy, he prefers nectar! Photo: Dan Crochet

No sub for this guy he prefers nectar! Photo: Dan Crochet

Unwrapping six-feet of bread! From left: Judy Binger, Carolyn Turbiville, our hostess, Beverly Goodman,

and Jessica Brandl.

Let’s roll! L-R: Judy Binger, Carolyn Turbiville, Frances Hardy, Beverly Goodman and Jessica Brandl.

222000000999 AAANNNNNNUUUAAALLL

L-R: Marj Woods, Bill Fietz, Harriett Loose & Mitty Nation

L-R: Janie, Reno & Larry Lujan, Mitty Nation, Emma Fosdick, Bill Yannaccone, Gaylord Fosdick, Mary Fietz, Harriett & Mel

Loose, Marj Woods & Bill Fietz.

Mitty Nation & Mary Wilson add tomatoes and lettuce to the huge sub. Frances Hardy prepares cheese for another layer.

L-R: Peggy & Dan Corbin, Ken Barrow, LaVaughn Bresnahan, Mary Wilson, Beverly Goodman, Dan Crochet, Frances Hardy, Judy

Binger, Gil Gianetti & Carolyn Turbiville.

Photos by Carolyn Turbiville & Carolyn Olson

Preparing a sandwich of this size took some time. . . but Larry Lujan is ready to dig in NOW. Okay, let’s eat!

Relaxing after lunch with friends and good conversation. L-R: Bill

and Mary Fietz share the log swing; Gil Gianetti pulled up a chair.

Enjoying some rays after lunch. L-R: Jessica Brandl, Judy

Binger, Janie, Reno and Larry Lujan.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President: Carolyn Turbiville

Vice President: Bill Yannaccone

Secretary: Mary Fietz

Treasurer: Bill Fietz

Ex Officio: Sarah Ligocki

Advisor: Harriett Loose

Upcoming Events: Continuing through October 24th – Exhibit, Molesworth from the Collection, 2 nd floor. September 10th – 7 p.m., Barrett Building, 2301 Central Ave., Cheyenne. Lecture “Bandit to Bigshot: An Outlaw’s Journey” by Clark Allen of Cheyenne. Sept 16th - Board Meeting – 1 p.m. - multi-purpose room of museum. October 3 – 5th Annual Historic Homes Walk REVISITED – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register at 3619 Moore Ave. Distance approximately 1 mile. Cheyenne’s Newest Historic District – Moore Haven Heights. Donations accepted. Dogs on leash welcome. October 5th - Fall General Membership Meeting & Potluck luncheon, museum multi-purpose room. Please sign up for what you would like to bring on list at volunteer information desk by Oct 1st.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

September

6 – Emma Fosdick 13 – Mary Fietz 17 – Anita Lucas 20 – Bill Fietz

30 – Beth Gianetti

About the Organization

From the inception in 1974, the State Museum Volunteers have been instrumental in assisting the art and education programs of the Wyoming State Museum. Their tie to these programming

sections of the museum remains strong today.

Volunteers at the Wyoming State Museum are an important link between the museum’s professional services and the public it serves. In human terms, they represent the museum’s mission to the

public.

The Volunteer Vaquero. . .

is published monthly for members of the State Museum Volunteers,

Wyoming State Museum, Barrett Building, 2301

Central Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002. Newsletter

deadline is the 20th of each month.

Correction:

In the July edition of The Vaquero in the “Honor Flights Cheyenne” story, Bill Yannaccone was misquoted when speaking about the current rate at which WWII veterans are dying. The article incorrectly stated that veterans are dying at the rate of one thousand annually. The correct figure is one thousand per day.

SUGGESTED REVISONS TO THE MAY 2009, SMV BY-LAWS The following By-law amendment is recommended by the board. Please read and familiarize yourself with the changes that follow. The By-law change will be discussed and voted on at the October 5th Fall General Meeting. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Carolyn. Submitted by Carolyn Turbiville & written by Barbara Nelson

[Article IV]

Currently reads: Section 1. Officers and Duties. The officers of the organization shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Advisor. The President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting (see Article V, Section 1). The immediate past President automatically becomes the Advisor. If he/she is unable or unwilling to serve, an Advisor shall be appointed by the President with the approval of a majority of the Board of Directors. These officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws, by the Policies and Procedures of the State Museum Volunteers, Inc., and by the parliamentary authority adopted by the organization. Proposed change: Section 1. Officers and Duties. The officers of the organization shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, an Advisor, and a Member-at-Large. The President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting (see Article V, Section 1). The immediate past President automatically becomes the Advisor. If he/she is unable or unwilling to serve, an Advisor shall be appointed by the President with the approval of a majority of the Board of Directors. The Member-at-Large shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the majority of the Board of Directors. These officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws, by the Policies and Procedures of the State Museum Volunteers, Inc., and by the parliamentary authority adopted by the organization.

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[Article VI—Officers]

Currently reads: Section 1. Board Composition. The officers and ex officio members shall constitute the Board of Directors. The ex officio members are the Editor of the organization’s newsletter and the Curator of Education of the Wyoming State Museum. Proposed change: Section 1. Board Composition. The officers and ex officio member shall constitute the Board of Directors. The ex officio member is the Curator of Education of the Wyoming State Museum.

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[Article IV]

Currently reads: Section 3. Removal of Board Members. Board members may be removed from office for cause.

Upon receipt of a written request signed by three State Museum Volunteers, Inc., members in good standing calling for the removal of an elected officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer) and detailing the cause(s) for removal, the President or Vice-President shall present the request to the Board. The Board will call for a special vote by the general membership at the next meeting of the membership or by mail/e-mail vote. Removal from office requires a 2/3 vote of members responding. Upon receipt of a written request signed by three State Museum Volunteer, Inc., members in good standing calling for the removal of the Advisor or Editor of the organization’s newsletter and detailing the cause(s) for removal, the President or Vice-President shall present the request to the Board. The Advisor and Editor may be removed from office by a 2/3 vote of the Board. Proposed change: Section 3. Removal of Board Members. Board members may be removed from office for cause. Upon receipt of a written request signed by three State Museum Volunteers, Inc., members in good standing calling for the removal of an elected officer (President, Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer) and detailing the cause(s) for removal, the President or Vice-President shall present the request to the Board. The Board will call for a special vote by the general membership at the next meeting of the membership or by mail/e-mail vote. Removal from office requires a 2/3 vote of members responding. Upon receipt of a written request signed by three State Museum Volunteer, Inc., members in good standing calling for the removal of the Advisor or the Member-at-Large and detailing the cause(s) for removal, the President or Vice-President shall present the request to the Board. The Advisor and Member-at-Large may be removed from office by a 2/3 vote of the Board.

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32nd Annual Arts & Crafts Show & Sale Report by Carolyn Turbiville

This was the biggest and the best (in my opinion) of all 32 of the Arts and Crafts Shows and Sales. Records were broken. We had 55 registered vendor spaces and 50 vendor spaces were used. We had the largest raffle sale of tickets and probably the greatest donations for face painting ever! The net income from the event was $2,229.77. The 2010 Arts and Crafts Show and Sale will be held August 14. There seemed to be a very festive feeling throughout the area. The weather cooperated, for the most part. We had a brief shower go through in the morning and another rain/wind storm pass through in the afternoon. At that time, some vendors did pack up and leave, but those who stayed found sales continued through the final hour of the day. The vendors and customers seemed very satisfied with the show and sale. Workers for the Arts and Craft Show included 25 State Museum Volunteers, 3 state staff members and 3 friends. We all had a great time working together to make a successful show and we got lots of visiting done. What a fun time for all!!! If you would be interested in coordinating or co-coordinating the Arts and Crafts Show and Sale for next year, or doing the registration of vendors, please let me know.

32nd Annual Arts & Crafts Show & Sale – August 15, 2009

Above left: Sara Weishaar, Carolyn T’s neice, sells raffle tickets to unidentified customers.

L-R: Harriett Loose & Frances Hardy greet visitors to the SMV

booth.

L-R: Mitty Nation & Irene McNamara sell raffle tickets at our booth.

Photos by: Carolyn Turbiville

Above: Marj Woods enjoys Arts & Crafts Sale Day inside at the museum greeting visitors.

L-R: Sharon Collier, Mary & Bill Fietz doing a brisk balloon business.

L-R: Rebecca Pike has Suzi Taylor of the WY State Archives & face painter extraordinaire creating a masterpiece on her cheek.

Cindy Cook loved using the bull horn!

At left from L-R: LaVaughn Bresnahan & Carolyn Turbiville, A&C Coordinators, pose with Grand Prize winner Virginia Arthur & her granddaughter,

Ramsay.

Above the completed painting features a heart & a horse.

L-R: Sarah Ligocki, Museum Curator of Education, draws the Grand Prize ticket. Janet Norrod & Harriett Loose watch.

Many Hands Make Light Work!

A Special Thank You to all who helped make the 32

nd Annual Arts & Crafts

Show & Sale such a success!!!!! Registration and “Right Hand Helper”: LaVaughn Bresnahan Great job of Publicity and designing the poster: Beth Gianetti Posting Posters: Beth & Gil Gianetti, Mary & Bill Fietz, Mary Wilson, Sharon Collier, Dick Hart, Harriett Loose, LaVaughn Bresnahan & Carolyn Turbiville Putting sandwich board out all week: Sarah Ligocki & Beth Miller Helping set up at 6:30 a.m: Sarah Ligocki, Dan Crochet, LaVaughn Bresnahan, Carolyn Turbiville, Myrna Jackson, Sara Weishaar (Carolyn’s sister and niece) and Marilyn Cole (Carolyn’s friend) Passing out Registration Packets: LaVaughn Bresnahan & Mary Wilson (Sorry you had to get up sooo early, Mary) Balloons: Mary & Bill Fietz Passing out balloons: Sharon Collier & Gil Gianetti SMV Information Table: Mitty Nation, Irene McNamara, Janet Norrod, Helen Hart and Frances Hardy (giving advice) Raffle table: Beth Gianetti & Harriett Loose Selling tickets: Mariah Emmons, Sara Weishaar (Carolyn’s niece), Pris Golden and Cindy Cook (who also loved to talk on the Bull Horn), Mitty Nation did a great job of selling tickets from the Information Table Face painting: Ann Bell, Miranda Crowson and Suzi Taylor Entertainment: Dick Hart Information desk in Museum: Cara Baber & Marj Woods Sandwich boards: Dick Hart Clean up: Sharon Collier, Cindy Cook, Sarah Ligocki, Beth & Gil Gianetti, Mary & Bill Fietz, Helen, Dick and James Hart, Harriett Loose, Janet Norrod, Suzi Taylor, Miranda Crowson, LaVaughn Bresnahan & Carolyn Turbiville Staying until all vendors were gone: Sharon Collier

I hope that I didn’t miss anyone; if I did, a special thank you for your help!

Carolyn Turbiville, Arts and Crafts Show and Sale Coordinator