A WYOMING GHOST STORY: MISS KATE

With Halloween stories being conjured left and right I thought I’d share one of the local ghost stories. While not a scary tale, Miss Kate takes her haunting responsibilities seriously. 

Sheridan, Wyoming, nestled snug in the valley of the Bighorns, has its fair share of things that go bump in the night…And I’m not just talking about when the Burlington Northern goes through town at 1:00 in the morning.  Residents and visitors have reported specters of women “of an undesirable nature” roaming the rooms of Hotel Rex, where they used to do a lot moaning for a different reason.  The disgraced son-in-law of Buffalo Bill Cody is said to haunt the Sheridan Inn where he took his life, or it was taken from him as some people speculate.

There is one spirit who found a home at the Sheridan Inn in life and is determined to remain there through the next.  Miss Kate, as she is affectionately known around these parts, is by far the favorite apparition of Sheridan.

Catherine Arnold stepped off the train in Sheridan, Wyoming in 1901. She was a bright eyed twenty-two-year-old from Virginia. Kate walked across the dusty road from the Depot to the Sheridan Inn, once known as the finest hotel between Chicago and San Francisco. Once her feet crossed the threshold of the Inn, it seemed nothing and no one could keep the young lady and the gabled inn apart.

Miss Kate (courtesy of the Sheridan Heritage Society)

Miss Kate was beloved by staff and guests of the hotel. In her sixty-four years at the Inn, she served as seamstress, desk clerk, housekeeper, hostess and babysitter.  She kept a flower garden behind the Inn, which benefited diners at the Inn’s restaurant as they graced the tables. Though she never married, it seems Miss Kate had a crush on a local man. This we found when the Museum I work for took possession of many of the Sheridan Inn’s items and found an old ice cream carton decorated as a gift (to be used as a trash can) for the gentleman. After years of faithful service Miss Kate was forced to leave the Inn in 1965, when developers purchased the Inn with plans to tear it down. Locals saved the Inn and it was purchased and used for dining and dancing.

Front of Sheridan Inn (courtesy of Kirsten Lynn)

Miss Kate passed away in 1968, her one wish to return to the Inn.  It is said, she was cremated and her ashes buried in the wall of the room she occupied.  I can neither confirm, nor deny this part of the story.

Through boom and bust, Miss Kate has remained at the Inn even as it recently sat empty for a many months.  Under new ownership the Inn is being restored to accommodate guests, parties and receptions.

Miss Kate’s presence has been felt on a daily basis. She is known to repeatedly turn the lights off and on and open and shut doors.  Her presence is strong on the third floor, near her room, with cold spots being felt on that floor and throughout the Inn.  One local, reported seeing lights on and curtains open on the third floor, when they drove by at two o’clock in the morning.

As a personal aside:  My first year at the Museum, we were asked to remove all artifacts from the Inn and keep them safe until someone saved the Inn and bought it.  We arrived at the Inn and the director had kindly purchased coffee and doughnuts for us. After we ate, he announced: “Okay, this is how we’re going to dismantle the contents.”  The lights went off.  No one moved, and no one said the name we were all thinking. The lights came back on and we got to work.  We agreed to blame a faulty electrical system.

The Sheridan Inn plays a small role in many of my manuscripts, but not in my ghost story, THE BALLAD OF ANNIE SULLIVAN.  For Hank and Annie’s story, I chose the backdrop of the Bighorn Mountains and a lone cowboy at cow camp. After interviewing local cowboys, who spent some summers alone on the mountains, I started thinking about how that could start playing with a person’s mind…and how they might start imagining things…or not.  And if you’re going to have a crazy story, the Renner clan is the family to choose. So, if you liked RACE TO MARRY, you’ll enjoy catching up with Cal and Josie and meeting Hank, one of the boys they adopted.

Hank Renner enjoys summers and early autumns when he can escape his large family and spend time alone at the cow camp in the Bighorn Mountains. That is, until he starts seeing a beautiful woman with flaming red hair and brown eyes, who disappears as quick as the Wyoming sunshine. Questioning his sanity, Hank begins a search that just might lead him to his heart.

Annie Sullivan wants only one thing more than revenge for a rape and murder that occurred ten years ago…Hank Renner. Haunting the mountain, she’s kept watch over the handsome cowboy. But this year she did something she’s never done before, something that could change everything. She’s let the man see her—and exposed her soul.

Two lonely souls search for the truth that could solve a murder and a love that could resurrect their hearts.

AMAZON

Kirsten Lynn is a Western and Military Historian. She worked six years with a Navy non-profit and continues to contract with the Marine Corps History Division for certain projects. Making her home where her roots were sewn in Wyoming, Kirsten also works as a local historian. She loves to use the history she has learned and add it to a great love story. She writes stories about men of uncommon valor…women with undaunted courage…love of unwavering devotion …and romance with unending sizzle. When she’s not writing, she finds inspiration in day trips through the Bighorn Mountains, binge reading and watching sappy old movies, or sappy new movies. Housework can always wait. 

BEHIND THE LOCKED DOORS OF SHERIDAN'S ROOMIN' HOUSES!

The year after I moved back to Wyoming, 2013,  was the 125^th Anniversary of Sheridan County Wyoming. During that time, I worked at the local museum and had a wonderful time learning more about the area and digging through historical artifacts.  One of the first things I learned was Sheridan County was created during the height of the Johnson County Cattle War. The people in northern Johnson County said, "No way are we dealing with this..." and broke away creating their own county.

As I helped tear down prior exhibits, I learned about those "red door" (and in one case literally a red door) areas of Sheridan and the women who lived and survived behind them. These women, sometimes ostracized, often played an important part or at least their part in this cattle, mining, and farming community.

Today we’re going to visit the roomin' or sportin’ houses of Sheridan, Wyoming. 

March 9, 1888, Sheridan County Wyoming was founded with the county seat being the town of Sheridan.  Ranches, mines, railroads, mills and a brewery all became important entities of Sheridan’s history.  As much a part of this history were Sheridan’s brothels.  The town’s red light district boomed from 1888 through the early 1900s with the last of the “houses” closing in the 1960s.

The Sheridan County census, in 1900, listed Jane Stewart “Missoula Jane” and along with six other “dressmakers” and two “laundresses” living on Val Vista and First Streets. Police records that same year recorded Jane Stewart’s arrest for renting a house to Ida Fitzgerald for prostitution.

Lizzie Lane ran a house on East Grinnell Avenue.  Lizzie came from Kentucky, as did the cook she brought with her.  Her seven girls, all black, ranged in age from 22 to 29 and came from various parts of the South.

Fifteen Ladies of Ill Repute were arrested for violating Ordinance #72, Sect. 3. Thirteen of the girls were fined $5.50 each. Two, Nellie Lay and Vivian Crawley were fined $15.50, leading researchers to believe their higher fine meant these women were the proprietors.

Despite arrests and fines, by 1910, houses of ill repute lined East Grinnell Street. Main Street, North Connor and Custer also had a few houses scattered among other businesses and residences. The census listed 70 “soiled doves” in business. They are listed as inmates in houses of prostitution or proprietors. Sixteen houses are marked F.B. on the city’s map. This meant there was a female border (i.e. prostitute) at that house.

A further look at the city’s census records from the early 1900s sheds light on why “female borders” were choosing to settle in Sheridan. At this time Sheridan had a population of 10,000, with the majority of the population being very young men in their 30s and unmarried. Sheridan, the city and the county, was a region of mines, railroads, construction jobs, and of course cowboys.

It was also a time of few choices for women if they were single, divorced or abandoned. One researcher found that “out of 39 of the prostitutes on the census were single, seven divorced, 17 had been married, or were married, with a total of 12 children.” (George Gligoria)

Some of the “respectable” women of Sheridan benefited from the working girls selling them dishes and making their clothes.  One local woman remembers her aunt making dresses, slippers, handbags and lingerie for the girls during the early 1900s. Though she managed a peek at some of the items, her aunt kept the lingerie well hidden from prying eyes.  She also never saw the girls and didn’t know if they came to the house, or her aunt went to them.

She recalled the skirts being “hobble skirts; tight from the hip down with a drape up to the knees…Some were split. They were very tight. Girls could hardly walk in them. They were sleeveless with a low-cut neckline.”  Surprisingly, the dresses had no frills like lace or beads, but they were always made of satins in shades of pinks, greens, yellows, and blues.  Their slippers were covered in satin to match.  Cantaloupe seeds would be washed, dried and strung to tack on the satin handbags and the dresses.  As the girl walked the seeds would shake and show satin.

Not all of the soiled doves in Sheridan wore satin. As in most places there were four levels of prostitution in Sheridan.  From the elegant parlor houses like The Castle to the middle-class saloons and finally the cribs and hog ranches that catered to the lowest class of men.  Street walking was all but eliminated in the city by arrests and fines. There was a limit to what was acceptable to the citizens of Sheridan.

By 1919, there was a shift to the Red Light district from Grinnell to Main and East Works. Prostitution houses included My Hotel, Rex Hotel, Irma Hotel, Elgin Rooms, the Shirley House, and a sheep wagon parked behind Crescent.

Prohibition failed to curtail prostitution in Sheridan. There were more arrests, but through the 1930s the Rex Hotel, the Irma and the Antlers and the Palm rooms continued to operate without interruption. Side note: Prohibition didn’t curtail drinking in Wyoming either because…it’s Wyoming, but that’s a story for another day.

One of the most infamous madams was Pearl Logan, born Pearl Colett. Although Pearl ran a series of rooming houses for over 40 years, she is best known as the proprietor of the Rex Hotel from 1930 to 1960. Five working girls resided in the large rooming house.  During her long rein at the Rex, Logan secured a strong affinity with law enforcement, tenants and the girls. Sheepherders and cowboys who came to town for a bender, or for an entire off -season trusted Pearl more than the local banks and left most of their earnings with Logan. She kept their money safe from gambling tables and thieves and a cowpoke’s summer wages remained safe.

Image courtesy of the Sheridan County Museum

When the U.S. Government decided to get tough on sexually transmitted diseases, Pearl did her part posting the pamphlets around the Rex.  The Rex closed in 1965, along with all the big houses, when County Attorney Henry Burgess ran a campaign to stop prostitution and gambling. Pearl Logan died in 1977.

Despite the taboo of their profession the women were said to be “extremely clean, well-cared for by doctors and very likable.” The women who sold items to them described them as nice women.

A cab driver from the early 1950s said the girls were great tippers. They would tip 50 cents to a dollar on a fare of 35 to 40 cents.  However, as nice as he thought the girls were he transported them “solo” rather than with other customers.

Whether parlor house or crib, these women lived harsh lives often cut short by disease or violence, but the fact is these women lived and contributed to the history of Sheridan. Some of the women were able to secure a bit of respect, and from what I could find most were considered kind and generous by many of Sheridan’s citizens.

As with most, this is not meant to be the whole story, just a small peek behind the locked doors of Sheridan’s rooming houses.



SOURCES:
THE SHERIDAN PRESS.  “Working Girls: Early Sheridan Haven for Brothels.”  Saturday-Sunday, August 21-22, 1999. pgs. 1-2.

THE LOG.  “The Business of Sin in Sheridan.” Vol. 2, Number 1, Spring 2010. Pgs. 1 and 7.

 Kirsten Lynn is a Western and Military Historian. She worked six years with a Navy non-profit and continues to contract with the Marine Corps History Division for certain projects. Making her home where her roots were sewn in Wyoming, Kirsten also works as a local historian. She loves to use the history she has learned and add it to a great love story. She writes stories about men of uncommon valor…women with undaunted courage…love of unwavering devotion …and romance with unending sizzle. When she’s not writing, she finds inspiration in day trips through the Bighorn Mountains, binge reading and watching sappy old movies, or sappy new movies. Housework can always wait.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS THROUGH THE YEARS FROM SHERIDAN, WYOMING

When I moved back to Wyoming there was only one place I wanted to be and that was Sheridan. There's so much history (family and other) here, and many traditions around the holidays this town embraces. One is the Christmas Stroll, the Friday after Thanksgiving, where the people of Sheridan gather on Main Street and enjoy shopping, Christmas music, hot chocolate, and other treats as we stroll the street.  Another is one of the historic homes, Trail End, has a Christmas open house complete with figgy pudding and carols.

Digging through past newspapers from the area reveal Sheridan and its people have always opened their doors and hearts around the holidays.

I thought it would be fun to share a few of the Yuletide traditions and fun articles I’ve found thumbing through the Sheridan papers of yesteryear.

Personally, I love digging through these treasure troves of information. Newspapers used to cover everything from world events, local gatherings, who’s visiting who, whose cow was found in whose pasture.

 

At the turn of the Century, the Sheridan Inn offered its annual Christmas dinner a menu including. According to the Sheridan Post the Inn would be serving dinner from 5-7 with a menu of:

Oysters, caviar, young pig with apple sauce, goose stuffed with chestnuts, Belgian Hare, Venison. For those with discriminating tastes:  Opossum, braised, with Sweet Potatoes.  After your opossum you can indulge in green apple, mince, lemon-meringue pie, or English plum pudding with hard or brandy sauce. (I'd like the brandy to wash down the opossum, thank you.)

Coffeen’s  store offered a wide selection of dolls, drums, toy stoves, whistles, swords, books as well as candy and nuts for the young’uns Christmas joys in 1900. We all know where good St. Nick was doing his shopping that year.

Of course, romance is always a welcome story during the Christmas season.  The wedding of Angus Beaton of Manderson, Wyoming and Miss Catherine McBeth of Torrindon, Rosehire, Scotland, reported in 1909 saw a ten year romance find a happily ever after (or at least I like to think so):

“Bride Comes from Scotland to Marry”

“Eight years ago Beaton came to America to seek his fortune and his sweetheart agreed to wait until he should send for her. Beaton settled in Wyoming and is now fairly well-to-do. Miss Beaton came from Scotland unaccompanied and arrived a few days before the wedding, being interim the guest of Mrs. Rogers of this place.”

The same edition of the Daily Enterprise advertised bobsled rides to the Beckton dance. Couples who could afford a dollar, per couple, could dash through the snow to the little community just outside Sheridan for an evening of dancing, refreshments and maybe their own romance.

Some years saw Christmas take on a new meaning in Sheridan.  In 1917, as the shadow of the Great War oozed over the United States, Sheridanites prepared with pleas for Peace and Good Will. Combating the doom, papers announced traditional celebrations would continue.

Instead of advertisements filled with special goodies Sheridan stores announced gift giving would take the form of useful things to wear and keep with toys still going to the youngsters.  Only, many stores were not joyfully filling full-page ads with all the games and toys.

A new face appeared in the papers. The Red Cross declared a huge success to their Christmas fund drive.  The funds would go towards a vast number of programs including:  “hospital distributing service sends supplies to 3425 French military hospitals and preparing immense stores of emergency supplies for our own army. ..Operating six canteens for use of French soldiers… and children’s refuge and hospital at a point in the war zone.”

In the midst of scaling back on giving and digging deeper for charity, the people of Sheridan and the surrounding area did indeed find time to celebrate the peace they still enjoyed. Churches announced musical programs, masses and special programs for children and adults.

Individuals and social groups opened their homes and community centers for dances and socials.

“The guests at the Foster House are entertaining their friends at a very enjoyable dancing parting this evening. The rooms are festive with holiday decorations, excellent music has been engaged and the good spirits co-incident with the season will make the occasion memorable for its pleasure…”

“Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Brooks were hosts Thursday evening to a company of friends, entertainment taking the form of a musicale. Dancing and the serving of light refreshments concluded the evening.”

Still the message Christmas 1917 was summed up in the following letter in the Sheridan Post.

“Therefore at this Yuletide, which may be the last in which we all gather about the old fireside, we put from us temporarily all thought of things abhorrent and enjoy in American fashion the pleasures of family and reunions, feasting and gift giving, mindful of a supreme power and grateful to the same for having postponed for so long a time (of) evil days that may be in store for us. In the midst of national peril and with what hope we can summon for brighter things, we wish the people of our country the happiest Christmas possible to them.”

What a transformation occurred the very next year in the December 24, 1918 edition. Despite the flu epidemic and the resulting cancellation of a few children's programs, reading the articles and advertisements one feel the relief, hope and excitement of a country witnessing the end of war and praying they won’t see it again.

As always the Post gave a running account of the movements of Sheridan County residents and visitors crossing the county’s borders.

“Hon. A.M. Halbert and family left Tuesday for a holiday visit to their former home in Missouri.”

“Mrs. Silas Cotey of Wheatland is visiting her sister, Mrs. John Winterling. She will remain several weeks.”

Traditional Christmas programs resumed, but as stated in an announcement:  “On earth, peace”,  takes on a deeper meaning than ever before and the feeling of “Good will toward men,” is universal. 

  

Churches celebrated the birth of Christ with special programs and “Christmas trees and treats for the little kiddies.”  Also promised, were festive Christmas trees lighting the windows of Sheridan.

 The Red Cross’ column, the previous year filled with gloom, proclaimed a feast fit for the returning heroes.  The train depot in Sheridan was turned into a dining hall.

“Returning soldier boys who fail to reach their homes but who are fortunate enough to pass through Sheridan during the holidays are not going to miss the good cheer of Christmas time. The Red Cross depot canteen workers are seeing to this and have provided such a feed as to almost make the boys cease to regret their absence from mother’s table.  Roast turkey, roast chicken, cakes.”

Of all the articles and ads in the 1918 issue one seized my attention and touched my heart. Its message is simple, but in all the early 20^th Century language and questionable grammar lies a joy for the season we all should strive to attain, and lessons we should put into actions. I didn’t change a thing. It’s exactly as it appeared in the Post almost a century ago, but it’s my message to you. Merry Christmas, y’all!

GOOD CHEER TO ALL THIS CHRISTMAS DAY by DeLos E. Brandon

“Christmas this year will be the best of all. We have won the war and that, in itself, is cause enough for rejoicing. The past year has been one of the most prosperous of all. America has maintained its name as the champion of freedom. The boys, victorious, are returning home. Some of them will arrive home in time for this wonderful day. Some homes will receive a letter that the son or husband will be home in the spring. Others, that are on their way now. O’…there are a million things one could mention! 

And you are happy. You are trudging home late tonight, your arms loaded with bundles—presents for all. You haven’t overlooked a single one. And they, too, will be happy.

What a wonderful world this really is. Despite all the sufferings and hardships. Christmas comes at just the right time of the year. Should it come in summer, spring or fall, it would not, could not be appreciated as it is now.  There is something in the spirit of Christmas, coming in the winter season, that endears it to the heart.  In the tropics, this day of the year is never appreciated as it is in the northern climes.

Maybe it is the contrast between the cold, dreary  outside and the warm hearth with the loving ones at home. Maybe it is---well, you know what I mean. There is an undefinable something that we have learned to love.  

And, with all the happiness that will come to you, the many and varied presents, are you going to overlook the more unfortunate friends, neighbors, or acquaintances this year? Let’s not. Try and do something that will bring joy to some needy family or some lonesome person of whom you know. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you and 

A Merry, Merry Christmas to all!

Many of my stories take place in the Sheridan area and I have two that take place around Christmas time in this Wyoming town. I'd like to give away an e-book of HEARTS IN WINTER to one person who comments and an e-book of CHRISTMAS STROLL to another individual who leaves a comment. 

Thank you all and see you in the New Year!

 

SOURCES:

Sheridan Post, Tuesday, December 24, 1918. Pgs 1-10

Sheridan Post, Tuesday, December 25, 1917. Pgs 1-8

Sheridan Post, Thursday, December 20, 1900, Pg 4

Sheridan Daily Enterprise, Friday, December 24, 1909, Pg 2

 Kirsten Lynn is a Western and Military Historian. She worked six years with a Navy non-profit and continues to contract with the Marine Corps History Division for certain projects. Making her home where her roots were sewn in Wyoming, Kirsten also works as a local historian. She loves to use the history she has learned and add it to a great love story. She writes stories about men of uncommon valor…women with undaunted courage…love of unwavering devotion …and romance with unending sizzle. When she’s not writing, she finds inspiration in day trips through the Bighorn Mountains, binge reading and watching sappy old movies, or sappy new movies. Housework can always wait.

RIDIN' TALL IN THE SADDLE: KING'S SADDLERY!

As spring and soon summer descend on the valley of the Bighorns, the town of Sheridan becomes a hot spot for cowboys and cowgirls from Alaska to Texas. What are they looking for... King’s Saddlery and King’s Ropes!

And where do I go when the cowboy in my current work in progress needs a top of the line saddle...well he just moseys on over to King’s Saddlery!

Born in Douglas, Wyoming, in 1923, Don King was the son of an itinerant ranch hand, Archie King.  By the age of 14, Don learned to tool leather as he supported himself with odd jobs at ranches and rodeos.  He sold and traded wallets, belts and other small gear.  “I traded for pants, shirts, hats, spurs, anything. Sometimes I ended up with nothing.”

King worked on ranches throughout the West, finally settling down in Sheridan, Wyoming in 1946. There he became an apprentice to expert saddle maker Rudy Mudra.  King assisted in the building of saddles and created piecework for local cowboys.

After acquiring his own ranch he committed his time to that enterprise until in 1957, when he devoted himself full-time to saddlemaking and leather tooling.  King preferred to focus on highly ornamental trophy saddles like those given as prizes in rodeo competitions. During this time, he developed his own style of tooling.  A style characterized by wild roses “with a distinctive shape, as though they were viewed from a 45-degree angle.”

By 1961, when King opened his own business on Main Street in Sheridan, he was well-known among ranchers and rodeo stars for his impeccable craftsmanship.  This artistry and precision is best demonstrated in the making of the saddle type he created, the Sheridan-style saddle. The Sheridan-style saddle is “in its general form, a classic high plains roping saddle: short, square skirts; a low cantle with a broad Cheyenne roll…” But the most distinctive element is the wild rose (Sheridan Rose) tooling. King also used unusually deep stamping to give “greater three-dimensional depth to his tooling…”

Sheridan Style Saddle

His skill earned King the PRCA World Championship Saddle contract for 6 years. Some of these saddles are displayed at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and PRCA Rodeo Hall of Fame.  The honors King received for his works include: Chester A. Reynolds Award from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, The National Heritage Fellowship for the Folk Arts from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Governor’s Quality Business Award for the State of Wyoming.  King was also a founding member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.

Through the years King’s saddles have been acquired by everyone from local Wyoming cowboys to celebrities and dignitaries such as: Queen Elizabeth, Ronald Reagan, and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

King wasn't just satisfied with turning out the finest saddles and turned his talents to rope making. A few years ago I had the honor of interviewing Mrs. King and was given a tour of the field outside of town where ropes are still stretched in the traditional manner. Also, I was given a tour of the rope making area of the store. King created the first (and only) rope making technique and machine for manufacturing a rope for left-handed cowboys. Because of this, championship ropers turn their rigs to King's for their ropes, as well as their saddle. There's no lack of selection in colors either.

King’s Saddlery & King’s Ropes is a must stop in Sheridan. Not only can you walk back to the rope shop and pick out your very own custom rope, but there is a Museum off the rope shop filled with saddles of any style along with Old West collectibles. But beware it is extremely easy to walk in empty-handed and walk out with empty pockets…I speak from experience! But guess where I'll be next week...?





SOURCES:
http://www.sheridanwyoming.org/history/buildingsmuseums/kings-museum/

http://www.kingropes.com/thekings.htm

http://www.cowboysaddlery.com/donking.html

**Photos are mine except the one of the Sheridan style saddle it is property of www.sheridanwyoming.org**

 Kirsten Lynn is a Western and Military Historian. She worked six years with a Navy non-profit and continues to contract with the Marine Corps History Division for certain projects. Making her home where her roots were sewn in Wyoming, Kirsten also works as a local historian. She loves to use the history she has learned and add it to a great love story. She writes stories about men of uncommon valor...women with undaunted courage...love of unwavering devotion ...and romance with unending sizzle. When she's not writing, she finds inspiration in day trips through the Bighorn Mountains, binge reading and watching sappy old movies, or sappy new movies. Housework can always wait.

AMERICA MOUNTS UP! THE REMOUNT SERVICE AND NEW SERIES

There are no words for how excited I am about a new series I have starting this month. These are stories from my heart and soul and I just adore every one of the people who inhabit these stories.  RIDIN’ FOR A FALL begins the A&G Original Brand series about the Allaway and Gowan families and their joint ranch in Big Horn, Wyoming.  The Allaways run cattle on their side of the ranch, while the Gowans focus on horse breeding like many of the Scottish immigrants who came to Sheridan County in the 1890s. A government program assisting many ranchers in this area of Wyoming was the program set up under the Remount Board.

Prior to the mechanized war beginning with World War II, armies depended on horses, mules, dogs, etc., to move the lines forward.  Governments relied on the breeders of such animals to supply their stock.  These animals were procured by the Quartermaster Department. The method of issuing contracts based on bids often led to the Army acquiring older horses or animals in poor physical condition.

In 1908, Congress authorized the Remount Service. This specialized service was charged with procuring, conditioning and providing initial training for horses before issuing them to units. Another function of the service was to supervise an Army horse breeding program designed to raise the quality of horses. 

During World War I, the scope of the program increased. The number of horses and mules skyrocketed to 571,000. Breeders such as Malcom Moncreiffe in Big Horn, Wyoming answered the call for horses. Moncreiffe ran one of the finest horse breeding operations in the world. He had already exported Wyoming-bred horses to the British cavalry and artillery; supplying over 20,000 horses during the Boer War.

As it did with the landscape of Europe and the human toll, World War I extracted a massive toll on the world’s horse population. Over 70,000 horses were killed serving as war horses. The horse population in the United States  was so depleted something had to be done. 

In 1919, the War Department created the Remount Board, and by 1921 the Remount Service acquired total responsibility for the horse breeding program from the Department of Agriculture. The board divided the country into seven geographical regions establishing Remount Depots in each. Sheridan, Wyoming was one of these depots.  Civilians contracted with the Army to breed horses.  Breeding farms and ranches were thoroughly inspected. To receive a stud a breeder needed 20 quality mares and little money. Breeders could sell the offspring to the Army or anyone else. The effort was meant to jump-start the American horse industry.  However, records indicate over 39,000 foals were purchased by the Army.

Due to the mechanization of war, horses were not utilized to such an extent during World War II. The Coast Guard procured over 3,000 horses in 1943, using them for beach patrols.  This lasted only a year and in 1944 the horses were returned to the Remount Depots.  Fourteen thousand mules were used to negotiate jungle and mountainous terrain.

However, by 1948, Remount Headquarters was closed and the Army transferred the program to the Department of Agriculture. The next year the program was liquidated.

For horse breeders in the Sheridan area, the Remount Service had a major effect on industry. Local breeders utilized studs leased from the government to supplement their programs increasing both quality and quantity of horses.

You will meet two families who benefit from the Remount Program, the Allaways and Gowans, in RIDIN’ FOR A FALL.  Kyle Allaway, of the A&G, is determined to build a horse breeding program to rival Malcolm Moncreiffe’s, but there’s many ways a man can fall before reaching his dreams. 

RIDIN’ is the beginning of two new series with Kyle and Lena standing as an anchor in each. For all the information first sign up for my newsletter at SPURS & DOG TAGS NEWSLETTER

If you would like a FREE peek at Kyle and Lena’s story you can download a TWO chapter,  uncorrected, preview at KIRSTEN LYNN STORE

Here’s the blurb.

He’s the All American Cowboy…

Kyle Allaway is riding tall as one-half of the greatest act in Frank Perry’s Wild West Show.  He’s his own man far from Big Horn, Wyoming and the family who betrayed him driving him from his fondest dream…well at least one of his dreams…

She’s the Sweetheart of the West…

Lena Gowan is barely holding onto the reins. Tired of constant travel, the applause of the crowd means nothing to her. She longs to return to the ranch co-owned by the Gowan and Allaway families.  To leave Kyle would mean walking away from her dearest friend and heart’s desire.

Together they’ve been a team since childhood…

When a surprise lands in Kyle’s arms, he’s forced to become two things he swore he’d never be… a father to a child born outside of marriage and Lena’s husband.  His world continues to tumble when he takes his new family to the one place he both loves and hates … the A&G Ranch.  As the world erupts in the Great War, the Allaways and Gowans face a battle years in the making. Kyle and Lena must hold tight to each other and fight internal questions and doubts and external forces seeking their destruction, or risk a fall that will knock them out of the saddle for good.

Sometimes the safest place to fall…is in love…  

 

Kirsten Lynn writes stories based on the people and history of the West, more specifically those who live and love in Wyoming and Montana. Using her MA in Naval History, Kirsten, weaves her love of the West and the military together in many of her stories, merging these two halves of her heart. When she's not roping, riding and rabble-rousing with the cowboys and cowgirls who reside in her endless imagination, Kirsten works as a professional historian.  http://www.kirstenlynnwildwest.com/

 

THE FIRST DUDE RANCH IN THE U.S.

By Guest, Kate Wyland

When my husband and I won a dude ranch vacation from the Brenda Novak Diabetes Auction we had no idea we would be staying at the oldest dude ranch in the US. And I never expected our trip would be the inspiration for my novel WYOMING ESCAPE.

The Eaton Brothers

Eaton Ranch in Wolf, Wyoming, is considered the original Western dude ranch. In 1879, the Eaton Brothers, Howard, Alden and Willis, moved from Pittsburgh to a cattle ranch near Medora, North Dakota. Soon many of their friends discovered the peace and beauty of their new home, came to visit, and ended up staying for long periods. One visitor finally suggested the brothers charge room and board so the guests could linger without guilt. The Eatons hoped that would discourage visitors, but just the opposite happened. They inadvertently created a new, profitable side business.

In 1904, looking for more scenic riding for their guests, the brothers moved their enterprise to northeastern Wyoming at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains. A few miles outside Sheridan, the 7000 acre ranch boasted wonderful rolling hills to ride and hike, wooded streams to fish in, and challenging trails into the mountains. While their main focus remained cattle, the success of their dude operation attracted the attention of other ranchers. Soon dude ranches began springing up all over the West.

“Roughing It With Comfort” was the theme from the earliest days as is demonstrated by this 1915 booklet advertising the ranch.

“ROUGHING IT WITH COMFORT” has been well applied to the conditions to be found at Eatons' Ranch in Wyoming; …let no one mistake the meaning of this message or read into it any thought of ultrafashionable hotel life set amidst the western hills and plains.

Eatons' Ranch is a real western ranch, open to visitors for a short period each year…

The Wyoming Ranch

In addition to riding, hiking and fishing, the ranch offered a variety of other activities, including tennis and baseball, as well as typical ranch work. It also was especially cognizant of the ladies and provided for their comfort. Their primary focus was (and still is) family activities. The kids had a great time and many stayed by themselves, supervised by the Eatons.

Howard Eaton also led multi-week horseback camping trips through Yellowstone and Glacier Parks and to the Custer Battlefield and Crow Indian Reservation. These expeditions for “lovers of vigorous outdoor life” featured camping in teepee shaped tents and covered twelve to twenty miles per day.

The charges in 1915 are fun to see. Visitors could stay a week with full riding privileges for only $30. If they wanted a tent, it was $25. The trips to Yellowstone and Glacier Point cost $125-$150.

Kate, a friend, and Kate's husband at Eaton Ranch

One hundred thirty-four years later, the Eaton family still welcomes guests to its ranch and, as in the early days, most people return year after year for a truly unique experience. Our week-long stay there was so delightful that I wanted keep its memory alive, so I used it as the inspiration for WYOMING ESCAPE. None of the characters or events is based on reality, but some of the scenery and attitudes are. If you’d like more information about the modern day Eaton Ranch go to:  http://eatonsranch.com/

If you’d like to see my take on a dude ranch, here’s an excerpt from WYOMING ESCAPE.

One dead body is frightening enough, but a second one, plus a dirty cop, sends Mikela Richards fleeing for her life. She finds a safe hiding place on a Wyoming Dude ranch, where she tries to discover if the murders are connected to the mysterious computer memory stick she found in her car. But her fragile feeling of safety is disturbed by a compelling Marine, home on leave.

Back from Afghanistan to heal both physically and emotionally, Shawn Saunders recognizes the type of fear in Mikela's eyes---it's one of the things he's come home to forget. In spite of their reservations, neither can resist the pull of their attraction.

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Mikela's eyes widened as they continued down the two-lane road heading toward a range of tall, tree-covered mountains. Where the heck were they going? She'd assumed the ranch was close to town. She hadn't counted on being stranded in the middle of nowhere.

She had a hard time concentrating on what the older woman was telling her, particularly after Harry turned onto a wide dirt road that paralleled the mountains. No structures of any kind intruded here, only fences with acres of green, open land on either side. Occasional rock formations and groups of trees were the tallest things in the area. It had been one thing to enjoy the scenery from the safety of the bus. It was quite another to contemplate living in all that nothingness.

She tried to swallow, but her mouth was too dry. No wonder the previous cook had gotten drunk. How could anyone live in such an isolated place? And how safe would she be?

Harry finally slowed and pulled through a large gateway made of logs. A wrought iron sign on top proclaimed Triple H Ranch.

“Almost home now. Only two miles to the guest complex. What do you think?”

The dirt driveway paralleled a wooded stream on the right, while open, hilly pastures stretched on the other side. Again rocky areas were sprinkled throughout the grassy fields. Mikela managed to get her tongue working.

“It's beautiful, but so far away from everything.”

“True we’re a ways out, but we’ve got family living on the ranch. My son, Jeff, and his crew live in the big house, fairly close to the dude quarters. I’ve a cabin near him and my sister-in-law has a place down the side road. So we’re not that isolated.”

Not isolated? Mikela almost snorted. She'd been around most of the world—Europe, Asia, Africa. The only place she'd ever seen as lonely as this part of Wyoming was Australia. Not that she'd traveled in the Outback—her mother had no interest in anything outside a city and her dad had been occupied with business meetings. But she had seen it as they flew over.

Apparently unaware of her new cook’s reaction, Harry waved towards the fields. “We're mainly a working cattle ranch, which Jeff runs. The dude stuff is secondary. We keep things simple—few organized activities, no schedules beyond meal times and when the horses are available. You can hike, fish and swim here or golf nearby. Mostly, our guests ride in the hills and kick back.”

Kate Wyland, Author

Kate Wyland is a life-long horse nut who started riding at three years old. While she rode Western as a child, she later became enthralled with Dressage and Quadrille, a drill team type of dressage competition. She also loves trail riding and has taken week-long rides in Ireland, Monument Valley and Wyoming, as well as horse camped in the mountains of California. Kate has three semi-retired horses and can’t imagine life without them. A few years ago, she exchanged her tech writing hat for a fiction writing Stetson. Suspense, romance, horses and sometimes the paranormal are the themes she likes to explore in her books. And she delights in sharing her love of animals and country living.

Website:  http://katewyland.com/
Blog:  http://katewyland.com/blog/

Eaton Ranch photos:  Library of Congress, Eatons’ ranch, Wolf, Wyoming .(1915)