Founding fathers inspire

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

By Jake Nichols

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Late last week, in the middle of the biggest snowstorm Jackson’s had to date this season, the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum went ahead with its scheduled inaugural meeting of the Settlers Club. A group of hardy souls, many of whom can trace their roots back to original Jackson Hole homesteading families, braved the conditions to gather at the museum.
“You call this snow?” one stooped old-timer piped up as he entered the meeting room with assistance. “I remember back in …”

The get-together was organized by JHHSM’s director of development Tom Hickey, who says he was acting on behalf of JHHSM’s creed: Preserving and sharing the heritage of Jackson Hole. “This was a test,” Hickey said as folks took their seats. “We figured anyone who came out in this weather had to be made of the right stuff.” Executive director Lokey Lytjen thanked the crowd of about 30 for coming out on a snowy evening, saying they displayed the kind of qualities often associated with early Jackson pioneers and settlers – hard work, independence, tough spirit, and creativity.

Lytjen explained the impetus behind the formation of the Settlers Club – a working name still to be confirmed – was a desire to organize longtime locals and families with a historic tie to Jackson Hole’s ‘founding fathers’ and make sure they had a forum where they could interact with each other and inspire others, particularly youth, to preserve the many stories of the valley.

JHHSM board co-chair Marion Buchenroth told the group, “We came up with this idea for a Settlers Club two years ago at a company Christmas party, but then we got busy with the opening of the museum. I remember we just started kicking around some names of people in the valley – Stan Klassen, Pete Karns were there – and I began writing them down on a board. Pretty soon we had this huge list. On closer examination, we found some of these names were people who were gone – moved away, passed away, or we didn’t know where to find them.”

One member, Marge Ryan (Jackson-Wilson class of 1956), said her late husband, John, had boxes full of old photos she would like to donate to the museum. It gave other members the idea that they should gather regularly to help sort photos and identify subjects for JHHSM.

The core group eventually agreed they would like the Settlers Club to continue to work in conjunction with JHHSM – members of the group would ideally also be members of the museum. They also expressed a desire to see a return to some things truly old fashioned: barn dances, socials, potlucks, and picnics.

Some members said they would like to see a “Last and Best of the Old West” ball held during Old West Days. One thing almost universally agreed on that snowy night last week: Tea and coffee were nice but the next meeting should include wine and beer.

The next Settlers Club meeting is 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 15 at the Museum classroom.

photo by Jake NICHOLS
Members of the newly-formed Settlers Club.

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Founding fathers inspire | Planet JH News Article: General News

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