Works in Progress

As a Gemini, I have a hard time doing just one thing, and at the same time, I have a hard time keeping up with all the things I say yes to.

The half dozen historical fiction short stories I started before Frontier Madam was published are still on a back burner. I began establishing the setting mid-Wyoming while I visited that state last summer.

Another project I have longed to do for some years is coming to fruition. In 1951, the Lusk, Wyoming, Lusk Herald published interviews I conducted with about a dozen pioneers. After publication that summer, the newspapers went into the archives. From time to time, I have thought about reproducing them as a booklet.

A North Carolina friend, Peggy Rooks is doing the layout for the booklet, now titled Pages From the Past; Stories from Niobrara Homesteaders. With the help of descendents and my sister, Phyllis Hahn (in Lusk), I have been able to locate pictures for all of the pioneers. Originally, there were no pictures published for several people.

This booklet will become the property of the Niobrara County Historical Society in Lusk for sale in the Stagecoach Museum by this coming summer. Artwork of a pioneer type cabin was provided by Joe Chapman, Jay Em, Wyoming.

At the same time, I have already begun a major project – the story of Running Water Ranch where I grew up. I have several boxes of old letters I am transcribing, along with account and journal records of ranch activities