Uinta County Museum

August 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

What a treasure trove was found on this tour. Let’s start with local history.

The Blyth & Fargo Store was established in 1872 lasted over 100 years. This general store was akin to Walmart’s selling everything for shoppers needs. The store display depicted below shows Jimmy “Scotty” Anderson at work. He was with the store over 49 years retiring at 65, and living to 98.

Display of women’s attire of the era.

World War I and II Exhibit

A note of interest… camouflage began in World War I when the French began a unit of camofleurs. Vehicles and weapons were painted and masked with leaves and netting to disguise these items.

Those interested in the World Wars would find many items to intrigue and learn from. While aware of the women’s efforts on the home front never thought of their actions beyond rolling bandages, and making military artillery. Wasn’t that enough! However, these ladies also made slippers and scarves for those serving. Note the Red Cross directions.

The animals who served was a compelling exhibit. In World War I approximately 1000 horses were transported across the Atlantic to serve with many raised in Wyoming. Over half a million horses were involved in this War. It was the last time in history horses were used.

World War II was the first time dogs served.

More than 50,000 dogs served in World War II. They worked well in chaotic circumstances, delivered messages, and carried gear saving thousands of human lives.

The British implemented explosive rats. Devices with detonators were attached to these animals to carry out sabotage.

A Remarkable Woman- Tribute to Marjorie Stewart Joyner Exhibit

This African American woman created the first hair straightener/curling iron machine. She received a patent in 1928 for her device and was the first African American woman to receive such.

While she never received monetary compensation from her invention, (her employer received the monies), she later went on to develop other products in the hair and cosmetic industry. She was a strong fund raiser and donator for African American scholarships.

Children’s Museum

Kids will love this spot. Could just see them running through the area trying all the exhibits with their parents.

This is a sampling of what is available at the museum. Come see for yourself.

Learn and Enjoy

Historic Evanston, Wyoming

August 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

The town of Evanston came to be with the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad. It was named for a civil engineer of the railroad, James Evans. With water and lumber near it became an easy refueling spot for locomotives. While trains no longer stop here railroad offices remain and the Town has refurbished the area making it a pleasant spot for locals to visit. Many events occur here with Thursday night summer concerts and farmers markets being two of them.

And this amazing tribute to the Chinese who helped build the railroad..

You never know what you will find when you travel. What a beautiful garden.

Next: Uinta County Museum, another gem.

Uinta County Fair – The Animals

August 7, 2021August 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Visiting the farm animals is always my favorite part of a Fair. Let’s take a peek at Uinta County’s finest.

The Cows – love those enormous, beckoning eyes. Eyes are the pathway to the soul.

The Pigs – out for a stroll.

Funny names

Drinking from a hose. Never saw that before.

The Goats

Next: Historic Evanston

Uinta Fair

August 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

What a fun time. Attended every night. Here’s some of the activities.

The Shows..

A juggler/comedian- juggled knives while on a roller, however, the scariest thing for me was when he asked who was vaccinated. Only 5 raised their hands, and the audience boo’ed us. The County has a 29% vaccination rate.

The Hypnotist

Funny to watch the hypnotized. Gave me an appetite, and…

on to the food vendors – Yum..

Missing a picture of Carl’s rib truck – tasty, as was the sides..

Then the FFA, (Future Farmer’s of America), Building – what talent

Interesting recycle of farm items. What ingenuity!

A spinning display. There also was a tour of a farm greenhouse off site which I had to miss. May stop by. Growing vegetables in a greenhouse is the future.

Next: The animals

Uinta County Fair Prep

August 7, 2021August 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Leaving the rodeo heard and saw massive trucks entering the fairgrounds. Construction of the rides had begun. What a lot of work that is! Take a look at the progress.

as the bears wait their turn.

The ticket booths arrive on trailers..

Light checks are being done for the Pharaoh.

The Monkey Maze is completed.

Looks like a fun time for the Fair.

Rodeo Night in Evanston, Wyoming

August 7, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Staying in a motel next to the county fairgrounds heard much commotion, and decided to explore. Here is what I found – a rodeo. Felt a little odd dressed in a sundress and sandals while all others were in Wranglers, boots, and cowboy hats, but let it go and watched. Fascinating.

Gate where the guys and yes, gals, wait to be called.

Never in a million years did I ever think I’d see a rodeo. You never know what’s in store.

Green River, Wyoming

August 3, 2021August 3, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Not far from Rock Springs is Green River, Wyoming. This is another area where Mother Natures handiwork sculpted exquisite rock formations. They are breath taking, no need for words.

Green River was a cross roads in the development of the West. It is steeped in the Overland Stage Line and Pony Express history. Railroads brought many to this area. Currently, visitors come to experience tubing or relax at Expedition Island Park. For me, it was the beauty of the rock formations.

Rock Springs, Wyoming

August 3, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Drove through Rock Springs as it was one of the towns listed on the rest area bulletin board. The rock formations were magnificent, however, the history of the town is sad. Read on.

History – Rock Spring was named for the spring which ran through this area. It was found by a lost Pony Express rider. Sadly, the Spring disappeared when a coal mine interrupted its flow.

Rock Springs has been known to be a town of many ethnicities due to the influx of those from different lands brought by the railroads. However, when the Chinese came to the area they were met with hatred. China town was burnt to the ground by locals claiming 28 lives. Later the United States government paid China $149,000 for this occurrence. The money was used for scholarships for Chinese students studying in the United States.

Welcome to Wyoming

August 2, 2021August 3, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

I always stop at the first rest area of every state I visit. Usually, they have staff to assist at these places, or some literature, however, Wyoming handles this differently. Here’s what I found.

Flag half mast for long time Senator Mike Enzi of Wyoming who had past several days before. Learned much of Senator Enzi as I listened to NPR stations on the trek West. They are on FM between 88-91 settings. Donations well given and spent.

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Found the rest area clean with some information posted on a bulletin board of things to see/do in Wyoming. Took pictures for further exploration, but wish they had a few brochures available. Have to write their Governor.

Liked the posting about the history of the Eisenhower Highway System. Read on.

Further liked, the fact that the building was eco-friendly, much like the Biden rest areas in Delaware.

And outside found the picnic table area protected. Am told by my daughter Wyoming has stong winds, probably protection from them. Noted on route 80 signage and gates to close the route during inclement weather.

Closing with a Wyoming sunrise

The Hermitage

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 / youngretireeneedsalife / Leave a comment

Stopped at the Andrew Jackson home in Nashville, Tennessee in the trek West. What an amazing Mansion and home. Learned much of the man during the movie, museum, and Mansion tour. Hermitage also has wine tasting. Was told the wine is quite good, however, did not partake as a long drive beckoned.

Andrew Jackson was..

The Hermitage is a fascinating tour where you will learn much of this complicated man. Essentially self-made he held many hats in his lifetime. Dying at 78, he was the 6th most wealthy president, well read, and with a strong business acumen. He operated a 1000 acre cotton plantation post presidency. He owned slaves and was pro-slavery.

On his sentimental side he was married to Rachel Donelson, they had no children, however adopted a nephew. This “marriage” was a great scandal as when they married Ms. Donelson was not officially divorced. Jackson always felt her untimely death was from the stress others placed on her from this scandal. He never re-married and spent his Hermitage afternoons post presidency talking with her at her grave site.

The Mansion is in the Greek Revival style with 90% of the original artifacts. Flooring and wallpaper are over 185 years old. The home began as a log home developing into a 6000 square feet red brick mansion completed in 1821. In 1834, a fire occurred, and the Mansion rebuilt for the President’s 1837 post presidential return.