The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum mission is to preserve and share the heritage of the American West as experienced through the celebration of Cheyenne Frontier Days™.
Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson speaks on the Frontier Pavilion stage during an appreciation dinner being held for U.S. Senator Gale McGee of Wyoming, July 13, 1963
Photo courtesy of the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming
Layout & Design
Bryci Achter & Cayden Sauer
Editorial Contributions: Lonnie Reese, Lori Rippinger, Brad Jorgensen, Amanda Marshall, Josie Molloy, Curtis Olson, Mike Kassel
Stageline is a digitally-published, quarterly newsletter as a benefit of membership at the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum. All photographs in Stageline are a part of the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ and Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum Collection unless otherwise noted. Written permission is required to copy, reprint, or distribute any material within Stageline.
Welcoming the Sun, Valeria Yost
2026: Building Connections and Celebrating Culture
Dear Members and Donors,
As we step into 2026, we are moving forward with momentum, purpose, and a full calendar that sets the tone for an extraordinary year ahead. This year truly begins with a bang, and we are excited to share what’s in store.
2026 will be one of our busiest and most dynamic years yet—filled with creativity, culture, learning, and growth. We kick things off with the Western Spirit Art Show, celebrating both emerging and seasoned artists. Alongside the exhibition, we are proud to host an educational seminar designed to support artists as they learn, grow, and continue to excel in their craft.
This spring, we will also unveil the Aloha Vaqueros International Exhibit, a powerful and visually stunning exploration of the influence Mexican Vaqueros and Hawaiian Paniolos have had on American cowboy and rodeo traditions. From April through September, the exhibit will be complemented by engaging programming for both children and adults, offering meaningful opportunities to learn about and celebrate these rich cultures.
Behind the scenes, exciting progress continues as we move forward with Phase II Construction. Our new Education Center will double our square footage and introduce interactive, hands-on exhibits designed especially for children. This phase also includes a new breakroom that will serve as a warming catering kitchen, allowing us to host more rentals and enhance Museum events.
In preparation for the Aloha Vaqueros exhibit, the Vandewark Room is also receiving a fresh update with new paint and flooring. We appreciate your patience during this remodel—now is the perfect time to make these improvements so we are fully prepared to welcome our visitors and tourists in the spring.
As we grow, we remain deeply committed to evolving alongside our community. We are expanding partnerships, strengthening relationships with local audiences, and inviting our neighbors to rediscover the Museum. With the addition of our Education Center, we are also placing a strong focus on increasing school tours, expanding educational opportunities for students of all ages, and engaging younger generations.
2026 is a year of connection, creativity, and community. We look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors, working with valued partners, and continuing to build a Museum that preserves, shares, and inspires for generations to come.
Here’s to an exciting year ahead—we can’t wait to share it with you.
With Gratitude, Josie Molloy Executive Director
Welcome New 2026 Board of Directors:
Lori Schoene
ANB Bank
Community Bank President
Dan Zwonitzer
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Manager of Individual Sales
Amber Trevizo
Visit Cheyenne Director of Visitor Experience
Hugh Simpson HAS Consulting LLC Owner & Manager
Phase II Capital Campaign Update
We are making excellent progress on both the catering warming kitchen and the education room as part of our Phase II capital campaign projects.
Catering Warming Kitchen & Breakroom
The breakroom (formerly the CFD headquarter’s conference room) has been painted, and floor preparation is now underway. The doorway into the Carriage Hall has been opened and prepped for the installation of new doors. Work continues to move forward on schedule. All in preparation for new countertops and the kitchen equipment.
The catering warming kitchen is scheduled for completion in early March. It will feature new commercial-grade equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, a warming oven, a large sink area, an ice machine, a dishwasher, prep areas, and expanded storage cabinets.
This addition will greatly enhance our ability to support Museum events and programming, while also increasing the appeal and functionality of our venue rentals.
With a dedicated east-side entrance, the kitchen will provide convenient access for unloading and seamless service to the Carriage Hall during large events.
Continued on Page 7
Blueprints for the new Catering Warming Kitchen & Breakroom
Education Room Expansion
Demolition has begun in the new education room, which has been fully gutted in preparation for updated flooring. Plumbing work has been done in preparation for new sinks. A new doorway into the coat closet has been created and that area has also been prepared to support the redesign. The new education room will be double the square footage of our current “Hole in the Wall” children’s room. It will include sinks to accommodate hands-on projects and will provide an ideal space for our summer youth camps and other educational programming.
Dedicated office space has also been created for Jean Krause and Bryci Achter, allowing them to be onsite to support programming and engage with young visitors as they explore the Museum.
The education remodel is expected to be completed by the end of May, with new interactive exhibits and displays for youth ages 1 –12 arriving in the coming months.
Blueprints for the new Education Room
Additional Improvements
The fire suppression main line installation has been completed, and work is currently underway on fire sprinkler installation in the Vandewark Room.
These improvements will significantly expand our capacity to support educational programming, improve storage and functionality, and host community events. Most importantly, they will help us welcome additional school groups and families while inspiring future generations through the preservation of our Western heritage, agricultural lifestyle, and Western history.
We look forward to sharing more updates as we continue making progress! Thank you to our wonderful donors and sponsors who have made these projects possible!
With Gratitude,
Josie Molloy Executive Director
Western spirit Juried art shoW & sale
aManda Marshall
The 45th Annual Western Spirit Art Show opens with a celebratory Opening Reception on March 7, inviting guests to be among the first to experience this year’s exhibition. The evening will feature live painting, art auctions, food and drinks, the announcement of award winners, and of course the first chance to buy art!
This year’s Western Spirit Art Show may look a little different as new construction continues throughout the Museum, but all of it is to create an even better art show experience! With just under 200 works on display this year, each piece has room to shine.
We’re also featuring about 70 miniature works this year, ranging from just a few inches to up to 10x10 inches. These small-scale pieces are perfect for that spot in your home that just needs a little something special. They also make great gifts! (Ask my family how I know).
Quick Draw returns this year and remains one of Opening Night’s most exciting highlights. Four artists will paint live at the Opening Reception, creating finished works in just one hour. It is something that you have to see to believe. All Quick Draw pieces will be available via live auction that evening, and most can go home with you that very night (unless they need a little extra drying time).
This year’s jurors include Wendie Martin, a Publisher for International Artist Publishing LLC; Linda Renaud, a CFD Western Art Show artist specializing in Watercolor Batik; and Cody Kuehl, another CFD Western Art Show artist and Gallery Owner.
Art Corner
Jingle Dress Dancers
Susan Marion
On the Level
Wesley Karchut
Soft Hands
Natalie Campbell
Art Corner
Renaud and Kuehl will also be presenting during the Spirit seminar in the morning of Opening Day. Renaud will share an artist talk, while Kuehl will do a hands-on workshop.
We are excited to announce that this year we have six student artists participating from the University of Wyoming and from schools in Colorado! We are also proud to introduce a new Student Artist Award in recognition of their talent and dedication. College students with a valid student ID will receive member pricing for the show.
We are thrilled to celebrate 45 years of Western Spirit with you! We hope you will join us for Opening Night, but if you can’t, the exhibition will be on view through April 19, 2026. Tickets are on sale at oldwestmuseum.org/western-spirit.
Traditional Bronc Rider
Phillip Garrison
Almost a Memory
Jason Gregory
American Bison
Joy Keown
Along Wyoming Lines
Sandie Whitman
Kith and Kin
Danielle Kirby Lookouts
Priscilla Patterson
Artwork
Tied Up with Anticipation
Ariel Anton
Brothers
Robert Martinez
Mesquite Beauty
Doug Schneiter
Cub‘s First Triumph
Catherine Holt
Rose Saddle Garcia
Danuta Tomzynski
The Mutton Buster
Kristi Rose
Autumn Sparkle
Sarah St George
Southwest Splendor
Terry Reeves
Embrace of the Old Ways
Matthew Atkinson
What the Day Requires
If I Hurry I Can Still Make Cheyenne
Cody Winiecki
Moonlight Melody Tanner Loren
Nature‘s Balance Board
Rebekah McLain
Lone Silhouette Deb McCahan
Cheeky Andy Pelster
Bold Buckaroo Afton Outlook
Ginnie Madsen
Anasazi Cliff Tamara Magdalina
Lori Jones
Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
a season of stories: an ongoing lecture series exploring WyoMing’s history, culture, and coMMunity
Bryci achter
What began in January as a new way to gather, learn, and connect has quickly grown into something special. The lecture series was created to share Wyoming’s history in meaningful and engaging ways, to help visitors connect more deeply with the Museum’s exhibits and artifacts, and to give back to the community through free educational programs. Each presentation is intentionally tied to objects in our collection or current exhibits, inviting guests to see history not just as something told, but as something tangible and present. We are thrilled by the response so far and even more excited about what is still to come.
February 19, the series features Life Between the Rails: An Oral History of the Union Pacific Railroad, presented by Tana Libolt and Leslie Waggener of the University of Wyoming’s American Heritage Center. This program includes curated audio and video clips from 36 interviews and three roundtable discussions, sharing what daily life was like for railroad employees and their families. Funded by the Union Pacific Foundation, the project preserves the human stories behind one of America’s most influential railroads.
March 19, Ian Tator from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will present a talk on mule deer conservation in 2026. Mule deer are an iconic Wyoming species facing population challenges. This presentation will highlight current research, habitat conservation efforts, and long term strategies to sustain healthy herds for future generations.
April 21, Mike Kassel presents Year of the American Indian. His talk will examine the history of American Indian in Cheyenne Frontier Days™, their long standing involvement in the event, and their cultural contributions over time. Kassel will also explore the significance of this year’s theme and the ways Tribal communities are helping shape and guide the celebration today. The presentation offers important historical context while recognizing the continued presence and influence of Native communities in Wyoming.
May 7, authors David Wolman and Julian Smith present Aloha Rodeo. This program explores the remarkable story of Hawaiian cowboys, known as paniolos, and their unexpected influence on American rodeo culture. Wolman traces the journey of competitors like Ikua Purdy from Hawaii to Wyoming, revealing a powerful cultural connection between the islands and the American West.
The lecture follows the opening of the Museum’s traveling exhibit, Aloha Vaqueros. We are especially excited to welcome speakers who can deepen visitors’ understanding of the exhibit’s themes. While Aloha Vaqueros introduces guests to the shared history of Hawaiian and Western ranching traditions, Aloha Rodeo brings those stories to life through vivid narrative and research. Together, the exhibit and lecture offer a richer and more complete look at this fascinating cultural exchange.
June 9, Chelsea Escalante presents La Página en Español, examining a 1927 Spanish language page in the Powell Tribune created for Mexican and Mexican American sugar beet workers. Escalante uses photographs and primary sources to explore how the publication both celebrated community life and reflected the realities of immigrant labor in Wyoming.
June 18 with Suffrage Stories: Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About the Equality State, presented by historian Jennifer Helton. This talk highlights lesser known suffrage stories, including the experiences of Black women and early women voters, offering a richer understanding of how Wyoming earned its nickname as the Equality State.
The lecture series will continue throughout the year with additional speakers and topics that further explore Wyoming’s diverse history and cultural heritage. We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests as we continue this season of stories together.
Our first lecture in the series, featuring speaker Jim Ehernberger, was a tremendous success!
A railroad historian, photographer, and author, Ehernberger is a true wealth of knowledge. He delivered a fascinating presentation titled “A Historical Look at Early Railroads,” captivating the audience with stories and insights from the early days of rail travel.
Approximately 160 guests joined us for this exciting kickoff to the series, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start. We’re grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success!
Spring Volunteer Opportunities
Spring at the Museum is powered by volunteers. From greeting guests to assisting with events and programs, our volunteer team plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and engaging experience for the community. We are incredibly grateful for the time, enthusiasm, and dedication they bring to everything we do.
As the Museum fully reopens, volunteer trainings will begin again. These sessions are a chance for new and returning volunteers to learn more about upcoming events, refresh their knowledge, and reconnect with one another. It is also the perfect time for anyone interested in getting involved to join the team. Whether you enjoy working with visitors, helping behind the scenes, or supporting special events, there’s a place for you.
A highlight of the spring will be Volunteer Game Day on March 13th, a time set aside purely for appreciation and connection. This gathering will be all about celebrating the people who give their time so generously. It is a chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company!
We are excited for a vibrant spring and grateful for the volunteers who help make it all possible.
Bryci Achter Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Exhibits Corner
What’s New at the Museum? Exciting Exhibits Coming in 2026!
Hello Museum members, and welcome back to the Exhibits Corner! As we head into the first half of 2026, the exhibits team has been hard at work preparing for what is shaping up to be a very exciting and event-filled year at the CFD Old West Museum. From returning favorites to major new exhibits and building updates, there is a lot happening behind the scenes—and I’m excited to share what’s ahead.
Carriage Hall: Art, History, and America 250
The Carriage Hall will stay busy throughout the spring and summer. We’ll kick things off with our annual Western Spirit Juried Art Show & Sale, running March 7 through April 19. This year’s show features a strong mix of returning favorites and many new artists, and we’re excited for members and visitors alike to experience the fresh perspectives and incredible talent on display.
Looking ahead to later in the summer, the Cheyennne Frontier Days™ Western Art Show will return as usual, running July 16 through August 9, continuing a long tradition of showcasing outstanding Western art in the Carriage Hall.
Once Western Spirit comes down, our team will immediately begin installation on our upcoming America 250 exhibit, which highlights U.S. Presidents who have visited Cheyenne Frontier Days™ over the years. Presidents featured include: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and George H. W. Bush.
One of the most exciting elements of this exhibit is a full reconstruction of President Theodore Roosevelt’s viewing stage from the 1910 rodeo. While the dimensions have been adjusted for
Brad Jorgensen
Museum use, the platform is a faithful recreation, and visitors will be able to step up onto the platform, pose for photos, and even stand next to a realistic, lifelike mannequin of Teddy Roosevelt— modeled after the President himself.
To kick off the America 250 exhibit, we’ll be hosting an official public launch party on June 12 starting at 5:00 pm. The evening will feature a professional historical interpreter portraying Theodore Roosevelt, along with activities and programming tied to the exhibit.
Programming will continue well beyond the launch. We are planning a JFK campaign dinner reenactment, currently targeting September 18, featuring a special appearance by Bennett Rea, host of Cooking with Congress. He will recreate meals enjoyed by U.S. presidents who have visited Cheyenne. We’ll also host a “Civics Day” event geared toward elementary, junior high, and high school students, with parents and adults welcome to attend as well later in the year.
Vandewark Gallery: A Major Transformation
The Vandewark Gallery is undergoing one of the biggest changes it has seen in years. This spring, we will host Aloha Vaqueros, one of the largest traveling exhibits ever to come to Wyoming—and the first international traveling exhibit the Museum has ever hosted. The exhibit highlights the Mexican Vaqueros and the Hawaiian Paniolos, with our Museum focusing specifically on the 1908 Cheyenne Frontier Days™ rodeo, where Ikua Purdy and other Hawaiian cowboys competed.
Preparing for this exhibit has been no small task. Museum staff has completely cleared out the Vandewark Gallery, and the space is receiving
much-needed new paint and flooring. The updates will give the room a clean, modern look and better align it with recent improvements being made throughout the Museum, including the entrance, Carriage Hall, and Kid’s Room.
Rotunda – Year of the American Indian
With 2026 being Cheyenne Frontier Days’™ Year of the American Indian, the Rotunda will be updated to reflect and celebrate this important theme. The current Year of the Cowgirl displays will rotate out and be replaced with spotlights on:
• Billy Evans Hunting Horse
• Bill Dubois
• Princess Blue Water
• Calvin Jumping Bull
• Del Peterson
In addition, the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will reach the end of its display period. Artifacts and materials from the upcoming Hall of Fame Class of 2026 will be installed in June and July following their official announcement.
Cheyenne Room: Subtle Additions, Big Stories
The Cheyenne Room will continue to tell the story of Cheyenne Frontier Days™ from 1897 to today. Throughout the spring and summer, we’ll be adding small spotlight cases and select artifacts to subtly highlight the Year of the American Indian, elements connected to America 250, and a few special pieces tied to fan favorites such as Lane Frost. These additions are designed to complement the existing exhibit while giving returning visitors something new to discover.
As always, none of this work would be possible without the continued support of our members, volunteers, committees, and staff. I would like to personally thank the efforts of Cliff Cox, Ed Galavotti, and Tom Watson - they have been essential in helping me prepare for the upcoming exhibits. Their volunteer hours, dedication to the Museum, and passion for the Museum has been incredible.
I hope to see you at the Museum soon!
Brad Jorgensen Exhibits Manager
A rare sight, the Vandewark Gallery completely empty! This transformation didn’t happen overnight. Staff members Cody Fox, Brad Jorgensen, Mike Kassel, Amanda Marshall, and Curtis Olson spent countless hours carefully packing and relocating all of the artifacts previously housed in the Vandewark Gallery. Pictured on the left, Curtis and Brad celebrate this important first step in the renovations for the Vandewark Gallery. 18
A Stage with a Presidential Past
When I first started my job at the Old West Museum, I was given an introductory tour of the entire building. During that tour, when we entered the Carriage Hall, I was briefly told that John F. Kennedy had once spoken on the stage located on the north side of the room, back when that room had been part of the city’s Frontier Pavilion building. Out of everything I was told that day, that fact stuck with me the most. While I knew that U.S. Presidents had visited the city of Cheyenne before, I never knew that one such as John F. Kennedy had not only intentionally traveled to our city, but had given a speech to its residents on a stage that was roughly 15 feet away from my new desk. As my first day ended, I thought that looking more into Kennedy’s Cheyenne visit would be something interesting to dive deeper into later on down the road.
Fast forward to 2025, and we were beginning to brainstorm potential exhibit ideas to coincide with America 250 celebrations in Cheyenne and across the country. We figured that whatever we did for the 250th, it had to be something that highlighted the rich history of our city, while also touching on broader historical events and figures that shaped our nation into what it is today. During that conversation, the Kennedy story from my first day on the job popped back into my head, and that’s how the idea of the Presidential Stage exhibit came to be.
We quickly decided that the story of Kennedy’s visit alone wouldn’t be enough to cover the entire exhibit, and that an exhibit covering every single President who visited Cheyenne (whether they were actively President at the time of their visit or not) would be too massive to cover in one sitting. Therefore, we decided to focus on five of the Presidents (active or not) that had made the most memorable, impactful, and iconic visits to Cheyenne and Cheyenne Frontier Days™
throughout its history. From those requirements, we decided that the Presidents who best fit those qualifications for inclusion in the exhibit were: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ), and George H.W. Bush.
U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy speaks on the Frontier Pavilion stage during his ultimately successful 1960 Presidential campaign, September 23, 1960
Photo courtesy of the Wyoming State Archives
The Presidential visits of those five men which we are covering in the exhibit span over 87 years of our city’s history. Teddy Roosevelt had two memorable visits to Cheyenne and Frontier Days: one in 1903 as President, and the second in 1910, just over a year after his final term in office ended. Taft visited as President in 1911, while Kennedy visited in 1960 while he was running for President, and then visited again briefly in 1963, less than two months before his untimely assassination. LBJ also visited Cheyenne in 1960 on a separate trip
from Kennedy’s, just after he was named JFK’s Vice-Presidential nominee, and came back in 1963 as Vice President for a dinner honoring then U.S. Senator for Wyoming, Gale McGee. George H.W. Bush visited in 1990 just after Wyoming celebrated its centennial anniversary of statehood, becoming (to this day) the most recent President to not only visit the city, but partake in official events within it while still in office, even though his visit occurred almost 36 years ago.
To give you a glimpse of just how much research and work is going into this exhibit for our contribution to America 250, I have contacted over a dozen museums, archives, historical sites, National Park sites, and three presidential libraries throughout the states of Texas, Massachusetts, Ohio, New York, and Wyoming, looking through every possible lead I could find for information, documents, photos, and potential artifacts from each visit for the exhibit. Through those numerous leads and the piles of rediscovered information that they’ve produced, I’m happy to report that we can now paint a very clear picture of each of those visits by those five Presidents to our city. Much of the materials we found are behind-the-scenes documents and photos that have probably never been seen by most residents of Cheyenne, that is until this exhibit opens to the public this summer.
When deciding the location of this Presidential exhibit within the Museum, the choice was obvious: the stage in our Carriage Hall that played such a direct part in some of those very visits. As we install the Presidential exhibit on the front panels of the Carriage Hall stage, the remaining sections will undergo a “retro restoration,” evoking the era when the building functioned as the city’s Frontier Pavilion and future U.S. Presidents once spoke within its walls.
Many more details of this project and the Presidential visits it covers will be revealed when the exhibit opens, but to conclude, I especially wanted to share with you two important pieces of information that were found through this extensive research. We can now completely confirm that two men who would become President of the United States spoke on the stage in our very own Carriage Hall:
John F. Kennedy, who spoke on our stage as a U.S. Senator and the Democratic nominee for President on the morning of September 23, 1960
Lyndon B. Johnson, who spoke on our stage as Vice President of the United States on the evening of July 13, 1963
We look forward to presenting this exhibit to you this summer, and until then, remember that even the most inconspicuous places can sometimes hold some of the richest histories!
Curtis Olson Registar
Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson speaks on the Frontier Pavilion stage during an appreciation dinner being held for U.S. Senator Gale McGee of Wyoming, July 13, 1963
Photo courtesy of the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming
In 1926, an advertisement for Cheyenne Frontier Days™ posted this delightful poem by Mrs. John Grainger. It is a wonderful recollection of the first CFD nearly thirty years afterwards
Mike kassel
cheyenne’s first frontier By Mrs. John grainger
My mind has gone a-drifting back to thirty years ago
When but a lass I went to see Cheyenne’s first Frontier show.
Cheyenne was but a small burg then, with sidewalks made of board,
And we parked our traps and bronchos where now we park our Fords.
Everybody rode a horse, if they had one to ride –
And old dray horses, pugs and colts went ambling side by side,
And those that had no horse to ride went in some sort of trap,
Just so they got to see the show they didn’t give a rap.
Good land sakes! We had a time at that first Frontier Show –
It seems to me it cannot be so long as thirty years ago.
But when I look about the town and see how it has grown -
To be quite a metropolis, I know that time has flown.
Thirty years seems but a little while for all the changes made;
The great tall buildings looming high, and the trees that give such shade,
Were then so very few and small the boiling sun poured down
And made a sort of smelter of our little Frontier town.
Good land sakes! We didn’t mind how hot it got to be,
We milled around and shouted out at all there was to see.
And those who rode on horses stuck their noses in the air,
And those that had to walk made out they didn’t care.
The boys who rode the bronchos were the heroes of the day’;
They looked so grand and snappy in their trapping bright and gay.
And the Indians, they filed along so solemn and so still
You’d think they’d come to see the show much against their will.
Good land sakes! The old red barn that stood on Twentieth street,
Was the rendezvous where all the broncho busters use to meet,
And practice doing all their stunts, and making all their boasts-
And if one cowboy got a spill – how the others use to roast.
And we girls sat along the fence and watched the thrills and fun,
And cheered them on and made our bets about our favorite one –
And sometimes they got rattled and wished that we would go
Along about our own affairs – while they practiced for the show.
The stage coach use to stand in there when it wasn’t being used
And I marvel that it ever stood the way it was abused –
When the boys made a spectacular dive and saved a girl or so
From the onslaught of the Indians – while practicing for the show.
Say, I could give a name or two, of men and women staid,
Who rode a horse or bronco in the first Frontier parade –
And one lad even rode a cow – but I won’t tell his name,
For he’s now so grave and dignified, I know he’d die of shame.
When the big day came at last – land sakes, but it was grand!
Hours before the opening time they had filled the old grandstand
Until it groaned and creaked beneath its human load –
And the spectators were thronged about clear out into the road.
In those days we didn’t have such a dandy Frontier Park –
‘Twas out in the old Fair Ground where we used to hold the lark.
They’ve named it Pioneer Park now – just a sort of picnic place-
‘Cause they didn’t have the heart the old landmark to efface.
But in those old days the Fair Grounds seemed a mighty fitting place
To hold a Wild West Rodeo and a bucking broncho race –
And when that first show started, everything was still as night,
And the spectators held their breath at every thrilling sight.
And then a mighty shout arose that reached the bright blue dome –
Go it, Soper! Go it, Bennett! Hang on, Blue Streak’s coming home!
Good land sakes! I’ve gone and named two boys that rode in those good old days,
It slipped out all unawares- such tricks my thinking plays.
Just a word more and I’ve finished all I feel I dare to write –
But the story would be incomplete without a word about the night.
The streets were a mass of milling, howling human beings –
Tooting horns, throwing confetti, shooting, and all sorts of things –
Nothing bad – just wild and wooly – in keeping with the times
Before Cheyenne had grown to be the habitat of cultured minds –
Before the automobile had pushed the horse aside –
And the cowboys rode unbridled o’er the prairies broad and wide.
When Cheyenne was a real frontier town of the West –
Where hands and hearts were open and brave men stood the test
Of hardship and of toil – of summer’s heat and winter’s snow –
And found their recreation – in the annual Frontier show.
Good land sakes! I’ll run along forever if Iet thought have its way –
And I must end this story of the first great Frontier Day;
So now I say, good bye, folks – if there’s more you’d like to know –
Just crank your old tin Lizzie – and come and see Our Show.
Wyoming State Tribune/Cheyenne State Leader, July 19, 1926, page 10 column 5
Explore More with Your Museum Membership
Introducing NARM
Benefits!
We are excited to share a wonderful benefit available to our CFD Old West Museum members at the Family membership level and above- reciprocal access through the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association!
Because you are a valued member of the CFD Old West Museum, your qualifying membership includes complimentary NARM membership at no additional cost. This opens the door to a world of exploration and discovery across North America.
Through NARM, you can enjoy reciprocal admission benefits at more than 1,300 arts and cultural institutions, including art museums, history museums, botanical gardens, children’s museums, zoos, and more. Participating organizations are located throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico, making this benefit perfect for both local outings and travel adventures.
Planning your next visit is easy. Simply explore participating institutions by visiting the NARM website and using the “Find an Institution” search tool. Whether you are traveling across the country or just looking for something new to experience, your Museum membership can take you and your family farther than ever before.
Members at qualifying levels will receive:
• Membership cards with NARM credentials
• A NARM informational brochure
At the CFD Old West Museum, we are always working to increase the value of your membership and strengthen your connection to arts, culture, and history — both here in Cheyenne and beyond. Your support makes this possible, and we are truly grateful to have you as part of our Museum community.
If you have questions about NARM benefits, please contact Lonnie Reese at 307-778-7291 or lonnie.reese@oldwestmuseum.org.
We hope you enjoy exploring all that your membership now offers and we look forward to seeing you at the Museum soon!
Lonnie Reese
Miss Frontier Bronze Project Unveiled: A Legacy Cast in Bronze
In November 2025, the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum proudly unveiled a new symbol of Western heritage and tradition, the Miss Frontier Bronze, a life-size tribute honoring the women who have represented Cheyenne Frontier Days™ with courage, grace, and independence for more than a century.
Positioned at the entrance of the Museum, the sculpture now welcomes visitors from around the world, offering a powerful first impression of the Western way of life and the enduring legacy of Miss Frontier, Cheyenne Frontier Days™’ beloved Western Royalty.
Inspired by the success of the Miss Frontier Banner Project, the bronze captures the unmistakable presence of Miss Frontier in her iconic white buckskins. For generations, Miss Frontier has served as an ambassador of Cheyenne Frontier Days™, representing horsemanship, tradition, and the spirit of the American West. The sculpture stands as a permanent reminder of those fearless and inspirational women whose leadership continues to shape the CFD community.
Adding to its’ significance, plaques accompanying the sculpture recognize every Miss Frontier, ensuring their contributions remain visible and celebrated for years to come.
Bringing this vision to life is sculptor Joey Bainer, whose dedication to craftsmanship and artistic expression made him a natural choice for the project. Bainer, has spent his life creating, refining, and challenging himself artistically. Known for his commitment to proportion-focused design and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, Bainer approaches sculpture with both technical precision and emotional authenticity.
His work reflects a passion not only for art, but for people, preserving a single moment of identity and expression in lasting form. That approach made him uniquely suited to capture the spirit of Miss Frontier.
Renowned sculptor George W. Lundeen praised Bainer’s talent, noting, “Joey Bainer brings talent, integrity, and a keen sense of design to his sculpture. He is clever, competent, and capable. Much is expected of this young sculptor, and by looking at what he has accomplished to date, he obviously will deliver.”
Spearheaded by the Miss Frontier Legacy Committee, the Miss Frontier Bronze Project was made possible through the generosity of dedicated donors who believed in preserving this important piece of Cheyenne Frontier Days™ history. Their support ensured that the story of Miss Frontier, and what she represents, will continue to inspire future generations.
Now, cast in bronze, that spirit stands proudly at the Old West Museum, welcoming visitors, honoring tradition, and celebrating the enduring legacy of Miss Frontier.
As the Miss Frontier Anthem reminds us:
“The gates fly open, she looks the devil in the eye and ride, ride, rides. She smiles and waves as the crowd calls out her name -Miss Frontier!”
- Annie Smith Jackson & Amy Smith Meier
Miss Frontier Legacy Committee
Harvey Deselms
Dave Foreman
Annie Smith Jackson
Amy Smith Meier
Janet McLean Marcia Swisher
Thank you to the Miss Frontier Bronze Donors
AAI Music LLC
Michele Albert
Sally Allen
ANB Bank
Paula Baldeshwiler
Dave Berry
Gerrie Bishop
Mark & Kathy Bishop
Todd & Jan Bishop
Robert Born
Lawrence & Tressa Moor Brase
Donald H. & Judy Brown and Family
James A. Brown
Chris Bube & Niffy McNiff Bube
Ross Buckhaults & Dede Schuppan Buckhaults
Teresa Jordan & Hal Cannon
Brad & Shirley Churchill
Tuda & Jack Crews
Mark Daly
The Jeanette Tyrrell Daly Family
Susan Deaver
Julianna “Boo” & Reed Dixon
Judy Ducey
Bill & Beth Edwards
Tucker & Carol Fagan
FirsTier Bank
Gus Fleischli Family
David Foreman
Harry & Mary Ann Fritz
Tyler & Alexis Garrett
Mr & Mrs John Gaudio
Karen & Curt Gowdy Jr.
Nancy Grote
Rod & Rita Helgeson
Marcy Helser
Tad & Ann Herz
Peter & Chloe S. Illoway
Annie & Edward Jackson III
Robert & Jill Jensen
Deidre Kilty-Newman
Raymond C. Kinter
Jon & Dianne Kirkbride
Susan Kay Lewis
Senator Cynthia Lummis
Mike & Lana Mabee
Joe & Cindy Marek
Dr. Theodore N. McCoy
Mac McKee
Janet McLean & Marcia Swisher
Scott Meier & Amy Smith Meier
Sue R. Miller
Don & Judy Moor
Scott & Sandy Moor
Dwane & Patricia Moore
Carol Nichols
Tricia Nichols
Carolyn & Terry O’Connor
George & Carrie Pappas
Dan & Gwen Perdue
Alden & Sherilyn Prosser
Mary Boice Read & Ross
Read
Julia E Robinson & Peter Kozisek
Tammy Powers Rohde
Bill & Kellie Sharp
Toni Thomson
Union Pacific Foundation
Cindy Vandewark
Dr. Ron & Carol W. Waeckerlin
Tom & Judy Weickum
James & Rebekah Weingart
Robert Weppner
Lee Ann Wilson
Peter Wood & Libby Crews Wood
Miss Frontiers, past and present posing in front of the Miss Frontier Bronze
Photo courtesy of Matt Idler
We didn’t just get financial help— we got someone who truly cared.
Blue is for us.
When tragedy struck, Doug and Ramona—members for more than 50 years—found more than just financial services at Blue—they found a family. After the heartbreaking loss of their son, a fellow Blue member, the couple needed guidance navigating legal and financial paperwork. Our team stepped in, not just to help with the documents, but to walk alongside them with care, compassion, and dignity. This is what community looks like. At Blue, we’re here for life’s hardest moments—and everything in between.
Count on us to be there for every moment.
For you. For life.
—
Doug Ramona&
Doug & Ramona,
Pueblo
Please stoP by the gallery and get a guide to the many wonderful bronzes in Cheyenne!
Open 10 am - 6pm mOnday - Saturday nOOn - 4pm SundayS (SeaSOnally) 303 e. 17th St. Cheyenne, Wy 307-432-0606
The Legacy Club
Donors who have contributed $10,000 or more to the Endowment Fund
Leonard & Fern Bemel Estate
Robert & Jackie Boice Memorial by Robert Boice, Jr
Robert Born
Dr Jeff & Lynne Carlton
Jesse Chambers Estate
Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Buckle Club
John & Ester Clay
Frank & Louise Cole
Connie & Dr. Richard Davis
Dr. Rick & Ibby Davis
Barbara Dilts
Marietta & Bill Dinneen
Bill & Beth Edwards
Engrav, Van Voast, Swidecki
Bill Dubois & Marcy Helser
John & Karen Etchepare
Drs. Fred & Keren Emerich
Elizabeth Escobedo
First Interstate Bank
Gus & Pat Fleischli
Shirley & Lloyd Flynn
Marlin & Janet Glasner
Wayne & Lois Hansen
Stan & Mary Hartman
Jim & Peggy Hearne
Tad & Ann Herz
Peter & Chloe Illoway
Jerry & Kay Jessen
Jim. H Johnson Memorial by Harold F. Johnson Masonry
Curt Kaiser Estate
Will & Judy Kallal
Thomas G. Kelly P.C.
Arlene & Don Kensinger
Raymond C. Kinter
Mike & Lana Mabee
Lummis Livestock
Jim & GiGi McShane
Sue Miller
John & Norma Morris
Art & Catherine Nicholas
Mary & William Orton
John & Mary Ostlund
Mona Lee Pearl
Polo Ranch CompanyBetsy Graham
Marian H. Rochelle
Rodekohr, Peterson, Gusea, Gerringer & Shippy
Romeo Entertainment Group
Lisa Seale
Britta Stamy Estate
Endowment Fund
Mary H. Storer Foundation
Gen. Harold Strack
John & Kathy Steil
Drs. Robert Prentice & Sandra Surbrugg
Bill & Toni Thomson
Sherry & Gene Tuck
Memorial by Teema Tuck McIntosh
Cindy Vandewark
Phil & Gay VanHorn
Marcia Vanlandingham
Paul & Karen Vencill
Ed & Carmel Wallace
Ed Wallace & Peggy-Powers Wallace
Ed & Mary Weppner
Wyoming Cultural Trust
Donors who have contributed to the Endowment Fund
Barbara Andrikopoulos
Dr. Frank Barrett Memorial by Mary Barrett Orton & Bill Orton; Alice Barrett Clement & Mike Clement
Jacqueline Boice Trust
Richard & Michele Bolkovatz
Eugene & Jeanne Bryan
Johnnie Burton
Wayne & Ruth Case
Jim & Ray Fleming Dinneen
Dosoris Trust Company
Beverly Dowling In Memory of Michael Dowling
Charles & Carol Farthing
Doug & Valarie Finch
Stig & Beth Hallingbye
Rick & Ronda Heimsoth
Bill & Mary Kay Hill
Carol Holland
Donald & Jane Iverson
Barry & Lynda Kistler
Jon & Dianne Kirkbride
Stacy Maatman & Charlie Moore
Betty Lewis & Dan Matuska
Jack Mueller
William & Mary Orton
Del & Suzanne Peterson
J. Michael & Martha Powers
C. Bud Racicky
Art & Patti Reese
Shawn & Amiee Reese
Bob & Linda Reynolds
John & Barbara Rogers
Carol Rush In Memory of Shirley Flynn
Lee & Sue Searing
Dr. David & Martha Silver
Brian Short In Memory of Will Kallal
Ruth Storey
Jeff & Gail Vandewark
Charles & Jo Dell Wing
Linda Weppner
Wyoming Property Solutions, LLC
Jim & Theresa Ward
Lisa Zentner
Albany Bar
Michele Albert
Alice’s Lakeside Legacy
ANB Bank
Art of the West
Jason Bain
Mark Bare
Russell Bean
Lorrell Bellotti
Dave Berry
A. Kent Best
Kristen Beswick
Todd & Jan Bishop
Bison Beverage
Blue FCU
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming
Robert M. Boice, Jr.
Robert Born
Broadmoor East LLC
Lucky & Patty Burbach
Kevin & Kimberly Burkett
CFD HEELS
CFD Military Committee
Boosters Inc.
JJ Chen & Tracie Caller
Cheyenne Frontier Days™, Inc.
Cheyenne Womens Clinic
Christine Kronz Photographer, LLC
Brad & Shirley Churchill
Val Clyncke
Elizabeth Cobb
Jim & Jean Cochran
Cindy Crane
Tuda & Jack Crews
Connie Davis
Delancey Enterprises, LLC
Delta Kappa Gamma, Upsilon
Chapter
Deselms Fine Art
JoAnna Dewald
Keepers of the West
Keepers of the West
Donors who have contributed over $1,000 to the Museum in 2025
Col. Matt & Elizabeth Dillow
Barbara Dilts
Julianna “Boo” & Reed Dixon
Linda Doering
Alexis Drake
John & Mary Ann Duffey
George & Linda Eaglefeather
Bill & Beth Edwards
Drs. Fred & Keren Emerich
Kathy Emmons
Curt & Patty Epler
Etch It Up
Mick & Margi Finnegan
First Wyoming Bank & Trust
First Interstate Bank
FirsTier Bank
The Estate of Gus Fleischli
Flexx Productions
Flying Monkey Manufacturing
David Foreman
Scott & Megan Fox
Ed Galavotti
John Glanville
The Hon. Mark & Jennie Gordon
Karen & Curt Gowdy Jr.
Gary Grandominico
Grease Monkey
Dr. Sloan & Anna Marie Hales
Anne Hanson
Stan & Mary Hartman
Marcy Helser
Tad & Ann Herz
Carman Hess
Hilltop Bank
Kay Hough
Hughes Charitable Foundation
Peter & Chloe S. Illoway
Dr. Jane Iverson
Robert & Jill Jensen
Dr. Danielle Jensen-Ryan & Jess
Ryan
Scott Jeremissen
Jerry & Kay Jessen
Mariah Johnson & Adam Kvanli
Trent Johnson
Jonah Bank
Harris & Jeannine Jones
Diane Dieter & Ted Jones
Gary & Stina Kayser
KAZY 93.7 7 & THE RANGE 103.3
Thomas G. Kelly, P.C.
KFBC 97.5 FM/1240 AM
Willa Kosman
Ed & Jamie Kruse
Lamar Advertising
Robin Laws & Terry Sullivan
Scott Lesco
Susan Kay Lewis
Carla & Jed Lofton
Marion & Judi Loomis
Karey Louthan
Mike & Lana Mabee
Joe & Cindy Marek
Jim & Marie McCoy
Teema Tuck McIntosh
Mac McKee
Meridian Trust FCU
Sue R. Miller
Eric & Anne Miller
Bob Miller
Jonathan & Anne Murphy
Eric Nordberg
Carolyn & Terry O’Connor
Jack & Judy Olson
Mike & Sheri Olson
Outlaw Liquors
Pace O Matic
Karmin & Michael Pace
George & Carrie Pappas
Debra Parker
Dan & Gwen Perdue
Michael Piel & Carol Gregory
Platte Valley Bank
Drs Bob Prentice & Sandra Surbrugg
RBC Open Range Wealth Management Group
Mary Boice Read & Ross Read
Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center
Reiman Corp.
Wally Reiman
Bob & Linda Reynolds
Tom & Dixie Roberts
Rocky Mountain Power
Tammy Powers Rohde
Romeo Entertainment Group
Terry & Kelly Ruiz
Doug & Susan Samuelson Warren Ranch
Gary & Lori Schoene
Curtis Scribner
Lee & Sue Searing
Searing Industries Wyoming
Greg & Jen Seitz
Mike & Tiffany Smith
Anthony J Smith
Steil Surveying Services, LLC
Mary H. Storer Foundation
Larry & Kim Sutherland
Robin Sweet
Swire Coca-Cola
Taco John’s International
Annette M. Temte
Toni Thomson
Mary Throne & Kevin Boyce
Marvie Tipsword
Town & Country Liquor
Union Pacific Railroad
Union Pacific Foundation
University Of Wyoming
Visit Cheyenne
Dr. Ron & Carol W. Waeckerlin
Ken Wagner
Scott Walton
Christy Walton
Rick & Jacqueline Watkins
Jim & Donna Weaver
Tony & Kimberly Weldon
Kenny Wertsbaugh
Susan & Roy West
Kent Westedt
Western Art Collector
Lee Ann Wilson
Carolyn Winter & Dave Skipper
Dr. Kim Withers
Wyoming Arts Council
Wyoming Contractors Association
Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund
Wyoming Home
Wyoming Horse Racing
Wyoming Humanities Council
Wyoming Property Solutions, LLC
Rachelle & Steve Zimmerman
In Memoriam & Honoraria
As of February 11, 2026
In Memory Of Daniel “Dan” G. Blythe
John & Barbara Rogers
In Memory Of Bill Dubois
Marcy Helser
In Memory Of Arlene Lowrey
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Memory Of Billie Jean Lundberg
Drs. Fred & Keren Emerich
In Memory Of Fayline Engrav
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Memory Of Donna Esmay
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Memory Of John Charles Eklund Jr.
Drs. Fred & Keren Emerich
In Memory Of Jason Matthews
Suzanne Matthews
In Memory Of Gayla Maxfield
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Memory Of Dave & Helen McCracken
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Memory Of Linda McGuire
Dr. R.C. & Marcia Mead
In Memory Of Mary Meyer
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Memory Of Joanne Mill
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Memory Of Linda Moody
Dr. R.C. & Marcia Mead
In Memory Of Bud Racicky
John & Barbara Rogers
In Memory Of JD Romsa
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Memory Of Martie Stone
Tad & Ann Herz
In Memory Of Betty McIvor Tarlton
Judy Tarlton Ostrander
In Memory Of Flossie Vance
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Memory Of Karen Ann Vencill
John & Barbara Rogers
In Memory Of Jo Dell Wing
Jim & Peggy Hearne
In Honor Of Clyde A. Best
A. Kent Best
In Honor Of Donna Jo Epler
A. Kent Best
In Honor Of Elizabeth Escobedo
Robert Born
In Honor Of Glenna Hirsig
Jim & Peggy Hearne
Become a Legend
Capital Campaign Donors
LEGENDS
Raymond C. Kinter
Arlene Kensinger
CHAMPIONS
AAI Music LLC
Alice’s Lakeside Legacy
ANB Bank
Banner Capital Bank
Robert Boice, Jr.
Robert Born
Frank & Louise Cole
Connie Davis
Barbara Dilts
Marietta Dinneen in Honor of The Dinneen Family
Reed & Julianna Dixon
William Dubois
John & Mary Ann Duffey
Bill & Beth Edwards
Drs. Fred & Karen Emerich
Marcy Helser
Tad & Ann Herz
Edward Jackson III & Annie
Smith-Jackson
Jerry & Kay Jessen
Senator Cynthia Lummis
Teema Tuck McIntosh
Scott Meier & Amy SmithMeier
Sue Miller
Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies
George & Carrie Pappas
Romeo Entertainment Group- The Romeo Family
Mary H. Storer Foundation
Drs. Bob Prentice & Sandra Surbrugg
Elizabeth Searle & Mike Branham
Taco John’s International
Union Pacific Foundation
Cindy Vandewark
Lee Ann Wilson
Wold Foundation
ICONS
Austin, Stella, & Bubba
Alexander
The Anschutz Foundation
Bill Beaman
Dave Berry
Scott & Kaye Binning
Todd & Jan Bishop
Ross & Dede Buckhaults
Capitol Roofing Inc. Dennis & Charlene Humphrey
Barbara Carlsberg
Century 21 Bell Real Estate - Linda Weppner
Cheyenne Frontier Days™
Cheyenne Frontier Days™ HEELS
Brad & Shirley Churchill
Christine Connell
Tuda & Jack Crews
Dean & Meredith Dexter
John Edwards
Will & Brooke Edwards
Elizabeth Escobedo
Tucker & Carol Fagan
The Estate of Gus Fleischli
Flying Monkey Manufacturing
David Foreman
Lynette Friess
Ed Galavotti
Tyler & Alexis Garrett
Karen & Curt Gowdy Jr.
Stan & Mary Hartman
Helen Holliday & John Baffert
Peter & Chloe Illoway
Jane Iverson
Robert & Jill Jensen
Joannides Family Foundation
Teresa Jordan & Hal Cannon
Jon & Dianne Kirkbride
Luana Lahti
Mike & Lana Mabee
Joe & Cindy Marek
Dr. Ted McCoy
Dave & Helen McCracken
Terry & Carolyn O’Connor
Janet McLean & Marcia Swisher
Randy Merritt
Deidre Kilty-Newman
Tricia Pattno Nichols
Kurt & Vicki Peth
Bud Racicky
Mary Boice Read & Ross Read Riverstone Bank
Julia E Robinson & Peter Kozisek
Toni Rogers
Smart Sports Medicine Clinic PC- Dr. Skip & Sasha Ross
