I want to take a moment to thank you for your warm welcome and for all the hard work you’ve put into the Museum. It has truly been a pleasure getting to know you all, and I’m so grateful to be here as your Volunteer Coordinator. The last couple of months have been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve enjoyed working alongside such a fabulous group of individuals.
With summer approaching, we’d love to have docents present in the Museum to enhance our visitors’ experience. If you’re interested in being available for adult tours, floating in the Museum to answer questions, or dressing in period costume and interacting with guests, let me know—I’d love to get you involved!
I’m looking forward to a busy and fun summer, and I hope you’ll join us for some great events! Thank you for all that you do—I’m excited to keep working with such an amazing group.
Bryci Achter
Volunteer Coordinator
Mark Your Calendars!
Call for Artists
Due by June 2nd at 5pm
If you’re artistically inclined, we’re gathering artwork for new postcards at the front desk.
Trivia Night
April 24th - 5-8 pm
Please contact me if you can bake or buy an elegant dessert to serve eight.
Docent Training
May 2nd - 11:30 am-2 pm. Please RSVP to Bryci!
Breakfast Bring-a-Friend Social May 30th at 9 pm
Volunteer Field Trip
June 26th - 8:45 @ the Museum
UW Planetarium
Thank You!
I want to extend a big thank you to all of the volunteers who helped make the 2025 Western Spirit Art Show possible! This year was a huge success thanks to you! So far we have sold 77 pieces and we’ve made more than last year. The Staff and Art Show Committee truly appreciate how much work goes into this show and your volunteer hours. Thank you!
-Amanda Marshall
Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum Volunteer Newsletter
Help Wanted!
We could use some extra help at the front desk on weekends! If you’re available, we’d love to have you lend a hand. Let us know if you can volunteer on a Saturday or Sunday!
Game Time!
Calling All Artists
We are looking for talented artists from among our dedicated volunteers to donate their artwork—paintings, drawings, and photography—to be sold as cards and postcards at our front desk. All proceeds will go directly to supporting our mission and initiatives.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply love to create, we welcome all submissions! Artwork is due to Bryci Achter by June 2nd via emailBryci.Achter@oldwestmuseum.org - Or you can leave them on my desk!
Desserts Needed!
What is Wyoming’s state dinosaur?
What is Wyoming’s state mammal?
What is Wyoming’s state reptile?
What is Wyoming’s state grass?
What is Wyoming’s state insect?
What is Wyoming’s state cryptid?
What is Wyoming’s state sport? 8. What is Wyoming’s state fish?
Upcoming Docent Training
We’re thrilled to invite you to a special Docent Training at the CFD™ Old West Museum on May 2nd, 2025, at 11:30 AM, led by none other than Mike Kassel, our Curator and Associate Director!
Anyone interested in learning more is invited. If you work the front desk, we would especially love it if you attend!
Lunch will be provided! Please RSVP to Bryci via email or 307-778-1418
The CFD™ Old West Museum’s Trivia Night Fundraiser is coming up on April 24th, and we still need more delicious desserts to make it a success!
This event will raise funds for kids’ camps, programming, exhibits, and new adult programming. Attendees will compete for prizes, a traveling trophy, and the chance to bid on elegant desserts—which is where we need your help!
We’re asking our wonderful volunteers to bake (or buy!) a dessert to donate. Each elegant dessert should serve 8 people and will be part of our special auction.
Thank you for making this event even sweeter!
Drop-off Details: Where: Old West Museum When: April 23rd or 24th (before 5 PM)
Dazee’s Corner: A Taste of Tradition
In Dazee’s Corner, we’re sharing recipes favored by former “Dazees”—women known for their culinary skills and hospitality. This edition features “Sweet and Sour Meatballs,” bringing timeless flavors and a taste of tradition to your kitchen. Whether it’s a beloved family recipe or a new favorite, Dazee’s Corner connects us to the joy of home-cooked meals and community!
Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Submitted by Chris
Lummis
Meatballs made with lean ground beef, pineapple, and water chestnuts for a little crunch.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
• 3 to 4 tablespoons chopped water chestnuts
• 3/4 cup quick oatmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
(Store bought meatballs work too)
SAUCE:
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup beef bouillon
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 can (8 ounces) pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 tsp-Crushed Red pepper Flakes
PREPARATION:
Combine meatball ingredients; shape into 1-inch balls and brown on all sides in oil. Drain and set aside.
Begin sauce: Combine sugar, beef bouillon, vinegar, cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons soy sauce in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven; bring to a boil.
Boil sauce mixture until thickened; stir in pineapple, green pepper, and meatballs. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Makes about 4 dozen meatballs.
Summer Field Trip
Join us for a summer field trip to the University of Wyoming Planetarium on June 26th!
Explore “Constellations Across Cultures”, discovering how different cultures have interpreted the stars through storytelling and tradition.
We’ll depart from the Museum at 8:45 a.m. transportation and lunch are provided. Don’t miss this stellar adventure!
Attendance for this trip is limited to 34 people. Please RSVP to Bryci via email or 307-778-1418.
Volunteer Breakfast Social
As a thank you for all your hard work, we’re hosting a Volunteer Breakfast Social! This will be a great chance to relax, enjoy some tasty breakfast treats, and meet others who share your passion for volunteering. We would love it if you brought a friend along for the fun!
Date: May 30th, 2025
Time: 9am at the Old West Museum RSVP: Bryci at 307-778-1418 or bryci.achter@oldwestmuseum.org
Volunteer Spotlight
Anna Thompson
Meet Anna Thompson!
From a small-town upbringing to a life of global adventures and dedicated service, Anna’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Raised in a tiny town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, she was part of a graduating class of just 14 students. She went on to attend Michigan Technological University, setting the foundation for a career that would ultimately shape public safety. After college life took her westward, and thanks to Union Pacific Railroad—by way of Omaha—she found her way to Cheynne, Wyoming, a place she now calls home.
Anna’s love of exploration has taken her across the world, from Spain to Puerto Rico to Australia. She believes that every place is unique, making it impossible to choose a favorite destination. A firm believer in sharing experiences, she has made it a tradition to take a grandchild (eight so far!) on a special trip after their graduation, offering them an unforgettable glimpse of the world.
Her dedication to her community is just as strong as her passion for travel. In her free time, she works at the civic center and serves as a bartender for the Cheyenne Little Theater. She has been a volunteer with Cheyenne Frontier Days for 25 years and was honored as a HEEL in 2023. Additionally, she volunteers regularly at church and leads as the president of a women’s organization, empowering others through service and leadership.
Anna’s path led her to the Department of Transportation, where she played a pivotal role in the Highway Safety division, helping to implement child safety seat laws. Her work made a tangible impact, ensuring safer roads for families.
Beyond her professional achievements, Anna has embraced a life of creativity, travel, and community service. She has a deep passion for photography, particularly capturing the beauty of doors and architectural elements—details that many might overlook. “You never know what you’re going to find at a doorway,” she says, a sentiment that reflects her keen eye for discovery. Sewing is another creative outlet, and she enjoys upcycling materials, particularly making quilts out of blue jeans.
Anna credits her father as her greatest inspiration. He instilled in her a deep love of volunteering, teaching her the importance of leaving a place better than she found it and always helping others. That lesson has guided her throughout her life, shaping her into the compassionate, adventurous, and dedicated person she is today.
Whether she’s documenting the world through her camera lens, giving back to her community, or embarking on her next journey, Anna continues to live a life of purpose and passion—one doorway, one adventure, and one act of service at a time.
Thank you Anna for all of your service to our community!
Volunteer Spotlight
Pete Rogers
Meet Pete Rogers!
Pete has been a volunteer at the Old West Museum for the last 10 years, since moving to Cheyenne with her daughter. Pete was born out in the “boontillies” of Yaak, Montana and will always consider Montana her home. She made her way to Washington with her husband where they enjoyed a life filled with fishing and boating on the ocean for 35 years.
One memorable night they anchored in a bay for the night only to find they’d landed in a whale hole. Two big greys spouted on either side of the boat spraying a warm salty mist on Pete as she sat watch over her family, which now included three young daughters. Pete waited for daybreak at the anchor rope, armed with a butcher knife, should she need to cut it free if the whales started dragging the boat out. The love of the ocean has lasted through storms spent cuddled down in the ballast when the waves came up and slapped the boat around to brilliant sunrises and sunsets. They often saw grey whales, orca pods, porpoises and more when they fished for halibut, cod and salmon.
Pete also worked in a high school, at a hospital and now enjoys spending time with her family, reading mysteries, quilting and cards, whether that be a little gambling or bridge. She has two dogs, Wolfie (a lab/pitt mix) and Frankie a miniature schnauzer.
As I sat down and chatted with Pete I asked her about someone who inspired her and she told me a little about Janet Wampler, the volunteer coordinator for the Museum for over 2 decades. Janet was full of warmth, joy and always happy to see everyone. Pete, and I’m sure most who knew Janet, were inspired by her enthusiasm and zest for life.
Pete can often be found at the front desk of the Museum, greeting visitors and sipping coffee. She always enjoys chatting with folks from around the world here. She is truly delightful and anyone who chats with her finds her joy and enthusiasm contagious.
Thank you Pete foreverything you do for the Museum!
Volunteer Spotlight
Mac McKee
Meet Mac McKee!
Mac McKee’s journey is as rich as the history he helps preserve! Born in Cheyenne, he served in the Navy before spending 31 years with the Colorado Department of Highways as a senior engineer. Though he once swore he’d never move back, retirement brought him home—and we couldn’t be more grateful!
For the past eight years, Mac has been a dedicated volunteer at the Museum, and more recently, he’s also been lending his time to collections. His warm personality shines through every interaction, whether he’s posing for photos in his signature cowboy hat or capturing special moments for guests in front of the wagon.
Mac has a deep love for puzzles, film photography, and exploring the world around him—interests he shared with his late wife, a talented botanist. One unforgettable summer in Colorado, she spotted a Canadian Willow, a plant never before recorded in the state. To this day, the one they discovered remains the only known Canadian Willow ever found in Colorado!
Mac also has a special place in his heart for Cheyenne Frontier Days™. During the parade, you’ll find him walking up and down the streets, greeting visitors from around the world and making sure everyone feels welcome.
A quote that inspires Mac:
“If you know what you’re doing, then you are not learning anything.”
Thank you, Mac, for your kindness, dedication, and for sharing your
Frontier Flashback Frontier Flashback
Wilbur Plaugher: Rodeo’s Master of Comedy and Chaos
Wilbur Plaugher was a staple of Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) for three decades, performing as a rodeo clown from 1957 until his retirement in 1983. Though known for his slapstick comedy and animal acts, Plaugher was also a skilled rodeo competitor. In the 1960s, he set the arena record for bulldogging with a 7.5-second run, a record that stood for ten years. Despite his athleticism, he never considered himself a bullfighter—he saved his best antics for filling gaps in the show and entertaining the crowd.
Plaugher’s physical comedy was legendary, and his acts often included an assortment of trained dogs, ducks, and even a monkey. He was also famous for his parade performances, often riding a horse fitted with fake mule ears and wearing jeans over its front legs—a sight that unnerved other horses and delighted audiences.
One of Plaugher’s most famous gags involved “shooting” CFD Committeemen during the night show. He would convince two of them to wear “exploding pants,” which contained a small charge of dynamite. At a key moment, he would chase them with a shotgun loaded with blanks, and as they ran, he would trigger the charges, sending them tumbling in a staged explosion. The Committeemen loved the prank and were always eager to participate.
Plaugher shined brightest when conditions were at their worst. During rainstorms, he continued his antics. One of his most infamous pranks occurred in 1968, when he offered to carry Miss Frontier, Dianne Spear, across a rain-soaked arena. As he carried the queen, resplendent in her white buckskins across the arena, Wilbur noticed that he had the crowd’s attention. He then found the biggest mud puddle he could and plopped the shocked Spear into the muck. As she sputtered in fury while climbing out of the morass, Wilbur, waving enthusiastically to the crowd, told her to knock him down too. She was more than happy to comply and blasted Wilber off his feet. He recalls sliding through the mud for several yards face-down from the impact. In his mind, it was all for the benefit of the crowd. To this day, Diane has not gotten the muddy stains out of her outfit.
Water trucks were another favorite prop for Plaugher’s comedy. As CFD regularly watered down the dusty track, he would climb onto the back of the trucks, scoop out buckets of water, and douse the unsuspecting drivers. Occasionally, the drivers got their revenge—once, they caught him on top, stuffed him inside the truck’s tank, and left him thoroughly soaked. “I had been baptized, but never so thoroughly.” Wilbur said.
The Legendary Partnership: Wilbur Plaugher and Quail Dobbs
In 1971, Plaugher was joined in the arena by another rodeo legend—Quail Dobbs, best known as the “Man-in-the-Can.” Initially brought in for his act with a rickety car named “Apollo,” Dobbs’ gag featured the vehicle sputtering into the arena with squealing brakes, flashing lights, and plumes of smoke. Sometimes, Apollo’s mechanical failures weren’t just for show—the car occasionally burst into real flames, ending its season prematurely.
Beyond his car act, Dobbs became an essential part of CFD as a barrel man, working alongside Plaugher and legendary bullfighter Wick Peth. His custom-made 200-pound barrel, lined with padding and fitted with a net for safety, became a key part of his comedy. He would sit atop the barrel as bulls charged, only to disappear inside at the last second. If knocked over, he would dramatically wave a white flag until the barrel was set upright.
Dobbs was also known for his sharp wit, often exchanging barbs with the announcers. One of his classic exchanges came during a dog act when an announcer commented, “That’s a nice little dog you have, but her legs are too short.” Without missing a beat, Dobbs replied, “Short? What do you mean short? They reach the ground.”
Beyond the arena, Dobbs played a major role in CFD’s public relations, mingling with crowds, joking with spectators, and riding his miniature mule, Sally, in parades. His larger-than-life personality made him instantly recognizable wherever he went.
The End of an Era
Plaugher retired from CFD in 1983 after being “helped” onto the roof of the photo pit by a particularly lively bull. Dobbs carried on for another 16 years, finally retiring in 1999. Together, they helped shape CFD’s reputation as a rodeo where anything could happen and where the entertainment was just as thrilling as the competition. Their comedic timing, daring stunts, and undeniable charm ensured that their legacy would live on in rodeo history.
