Wednesday in Wyoming -- June 25, 2014

Although the Castle may be the most unusual of the CCC structures in Guernsey State Park, the Museum has its share of history.

Like the Castle, it's constructed of native limestone and features arches.  Unlike the Castle, it boasts electricity and running water. 

And it commemorates the workers who were responsible for its construction with a statue.

A friend from Georgia told me she's seen the same statue in one of the parks near her.  Have you seen a CCC worker statute in your travels?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- June 18, 2014

If you want to have a picnic at Guernsey State Park, there are many choices, including this table at the Castle.

But for a more adventuresome site, you might want to try this one.

Yes, there had been enough rain that some of the picnic and camping sites were wade-in.  Other tables were completely submerged.  I prefer to eat on dry land.  How about you?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- June 11, 2014

One of the attractions of Guernsey State Park, in addition to its opportunities for outdoor sports, is its collection of buildings constructed by the CCC, the Civilian Conservation Corps.  As part of the New Deal plan to rebuild the economy during the Great Depression, the CCC built hundreds of structures across the country including this one, commonly referred to as The Castle.

The Castle was constructed of native limestone and timbers and features several arches.  This one was situated to frame Laramie Peak.

As you can see, the interior has other arches and provides both picnic tables, a fireplace and built-in benches for visitors.

The most fanciful feature of the Castle is this spiral staircase which leads to a roof top viewing platform.  After seeing these pictures, a friend suggested that the Castle would be an ideal spot for a small wedding.  What do you think?

Wednesday in Wyoming -- June 4, 2014

Although Wyoming is best known for the natural beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, it has many other beautiful sites, including Guernsey State Park.  Located on the eastern side of the state, Guernsey features hiking, camping and water sports.

The water is a reservoir created by damming the North Platte River.  And, as you can see, not all the roads are paved.

The park spans both sides of the reservoir.  On the eastern side is a museum with its own panoramic view, including Laramie Peak (the faintly visible mountain in the distance).  Though not the highest mountain in the state, Laramie Peak is the highest in the eastern half and was a major landmark to pioneers on the Oregon Trail.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- May 28, 2014

As you might expect, ambulances were an important part of the war effort.  With their bright red crosses, they were not supposed to be targets for enemy bullets.  However ...

the bullet holes in this window seem to indicate that this ambulance encountered its share of fire.

But even if the bullet holes are a reminder of the grim reality of war, the familiar cartoon character painted on the ambulance door leaves no doubt that the soldiers sought to find humor wherever they could, even on the blood-stained battlefields of war.

As we celebrate Memorial Day this week, I give thanks for the men and women who've served their country in the armed forces.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- May 21, 2014

The medical tent was one of the most popular ones to visit, and justifiably, since medical science has changed dramatically since the 1940s.

I had never seen a rolling stretcher like this one and wondered how easily it moved over the rough terrain of many of the battlefields.

Not only has equipment changed since the war, but I'd like to think that amputated body parts weren't simply dumped into bins the way they were here.  That's a scene I identify with the Civil War, not one from the twentieth century.

Wednesday in Wyoming -- May 14, 2014

One thing that has changed dramatically in the 70 years since World War II is communication.  Don't these field phones and radios, not to mention the signal flares, look ancient?

Several of the school children who attended the presentation were amazed by the typewriter.  One said she'd never seen one.  Needless to say, typing on a manual typewriter was a far different experience from keying on a tablet.

And then there was the oldest form of communication -- writing.  The famous V-Mail stationery.

How often do you write "real" letters, or as we now refer to them, snail mail?