Dude Ranching has a long history, starting in the late 1800’s with Howard Eaton, who ran the first dude ranch and is credited with coining the term ‘dude’ as a definition of the guests whom he hosted at his ranch. As cattle prices fell and ranchers looked to other means to make money, dude ranching started to gain popularity in the West and Wyoming certainly was no exception. Dude ranches cropped up across the state, offering paying customers the chance to experience the West, be guided along trails, and see a much different way of life.
Their popularity was at its height in the 1920’s, with several around Yellowstone in particular. This decade also saw the creation of the Dude Rancher’s Association, which strove to set industry standards, and also helped conservation efforts as many acted as guides and saw the need to protect wild places. Lander itself had a dude ranch operation, which also had its heyday in the 1920’s.
Situated in the North Fork Canyon, this ranch was first set up as a Dude Ranch by a group of gentlemen in 1916. Created under the incorporation of the “Rocky Mountain Resort Company”, Frank Hudson was president, Frank V. Marsh was the secretary and treasurer, and John W. Erhart and L.G. Hoffner were the first ranch managers. The next year, Mr. Hoffner bought out John Erhart’s share of the company and ramped up operations.
Pine Bar Ranch had the North Fork river nearby, and lakes within trekking distance as they took visitors on guided trails. They had fish stocked to boost their fishing capabilities, installed a telephone line early on, and had an apple orchard as well. Cabins were added as time went on, to better accommodate larger groups as well as make the grounds scenic and inviting.
In 1921, the ranch again exchanged hands and newspapers noted that there would be improvements made. Dinners were served at the ranch, and visitors were still coming out for extended stays. Reed Allen was the ranch manager at this time, and hosted many visitors including bigger groups. The Lander Kiwanis utilized the space to host the Casper Kiwanis in 1924.
Despite the seeming success, there was a foreclosure sale in January of 1925 and the property was sold to Felix Wilson. Reed Allen stayed on for a few more years as the ranch manager, and continued to increase traffic to the dude ranch. In the summer of 1925, he hauled a boat up to Grave lake, hosted Riverton Brownies, and family reunions were held at the dude ranch.
Felix ended up selling the property in 1926 to Ben Weeks, and Ben ramped up efforts. For the next several years, Ben worked hard at promotion and improvements on the dude ranch. September of 1926 saw Judge Fourt set out for a trek of Dickinson Park with a photographer to promote the mountains of the area, guided by Ben. August of 1927 saw a group from Chicago, the “Prairie Club”, come out for a guided trek to view the glaciers. Many trail guides were outfitted at the Pine Bar over the years.
The ranch was host to several large groups, from Boys and Girls to out of state visitors, and hosted the state wide Extension Club annual meeting of “Mothers and Leaders” in 1928. Promotion of the area as a tourist destination was bolstered by guests and local newspapers praising the resort as one of merit. Ben kept in touch with the local community, continuing to raise apples in the orchard and hosting dinners and dances for locals to attend, and allowing visitors to come and fish the river on site.
Eventually, Ben Weeks went on to other ventures, becoming the deputy for the Wyoming state Dairy, Food and Oil division of the Department of Agriculture in 1930. Pine Bar Ranch has had various owners over the years, and the past echoes of dudes may still be heard. The heyday of the dude ranch may have been the 1920’s, but it is still a proud tradition in the state today.
Next up for the Fremont County Museum
November 15, 1pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Christmas Stocking Party” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
December 13, 2pm at the Riverton Museum, “Santa’s Workshop” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
December 13, 10-4pm at the Riverton Museum, “Christmas Open House”
December 13, 6-8pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Old Fashioned Christmas in the Pioneer Village’ Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
December 13, 11-3pm at the Dubois Museum, “Holiday Open House”
Thru December, 9-5 at the Riverton Museum, “History Day Exhibits” Shoshone Schools
Call the Dubois Museum 1-307-455-2284, the Pioneer Museum 1-307-332-3339 or the Riverton Museum 1-307-856-2665 for detail regarding their programs.
The Dubois Museum, the Pioneer Museum in Lander and the Riverton Museum need your financial support. In the current economic environment, the museums are more reliant than ever on donations from the private sector to continue to provide the quality programs, collections management, exhibits and services that have become their hallmark over the last four years. Please make your tax deductible contribution through the Wind River Cultural Centers Foundation www.windriverccf.com or by sending a check to Fremont County Museums 450 N 2nd Rm 320 or taking it directly to the museum you choose to support.
