Wyoming books (Jackson, Rawlins, Sundance: hotel, live, moving)

[NancyJo]

I am having so much fun reading all the helpful insights here, and couldnt resist mentioning Owen Wister's, 'The Virginian'. I know we grew up with the old TV series, but if you havent read the book, I would highly suggest it. You can tell he absolutely loved Wyoming, even though his first impression of Medicine Bow isnt too flattering. There is also a book of diary notes and letters he wrote to his wife while traveling throughout Wyoming. The book is also on tape through the local library.

[Munshine]

Thanks Nancyjo, for the insight regarding this book. Yes, I too, recall the old TV show, but since I’ve not ever read this book, you’ve inspired me to now see if I can soon acquire it here in Hanna, or possibly at the Rawlins public library.

If you don’t mind me asking, where do you live? I’m sorry if you’ve already posted that in the past, and I’m just not recalling it. The reason I’m asking now is because after I read your post here, I’m wondering if you’ve ever been to the Virginian Hotel in Medicine Bow? I’ve been through Medicine Bow several times since moving here a year ago, but have only been inside the Hotel once, (we ate there). While there, we noticed more than just a few sight-see-ers/tourists about , with some spending the night at this quaint and historic hotel, and others which had been spending time in the area, but were just passing through.

Since reading your post and hearing that Wister wasn’t overly-complimentary, regarding Medicine Bow/that area, I can understand why he may not have been, and only meaning that a quick drive through the town/the area, may not produce a substantial amount of awe/fascination, and because there isn’t a whole lot of easily-seen magnificence there. However, I do feel that once a person becomes better/more acquainted with the town and its surrounding area, and the history, all does become more interesting and alluring.

Thanks again for the tip about this book, and which sounds like a frontrunner of literature to read, and for anyone wanting to learn more about this area/state.

[NancyJo]

We went through Hanna and Medicine Bow last fall...on our way up from California to the Sundance area. I had to see Hanna because my father grew up there, and I HAD to see Medicine Bow and the Hotel after this book. Its a fun book, and even though its a fictional story, the lure of Wyoming is so wonderful. For NON fiction..his diary, ' Owen Wister, Out West, his journals and letters ' - Library of Congress catalog number 58-9609..is a BETTER book compiled by his daughter, he talks in more depth about the train stopping along the way so that passengers can go shoot rabbits, for example...and its a far better detailing of the area and history. Another fun one to read is 'SOUTH PASS 1868'James Chisolm's journal of the wyoming gold rush. Library of congress catalog card 60-12692..another diary.

[NancyJo]

In rereading my answer, I guess I missed telling you that we are from the high desert area in southern california...tehachapi (between Mojave desert and Bakersfield).
Also, Owen Wister had a bad FIRST impression of Medicine Bow, but he fell deeply in love with all of Wyoming and spent probably most of his time north of Medicine Bow, and also in the Jackson area.

[jetta2337]

The book if you look for it is online. I would post the link but I it is against the rules.