Laramie’s Living History — People
A series of stories prepared for the Albany County Museum Coalition, an alliance of institutions that promote Laramie’s historic and cultural resources. This series originally appeared in the Laramie Boomerang.
The people who comprise the Albany County community come from several social strata, ethnicities, and races.
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Stephen and Eva Downey Day: Laramie pioneers honored
Stephen and Eva Downey served their community in many roles over a span of 70 years.
Dr. Grace Raymond Hebard, a UW “Giant”
Dr. Grace Raymond Hebard (1861 – 1936) stood head and shoulders above other pioneering women involved with the fledgling University of Wyoming (UW), which opened its doors in 1887.
A first for Wyoming: a woman is elected to the state legislature
On Nov. 11. Mary G. Bellamy was declared one of the five Albany County Democrats who swept into office, all winning seats in the Wyoming House of Representatives. She made history as the first woman to be elected to that office in Wyoming.
Verna Hitchcock; What To Do When Life Gives You Lemons
"I guess you'll just have to shoot me" was Verna Johannesen’s reply to a desperate man who said he’d shoot her if she didn’t give him money.
A Laramie couple’s legacy—geology and more
Jane and David Love had a knack for uncovering the human and natural resources of Wyoming that few other married couples have demonstrated.
Her legacy: single beds & a Lot more – Helen Dunnewald
Helen Bishop (1891-1992), a native of Oregon, came to Laramie in 1925 to become the Dean of Women at the University of Wyoming and stayed for over 60 years
Who began the UW Geological Museum? Guess again!
Unless you’re very familiar with UW history, you probably guessed it was one of the Knights, likely Wilbur Clinton Knight or his son Sam, but you’d be wrong.
CARRIE BURTON OVERTON – FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN GIRL TO ATTEND U.W.
Carrie Burton was born in Laramie in 1888, and despite the odds being stacked against her, she entered the University of Wyoming in 1903 at the age of 15.
Laramie’s Prolific Architect: Wilbur A. Hitchcock
Arriving Laramie in 1908 to study civil engineering at the University of Wyoming, Hitchcock worked as a carpenter and began designing homes while still an undergraduate. He had learned carpentry and home building from his father in Springfield, South Dakota where Wilbur was born in 1886.
A Novel Discovery by an Accidental Botanist: Aven Nelson
The rugged high country of the northern Laramie Mountains is home to a rare columbine that grows nowhere else in the world. Equally noteworthy, this plant was discovered by a young man embarking unexpectedly on a botanical career, an accidental botanist who would become the “Father of Wyoming Botany” -- Aven Nelson.