Colorful Wyoming history of bygone days

Today is Nov. 2. I’ve just spent another wonderful afternoon in that Weston County Senior Services Center meeting room I spoke of the last time you read words from my pen here in the News Letter Journal. I was eagerly anticipating the informative Weston County Museum District program on tap. 

My friend, Deb Sewell, and I arrived fairly early, as parking places were filling quickly. Glenn Zerbst, third-generation member of a Weston County ranch family, would share historical highlights on the life of colorful character Dell Burke, and her business place, the  Yellow  Hotel in Lusk. People came in, smiling and visiting, many of them regulars at these historical presentations. Glenn stood at the podium, nonchalantly chewing gum (one of his trademarks). No nervousness in that man! He held a microphone, coolly prepared to project slides on a large screen at the center-front of the room. 

Interested people streamed in until most of the available folding chairs were filled, exchanging friendly greetings and small talk. Everyone was eager to see what information Glenn would share. An astute historian, Glenn recalls generational stories that point him in some direction, then spends time in newspaper archives and other sources “digging up” the most interesting sidebars and historical data on his chosen subject. 

To me, one of Glenn’s strongest talents is his ability to “tell a great story” in everyday language, based upon those dusty, musty words in print. The crowd filling senior center chairs was noticeably eager for the program to start. Many knew the fare would not be dull, having visited with Glenn (or heard him speak) before. He does not disappoint, melding research seasoned with country-bred humor and bits of old printed words into a talk his audience will enjoy and be educated by.

I’d searched out some well-documented historic background to incorporate here. One source said, “Prostitutes were major players in early Wyoming …”  Another I researched said, “In early Wyoming, prostitution was not officially legal, but it was a significant part of the social fabric. Brothels and similar establishments thrived, providing a means for women to earn a living during a time when employment options were limited. The economic conditions of the time, including the lack of employment opportunities, necessitated the involvement of women in prostitution, which was a common practice in frontier settlements. Overall, prostitution was a crucial factor in shaping the economic landscape of early Wyoming.”

  Glenn encompassed all those facts as he spoke — Cindy Dysart at his side to assist in showing each historic slide he’d prepared. 

  Enthusiastic applause spread across the audience when the presentation concluded. The man still chewed his gum nonchalantly, allowing only the slightest of a shy grin in response. I thought Carolyn’s eyes were shining with pride and joy as she looked at Glenn, and I’m certain I saw some deep pride dancing in there, too!