Greetings from Idaho!

 

Our Roundup program for 2013 in Boise has been “in the works” for two years now, and we’re rarin’ to go!  If you’ve checked the website for the WWHA recently, you’ll see that our entertainment for our closing dinner and a cameo appearance will be featured performer Mary Kaye Knaphus.  You Western Music fans will recognize that name.  I’m sure you’re also excited.  Google her name and listen to her latest complete album, especially her song about Butch Cassidy.

 

Our program will feature some famous names with ties to Idaho such as Wyatt Earp, Butch Cassidy, Abraham Lincoln, Charlie Siringo, The Sundance Kid, Blackjack Ketchum, and Will Carver.  Some names that are famous in Idaho but less familiar to you are Rube Robbins, Diamondfield Jack Davis, Kittie Wilkins, Hank Vaughn, Hill Beachy, Henry Plummer, Dave Van Dyke, Harry Orchard, Big Bill Haywood, Ferd Patterson, China Polly, Ed Johnstone, and “Deadshot” Reed.  Rube Robbins, in particular, deserves to be as famous as any lawman you can name, but then you’ll be amazed at the personalities and the stories of the wild west in Idaho that we are going to present to you.

 

Here are some other events you won’t want to miss: tighten your belt for a ride in an authentic Concord Stagecoach--don’t bring any cash, ‘cuz this outfit gets held up a lot!); then loosen your belt for a chuck wagon dinner right next to a real chuck wagon.  Then, there’s the re-enactment of the killing of ex-sheriff Sumner Pinkham by gambler Ferd Patterson.  Movie buffs will want to attend Thursday’s “Behind the Scenes at the Western Movies” with Jerry Crandall.  Jerry has been a movie extra in several Hollywood westerns, including a projected part in the upcoming John Wesley Hardin film that will begin production in May.  Jerry has lots of great stories and pictures of his adventures for us and he should have some “hot off the plains” stuff about the Hardin movie, too.    But wait, we’re not done yet!  You get to tour Idaho City, where many 1860’s era buildings still remain in great shape.  We’re gonna talk about the lynchings of Henry Plummer and Dave Van Dyke, two crooked sheriffs whose strings ended with a sudden jerk.  And we’re going to the Idaho Territorial prison, where Bub Meeks Montpelier bank robbery and Harry Orchard professional killer were the star residents.  Bill Betenson will describe Meek’s dramatic escape attempt, and R.C. Sobba will chronicle “model prisoner” Orchard.  Back at the hotel, we’re gonna have a panel discussion of the mystery of “Deadshot” Reed, a pistolero with a record of several Idaho gunfights and claims of many more in Texas.  We’re not sure of even his real name, but it’s a fascinating story.  We hope to have some of his family there.

 

If you haven’t been to Idaho before, you may want to spend extra time here.  One recent veteran tourist from California described our scenery as the most beautiful he had ever seen.  If you love outdoor sports, there’s river and whitewater rafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, water skiing, historical sites, and breathtaking local vistas.

 

If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, our Riverside Hotel was beautifully remodeled just this year.  If the following sounds like an advertisement, well, it is: “nestled on 14 acres of roses, gardens, and courtyards on the scenic Boise River; close to Boise Towne Square Mall, downtown and the State Capitol building; adjacent to the Greenbelt, a 25-mile paved trail alongside the Boise River.”  Other amenities include two restaurants, a sports bar and nightclub, complimentary parking, high-speed Internet, outdoor heated swimming pool and two hot tubs, fitness center, 25” satellite TV per room, 303 guest rooms.  Our Roundup guests will be receiving a special $ 99 room rate.  Our convention room is very large with lots of room for vendors, with tight security.  Call (208)343-1871 for information and reservations.

 

You may be wondering if it’s difficult to get to Boise.  Well, the news is good.  Southwest Airlines services many direct connections to metropolitan airports all over the United States, especially the southwest.  If you are inclined to drive, it’s freeway all the way to any city in America.

 

So, polish yer boots, block yer Stetson, and stash yer hogleg.  Your visit to Idaho will be very special, we promise.

 

Mike Youngman and Joel Frandsen

 

2013 WWHA Board of Directors - Open Nominations

 

 

NOMINATIONS DEADLINE – June 30, 2013

 

Nominations for WWHA Board of Directors closes June 30, 2013.  Please download the nomination form (PDF), complete as instructed, and mail to the provided address.  You must have permission of the nominee before submitting the form.

 

Your nominee must be willing to attend two board meetings a year, one at the Roundup and the other mid-year, and must be able to communicate by email.

 

We are looking for people with a business and/or history background and a willingness to serve.

 

 

Nominations are due by June 30, 2013

 

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