VEDAUWOO  MUSEUM

A   COLLECTION   OF

OBJECTS  OF  LASTING   AND  HISTORIC  VALUE

 

A "FRIEND"

Layne Kopischka was one of the figureheads in the development of Vedauwoo climbing.  Not only did he write three guidebooks to the area as it 'grew' and matured as a climbing destination, but he mentored numerous young climbers and authored many memorable routes.  Layne's unfortunate passing was lamented by all, and there is no doubt his spirit still roams the natural wonderland of Vedauwoo today.  Tangible evidence of his profound influences is being discovered even today such as that shown above, an 'old style' no. 2.0 Wild Country Friend with his initials clearly stamped into the stem.

Found and Donated by Steve Seckinger.

 

WHAT'S  IN  A  NAME  ?

         

Here's where it all started.... the word 'vedauwoo', its etymology and its application to a specific geological location in southeast Wyoming.  Also documented in many other places, this book is part of the evidence indicating the origin of this curious word.  The book is replete with descriptive text and original photographs of the theatrical production(s) held at 'Vedauwoo Glen'  between 1928 and 1931.

 

A SUMMIT REGISTER

No. 1..   No. 2...   No. 3...

The first recorded climb in the Greater Vedauwoo Area was in 1953, although the University of Wyoming 'Outing Club' was active in the area in the late 1940's.  As the ex-members of the US Army's 10th Mountain Division began attending the University, summiting the formations seemed to become a passion.  Registers were placed on top of the formations, usually by the first ascenders and signed by all those who subsequently made the climb.  These summit registers form a core component of the history of the area, and the adventurers whose names are found on them built the foundation of all climbing that was to come.  This Summit Register, contained in an old Prince Albert tobacco tin, was found on the south shoulder of "The Vulture", a huge prominence on the NE end of Blair 2 (*See photo just below for detail of location).  As evidenced from the photos, it was originally placed there on July 15, 1955 by Walt Sticker and Chuck Van Blair, the latter being the namesake of the entire Blair area.  There are many small pages in this register, each of fascinating and historical significance.

 

AN  OLD  'BINER

While climbing in the area now known as "Chinatown", an old, well-used carabiner was found wedged deep inside a crack.  It was obvious that it was taped with an identifying color band of plastic tape and some specifications (Carrico Minimo - 1800 Kg) were stamped on it.  Also, the initials JFM were clearly stamped on the gate.  When considering all names of people associated with Vedauwoo having those initials, only one name kept coming up - Jan Mathieson, the Co-Author of the first two guidebooks to rock climbing at Vedauwoo.  Attempts were made to contact him to no avail.  However, according to Jim Halfpenny, the other author of these books, this is the type carabiner used by Jan, the tape colors were used by him to identify his gear, and his initials are JFM.  Until we hear differently, we are assuming this belongs to Jan.  If so, it is well over 30 years old and part of the gear used by one of the original, very productive hardmen responsible for making Vedauwoo the superb climbing destination it is today.

 

The Little 'Vedauwoo' Tree

1.)         2.)   

While not a part of Vedauwoo specifically, it is very close.  The contours of Vedauwoo are clearly seen in the background of both photos above.  The first, taken in 1927, reads "tree in the rock, famed landmark of Wyoming".  The second was taken 73 years later.  This little tree is right on I-80 and seen by nearly everyone who passes by.  It seems to grow out of solid rock, Sherman Granite, the same rock that forms the mysterious landforms found throughout Vedauwoo.  It was first cited and sketched by Union Pacific Railroad personnel as they laid rails across Sherman Mountain in 1867, and it is said the indians had seen it for at least a century before that.  The Lincoln Highway (the first transcontinental highway) was built right past the tree in 1913 and it became a favorite subject of early postcards.  Although its age is unknown, limber pines (Pinus Flexilis) like this can live as long as 2,000 years.  Today, although twisted and stunted from decades of ceaseless wind and other causes, it continues to survive as a curious historic landmark of Southeastern Wyoming and the Greater Vedauwoo area.

 

     Many more objects of significance will begin to appear here.....

 

History

Introduction

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