Fred started out being in the touring business by taking small groups of college students with his family
on vacation tours. Eventually he thought that travel study tours for college students would be a neat way for students to learn history and obtain college credits at the same time. He drew up plans for month long trips (28-30 days) for the summers that would be 4 credit courses. He submitted a syllabus for each one to the Social Studies Division, which in turn recommended to the Academic Council, then to faculty, and then finally to the College Board of Control. A geography instructor usually went along and drove the second van. Students were given background handouts for each site ahead of time to make the sites more meaningful -- and more time could be used for observation instead of lecture. Discussion sessions were held in the evenings. At the conclusion of the trips essay type exams were given. Transportation vehicles were provided by the athletic department, usually two vans that could accommodate a total of twenty people. Most meals were family style picnics held in scenic places -- with students doing all the shopping and food preparation.
Historic sites and places of interested will be touched on by geographical areas from map as listed below. Obviously this will include only sampling and then with abbreviated treatment. These sites were visited over many school years and sites were often revisited on later tours.
PART I
The first area touched on will be the NORTHWEST shown in BLUE on the map above.
This includes (in this order): Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Colorado,
Nevada & California.
NORTHWEST
Montana
Virginia City sprang up with the discovery of gold at Alder Gulch, 1863.
A number of buildings from the gold rush still stand,
Virginia City, Montana
Nevada City Hotel was one mile from Virginia City.
Nevada City, Montana
A little narrow gage railroad was built to connect them.
We rode the train from Virginia City to Nevada City.
Notice the double decker outhouse in the backyard of this building.
Virginia City, Montana
College students stayed in these cabins.
They are fronted with logs from the old miners' cabins.
Virginia City, Nevada
Old wagon remains
Virginia City, Montana
Authentic plays were performed at the Opera House by the Virginia City Players.
Virginia City, Montana
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Defeat of Chief Joseph as he attempted to reach Canada, 1877. He said:
"From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever"
Bear Paw Battlefield, Glasgow, Montana
Battle of Little Big Horn Defeat of Custer forces.
Our guide was a Crow and had little use for Sioux or Cheyenne
Crows fought with whites because opposed intrusion of Indians
Crow Reservation, Montana
"From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever"
Bear Paw Battlefield, Glasgow, Montana
Our guide was a Crow and had little use for Sioux or Cheyenne
Crows fought with whites because opposed intrusion of Indians
Crow Reservation, Montana
Northern Pacific Glacier Park railroad depot
Montana
Glacier Parkrail station built by the Great Northern RR
Glacier, Montana
From Glacier Park we moved northward in Glacier Park
Many Glacier Lodge, built 1914-1915
Many Glacier, Montana
The interior of Many Glacier Lodge had rustic flavor
Many Glacier, Montana
When the students walked around Swift Current Lake we had a nice view
of Many Glacier Lodge from the opposite shore.
Many Glacier, Montana
Mountain climbing was next on the agenda. Looking down
we could see just how much we had climbed. Hiking is a
major recreation at Many Glacier
Montana
Naturally, we had to drive the Highway to the Sun.
Glacier, Montana
We spotted bears along the way.
Glacier, Montana
Wyoming
Burial place of Sacagawea
Shoshone and Arapaho Indian Reservation
She served as a guide for Lewis and Clark expedition
Shoshone and Arapaho Indian Reservation
She served as a guide for Lewis and Clark expedition
Lander, Wyoming
Sutler with fur pelt from Indians
Fort Laramie, Wyoming
Oregon Trail
Wyoming
Independence Rock, Wyoming
Our students climbed to the top
The Oregon Trail did not go through Devil's Gate
They went to the right where present day highway goes
Devil's Gate, Wyoming
Oregon Trail
Devil's Gate, Wyoming
Devil's Gate, Wyoming
Oregon Trail
South Pass, Wyoming
South Pass City was laid out in 1867 when gold was discovered in the region.
Some gold was found in the Willow Creek (tributary of Sweetwater River).
South Pass City, Wyoming
More gold was found in the rocks. Among the mines opened colorful names were
assigned, like Summit, King Solomon's, Northern Lights, Jim Crow and so on.
Here a guide is showing us one of the mines.
South Pass City, Wyoming
We also roamed around on our own.
South Pass City, Wyoming
Some of the false fronted stores date back to the 1860's.
A handful of people still reside in town.
South Pass City became well known in the women's suffrage movement
because of a woman named Esther Morris. Women out west were more self-reliant.
South Pass City, Wyoming
Our DMLC women are sitting on the foundation of an old building.
The site honoring Esther Morris is in the background
Fort Bridger
Jim Bridger's Trading Post erected in 1843
He led Brigham Young to Salt Lake, Utah
Outfitting point for overland travelers
Fort Bridger, Wyoming
Jim Bridger's Trading Post erected in 1843
He led Brigham Young to Salt Lake, Utah
Outfitting point for overland travelers
Fort Bridger, Wyoming
Union Pacific Train Depot
Cheyenne, Wyoming
The railroad station at Cheyenne opened the lands of Wyoming
Large ranches were establish in the wilderness
Our study tour group lodged at the Diamond Dude Ranch, Wyoming
Cheyenne is located on lower right on map
Diamond Dude Ranch was situated north of Cheyenne
After a long drive on a rough unpaved road ewe reached the Diamond Guest Ranch, Wyoming.
To tour in the immediate area around the ranch we were
given a ride on a horse drawn wagon.
To reach out into the rattlesnake wilderness we used riding horses
and left the bunk houses very early in the morning.
Diamond Dude Ranch, Wyoming
After a couple of hours our wrangler set up camp
for our breakfast of steaks and eggs
Diamond Dude Ranch, Wyoming
After our dude ranch experience, we headed back to Cheyenne for Stockade Celebration.
From Cheyenne we headed westward to Laramie and beyond (see map).
Our group pulled over at the Ames Monument
located on what had been called the Lincoln Highway.
The Medicine Bow Mountains brought us into contact with snow.
Medicine Bow Mountains, Wyoming
Our vans pulled over so students could see the snow banks up close.
Medicine Bow Mountains, Wyoming
Utah
Anasazi Indian Village, Utah
Taking notes
Anasazi Indian Village, Utah
Walking tour
Anasazi Indian Village, Utah
Narrow doorways and cramped space
Anasazi Indian Village, Utah
Information Center
Anasazi Indian Village, Utah
Oregon Trail
Rest Area
Echo Canyon, Utah
Oregon Trail
Echo Canyon, Utah
Great Salt Lake, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Sea Gull Monument
Sea gulls helped Mormons survive cricket plague
Salt Lake City, Utah
Mormon Temple in the background
Here the Mormons have baptisms for the dead
Public not allowed to enter temple
Salt Lake City,Utah
Missionary layman explains Mormonism
Mormon Tabernacle is in background
Salt Lake City, Utah
Students attended Tabernacle service as observers
Famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir on the left
Salt Lake City, Utah
Students had spontaneous discussion after the service
Sermon was on fathers (Mormons strong on family life, weak on theology)
Salt Lake City, Utah
The Bee Hive House
Home for the many wives of Brigham Young
Salt Lake City, Utah
Burial site of Brigham Young
When we asked a Mormon if it was walking distance he said,
"Yes for the men, but not for the women."
Salt Lake City, Utah
Thorvaldsen's Christus in the information center
Gives the impression that Christ is central to their teachings
But they teach Jesus is a god, not the God of the Trinity
Mud slide cleanup
Mormon neighbors helped clear mud
Salt Lake City, Utah
WELS Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Salt Lake City, Utah
When the Union Pacific construction crews laid tracks in the middle of nowhere,
"Hell on Wheels" camps were set up to provide prostitutes, gambling and other vices.
Here in the reconstructed Sunny Side the students were taught card games.
The Union Pacific Railroad had quite a construction challenge here at Echo Canyon.
Echo Canyon, Utah
At Echo Canyon the Oregon Trail, the river and the railroad line were side by side.
Ogden Union Station
Union Pacific Railroad bypassed Salt Lake City & established a terminal here
Station man weighing students with original scale
Ogden, Utah
The railroad lines opted for higher elevation above the great Salt Lake.
Thus they chose Promontory Point.
Salt Lake can be seen in the distance.
Promontory Point, Utah
The tracks should have met much earlier, but both companies continued to lay roadbeds
There were many miles of parallel tracks until the government threatened an investigation
Our college students are walking on one roadbed; the parallel road bed is to the left
Promontory Point, Utah
The Central Pacific was at a disadvantage for laying tracks (see map below)
because they had to contend with the Rocky Mountains and progress was very slow.
Hence they continued laying unnecessary tracks for government grants.
Wedding of the Rails, 1869
Transcontinental RRs -- Union Pacific and Central Pacific
Promontory Heights, Utah
Reenactment of Wedding of the Rails
Our students and tourists were the crowd watching the event.
Promontory Point. Utah
Pounding in the last spike
At actual ceremony, pre-drilled hole w/gold spike
Representatives of both lines missed the spike
(heavy drinking for occasion)
Promontory Point, Utah
Cases of champagne had been shipped for celebration.
One bottle was saved unopened on display at Union Pacific Headquarters.
End of the ceremony
Shaking of hands
Crowd (us) were encouraged to cheer.
Promontory Point Utah
...
Drive through Zion Canyon National Park
College van
Utah
Rest stop at Zion Canyon
Zion Canyon
Map with Bryce Canyon
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Lake Powell, second largest man-made reservoir in America
Lake Powell, Utah
Not all areas of Utah are beautiful. When the US government removed
Japanese-Americans of California to remote regions during WW II they chose the desolate
region of Topaz, Utah for internment. Today there are only foundations and remains of streets
to remind us where the 10,000 people lived in the desert.
Topaz, Utah
Idaho
Oregon Trail, Idaho
Orofino, Idaho (see map above)
Orofino, Idaho
Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
Students may be seen walking down below in crater (center).
Orofino, Idaho
Lewis and Clark Trail
Snake River, Idaho
Lewis and Clark Trail
Snake River, Idaho
Old Oregon Trail
Boise, Idaho (far left on map)
Old Oregon Trail
Boise, Idaho
Bonneville Point
Idaho
Bonneville Point
Idaho
Washington
After visiting the rainforest we crossed Puget Sound on a ferry to Seattle.
Seattle, Washington
We browsed through Pike Place Market and watched fish being tossed in the fish market.
On the street corner old times played music and did a little tap dancing for donations.
One of the best ways to see Seattle is on the skyway built for the World's Fair.
Seattle, Washington
Walla Walla Mission, 1836
Cayuse Indians killed the Whitmans and 11 other missionaries in 1847
Attack provoked by Indians who had no resistance to white man's disease
(see lower right corner on map for Walla Walla)
Walla Walla, Washington
Cayuse Indians killed the Whitmans and 11 other missionaries in 1847
Attack provoked by Indians who had no resistance to white man's disease
(see lower right corner on map for Walla Walla)
Walla Walla, Washington
Oregon
End of the Lewis and Clark Trail
Seaside, Oregon
Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park
Clatsop County, Oregon
Clatsop County, Oregon
Oregon
Haystack Rock on bottom of map
Fort Clatsop
Lewis and Clark wintered 1806-1806
Clatsop County, Oregon
Oregon
Graves of Missionary Henry Spalding and his wife
the first missionaries to the Nez Perces, 1836
They did not get along with the Whitmans.
the first missionaries to the Nez Perces, 1836
They did not get along with the Whitmans.
Oregon
Colorado
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Cliff Palace
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Grinding corn just like Anasazi women
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Carbon sooted ceilings from cooking fire still evident.
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Female student exited kiva used by men for religious ceremonies.
Mesa Verde, Colorado
Buffalo Bill's Grave & Museum
Lookout Mountain, above Golden, Colorado
Lebanon Mine Tour at Silver Plume Colorado with Laurie
Georgetown was the most important mining town in Colorado
starting in 1849 with gold. In 1964 a rich lode of silver was discovered.
Silver Plume, Colorado
Laurie showed us how a 4 pound hammer and bit
were used to make holes for explosives
Silver Plume, Colorado
Engine #8 was our tour locomotive.
Here it is taking on water at Silver Plume, Colorado
Students inside train car
Silver Plume, Colorado
Lunch time for college students
Georgetown, Colorado
Nevada
The Strip
In the Depression year of 1931 casino gambling legalized
for raising tax revenues
Las Vegas, Nevada
Bonnie and Clyde's bullet ridden car
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas Entertainment Show
Las Vegas Nevada
1859
Virginia City,Nevada
Mackay Mansion
Mansion of one of the rich and powerful.
Virginia City, Nevada
The Savage Mansion, 1860
21 rooms, Mansard roof, 14 foot ceilings
Virginia City, Nevada
Red Light District
Virginia City, Nevada
Virginia City, Nevada
Hoover Dam
Harnessed the Colorado River
40 minute tour of dam and powerhouse
Harnessed the Colorado River
40 minute tour of dam and powerhouse
Boulder City, Nevada
California
La Brea Tar Pit
Archeological Site
Los Angeles, California
Cabrillo Monument
Spanish Exploration
San Diego, California
Cabrillo Monument
Spanish Exploration
San Diego, California
Historic Mission Santa Barbara
Mission Trail
Santa Barbara, California
Historic Mission Santa Barbara
Padre confers with Indians
Santa Barbara, California
Historic Mission Santa Barbara
Inner Courtyard
Santa Barbara, California
Historic Mission Santa Barbara
Students take lunch break
Santa Barbara, California
Sutter's Fort, about one mile from the American River,
was established in 1840. Now filly restored.
John Sutter came to America with a dream.
In 1839 he established a settlement at the confluence of the Sacramento
and American Rivers. He hit gold in 1848 and his world changed.
Yet, he died in poverty back east in 1880
Sacramento, California
Sutter's saw mill (replica) where gold was discovered in 1848.
Coloma National Historic Landmark
Columba, California
John Marshall bronze statue points from his tomb on the hill above Columba
to the very spot where discovered gold in 1848.
Marshall worked for Sutter.
Mormon Cabin replica
Workers constructing sawmill were Mormons.
Columba, California
We panned for gold ($2 each).
Columbia, California on Highway 49
Columbia, California on Hwy 49
Restaurant where we ate lunch in Columbia, California
John Steinbeck Country
Inspiration for his writings
Inspiration for his writings
Monterey, California
Study Tour took a tour boat to Alcatraz Island
Former prison for most hardened prisoners 1933-1963
San Francisco, California
Students were allowed to visit cells, including one without any light.
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
Famous Cunard Queen Mary Ocean Liner
During World War II it was used for Troop Transport.
College students stayed over night aboard this ship.
Long Beach, California
Queen Mary
Long Beach, California
Spruce Goose
Howard Hughes' all wood 200-ton flying boat
Special platform allowed us to view flight deck and cockpit
Long Beach, California
Universal Studios
Stimulated Flood for Movies
Universal City, California
Chinese Theatre
Walk of Fame for Stars
Hollywood, California
This cowboy at Knotts Berry Farm told me to take off my hat,
but I did not do so fast enough.
Knotts Berry Farm Park
Los Angeles, California
Square Dancers
Knotts Berry Farm, California
Calico Ghost Town, 10 miles north of Barstow, California
Visitors can roam the tunnels of silver mines or visit original old buildings.
The Knott family purchased the townsite.
Calico Ghost Town, California
Lil's Saloon (one of 8 saloons in Calico)
is one of many original buildings out here in the desert.
Calico, California
Mariposa Grove
Yosemite National Park, California
Giant Sequoias
Yosemite National Park, California
Cabins used for student lodging
Yosemite National Park
Students moving into tent cabins
Yosemite National Park
California
California
Exploration
Yosemite National Park
Exploration
Yosemite National Park
California
Rhine House, 1883
Napa Valley's oldest continuously operating winery
Tour of the cellar, wine tasting
Beringer Vineyards, California
