Back from Three Forks

[Rod]

Well, I got back this evening from the Fur Trade Symposium at Three Forks, Montana---aside from a blown-out back, which 8+ hours one way in a car didn't help, and a 24 hour bug of some kind while I was there, I had a great time.

Met with friends that I only see at these things, listened to a very informative array of speakers, toured the Three Forks of the Missouri area---and ate way too good.

Had a good visit with Jim Hanson---I had to give him a bad time about his much-delayed trade gun book, but he informs me that it WILL be out in January 2011. However he did let me fondle, take pics, and drool all over the Leman NW gun, Fordney rifle, Gonter rifle, and Gumpf rifle that the MOFT brought up for sale---believe me, if I'd had $6500 burning a hole in my pocket, that Gumpf would have had a new home. By the way, that rifle was part of the mountain man exhibit at the museum.

On the other hand, I did load up on books, and a few other trinkets. Jim Hardee has a new one out on the fur trade history of Pierre's Hole that looks to be the definative account of that important site.

I didn't camp out, but after the talks I put on my duds, grabbed up my rifle, and hung out at the AMM camp--saw some old friends there, and made new ones as well. Feasted on roast elk at the camp Friday night and had barbecued buffalo ribs at the Saturday night banquet.

Stopped to stretch our legs this afternoon at the Range Riders Museum at Miles City, MT. If you're ever near there, stop in---the place is crammed to the rafters with stuff---the sheer amount of exhibits beggars belief. Like any of those local museums, there's lots of homesteading stuff, and lots of cowboy artifacts--Miles City is the cattle capitol of Montana, but there's also plenty of Indian Wars items (Miles City is the former Ft. Keogh), and some fur trade items as well. I've been there several times before, and there's always something I haven't seen before. Well worth a visit.

Anyway, it's good to be home, and I'm off to bed for a good night's sleep.

Rod

[sean]

Rod,

I'm glad you gave Hanson a poke on that book. I'm looking forward to seeing it. Was he selling the Gumpf that was in the fall 2006 Mtn. Man Catalog or a different one? That's a pretty slick piece. I've always admired the C. Gumfp guns. He was a cut above Peter Gonter by and large. If you got pictures of those guns, we would sure like to see them... If you can squeeze them through your dial up.

Sean

[Rod]

Yep, it was the Gumpf that was in the Quarterly---it was part of the display of typical mountain man guns for that exhibit. Since that time they've aquired an even better example, so are selling off this one. The lock isn't original to the gun, but is more than likely a period replacement. Beautiful barrel, though, with little pitting and what looked to be a decent bore---the stock was also in great shape, with checkering on the wrist. All in all, a really decent fur trade era rifle. Too bad the prices on stuff like that are far, far out of my league

I'll see if I can tackle some pics of the piece.

Rod

[matt]

Hey Rod, it was nice seeing you out there. Pretty good buffalo ribs, huh?

When I arrived on Thurs. it was raining cats and dogs so didn't get to see any scenery. I was agast on the drive back out of Three Forks on Sunday a/m! What a beautiful piece of the country that is. And so much history there too.

My take on the Symposium: James Hanson blew everybody's mind with his "Threee Forks Anvil" story. And then Clay re-wrote history with his story of where Dreulliard was actually killed. (sorry Three Forks) I'll bet there are some residense' that wish they had never showed up there. Most of the speakers were interesting and informative, particularly the two I just mentioned.

I had a ball there, the townsfolks were very friendly and there was a sense of commeraderie (sp) among the attendies. Also there was the AMM camp where we could retire to and be among the more common type people where I am comfortable. No slam there but it is true that I'd just as soon sit in the grass around a campfire than be jostled in a crowded ball room with noise and confusion.

Bill Madden sent me a copy of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle with a write up about the Symposium. It has a picture of me in Mtn. Man attire holding the little blanket gun that I had on display. Bill was a bit chagrined (good naturedly) that of all the famous people, of all the beautiful guns that the Mt. Hist. Gunmaker's Guild had on display there the photographer picked that silly little gun to feature in the paper. I'll admit that I think it is funny too.

Anyway, a good time was had by all and I'm already looking forward to the next one in Pinedale, 2011.

Matt

[sean]

Are they going to publish a proceedings of that meeting? Anybody know? I'd really like to hear more details on Clay's presentation.

Sean

[Rod]

Yup, you can pre-order the proceedings. Read more about it at the bottom of this page:

www.tfhistory.org/symposium.html


I liked the two fellows with the maps---Clark's master map has now been digitalized and enhanced, and it clearly marks Colter's route from Lisa's fort on the Bighorn. No need for conjecture about that any more, it plainly delineates where he went, and where he didn't (nowhere near Pierre's Hole, for instance---he stayed east of the divide). Also the presentation on the Dougherty map---here's a guy that no one's ever heard of before, who's at the fort on the 3 forks, and not only describes a completely different route leaving the area, but draws a map of it, as well. Traditionally, the accounts have Menard taking the men who want to leave the mountains, crossing east over the mountains back down the Yellowstone to Lisa's fort on the Bighorn. Meanwhile, Henry takes the guys who want to stay southwest across the mountains to Henry's fork of the Snake, where they winter. According to this Dougherty, the party he's with goes east, reaches the Yellowstone, then turns south, skirts what's now Yellowstone park, heads west down the headwaters of the Snake, and reaches the winter quarters of Henry by that route. Did Henry go that way, too? Was there more than just the two parties [most likely, in my view]? Why isn't this mentioned any place else?

Interesting speakers and fascinating subjects, for sure.

Rod

[matt]

Yes, Sean, the proceedings are/will be available - BUT they will be $40.00!! so they told me, so I passed. Bill Madden will order them for use at the Montana Historical Gunmaker's Guild meetings. If I want to review them I can do it for free. Free is good, after all I'm just poor musket trash.