Thank you to all who have commented on the blog post about my father’s death. There are some good acquaintances and stories being kept alive with those comments. My siblings and I have enjoyed these comments about how other people viewed and were affected by our larger than life father. This is the first in a series of posts where each gives a small glimpse into a different aspect of the life and art of Harry Jackson.
One of the seminal events in his life was running away to Wyoming. This is the cover of LIFE magazine dated February 8, 1937. The picture is titled “Winter on the range.” It’s a photo by Charlie Belden of winter on the Pitchfork ranch in Meeteetse Wyoming. The Z bar T ranch which is referred to in the article is a ranch and brand that was part of the Pitchfork. You can see the entire article here: “Winter on the Range”
My father saw this article and knew that was where he wanted to go. In 1938 he arrived in Cody, WY by train. The train tracks didn’t go any farther. It took him another year to get to the Pitchfork Ranch outside of Meeteetse, WY on the upper greybull river.
Resources
- Meeteetse museum info: http://www.meeteetsemuseums.org/index.html
- Buffalo Bill Historical Center: online digital collection of Charles Belden
- University of Wyoming American Heritage Center: Online digital collection of Charles Belden
- Google Books: Life Magazine February 8, 1937
WE have great memories of Harry and are alreay greatly missing him!
My heart is heavy hearing the news of Harry’s passing. I met Harry in 1970 at Lost Cabin, WY and enjoyed his company many times over the years. I was one of the first to know he planned to ask Tina’s father for Tina’s hand in marriage. Harry and I laughed together and drank together, and I loved his gusto for both. He was truly a once in a lifetime experience, and I am very proud to have called him my friend.
Linda Hagar Moench