Broke camp rather early. Started on the home stretch. Drove 1/3 miles when Bertha discovered she had forgotten the suit case. We drove back for it. Stopped for lunch. Took pictures while we were eating, also pictures of the outfit. Jim and Mabel rode ahead. Used Little Baldy for the pack horse and delivered the things at Selways camp and got Ethel's bread box. Stopped at home ranch to see the fine stallion. Took pictures of him. Finally reached the homestead about 3:30. Bertha was so glad to get home she cried. Jim's dog was most wild to see the little boys. We're sorry the trip was over, but very glad to get a good bath and glad rags on. Jim, George, Mabel, Ethel and Jack reloaded spring wagon and went onto town. Jack got the mail and came home with Jack Houston. Jim kept mule team and wagon in town. Came out next day. Got several letters. Was glad to get them. All came back on speaking terms, well and happy. All decided we could never have another trip like it. Good weather all the time, everyone congenial and willing to do their share. Camping trip the only way to see Yellowstone Park.
Recollections from Ollie Kurtz:
When we got to Dillon a month later, after words, George got mad at Jim and Mabel over a horse. He left Dillon and wouldn't even say goodbye to them.
Recollections from Jack Shaffner:
Bertha and Oliver deserve a lot of praise for providing the livestock and most of the necessary supplies for such a camping trip.
I think this information was complied by Jim and Mary Hester Kurtz:
Using Aunt Della's diary for basic information, additional material was complied through consultation and contributions from surviving members of the trip....Jack Shaffner, Mabel Kurtz, Ollie Kurtz, Norman Kurtz and Lester Kurtz. We think their recall abilities are excellent after a lapse of 68 years.
The Kurtz brothers, Norman, Lester and Jim now marvel at their parents ability to put this trip together, as poor as they were. The spirit of caring about relatives in Dillon and Pennsylvania is a testimony of the strength of family ties.
Jim Kurtz was on the trip, too, he says, in his mother's womb...didn't see a thing. (Jim was born 7 March 1914) He finally went through the Park, though in 1931, at age 17, with future wife Mary Hester and her parents, Glenn and Blanche Decker. Bertha contributed to that trip, too. She baked bread for us, and a huge container of her famous cinnamon rolls. She said to the Decker's: "Thank you for taking our son along."
Oliver with stallion at P & O
My (Sydney) thoughts:
How did they afford to take thirty days for the trip? Grandpa (Jack Shaffner) took a leave of absence from the railroad. Oliver & Bertha gone from home for 30 days? It would seem that one couldn't afford to leave work and that Oliver would have farm work to do. But $16 for a thirty day trip was quite reasonable! Bertha was pregnant and doing most of the cooking after bouncing all day in a wagon. And I am sure the laundry wasn't done by a fancy washing machine. It also amazed me that there was a telephone that far out on the Blacktail in 1913. But aren't we lucky there was a camera that took such excellent pictures! For 1913, I think the pictures are pretty darn good!
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