Due West

There are many odd and off the beaten path attractions abounding in this part of the country. One such sight is Carhenge. Looming eerily over the plains of western Nebraska, it is a cleverly designed replica of Stonehenge. A creation of Jim Reinders, Carhenge was built as a memorial to his father and is located on land Reinder’s father had farmed. Though I am sad to say I missed the solstice celebrations, I nevertheless enjoyed the experience of wandering amongst the ‘ruins’. And wander I did. Unlike Stonehenge, where the visitors are kept at a distance, Carhenge is open and allows for close inspection of the site. One wonders what those ancient builders of so long ago would think of this henge of the heartland.

If you find yourself with a free afternoon, take a drive out to Alliance, NE and enjoy a quirky bit of art, ruin, and reincarnate myth. At the very least you will definitely have a new appreciation of vintage American cars and the sacredness therein. (No imports were used in Carhenge).  Don’t miss the outlying sculptures, especially ‘The Four Seasons’

For those interested in learning more about ‘Henges’ and their significance, the Library has some items available:

‘Lost Treasures of the Ancient World – Stonehenge & the Ancient Britons’ (DVD)

‘Mysterious Britain’ (DVD)

‘Stonehenge: Opposing Viewpoints’ – Roop, Peter

‘Stonehenge Decoded’ - Hawkins, Gerald S.

‘National Geographic Magazine – June 2008′ - NGS

More Images:

Carhenge – Flickr.com

Stonehenge – Flickr.com

Wyoming history is the focus of two books recently acquired by the Rock Springs Library. One is a comprehensive collection of maps, the other a photographic exploration of things left behind. Both would interest anyone with an interest in Wyoming that was.

The Reverend Scott Shields is scheduled to give a talk about his experience with his Tlingit family in a special program at Rock Springs Library on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 2:00. The program is in conjunction with Rev. Shields’ exhibit in the Clarence and Mary Samuels Resource Room at the Community Fine Arts Center. The exhibit consists of Northwest Coast Native artwork including woodcarving and appliqué that he created along with clothing and artifacts. The focus of Rev. Shields’ talk at the library will include a description of the materials used in traditional clothing and accessories like harbor seal skin, ermine fur, felted wool, moose and deer hide and hooves, red and yellow cedar, alder and abalone shell. Rev. Shields will also explain how the Native people of South East Alaska are very unique from the tribes of the lower 48 with artwork and culture that does not really borrow from other Native tribes and each piece tells a story in their oral tradition. Shields will also touch on the interaction of the early Christian missionaries to the area who did not understand the meaning of totem poles and how these misunderstandings resulted in their destruction.

Wyoming celebrates Archaeology Awareness each September. This year the state is showcasing the Mummy Cave Site, located located in the Absaroka Mountains bewteen Cody and Yellowstone National Park. The Site provides 9000 years of evidence of mountain occupation as revealed by numerous excavations from 1963 – 1966.

SLCS has the following books on Wyoming archaeological history. Check our catalog for availablity.

‘Intrigue of the Past: Discovering Archaeology in Wyoming – Project Archaeology’ -United States. Bureau of Land Management. Heritage Education Program

‘The Bairoil Archaeoloical Project: 7,500 Years of History in the Bairoil Area, Carbon and Sweetwater Counties, Wyoming’ – Cultural resource series / Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming

‘The Mummy Cave Project in Western Wyoming: Report’ – Buffalo Bill Historical Center