Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield

Nice article. I saw Sandy Barnard a few month ago, I think I remember him having some of Utley's personal books for sale among his list of inventory. There was one in particular that I wish I had purchased if for no other reason than it had is personal signature in it.

Yes, Tim, it... Read More’s true that Barnard bought most of Utley’s personal western Americana library which included Utley’s published works. In my library, I was missing only two first editions of Utley’s books not signed out of his entire collection: “Frontier Regulars” and “Last Days of the Sioux Nation” that I bought from Barnard after he acquired them from Utley. Ironically, “Last Days” was the first Utley book I ever read and it was during my first trip to the Black Hills in the summer of 1979. So, I finally had both the first editions and signed and from Utley’s personal library. Finally, I had every first edition Utley book and all of them signed – most inscribed.

Then, I did something really crazy, but I’m glad I did because it turned into a success for Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield. I did not intend to do this when I bought the books from Barnard, but after the purchase we decided to hold our first ever raffle last summer to raise money for Friends. I donated those two first editions to encourage people to buy raffle tickets. The books were in immaculate condition. Like me, Utley treasures his books but he takes even better care of them than I do. Both books had a clear plastic book cover to protect the books dust jacket. There wasn’t one crease in the dust jackets. The books looked like they were published yesterday. I bought raffle tickets in hopes I could win the books back, but I wasn’t so lucky. So, I’m again looking for those two books in first edition and signed.

I hold dear my Utley books and all are inscribed. Utley has written some very nice comments about me when he signs my copies but my absolute favorite is what he wrote in “Cavalier in Buckskin” on June 25, 2001 at the battlefield during dinner at Neil’s on-site home (when Neil was superintendent) and just before we all walked up to Last Stand Hill after dark when the monument was closed. Over a year before and in a few emails Utley and I were trading, we had been discussing Billy the Kid. I shared with Utley how it was the Kid’s story that got me interested in history. Utley had not forgotten that and wrote in the book, “To Bob: Billy the Kid lit the flame but Custer keeps it burning brightly.” I’d never sell any of my Utley books.

Lola has been a valuable asset to our organization from the beginning. She developed the “Point, Click, Give... Read More” campaign -- http://friendslittlebighorn.com/pointclickgive.htm -- that encourages people to donate to Friends online via our website. The PCG campaign continues to be a great success and a convenient means for people to contribute. Lola didn’t hesitate to take over my responsibilities as editor of our newsletter where she has proven herself to be the right person for that job. She’s a great writer; you can read two of her short stories on our website – “Wooden Leg” and “Major Marcus Reno” -- written for her master’s thesis. She has two more and I need to get those online also. Here’s where to go to read her fictional accounts of those individuals in the Battle of the Little Bighorn -- http://friendslittlebighorn.com/lolamauer.htm --

Bob

Our organization is also fortunate to have Ryan Trainor as our newest board member. Ryan is a 2008 graduate of Loyola Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in history and classical civilization. He’s young, energetic, as well as passionate about the battlefield and its story. He was a volunteer interpreter during the anniversary weekend last June.
Ryan follows in the footsteps of celebrated former Friends board members Dr. Paul Hutton, Dr. Brian Dippie, and Charles Rankin. Ryan is not intimidated by this at all; he is proud and honored to follow such prodigious historians and also excited to work with current and renowned directors Robert Utley and Neil Mangum. Accepting his position on the board, Ryan had this to say, “I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that has made such significant contributions to the Little Bighorn Battlefield. While I recognize the importance of this position and its responsibilities, I am more than willing to devote my time and interest in order to assist Friends in any way possible.”

Ryan is already helping Neil and I develop a new product that we believe will more than benefit the battlefield with its interpretation. I cannot announce it yet because it has not been presented to the superintendent for approval, but we have full confidence that it will. Once approved and produced, all dues paying members will receive it free.
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Thanks to Ryan for coming on board. Friends and the battlefield will benefit from this new appointment.

Bob

Bob

Good question Charles. I'll ask Scott.

I heard back from Scott. He states, "I think they did use some reenactor footage, but I was not there when it was shot, so I do not know the source."

Bob