October 28, 2009
Earle Layser receives Wyoming publication award.
LEFT: Local author and historian Earle Layer received a publication award from the Wyoming State Historical Society for his first book, I Always Did Like Horses and Women: Enoch Cal Carrington’s Life Story. COURTESY PHOTOLocal author and historian Earle Layser was honored by the Wyoming State Historical Society this month for his first book, I Always Did Like Horses and Women: Enoch Cal Carrington’s Life Story.
“I was honored to receive the Wyoming State Historical Society award,” Layser said. “Researching and writing a biography of a historical figure could be a rather esoteric project for a limited audience. This one was not. My subject, Cal Carrington, was a colorful local character. I’ve appreciated the support and recognition I’ve received locally and through the state award.”
The self-published work weaves the tale of Cal Carrington, a man of local fable spanning the reaches of the Tetons and embodying the character of the Wild West cowboy. Carrington’s adventures took him, as a young child, from Europe, to the West and back again as a grown man finding adventure that rests in the tales of the old. Carrington died at Teton Valley Hospital in 1959, 61 years after landing in Teton Valley, and 86 years after he was born.
Layser was recognized in the autobiography and biography categories. Honorable mention went to Diana Allen Kouris who wrote Riding the Edge of an Era, a book that chronicles the story of a ranching family.
“This is a well-researched and well-written book about one of Jackson Hole’s most notable and likeable characters, Enoch Cal Carrington. As the title suggests, Carrington’s life was full of colorful exploits,” said Awards Committee Chair, Judy Musgrave of Sheridan, Wyo., in a news release.
According to their web site, for more than half a century the Wyoming State Historical Society, an independent, nonprofit organization with more than twentyone chapters across the state, and its many members from throughout the United States and Europe, have been promoting the collection and preservation of Wyoming’s history. Since its beginnings in 1953, the Society has also served as a strong advocate for Wyoming’s historical resources. The Wyoming State Historical Society recognizes individuals and organizations in the field of Wyoming History by an annual awards program. The awards are presented each year at the annual meeting of the Society on the Saturday following Labor Day.
For Layser, he’s not done writing and researching. He’s currently working on a collection of essays that may be out this winter. The book is a historical perspective as told from a native animal’s perspective.
“(The book) consists of 13 natural history essays; each story is about a different animal: grizzly bear, bison, wolf, beaver, water ouzel,” said Layser. “The stories are multi-layered, in that there is a story within the story. For example, the bison piece tells how the present day Jackson Hole herd got its start, but in leading up to that, it encompasses the history and natural history of the bison locally and for the U.S., and particularly the Yellowstone Region.”
The working title of the book is Green Fire: Stories of the Wild. Green Fire refers to conservationist Aldo Leopold’s allegory, “Thinking Like a Mountain”, where he watches the “fierce green fire” go out of a dying wolf’s eyes.
Nomination forms for the awards are submitted through the local and county chapters of the Society. Individuals who are members of the WSHS may also make nominations. Deadline for submission of entries is June 1 unless otherwise indicated. The award year is June 1 to May 31. Send Awards Nominations before June 1, 2010 to: Judy Musgrave, WSHS Awards Chairman, 850 Sibley Circle, Sheridan, Wyo. 82801.
I Always Did Like Horses and Women: Enoch Cal Carrington’s Life Story is available locally at Dark Horse Books in Driggs.
NOMINATE
Citizen staff will choose an individual or group each month highlighting exceptional work or character based on your nominations. Teton Springs Lodge and Spa will recognize the Citizen of the Month with a similar gift from the resort. Please email your October nominations to news@valleycitizen.com or call 208-354-NEWS.
