Story History Subject of History Happy Hour

On Friday, April 19 the Museum at the Bighorns History Happy Hour featured history of the town of Story. Story was first platted by a horse trader named Marshall Wolfe. He wanted to give it his name but found that had already been taken. He then named the town after Charles B. Story, a rancher who was instrumental in getting a post office established – the first building in the town which up until then was only made up of tent structures.

Greg Luhman, Museum of the Bighorns board, introduced the program. He talked about how the History Happy Hour came about. The museum board members talked about having a round-table type discussion where people could come, bring a drink if they wanted, and bring their memories. The first one they did was about the Ritz fire, and then Luhman talked about the floods in Sheridan.

At the Story event, he read an excerpt from the book, Tales of Piney Island: A Brief History of Story, Wyoming, which he said brought him back to the ‘good old days.’

Sally Johnson, Story native, displayed some photos of old Story buildings, and talked about some of the businesses that were once a part of Story. She said her favorite part of the history of Story was the fish hatchery.

She talked about the Story School, which used to be on a ranch nearby and was moved to Story. The school that is in use now was built in the 1950s.

She added that the Tunnel Inn was built in 1931, and was called the Knickerbacher Tea Room, and was strictly a dining establishment.

“Lodore was a hopping joint back in the day,” Johnson said. “Big bands were there, including the Tommy Dorsey Band.”

She added,

One comment from the audience was that one of the guest ranches had all lady wranglers.

Mike Onstott, Chair of the Story Fire District, talked about some of the fires in Story, and what the district does to protect the town. He’s been involved with the fire department for 25 years.

He talked about the early days of fire fighting in the town.

He added that they made improvements over the years for fire protection.

Today, Story has a modern fire hall and modern trucks to fight fires. Onstatt said that the biggest risk to the town would be a crown fire in the pine trees around the town, but irrigation in the town helps to keep the foliage green.

Luhman said that without people sharing their memories, this history will be lost. The Museum at the Bighorns will continue to hold history programs, such as history happy hours, to make sure the history is not lost for future generations.

The program drew a large crowd of over 30 people. Those wishing to find out more about Story history are welcome to come to the Story Branch Library and see what is available there.

One upcoming event from The Museum at the Bighorns is the Feast of the Flowering Moon gala, a celebration of native Wyoming botanical heritage on Friday, June 21, 2024. Doors open at 6 PM at the Exhibit Hall on the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. Proceeds from the event benefit the development and installation of exhibits and programs during the Museum’s relocation to the historic Woolworth building at 171 North Main Street, in downtown Sheridan. Contact the museum for more information.