JACKSON, Wyo. — Meet author Cynthia Galey Peck at the JH Historical Society Museum & Store on Saturday, June 25 from 3-5 p.m. where she will be signing her new book, “Wyoming Ranch Girl: A Journey Seeking Respect, Security, and Solace.”
The newly released book shares Galey Peck’s experiences growing up on White Grass Ranch, Jackson Hole’s third oldest dude ranch nestled under Buck Mountain. Established in 1913 by Harold Hammond and Tucker Bispham, the White Grass Ranch operated as a working and dude ranch for over 70 years.
Frank Galey, the step-son of Hammond took over the operation in the 1940s and created a home with his wife, Inge and daughter, Cynthia. White Grass was run by the Galey family through 1985 when it closed to guests and transferred to the National Park Service after the Galey life estate ended.
“Wyoming Ranch Girl” is a memoir that reveals a girl’s lonely childhood experiences, challenges and knowledge of animals that eventually brought her to wilderness work and a life of independence. The memoir is also an intimate look into dude ranch life.
Galey Peck grew up to work as a Forest Service employee and became the proud mother of two adult children. Now at age 80, she keeps herself occupied by working in her woodshop, taking her pets camping, knitting socks and sweaters, making clothes and volunteering with the Pleasant Valley Historical Society.
The White Grass touched many people and still has a strong following of “alumni.” Galey Peck’s experience and writing provides a unique perspective on this special place.
Today, White Grass Ranch continues to operate, but with a new mission. In 2003, the National Park Service and National Trust for Historic Preservation partnered to rehabilitate the 13 remaining structures. The ranch is now used as a historic preservation training center and summer workshops are open to the public. The ranch is also home to the White Grass Heritage Project Collection, which includes historic documents, photos, oral histories, videos, artifacts and published dude/wrangler stories.
Visit whitegrass.org to view historic photos and learn more about the ranch and heritage project.
