Lady’s Choice and Homesteading: Tales of the American Frontier
Ethel Waxham’s Wyoming Adventure
In 1905, Ethel Waxham, a young woman fresh out of Wellesley College with a degree in classical literature, embarked on a life-changing journey to teach at a one-room schoolhouse in Wyoming. Her experiences in the rugged frontier environment would shape her life and inspire her granddaughter’s book, “Lady’s Choice.”
Waxham’s journal entries, which she kept during her time in Wyoming, offer a vivid glimpse into the challenges and joys of homesteading life. She describes the harsh winters, the camaraderie among the settlers, and her own personal struggles and triumphs.
One of the most significant events in Waxham’s life was her courtship with John Galloway Love, a 35-year-old sheep rancher. Love’s persistent pursuit of Waxham, despite her initial resistance, is a testament to the enduring power of love.
Percy Wollaston’s Montana Memoir
Percy Wollaston was just six years old when his family homesteaded in the eastern Montana plains in 1910. His memoir, “Homesteading: A Montana Family Album,” recounts his childhood memories of this challenging but rewarding experience.
Wollaston’s writing transports readers back in time to the day when he and his family arrived on the unforgiving landscape. He describes the hardships they faced, from the harsh weather to the isolation and the relentless struggle to make a living from the land.
Despite the challenges, Wollaston’s memoir is filled with warmth and humor. He recalls the simple joys of family life, the camaraderie among the homesteaders, and the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
The Significance of Place and Identity
Both Waxham and Wollaston’s writings highlight the profound impact that the American frontier had on their lives. The vast landscapes, the harsh climate, and the isolation of the homesteading experience shaped their identities and their understanding of the world.
Waxham’s journal entries reveal her growing appreciation for the beauty and power of the Wyoming wilderness. She writes of the towering bluffs, the crisp silence, and the sense of wonder that she felt amidst the unspoiled landscape.
Wollaston’s memoir, too, is filled with vivid descriptions of the Montana plains. He writes of the changing seasons, the wildlife, and the subtle beauty of the land that he called home.
The Enduring Legacy of the Frontier Experience
The writings of Ethel Waxham and Percy Wollaston offer a valuable glimpse into the lives of those who settled the American frontier. Their stories of hardship, resilience, and love provide a timeless reminder of the indomitable spirit of the pioneers who shaped our nation’s history.
“Lady’s Choice” and “Homesteading: A Montana Family Album” are not only personal narratives but also important historical documents that shed light on a transformative period in American history. They remind us of the sacrifices and triumphs of those who came before us and inspire us to appreciate the enduring legacy of the frontier experience.
