Blue+Book+Vol+I+Intro

//This introduction was written by Governor Lester Hunt to accompany the first publication of the// Wyoming Blue Book //by Marie H. Erwin in 1946. It was reprinted in Volume I in 1974.//
 * Blue Book Volumes I and II Introduction **



While we are in the midst of the greatest period of history making of all time, Wyoming presents to her people the first ''Wyoming Historical Blue Book." No doubt it will create for itself a niche in the catacombs of Wyoming history, peculiar to itself and all its own.

The search in to the experience of yesterday reveals that the immortal Lincoln, in his message to Congress, December 1, 1862, said, "Fellow Citizens, we cannot escape history ... The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation ... We shall nobly save or meanly lose the last best hope of earth." Eighty-two years ago these words were spoken, and how applicable they are today.

Is it not true, that which is not recorded will in time be forgotten; written it is preserved? Is it not also true that factual accuracy based on sound historical data has become an accepted responsibility?

Without doubt the greatest importance of history lies in the message it bears in the records of the past, to the present. James Russell Lowell embraced the full meaning of the word "history'' in a rather neat way when he wrote, "Time Was unlocks the riddle of Time Is."

A different point of view has been adopted in the preparation of the "Wyoming Historical Blue Book," which consequently departs from the pattern followed by other states, making it an original publication, as no state can claim such an orderly arrangement of events.

The author has abided by the principles of the wisdom in the patient research for facts, and has remained faithful to facts, making this first "Wyoming Historical Blue Book" a valuable, authentic publication to be used in our schools, libraries, educational institutions, and by the citizens of our State.

I know of no one who is better equipped to have done this work than Mrs. Erwin, who has a splendid educational background and who for twelve years was State Document Librarian and is at present our Historian.

Historically informed people are the mainstay of democracy Comprehensive knowledge of the past contributes greatly to formulating successful programs and policies for today and tomorrow, to shaping public opinion and directing publication.

The term ''Blue Book" as applied to government and state manuals is an accepted custom throughout the United States and originally the name was derived from the fact that all such publications, documents and reports had blue paper covers.

It is my hope that future governors will lend the support of their office to the publication of supplemental issues every two years, for only through the continual development in our citizens of the deep appreciation of our State and Country may the objective of the Wyoming Historical Department - the discovery, preservation and dissemination of information on the history of the State ­ be fully realized.

Lester C. Hunt Governor of Wyoming

Blue Book Volume I Blue Book Volume II