Paul Lyman, author of “The Willie Handcart Company: Their Day-by-Day Experiences, including Trail Maps and Driving Directions,” will focus on seldom-discussed aspects of the ill-fated pioneer company's trek in a BYU Studies lecture Thursday, May 17, at 4 p.m. in room 260 of the Brigham Young University Museum of Art. Admission is free.
Using accounts made by the participants in the Willie Company, Lyman will discuss the ocean crossing, train travel, persecution and weather struggles in Iowa as well as their choice to go on to Zion, Native American conflicts, the buffalo stampede and their lack of supplies.
“Rather than focus exclusively on the two terrible weeks in Wyoming, Lyman will feature lesser-known aspects of the journey, so that even those who know the general story may learn something new about the trek,” said Kaylene Vest, marketing specialist for BYU Studies, which published Lyman’s work. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the company's journey.
For more information, contact kaylene_vest@byu.edu.
Writer: Kaylene Vest
