South Platte Valley Historical Society Society`````````````````````````````South Platte Valley Historical Society
Rebuilding the Past -
Last Update
January 24, 2011


The Tallow River Trappers is the living history branch of the South Platte Valley Historical Society. Although the TRT supports and coordinates its activities with the South Platte Valley Historical Society, the organization has its own officers, funding and newsletter, the "Dispatch".
In the Cheyenne language, the South Platte River was known as the Tallow River. For Indians and trappers alike, tallow was synonymous with good eating and therefore good times. The South Platte River with its abundance of buffalo, grassy plains, and mild climate, was indeed the "Tallow" River.
Each year the TRT sponsors three rendezvous. The Frozen Toes Rendezvous is the first rendezvous of the year and is held the last weekend in February. The Lancaster Restoration Rendezvous is held Memorial Day Weekend. Finally, the Trapper Days Rendezvous held on the weekend following Labor Day coincides with the town of Fort Lupton's Trapper Days Celebration (Town of Fort Luptons Official Trapper Days Site). Day time activities at these events include shooting, tomahawk and knife throwing on the range, a woods walk, and fire starting contests add to the fun of the rendezvous.
A women's and children's encampment, the Hunter's Widow Rendezvous is held the weekend following Trapper Days.
Two new rendezvous were held in October, 2009: the Colonial Encampment and the Hot Iron Rendezvous. These are being continued for 2010
New event for 2010: The TRT will be sponsoring a Trappers and Traders Training Rendezvous
August 4-
While at rendezvous it is a regularl practice (but certainly not required) of many of the participants to share their fixin's one evening for a group potluck. In the evening there is sitting around the campfire, trading stories and lies. Often times one or more folks will bring out their guitars or fiddles and there will be singing and making merry till well into the evening.
Each rendezvous features a "Traders Row" where traders sell replica and hand made goods of the type used by fur trappers and mountain men. For the more adventurous, who want to experience mountain life first hand, there are traders that can outfit you with everything you need from clothing and shelter to cooking utensils.
Whether you are interested in becoming a participant, or just want to observe, feel welcome to come and experience the excitement of seeing history come to life at these reenactments of the times of the mountain man.
Current TRT Officers are:
Rick Davis "Flicker" -
Donna Bear -
Michele Cyr -
Nancy Dawdy -
Ron Saner -
John Callor -
Linda Paulsen -
TRT Events
Frozen Toes Rondy -
Lancaster Restoration Rondy -
Trapper Days Rondy -
Hunter's Widows Rondy -
Hot Iron Rendezvous -
Colonial Encampment -
Trappers and Traders Training Rendezvous -
Other TRT Pages of Interest:
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|