South Platte Valley Historical Society Society`````````````````````````````South Platte Valley Historical Society

 

Rebuilding the Past - For the Future

Last Update

May 14, 2013

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.  

  

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:

    Tony Thom - Captain

    Jerry Clower - Lieutenant 

    Wayne Rogers - Scribe

    Gina Paterson - Purser

    Jim Talbert - Land Use Coordinator

    

TRT Events

    Frozen Toes Rondy -

     Lancaster Restoration Rondy -

     Trapper Days Rondy -

     Hunter's Widows Rondy -

     Hot Iron Rendezvous -

     Colonial Encampment -  

    

Other TRT Pages of Interest:

• Trapper Crafters
• Period Foods
• Period Beverages
• Interesting Links
• Rendezvous & Events
• Tallow River Trappers Dispatch
• Pictures from Recent Events
• TRT Membership Benefits

 

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