It would be interesting to know if the epic journey of Captains Lewis and Clark, which began some two hundred years ago, is as fascinating to people who live in Nevada or Florida as it is to the people who now live along the route of the journey. I have a personal sense that because of our location near the Missouri River, we in the Columbus area are anxious to learn more about this trip—to appreciate the difficulties and marvel in the accomplishments

Last August, when the “re-enactor”, Darrel Drapper, gave his splendid presentation on George Drouillard (the expedition’s hunter and sign language interpreter) the Library’s auditorium was overflowing with interested persons. The Ken Burn’s PBS films on “Lewis and Clark” which were shown in January were well received.

On Wednesday, February 19th, at 7:00 PM, Dale Clark, a historian from Grand Island, will give a dramatic interpretation of the voyage as seen by Patrick Gass, a crew member. Featured with Mr. Clark will be a 150 pound Newfoundland dog, similar in size and breed to the dog, “Seaman”, who accompanied Meriwether Lewis on the journey. This program promises to bring another “full house” of “L&C”aficionados to the Library.

The publishing world is responding to the interest in the journey by issuing a number of new books on the subject. Lewis & Clark, An American Journey by Daniel B. Thorp is an excellent presentation with photos, drawing, and text. The Saga of Lewis and Clark into the Uncharted West by Thomas Schmidt is similar in content and purpose. The NEBRASKAland Magazine’s August and September 2002 issue entitled, America Looks West, Lewis and Clark on the Missouri, is a superb chronicle of the trip.

For those who wish to actually travel in the footsteps of the explorers, the National Geographic’s Guide to the Lewis & Clark Trail by Thomas Schmidt is a readable account of what modern-day explorers will see along journey. Traveling the Lewis and Clark Trail by Julie Fanselow is a “how to” type of book that lists the organized tours for the journey as well as gives advice on traveling on your own—whether by canoe and foot or by auto.

Fictional accounts of the journey include the new book, I Should Be Extremely Happy In Your Company… by Brian Hall. The Sign-Talker: the Adventure of George Drouillard…by James Thom is a well-written novel about this versatile adventurer. Charbonneau, Man of Two Dreams by Winfred Blevins is an account of the man who Lewis described as “a man of no merit” but whose union with an Indian woman brought him renown. One of the classic novels in the field of the L&C epic is Sacajawea by Anne Lee Waldo. While it’s an extremely long read, it’s well worth the effort.

Younger readers will like Naya Nuke, Girl Who Ran by Kenneth Thomasma. Streams to the River, River to the Sea, a novel by Scott O’Dell. Especially enjoyable is the book, Seaman, the Dog Who Explored The West…which describes the trip from the dog’s point of view. Lewis and Clark for Kids, Their Journey of Discovery with 21 Activities, by Janis Herbert is a great book for teachers or home-schooling parents in need of “L&C” learning activities for children.

Donations to the Library Foundation include those for Lynsey Marie Kapels from Mr. and Mrs. Donald Bosse and Mr. and Mrs. John Davidson. Jean Chestnut presented a donation in memory of Ed Launer. Ethel Ericksen was remembered by a memorial from Jolaine Nielsen. George McConnon presented a memorial in memory of Judy McConnon. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hingst gave a memorial in honor of Clarence Schupbach. Clarence Wilken was remembered by memorials from Mr. and Mrs. Dale Hidy, Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Mancuso, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Steiner, Carroll Novicki, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brassette, Mr. and Mrs. Don Dreesen and Mary Casey.