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1 Neihardt Foundation Newsletter

Word Sender

Lakota holy man Black Elk’s description of the Poet

Volume 49, Number 2 John G. Neihardt Foundation Newsletter Spring/Summer 2016

A long-time dream is about to become true in a “poet’s town” of 500 people. On Sunday, August 7th, two bronze statues will be dedicated in Bancroft depicting John G. Neihardt, the Poet Laureate in Perpetuity of Nebraska, and Nicholas Black Elk, the Oglala Lakota holy man whose story was told in Neihardt’s book, “Black Elk Speaks.” Crafted by artist Herb Mignery, the sculptures will be unveiled on the grounds of the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site during the 51st annual Neihardt Day celebration. Raised on a ranch near Bartlett, Nebraska, Mignery is an award-winning artist and member of the National Sculpture Society and Cowboy Artists of America. A graduate of Wayne State College, he works out of his studio in Loveland, Colorado. A sculpture had been envisioned to greet visitors at the historic site since it opened in 1976, but it

wasn’t until 2003 that the Neihardt Foundation began fundraising in ear-nest. A total of $155,000 has been raised towards the goal of $175,000 to cover sculpture expenses as fund-raising continues. The bronze sculptures depict Neihardt taking notes from conver-sations with Black Elk on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1931.

Their meetings resulted in Neihardt’s book, “Black Elk Speaks,” which tells of Black Elk’s incredible life experiences during the era of the American Indian Wars of the late 19th century, from the Battle of the Little Big Horn to the Wounded Knee Massacre. Mignery’s work is based on Neihardt’s photograph of Black Elk as he prayed at Harney Peak, the sacred site of his Great Vision, as detailed in the book. Neihardt also penned “Black Elk’s Prayer,” in honor of the holy man. The sculptures intend to show the spiritual connec-tion between the two men. Black Elk had rejected overtures from other writers, but he was impressed with Neihardt and chose him as the “Word Sender” sent to preserve his story. He also adopted Neihardt as a relative through Lakota ceremony. During his time as a resident of Bancroft, Neihardt began writing “A Cycle of the West” – his epic poetic ode of American frontier history in five volumes. His research for the work eventually led him to Black Elk. He also penned “The Poet’s Town,” about the “prosy little village” where he lived from 1900-1920. The Neihardt Foundation and State Historic Site expresses sincere gratitude to all who contributed to make the vision a reality. For more information, visit: neihardtcenter.org or call toll-free: (888) 777-HOOP.

Herb Mignery created the sculptures to be unveiled at the Neihardt Day

celebration in Bancroft on August 7th.

Vision in Bronze to Become Reality with Herb Mignery

Bronze sculptures of Neihardt and Black Elk will soon greet visitors to

the Neihardt State Historic Site.


The 51st annual Neihardt Day celebration will be Sunday, August 7th from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site (304 W. Elm St.) in Bancroft. Ron Hull, Senior Advisor for Nebraska Educational Television, will return as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Jerome Kills Small will share an invocation, and Charles “Chuck” Trimble will give welcoming remarks. Tim Anderson, Foundation Board member and Neihardt biographer, will present “Preserving Neihardt’s Story,” followed by Neihardt’s grand-children Robin Neihardt and Coralie Hughes reading an excerpt from Neihardt’s “The Death of Crazy Horse.” A presentation with artist Herb Mignery will reveal the bronze sculptures

he crafted of Neihardt and Black Elk, followed by a Lakota Honor Song composed and performed by Jerome Kills Small. The program will close with the traditional benediction of John G. Neihardt’s recording of “Black Elk’s Prayer.” Neihardt Foundation Board Member Timothy Anderson’s book, “Lonesome Dreamer: The Life of John G. Neihardt,” to be released on August 1st, will be available for purchase as well as author book signing at the event. The afternoon celebration will also feature lunch and activi-ties, educational booths, featured artist exhibits, museum tours and more. Event sponsors include Neihardt Foundation, Nebraska State Historical Society, Neihardt Trust, University of Nebraska Press, Nebraska Educational Television, Cuming County Visitor’s Bu-reau and Native American Advocacy Program. Special recognition of the generous donors who made the

sculpture a reality will also included as part of the special event. For the complete Neihardt Day celebration schedule and more information, visit: neihardtcenter.org.

EVENT CALENDAR

51st annual Neihardt Day August 7, 2016

Neihardt State Historic Site Bancroft, Nebraska

Beer & Limerick Festival

September 24, 2016 Bancroft Community Center

Bancroft, Nebraska

Laureate’s Feast November 13, 2016

Metro Community College Fort Omaha Campus

Omaha, Nebraska

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

51st Annual Neihardt Day Celebration

In June 2016, John G. Neihardt was named

to the Western Writer’s of America “Hall of Fame”

during their annual gathering in Cody, WY.

Book signing with Neihardt biographer Tim Anderson will be a featured event

at the Neihardt Day celebration August 7th.


The 35th annual Neihardt Spring Conference, “Changing Plains: The Evolving Landscapes of Early Nebraska” was held April 30th at the Neihardt State Historic Site in Bancroft. This one-day conference in-cluded presentations by noted educators, historians and authors for discussion of the changing landscapes of early Nebraska, particularly its effect in the cross-ing of cultures during the development of transporta-tion on the American prairie. The conference encour-aged audience members to consider the impacts of regional history through the understanding of our common heritage. Moderated by Neil Harrison, the program began with a presentation by Nancy Gillis, who spoke on The Homestead Act and its Impact on the Plains Tribes. Gillis discussed changes in culture, political structure, economics, lifestyles, spiritual practices and gender roles wrought by the increased presence of non-Indians on the Plains, particularly across Nebraska. She included information on the three major acts of 1862-1864 legislation pivotal to many of the changes. Jerome Kills Small, of Oglala Lakota heritage, presented On the Move: Transportation Culture of the Oglala Lakota. He captivated the audience with stories about the transformation of the traditional

forms of transport of his people, and his personal ex-perience learning from his elders, as Lakota cultural understanding continues on in future generations. Following a delicious lunch served by Grandma’s Attic of Bancroft, guest reconvened for the awards ceremony, which included the presentation of the Neihardt Young Poet’s contest winners Brandon Dorsey, Conleigh Hemmer and Divith Rajogopal, who traveled to Bancroft to share their poems. The Neihardt Foundation also honored Dr. Jon Cerny with the “Wall of Fame” award for outstanding leadership and dedication during his time served as Neihardt Foundation president. T.J. Obermeyer started the afternoon presenta-tions with an informative look into the expansion of rail travel through Nebraska. In his talk Rail Trails: The Route West, he highlighted the most interesting tales of westward expansion through the stories of the communities preserved at the Siouxland Historical Railroad Museum. Jeff Barnes completed the conference with his talk From the River to the Rockies: Military Posts Along the Union Pacific. His presentation covered ten U.S. Army forts of the area, as well as outposts and supply posts constructed to support the creation of the Trans-continental railroad and mass movement through western lands. Save the date: The 36th annual Spring Conference will be held on April 29, 2017.

35TH ANNUAL SPRING CONFERENCE

Nancy Gillis and Jerome Kills Small were featured speakers at the 35th annual Neihardt Spring Conference.

Exploring the Changing Plains

Neihardt Foundation Board Member Walt Duda presented

Foundation President Dr. Jon Cerny the “Wall of Fame” award.


Black Elk Peak The proposal to change the name of “Harney Peak” to “Black Elk Peak” has been under consideration by the U.S. Board of Geographic Names since May 2015, with a decision scheduled to be made at a meeting on August 11th. Public comments can be sent by e-mail to: [email protected] or by mail to: Mr. Lou Yost, Executive Secretary; c/o U.S.B.G.N./U.S.G.S.; 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 523; Reston, VA 20192. Black Elk Canonization A petition requesting Black Elk’s canonization as Saint, has been presented to the Diocese of Rapid City, with the spectacular aurorae observed the night of Black Elk’s wake is deemed to be one miraculous sign of his holiness. Public comments can be via e-mail: [email protected] or by mail to: Deacon Marlon Leneaugh, Sr., c/o Diocese of Rapid City; P.O. Box 678; Rapid City, SD 57709. Lincoln Stamp Club Honors Black Elk The Lincoln Stamp Club’s “LINPEX 2016” collectible show cover honored the Sesquicentennial of Black Elk’s birth and featured a special envelope, customized stamp and cancel commemorating the event.

IN THE NEWS

Black Elk Receives Recognition

In January, Jack Phillips, a naturalist and writer presented “Planting the Sacred Tree,” engaging guests to ponder trees throughout time, as well as utilizing audience feedback to

design a garden. Bluebird Art and Regalia artist Steve Tamayo shared his knowledge through “Warrior Societies of the Great Plains” in February with a beautiful accompa-nying array of traditional artwork he created. Tamayo’s work, including a series of modern mixed-media pieces, will be featured on display at the Neihardt Center through 2017. In March, writer Taylor Keen’s slide presentation took the audience on his intriguing adventures “Rediscovering America: Sacred Geography and the Ancient Earthen Works of Mound Builders.” For a list of events visit: www.neihardtcenter.org/events.

Taylor Keen

Jack Phillips and Carson Cooper

Sunday at the Museum Series The Nebraska Arts Council awarded a grant to bring the Nebraska Chamber Play-ers to Bancroft for a performance as a special event with Dr. Christian Ellenwood. Ellenwood delighted the audience with the debut of an original composition based on Neihardt’s works, “At Love’s End.” He wrote the piece following his inspired visit to the Neihardt State Historic Site with his mother, Sandi. The same location was a fitting site for the deeply moving perfor-mance, especially when paired with the vocals of Brian Leeper. Both men are Ne-braska natives and music professors at the University of Wisconsin -Whitewater. The Nebraska Chamber Players also per-formed an afternoon concert of music from American composers to a delighted audi-ence. Stay tuned for future chances to hear more from Dr. Ellenwood and the Nebraska Chamber Players at the Neihardt Site!

Special Performance

Lincoln Stamp Club honors Black Elk in 2016


The Neihardt Foundation is pleased to welcome Joe Green to the Board of Directors. A resident of Minden, Green is a retired English teacher. He holds degrees from Kearney State College and supplemented his education by participating in five summer-long seminars sponsored by the National Endowment for Humanities and the Mellon Foundation. Green has conducted many workshops on writing and literature, including several on Neihardt with the late Stanley Smith. Green is also the author of a composition manual used in several schools, as well as numerous articles on Neihardt, Chaucer and Cather, among others. He was twice a finalist for Nebraska Teacher of the Year, and re-ceived the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Ne-braska-Kearney in 2002 and Outstanding Secondary Teacher Award from the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association in 2013. In 2004 he was presented the “Word Sender” award by the Neihardt Foundation. Green is currently in the initial stages of annotating Neihardt’s A Cycle of the West for University of Nebraska Press.

NEW BOARD MEMBER

The Neihardt Foundation acknowledges the passing of two avid supporters and extends condolences to their family and friends:

Teresa “Terri” Hansen (6/24/59 - 2/6/16) was a Board Member of the Neihardt Foundation and was always willing to volunteer her time to promote the legacy of John G. Neihardt. She was the owner of Bancroft Floral and Gift, as well as Lucky’s Bar, in her hometown of Bancroft. Her enthusiasm and zest for life will be fondly remembered by all.

Donald H. Hammel (7/22/25 - 6/11/16) was a generous member of the Neihardt Foundation, often in attendance of the various fundraisers and events throughout the years. Though he will be greatly missed, his memory will live on through his acts of kindness. His son, Paul, currently serves as the Vice-President of the Neihardt Foundation.

Terri Hansen

Don Hammel

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:

Linda & Bill Pratt Omaha, NE

Merlyn & Mardell Holm Wakefield, NE

Welcome New Nebraska Director

Trevor Jones

The Nebraska State Historical Society Board of Trustees has ap-pointed Trevor M. Jones of Frankfort, Kentucky, as the new Director and Chief Executive Officer. Jones will take over the duties of Michael J. Smith, who retired on June 30th, after 10 years in the position. Jones will begin his duties at NSHS in July. Smith, a native of Illinois, plans to remain in Lincoln. The John G. Neihardt State Historic Site is a branch museum of the Nebraska State Historical Society. The Neihardt Foundation wishes the best to both on their new journeys ahead!

IN MEMORIAM

Foundation Website

The Neihardt Foundation website will have a new look courtesy of the students at Wayne State College’s De-partment of Art and Design, guided by Professor Joshua Piersanti as a Service Learning Project in the Spring of 2016. Go to www.neihardtcenter.org to see their work in progress.


Fernweh

I’m searching for my home – It’s surely somewhere far away But it’s certainly in the simplicity of the fields or prairies, And my heart isn’t in the meadows or the creeks. My home isn’t my home – my life is to roam. I stare at the shining sun, and smile while I think of where I might be. My heart and soul are lost. I can’t satisfy this ferociously fierce feeling of fernweh. Maybe it’s by the waters. I can see myself siting on the bay of the deep blue sea. I’m staring into the eyes of a familiar friend who is staring back at me. The ocean waves will slowly set me off to sail on a journey of rest, With its sounds of a calm and peaceful war, I’m like an eagle setting off to soar. As I watch the ocean’s white waves Crashing into the white sand, The white clouds will blanket me in the warmth of a familiar dream. I’ll live a peaceful life with my lover. We’ll sit on the beach And share a kiss, as we hold hands and stare into the abyss, But deep down I know, home is somewhere out there. So, I keep traveling to find this feeling so rare, That hopefully one day my lover and I can share. Home for me could be up in the mountains - Here I’m on top of the world! I’m a king on top of his throne,

And I wear a cloudy-skied crown. I’m an angel looking down. I’m in heaven and I see beauty and loveliness all around! Hell is an unknown concept to me, It’s simply not a part of my vocabulary. Peace is all I know and love is all I need. I look under my feet, and see civilizations that bow down to me! I decide I don’t like myself like this. My journey continues as I set off once again into the abyss. Maybe my heart lies in the city! It’s a place of constant companionship - yes! The city is full of the most colorful characters, From the dim-souled silent brood, to the bright-hearted loon who is oh-so-giddy! It’s a place of a rainbow of luscious lights – these lights they shimmer and glitter. I just can’t turn my eyes from the landscape they litter. They come in various colors. Rustic reds, Grim-looking greys, Wintery whites, the boldest of blues. I fall into an illusion and I get lost in a muse. “Home,” I think to myself. Here I am. Here I stay. Brandon Dorsey, Grade 10 Pender Public School, Pender, NE 2nd Place – High School Division

NEIHARDT YOUNG POET’S CONTEST

The following poems were the winning entries of the 2016 Neihardt Young Poet’s Contest:

Brandon Dorsey, Conleigh Hemmer and Divith Rajogopal traveled to Bancroft to present their award-winning poetry at the

35th annual Neihardt Spring Conference on April 30, 2016.

The Peace Pipe

The pipe is the link between earth and the sky The pipe is our prayers in physical form The smoke we blow out is our words It goes out and touches everything and becomes a part of all there is The fire in the pipe is the same fire in the sun The fire is the source of life The tobacco is the roots in the earth And the smoke rises high into the heavens The pipe symbolizes fire, smoke, and earth Nothing is more sacred Julian Vigil, Grade 9 Gordon-Rushville HS, Gordon, NE 1st Place-High School Division


Rolling Hills

Hills rolling forever Into the future Beyond our own valley And our old yellow house Where we had laughed Made memories Lived, cried and dared In our own sweet joy In our self-freedom In our rolling hills. Matt Hood, Grade 9 Gordon-Rushville HS; Gordon, NE

3rd Place – High School Division

The Four Elements of the Plains

Earth Rich, thick and fertile Ecosystem’s foundation A farmer’s delight Water Clean, hidden, vital Rains, rivers and aquifers Lifeline of all life Air Open, free, unbound Component of the good life Bringer of the rains Fire Quick, sweeping, burning Existing life’s destroyer Rebirth’s enabler Divith Rajagopal, Grade 8 Lux Middle School; Lincoln, NE 1st Place – Jr. High Division

Harney Peak

Trees towering over stone ridges, Lit by the dancing colors of the horizon Roots spreading over paths, They are ancient fingers reaching across the sacred land. Soft clouds in the sky, Over a sunset that looks like fire. Rocks jut up Proud of the ground they stand on. Sky meets land, A harmony of two. Conleigh Hemmer, Grade 6 Irving Middle School; Lincoln, NE 2nd Place – Jr. High Division

Seaman

Perched on the bow watching the rippling water Through my color-blind eyes The oak canoe moves steadily up the peaceful river A strange animal appears along the bank My owner, Meriwether, gasps then writes in his yellowed journal The westerly wind carries the scent of the Spaniards My spontaneous bark spurs the men to row vigorously The shore brings solid ground and with it, leftover goose meat Night comes and I take my spot next to the crackling fire.

Evan Beaty, Grade 6 Irving Middle School; Lincoln, NE 3rd Place – Jr. High Division

Are you a young writer? Enter the 2017 Neihardt Young Poets Contest! For contest and submission information, visit: www.neihardtcenter.org,

by phone: (402) 648-3388 and toll-free: (888) 777-HOOP or write to: Neihardt Foundation; Box 344; Bancroft, NE 68004

have recently contributed to make the sculpture a re-

NEIHARDT YOUNG POET’S CONTEST


Board of Directors

Dr. Jon Cerny, President Paul Hammel, Vice Pres. Nancy Gillis, Treasurer

Dr. Jon Bailey, Secretary Tim Anderson Pat Browning

Dr. Michael Carroll Garry Clark

Cynthia Cooper Walter M. Duda Dr. Steve Elliott

Mike Fisk Joe Green

Mary Hines Dr. David Hoelting James C. Hulstein Randy Lukasiewicz

Dick Moodie Joy Neihardt

Robin Neihardt Mary Lou Schweers

Gail Toedebusch Dr. Merlyn Vogt

Patty Wegner

John G. Neihardt State Historic Site

Amy C. Kucera

Executive Director

Norma Farrens Administrative Assistant

Mary Petersen

Librarian

Rod Peters Groundskeeper

Word Sender

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