FROM: Edward Hoover, Special Correspondent
PST
For many years Edward Hoover has been a historical reenactor working with many historical sites in Kansas. One of his personages is a Newspaper Correspondent. On his last visit to the Hollingberg Pony Express Station last month he suprised the curator (a friend) dressed as a reporter from the “St Joseph Gazzet”, the first newspaper carried west by the Pony Express.
Edward R Hoover
Correspondent for the St.Joseph Gazzet
785-456-1276
Here is his report:
The morning awoke clear and cool. I was the first to arrive at the Hollenberg Pony Express Station just before sun up around 5:30am. As the Special Correspondent I was dress as an 1860 reporter from the St Joseph Daily Gazette. This was the only newspaper carried by the Pony Express on the first run, in an abbreviated size. I promptly set up my correspondence table and a 33 star national flag to welcome the Riders. Around 5:40am the first of the NPEA personnel arrived with his horse. Doug Holle and his assistant unloaded his horse Whiskey and prepared for the days ride. A few short minutes later around 5:50am the incoming rider Shawn Minge on his horse Abby arrived on their leg of the re-ride about one hour early to only myself and Doug as a greeting party.
A few minutes later a procession of vehicles and trailers arrived with the other riders and support people. Not expecting such an early arrival of the incoming rider it naturally changed the nature of the welcoming by the Pony Express site that is usually closed on Tuesdays. It did not take too long for the sites curator and several volunteers to get the mornings refreshments ready for those in attendance.
While waiting for the proper take off time to arrive there was much conversation to be found about the upcoming days activity’s and on what had transpired on the ride the day before. Several NPEA members also took advantage of the layover to sign the Mochila. At 7am the President of the Kansas Chapter of the NPEA Dan Pralle gave the word to mount up. Doug Holle quickly mounted up and with a final wave he and Whiskey were off on the next leg of the Pony Express re-ride 2013.
In closing I can say that the stopover at the Hollenberg Pony Express Station while did not have a large crowd of spectators due to the early hour, it was a great success. Fun, refreshments and good conversation was enjoyed by all. As for myself, I am already looking forward to next year’s re-ride.