History lecture explores the wild, wild west

On March 16, the Village of Valley Stream Village Hall was filled with gripping stories of the West, narrated by well-known art historian Dennis Raverty. Looking back in time to the 19th-century, Raverty gave context to illustrations made during said time period and spoke on their persistence in creating a mythical conception of the wild West. The lecture he gave titled “How the West was Sold” puts pieces of the past together for the audience as they connected the past to their own personal experiences. 

Speaking on illustrators such as Charles Marion Russell, George Catlin, Thomas Moran and Frances Flora Bond Palmer, Raverty noticed how early in the development of the Western identity, commercialization was already in the works. With the idea of manifest destiny embedded in the mind of explorers, the expansion into previously unknown territories began in fervor, driving nail upon nail into the land to create railroads. Manifest destiny is the belief that God designed the United States for settlers to take over and expand, spreading democracy and capitalism as they went along.

For Valley Streamer Mary Hansen Sterger, the tales were more personal, reminding her of her son living out in the vastness of South Dakota, spending his days living the cowboy lifestyle. Visiting her son throughout the years Sterger developed a deep appreciation for the wildlife and tribes that populate South Dakota, Wyoming and Arizona. “There is so much open land,” she noted eyes still wide with awe recalling the views.

One difference between Long Island and out west is the bison, who during the winter months when the salt is put down for snow will surround and lick the salt off of motionless cars. “It’s like a free car wash out there” Sterger jested. Even though not at the event, she expressed thanks to her son for venturing out and in turn pushing her to explore more of the United States. She finished, “If he never went out there, I don’t know if I would have had those experiences.”

Not alone at the lecture, Sterger attended with her friend Arlene Trombino, an avid art enjoyer. Sterger said the lecture was for the both of them, “She loves art and I love the west, so this was a perfect marriage.” They agreed on their favorite part- the tale of the Blackfoot Indians wanting their pictures done by Carl Bodmer. Raverty recounts the story, saying the Blackfoot Indians were a warring tribe at conflict with other nations. One day a surprise attack occurred, and a few of the Blackfoot’s died in the melee. However, mysticism was felt in the tribe, as those with illustrations done by Bodmer all survived the attack. Feelings around photos shifted from believing they stole your soul to believing they’d protect you in battle. Soon, the Native American’s lined up to have their likeness fixed to paper as a protective token.

This is only one tale of many Raverty shared of the wild west. Others focused more on the commercialization of the land many saw as legendary and fanciful. One such artist who, with a womanly touch, furthered the fantasy realm of the west was Frances Flora Bond Palmer, who illustrated the discussed “The Rocky Mountains.” In the illustration, one can see a line of wagons seeming infinitely long bringing more families into the area. Looking on in the smaller mid ground are two Native Americans, pointing at the newcomers, a feeling of corner can be felt radiating off them as they look at what they cannot change. 

The lecture was one of many the Valley Stream Historical Society puts on monthly. Raverty was invited back to go more in-depth about illustrator Frederic Remington who was active during the last quarter of the 19th century. The time and date of that lecture is currently unknown, check out the historical society web page for updates on new lectures.