Pat Palmer Receives Award

On January 19, the Bent’s Fort Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association began its 19th year with a standing-room crowd only at the John W. Rawlings Center in Las Animas. Over 75 members and guests attended the meeting which began with a catered noon meal.

After lunch, Roger Slusher, President of the Santa Fe Trail Association, gave a first person portrayal of James Aull, a prominent trader and merchant on the Santa Fe Trail. Mr. Aull and his brothers owner mercantile stores in Lexington, Missouri, that sold the goods that the traders carried along the Trail to Mexico.

Following Mr. Slusher’s presentation, members learned of the Chapter’s plans for 2013. Eleven events have been planned, including speakers, Trail marking, service projects, and tours to historic sites. The final tour of the year will be a weekend trip to Taos to visit historic sites there.

The highlight of the Chapter meeting was the presentation of the Member of the Year. The 2012 honoree was Pat Palmer, from Lamer. Mr. Palmer has been the Chapter’s President for several years running and organizes many of the tours, events, and meals.

The next Bent’s Fort Chapter event will be a sign marking day in March when we will install National Park Service signs that mark Trail crossings. Check out our chapter on Facebook for more information about this event.