WHEATLAND - The Platte County Historical Society will host a program about a disastrous airline crash in 1935 that happened west of Cheyenne. The free program, presented by Kent Hargraves, will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27 at the Platte County Public Library. Everyone is welcome.
The United Airline Trip 4 crash happened Oct. 7, 1935, on the Hargraves ranch, and got the attention of newspapers throughout the world. All passengers and crew died upon impact. Kent will share some history about the Boeing 247-D, and how Cheyenne became a major hub for air traffic, plus little-known facts about Herbert Hoover’s connection to the mystery surrounding the crash.
Kent was born and raised on his family’s ranch northwest of Cheyenne. He attended Cheyenne schools graduating Cheyenne Central High School in 1975, also attending Western Wyoming College. Kent worked for the Union Pacific Railroad retiring as Director of Track Maintenance after 38 years of service. He has an avid interest in history and archaeology and serves on the board of directors of the Wyoming SHAPPS (Sunrise Historic and Prehistoric Preservation Society). Kent presently lives at his home adjoining the old family ranch on Capitol Vista off Horse Creek Rd.
The Platte County Historical Society is a chapter of the Wyoming State Historical Society. Membership includes receiving Annals of Wyoming three times a year, Wyoming History News, notices of special events such as treks to historic sites, award opportunities, and more are open to the public. Officers include Rick Robbins, President; Mary Jo Birt, vice president; Kathy Price, Secretary and Diana McDonald, Treasurer. For more details contact Rick at 331-3024.
