Watters presents Custer’s Last Stand program to Golden K
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KINGSFORD -- Comic strip Garfield always has an adverse reaction to Monday mornings. Golden K members view on Monday morning with just the opposite.
It begins a new week and is a great time to share weekend activities. Coffee is brewing and stories are revolving. Tales might be about family and sports, as there are a few Monday morning quarterbacks in the group. Never a conversation shortage, the hall is always a buzz.
Chairperson Sue Proudfit had her agenda ready to go. At the sound of her gavel, Lois Outcelt readied the piano and handed over her list of oldies to song director Richard Ochoa. These enthusiasts are still capable of carrying a tune and music fills the room.
Gary Watters from Stephens Real Estate was welcomed as guest speaker. Happy birthday was sung for Alyce Derwinski and Kirk Olson. Joanne Lindholm happily gathered winnings from the 50/50 drawing. Lois Outcelt won a donated gift card for discounted golf outing at Pine Grove.
Business concluded, Sue introduced the speaker for the day. Although an agent at Stephens Real Estate, Gary is also a history buff. He presented a powerful accounting and slide show about Custer's Last Stand at the "Battle of the Little Bighorn." Most everyone knows a bit about the history of this battle, which took place June 25-26, 1876. As Mr. Watters walked the group through the story, it almost came alive again. Gold had been discovered and reservation treaties had been broken. The government was mandating registration and relocation for the Indians. The tribes were not happy; it was their land and they had been a free people. In January 1876, the government issued a mandate for thousands of indigenous to travel and register or face military force. As things progressed, many tribes banded together in protest.
Gary walked the group through events that finally led to Custer's last stand. Major Marcus Reno, along with other generals, lead troops across the southern Montana site. The Lakotas, Cheyenne and Arapaho were some of the defending indigenous tribes. Famous names like Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse knew the military was coming. Tribes banded together and prepared for battle. Custer was not prepared for the number or ferocity of resistance that was waiting. Most of us know how things turned out.
If you have opportunity to hear Mr. Watters present, the details are well worth hearing.
Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. All are welcome.