American Dude Ranch
Sacramento History Museum
Viewers of films and TV shows might think the dude ranch is
something not quite legitimate, a place where city slickers
pretend to be cowboys. But the tradition of the dude ranch,
America’s original western vacation, is much more interesting and
is deeply connected to the culture and history of the American
West.
Historian Lynn Downey tells this story in her new book, “American
Dude Ranch: A Touch of the Cowboy and the Thrill of the West”,
and she will share it with you in her illustrated talk on June
2nd at the Sacramento History Museum. She follows dude ranching
across the years, tracing its influence on everything from
clothing to cooking, and offering a rare look at women’s place in
the story. She will also tell a few California dude ranch
tales.
This event is free for the public. Doors will open for
refreshments at 6:30 PM with lecture beginning at 7:00 PM. Copies
of “American Dude Ranch: A Touch of the Cowboy and the Thrill of
the West” will be available for purchase, and Lynn Downey will be
happy to sign any purchased copies.