Changes by Betty Carpenter Pfaff

Late on evening of March 27, 1922, a little girl was born in the middle of the worst storm of the winter. Perhaps this would be indicative of the kind of force of nature she grew up to be.

Now 96 years later, Betty Carpenter Pfaff has done many things throughout her life. She’s helped in the family hotel,  assisted in managing an oil field,  she’s panned for gold in both Wyoming and Alaska, she’s been an artist, a school bus driver, a historian, and a novelist. My favorite job that she’s held however, has simply been as my Great-Gram.

There are people in your life that continue to inspire and awe you, year after year. To me Gram is one of those people. One of her favorite pastimes is her role as an author, though she might tell you she’s only detailing an incredible history that shouldn’t be lost. As someone who grew up around the mines and the oil fields, she brings life to the people and the areas that otherwise may have been lost to time.

I wanted to share with my bookish community, her most recent work. This amazing woman has been an independent author for longer than I’ve been alive. In the last two years I was lucky enough to get to watch, and assist her as she finished her newest history, Changes. Changes tells the history of the mines of Atlantic City, Wyoming throughout the years of the gold rush.

As someone who grew up, and knew most of the individuals and families who most impacted Atlantic city from the late 19th century until today, Betty brings a unique voice and an amazing amount of insight into the boom, bust, and daily happenings of the mines, and what it was like for those who worked in and around them. Coupled with the photos that date back to the 1860s generously shared by family, friends, and locals, Changes brings a perspective unlike anyone else’s and truly gives the character of the Atlantic City area.

If this sounds like anything you, or someone you know would be interested in, she has hardback copies available for sale. They are available for $25, payment sent to:

Betty Carpenter Pfaff
P.O. Box 440
Diamondville, WY
83116

She doesn’t write these histories to make money, but to make sure the stories of the people and the city aren’t lost forever. On her birthday I wanted to share a way for others to be able to find this amazing treasure. If you have any questions, regarding the book, electronic payments, or my amazing great-grandmother please feel free to contact me!

Thank you for your indulgence away from my normal reviews, to highlight a woman I have looked up to my whole life. A parting piece of wisdom she’s told me is “life’s never a straight thing”, so remember to take the twists, turns and surprised like offers you with grace.