Preservation: Roll Along, Wagon Train
By: TW Editors 03/01/2007
Roll Along, Wagon Train
“Gotta keep ’em on the run. Time to go! And follow the sun. Roll along, Wagon Train.” Ward Bond played the wagonmaster on the 1957 show Wagon Train, but his modern-day successor is just as dashing, passengers tell us. Ben Kern, of Casper, Wyoming, keeps the wagons rolling by leading trips along the Oregon-California, Overland, Mormon, Bozeman and Cherokee Trails. Since 1965, Kern has showed wagoners how to blaze these trails like their 19th-century forebears had. But his seasoned hands are looking for his own John McIntire to take up the reins. Kern is not sure how much longer he’ll be able to do it, and he’s hoping someone younger will come along who wants to keep the history going. For more information about Ben Kern Wagon Trains, call 307-234-9437.
Comments (1)
My husband and I did the Mormon Trail Wagon Train with Ben. We had three wagon masters, Ben was wagon-master over the Wyoming section. My husband did a good portion of the 1100 miles on our old gelding. He was train "security" and intrepreter for 4 languages. I took care of our camp and occassioanlly got to ride a horse or drive a wagon. I did about half, having to go home for part of it and take care of things and come back.
What can you say about Ben, a man that is a great horseman and leader? He was very good at his job!! He should have been born 100 years sooner.
Post A Comment