Clark Heglar is a noted photographer whose images have been published worldwide. After serving as staff photographer for Oh! Idaho magazine, he started a series of presentations based on his knowledge of Idaho and the West. People throughout the state have praised his presentations. He is a recipient of an Idaho Humanities Council grant to tour his Robert Limbert presentation. He holds a B.F.A. in photography from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles.
Because Clark Hegler now resides in Oregon, it is necessary for hosting groups to share in his travel costs. IHC will pay travel expenses from the state line to the hosting site. Please discuss this additional expense with Clark before applying. (Oregon mileage will be paid directly to Clark Hegler by the host).
This Chautauqua presentation is an informal, non-political blend of geology and geographical descriptions, with reflections on the history of the Indians, mountain men, miners, loggers, ranchers, sheepmen, farmers, settlers, politicians, and courageous women that made Idaho and the American West. As Heglar assumes the role of the Oldest Man in Idaho, he mixes personal stories, local and regional color, and regales his listeners with anecdotal tales, stories, and commentaries of the “oldster’s” times. As he shares the sometimes funny and little known quirks of Idaho history, he tells the audience, “only in Idaho…you can’t make that up.”
This Chautauqua presentation is an historical look at one of Idaho’s most colorful characters. Dressed in period western garb, Mr. Heglar portrays the flamboyant, self-promoting side of “Two Gun” Bob as he entertained audiences both in the East and the West with his trick shooting, trick roping, tales of exploration in Idaho, and lantern slide shows. “Two Gun” Bob tells about and shows photos he made of the award winning 1915 Idaho State Exhibit he designed for the Pan- Pacific World Fair in San Francisco. He tells stories of exploring the Great Rift in South Central Idaho and how his National Geographic article and photos helped make the Craters of the Moon a national monument. He also talks about building Redfish Lake Lodge, and other adventures in the early part of the century in Idaho.
The journey west on the Overland Route to Oregon and California was the largest peacetime migration in history. The 2000-mile journey was filled with joy, hardship and tragedy. This presentation looks at the encounters with the Indians, the influence and the role of the mountain men, the emigrants themselves, and the reasons they journeyed westward. In the presentation, Heglar will talk about the day-to-day events and struggles, the river crossings, the accidents, and the diseases the emigrants encountered. He also discusses the adventures and misadventures of the youngsters that accompanied their families on their trek across the plains and mountains, and their reactions to curiosities they encountered.