M E Rostron, The Roving Fitzgeralds: The Memoirs of Roy Madison Fitzgerald

Spaces are limited and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to secure your spot so don't delay. 

COVID protocol for our in-person events requires masks for all attendees and proof of full vaccination upon arrival to the Readings Gallery. Thank you for your cooperation.

On April 23, 1903 President Roosevelt came to Gardiner for the purpose of laying the cornerstone of the big arch being built at the park entrance. No depot had yet been built, so Roosevelt and his party left the train at the end of the railroad tracks on the rocky sagebrush flat. He was met by Major John Pitcher and a troop of cavalry. After taking the sabre salute of the troopers, Roosevelt shook hands with Major Pitcher. He then walked over to where several of us boys were sitting on our horses, shook hands with us and said: “Bully!—sure nice to see you boys. It brings back old times.” (He had been a rancher in Wyoming territory many years before he became president.) A saddled horse had been brought from the fort for the president to ride. Mounting the horse, he wheeled smartly into the head of the troop, and they left at full gallop for the fort.

The next day, April 24, the president returned with his escort troop and spread the mortar for the laying of the cornerstone. He was attended by many high ranking masons from all over Montana. After the stone was put in place (by the regular stonemasons) the president made a speech to an audience of an estimated 3,500 people, not counting the military. This was a great day for my grandfather, Selleck Fitzgerald, for he was the grand marshal. I was proud of him, mounted on a prancing sorrel horse, sitting as erect as any soldier. With his snow-white hair and beard, he was indeed a striking figure.

"The Roving Fitzgeralds: The memoirs of Roy Madison Fitzgerald, a member of one of Montana’s prominent pioneer families, and a stagecoach driver and saddle horse guide in early Yellowstone Park “...will be a treat for history lovers, especially those who love the stagecoach-era days of Gardiner, Montana, and Yellowstone Park…” Lee Whittlesey, Yellowstone Park Historian.

Writer and musician Michael Rostron is the author of the novels, Cape Decision and The Kabul Conscript, and the musical stage plays "Evermore", and "Outro". He has resided in Whatcom County since 2002. His website is mikerostron.com

* Online registration closes one hour prior to the event. Walk-ins will be welcome if there are available spaces.

Event Venue

Village Books and Paper Dreams, 1200 11th Street, Bellingham, United States