Sandoz Society conference at CSC this weekend

The Sandoz Society’s executive director, Shannon Smith Calitri of Gordon, said nearly 70 have pre-registered for the conference. She said that is nearly double the usual pre-registration figure. But all the sessions will be open to the public except the Friday noon luncheon and the banquet that evening. The capacity has been reached on both of the latter events.

The conference will focus on Sandoz’ 1954 book, “The Buffalo Hunters: Stories of the Hide Men,” one of the six books in the author’s Great Plains Series.

Opening the conference at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 15 will be Dr. Elliott West, distinguished professor of history at the University of Arkansas and author of several books. His lecture is titled “Bison R Us: The Buffalo as an American Icon.”

Friday’s program will feature panels on buffalo history, bison ranching and discussions of Sandoz’ “Buffalo Hunters” and other works. In addition, Dan O’Brien, a South Dakota rancher and author, will read from his book, “Buffalo for the Broken Heart: Restoring Life to a Black Hills Ranch,” and discuss why he wrote it.

At the banquet Friday evening, Ron Hull of Lincoln will receive the Spirit of Mari Sandoz Award for his dedication to fostering the work and heritage of Mari Sandoz. After serving as president of the Sandoz Society for nearly 20 years, Hull is stepping down from that post this year, but will remain on the board of directors. He will discuss his friendship with the author during the banquet.

On Saturday, guests may meet at the Sandoz Center at 8:30 a.m. for an automobile convoy to the RimRock Ranch northwest of Crawford, where T.R. and Kay Hughes raise buffalo.

The complete conference schedule can be found on the Mari Sandoz Heritage Society Web site at www.marisandoz.org.