Guest column: John Nickle, the one and only

There was only one John Nickle.

John dedicated huge chunks of his life to the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range (from day 1), the Town of Lovell and State of Wyoming (in several positions), Lovell Cable TV (best quality I ever experienced), citizenship, young people, the Big Horn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Big Horn Mountains and Mustang Days. 

He was one of the founders of the Wyoming Street Athletic Club that started the fundraising sandwich sale a half century ago for the parade. Over the decades thousands of people enjoyed campfire, barbecued ribs (on Sims Stoves) and community cookouts involving his wife Lynda, John and friends.

Remember the several hundred people who consumed a full beef, two hogs, a four-horse trailer of corn, barrels of beans and so many salads and desserts at the caboose field that Saturday after a football game in the 1970s. John was the fourth person to join that effort. Leading such causes, recruiting volunteers and fundraising almost always meant John was involved.

I like to think I played a role in John Nickle becoming a talented photographer. He was always quick to realize when some citizen needed to be honored with an appropriate ceremony and gift. Knowing I took photographs as part of my role at the Lovell Chronicle, John asked me to get a picture of Lovell’s Mustang Preacher, Rev. Floyd Schweiger, who was moving to Evanston. Floyd had told us he had been inspired for many sermons at a location halfway up Tillett Ridge. My photo of Rev. Schweiger watching a colorful band of mustangs was mounted on a plaque I hope was among the Schweiger keepsakes that went to the Mustang Center when he died. 

Shortly afterward, John asked me the best kind of camera he should buy, starting yet another career.

About that time, I scoffed at John’s idea Lovell could find a way to fund, build and operate a Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center. I hope John is still laughing about proving me wrong again.