The Coe family has a long history and deep ties to the Cody community. At the next Local Lore with Bob Richard illustrated talk, Richard is joined by Bob Coe as the two explore that history through stories and photographs. Photos include several from the Coe family’s own archives, from Bob Richard, and from the collections of the Center of the West’s McCracken Research Library.

With the family’s involvement in Cody and strong philanthropic investment in it, the topic is robust. In this first part of the story, Richard and Coe focus on W.R. Coe and his son Robert Coe. Their generosity in the community has extended to everything from the hospital, to the Boy Scout Camp, to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West and its museums, and beyond.

The two speakers also share the history of Coe Lodge by Irma Lake, bought by W.R. Coe from William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody himself. The property included hundreds of thousands of acres and encompassed the Hoodoo Ranch. The talk includes images and stories about E.V. Robertson, who managed the ranch and eventually purchased it from the Coes.

To secure a seat for the program in the popular Local Lore series, attendees must register in advance. Buffalo Bill Center of the West members and those who pay regular admission to the center may attend the talk for free but must have reservations. Those who are not members and wish to only attend the talk pay a $10 fee. Tickets are available online at tickets.centerofthewest.org.

The “Local Lore with Bob Richard” series is coordinated by the center’s McCracken Research Library. The final presentation of this year will take place on Dec. 19. The second part of the history of the Coe family will be a part of next year’s series, date yet to be determined.

For more information on all upcoming Center of the West programs and events, visit centerofthewest.org/events.