Page 66 - Hartridge 1934

On Going West
One term may take on many different meanings. A number of years ago there was a popular expression that was a source of inspiration and hope to the ambitious youth of
the nation. It gave also to older men, perhaps cynical and disillusioned by previous struggles and failures, a new confidence in the future, a goal upon which to set their aspirations. Everywhere people were saying, ”Go west, young man, go west.” Soon the courageous and the brave of all ages struck out across the wilderness. On horseback, in prairie schooners, and with mule-teams, they traversed the great unknown. Both with
and without families, these daring men faced the privations that awaited them. Many were their disappointments, and disaster and difficulties befell them, but still their spirits could not be dampened. Great hardships seemed only to give them more perseverance, and, undaunted, these men and women continued their weary struggles. Behind them they left warm and comfortable homes, friends and gaiety. Before them stretched untold dangers and backbreaking toil, but still they pressed forward. As they progressed, they left behind them paths strewed with sad memories and shattered hopes, yet nothing seemed to dissuade them. It is through the great sacrifices and valiant efforts made by
these men and women that today we possess the beautiful and profitable Great West. Some time later there was another rush to the West. This time it was the great Gold Rush of ’49. Men, eager for money and adventure, hurried toward the West, of which such pleasing and colorful tales had been told. Again the plains were dotted with prairie schooners, again the bold and daring started the quest for the ever-desirable gold.
Mining camps sprang up overnight, fortunes were made and lost in a day, and the words, ''Go West” were on the lips of people throughout the country. Men became veritable maniacs in their wild desire to acquire some of this wondrous yellow stuff, and, often­
times without proper provisions, they rushed madly into the prairie, eyes glinting, hands already clutching, seeking the gold they were sure they would find.
Many years later, during the World War, the West was again spoken of, but not with hope and anticipation, nor with mad greed, but with sorrow and regret. During the horrors, the anxiety, and the dreadful waiting of the Great War, the words "Gone West" were applied to those brave and loyal men who had in truth entered into the Great Unknown. Again, it seemed, the bravest, the finest, the most courageous men had
made the supreme sacrifice, and with all hope and truth they, too, had "Gone West.”
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