I was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964. I was in retail photographic sales for over twenty years at Reed's Cameras in Walnut Creek, California. As Reed's senior instructor I was responsible for developing and teaching a wide range of classes in photography. I currently teach Classes in Photography at Shutterbug Camera Shops in Santa Rosa, California, and at Walnut Creek Civic Arts Education in Walnut Creek, California. I also provide one-on-one instruction on digital photography and Photoshop. Here is my resume.
I am an avid photographer, and historian (at least as far as the Pony Express is concerned).
Here are some of my latest photographs.
I have several times traveled the route of the Pony Express between Sacramento, California, and St. Joseph, Missouri. In 1996, I followed the Olympic Torch Relay as the Torch was carried by horse and rider relay from Julesburg, Colorado, to St. Joseph, Missouri, May 13-16.
I have spoken before many historical societies, service clubs, and schools on the subject of the Pony Express. I am available for talks in the Northern California region.
At the request of the Contra Costa Historical Society I researched the overland route of the Pony Express between Sacramento and Oakland. The Pony Express was in service from April 1860 to November 1861. It's primary mission was to deliver mail and news between St. Joseph, Missouri, and San Francisco, California. To this end, express delivered to Sacramento was scheduled to be transported to San Francisco by river steamer. On a number of occasions this schedule was not met and the express had to be transported overland through Solano and Contra Costa Counties via Benicia, Martinez and Oakland where a ferry boat would complete the trip to San Francisco.
I have conducted extensive genealogical research on Thomas J. Bedford, the first Pony Express rider to pass through Contra Costa County.
In addition to a very extensive collection of Pony Express Books, I have collected a number of other items that I would like to share with you.
I am a member of the Contra Costa County Historical Society, National Pony Express Association, Oregon-California Trails Association, Western Cover Society, Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley and E Clampus Vitus.