The circle drive in front of the residence encompasses a marble sundial, a bicentennial project of First Lady Casey Herschler and the Wyoming Daughters of the American Revolution. Members of the Geodetic Survey Squadron at F.E. Warren Air Force Base placed it in position. The Daughters of the American Revolution also presented the two matching benches.
Built in 1976, the Wyoming Governor's Residence is constructed of stained redwood siding and moss rock quarried in the Iron Mountain/Horse Creek area northwest of Cheyenne. The grounds were formerly the American Legion Park, which was part of the city of Cheyenne park system. Builders took great care during construction to preserve a large number of the trees in the area. The home was intentionally built with many windows to foster a relationship with the outdoors, which play a truly important role in the state.
When visitors enter the home through the foyer, they are treated to a view of the back patio through facing doors. The foyer features several historical items and a moss rock entry (right) into the great room.
A wool rug found on the foyer floor depicts the Great Seal of the state of Wyoming. The rug dates back to the administration of Governor Milward Simpson (1955-59) and was transported from the Historic Governor’s Mansion in downtown Cheyenne by Governor Ed and First Lady Casey Herschler in 1976.
The hand-carved cedar seal that hangs in the foyer was carved by Nellie Hammond of Douglas, Wyoming, in 1937. She gave it as a birthday gift to Governor Leslie Miller. The wood came from a large tree on a ranch located 23 miles west of Wheatland, Wyoming.
The striking pair of brass wall lights that hang on each side of the entry into the great room were original fixtures in the Wyoming House of Representatives chamber in the Capitol.
Hanging above the guest book in the foyer are two fossils excavated near Kemmerer, Wyoming. The smaller fossil is Wyoming’s official state fossil, the “Knightia.” Schoolchildren throughout the state petitioned legislators for its designation in 1987.
Visitors to the great room are greeted by vaulted, beamed ceilings and the 18-foot native moss rock fireplace. It often serves as the background for photographs and interviews of the governor and first family.
The state living area provides comfortable and attractive surroundings for guests and visitors. The Philadelphia Chippendale chairs, covered with cowhide, were gifts to the Wyoming Governor’s Residence from two former first families. The Smith family donated three chairs in honor of former First Lady Marie Smith. The Kendrick family contributed one chair in honor of former First Lady Eula Kendrick.
Governor and Mrs. Leslie Miller purchased the grandfather clock in 1937 at a Chicago furniture sale. It was moved from the Historic Governor’s Mansion to the residence in 1976.
The grand piano dates from 1905. At the 1905 World’s Fair in Portland, Oregon, Ms. Savilla King represented Wyoming by singing the state song on Wyoming Day (July 10). Wyoming’s World’s Fair Commissioner, Clarence B. Richardson, brought the piano to Wyoming. The Wyoming Press Women Association, now known as Wyoming Media Professionals, created the library in 1967 at the request of former First Lady Bobby Hathaway. It features works by Wyoming authors. The shelves also boast numerous pieces of fine art.
The state dining room, which opens off the living area, continues the beautiful vaulted, beamed ceiling.
An impressive bronze chandelier, designed and executed by artist Peter Fillerup, serves as the room’s focal point. It features 36 bronze figures representing Wyoming’s people: Native Americans, cowboys and – in the spirit of the Equality State – cowgirls. Nine individualized figures are repeated four times each, and the shade is constructed of elk hide parchment. It has hung in the dining room since 1993.
Beautiful and delicate, the needlework dining room chairs, known as Lasting Legacy Centennial Project, were completed in 1990 for Wyoming’s 100th birthday. First Lady Jane Sullivan chose artist Tina Close to create the three designs. Each design, done in counted petit-point, comprises 37 colors and depicts seven Wyoming wildflowers. Wyoming’s state flower, the Indian paintbrush, is dominant in each design. There are 23 chairs, representing each of Wyoming’s 23 counties. One or two representatives from each county did the stitch work, and they placed the names of their county and initials on their work.
The dining room is also enriched by a majestic alabaster sculpture by Cheyenne, Wyoming, artist Gail Sundell titled “Hope of a Nation.” The sculpture represents the importance of family values for Wyoming citizens, as depicted through a Native American family.
China and silver from past periods of entertaining at the residence are on display in the lighted hutch.
As guests and visitors make their way down the hallway of the residence, they may enjoy additional art pieces on display.
Both the governor (top) and first lady (bottom) keep office space at the residence.
The first of two guestrooms at the residence is commonly referred to as the “historic bedroom.” It is decorated with 1937 French provincial furniture, made of birds-eye maple, which once belonged to Governor and Mrs. Leslie Miller. The three paintings, by artist Tina Close, are the original artwork upon which the needlework of the dining room chairs was based.
The second guestroom is referred to as the “Western bedroom.” The bronze lamps are from Chapman Company, and the luggage truck was done by Marc Taggart of Cody, Wyoming, in the unique style of designer Thomas Molesworth.
The residence’s back patio features pine log furniture and provides a welcome place to gather after a Wyoming winter.
