Jane Galloway Demaray

Fortunately for Jane Galloway Demaray, her family possessed a treasure. The old, unpublished manuscript was penned by her great-great uncle William Wallace Wylie who, as part of the new middle-class Victorian vacation phenomenon, led tours in Yellowstone National Park. A man of strong convictions, he felt that the experiences of past generations have value and should be recorded—a belief Demaray also holds.

She first read his autobiography 20 years ago at her grandmother’s Bozeman, Montana, home and immediately realized that it deserved to be more than a simple family account. Wylie’s story was also Yellowstone’s.

In addition, his writing reflected an inspiring sense of optimism, piquing her curiosity. She wondered how, in an era when stagecoaches were a major transportation mode, Wylie developed and managed the seemingly overwhelming logistics surrounding his Park business—federal regulations, scheduling, gear, food, employees, horses, even animal feed.

But Demaray lived in Washington, far from the source materials that could provide answers. Finally, in 2006 she moved to Helena, Montana. Soon the former special education teacher finished her research. Six years later, she had a draft ready for submission.

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Demaray is currently serves on the personal staff of the Montana Secretary of State.

Jane Galloway Demaray is the author of “Yellowstone Summers: Touring with the Wylie Camping Company in America’s First National Park”