Hey, Answer Girl n

Our GALS (Get a Life Society) group hikes in the Bridal Trail at Rotary Park (Garden Creek Falls on Casper Mountain). There's an old rusted car that apparently drove off the road many years ago. Know the story of that car?

- Becky

(Similar question received from Jeanne L., also a member of GALS.)

It was July 25, 1937, and four teenagers were on their way up the mountain to a picnic. It was evening, and a bit dark.

A car coming toward the teens didn't dim its lights, causing the teens' driver, Paul Haas, to veer off the road.

Three of the teens lived through the crash. One didn't.

Martha Horn, a Casper resident on and off since 1957 and part of a five-generation Casper family, lost her aunt and gained her namesake in that crash.

Martha Park, Horn's aunt, was thrown from the car and died later the same day at the hospital. She wasn't quite 15 years old.

Park was the first person to die in an automobile accident on the mountain.

As for the car itself, Horn said she doesn't think it will ever leave its final resting place.

"It's being reclaimed by mother nature, covered up, rusted out, and it will always be there I guess," Horn explained.

A special thanks to Kevin Anderson at the Casper College Western History Center for his help finding this answer.

Hey, Answer Girl -

How do I know who my city council representative is?

- Leigh in Casper

First, determine your ward n Ward I, II, or III.

Then, visit the city of Casper City Council's Web site at {M7http://www.casperwy.gov/content/council/members.asp. The site provides photos, names and information on each of the council members.

If you still aren't sure who your council member is, or if you prefer not to use the Internet, give the city manager's office a call at 235-8224.

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0616 or {M7megan.lee@trib.com

Ask Answer Girl

Answer Girl tackles questions about Casper, the universe and everything else. Submit your questions by email to {M7megan.lee@trib.com, or call Megan Lee at 266-0616. You can also write to Answer Girl, Box 80, 170 Star Lane, Casper, WY, 82602.