Louise Mapes Turner: Matriarch and Heart of Triangle X Ranch
Louise Mapes Turner was the ideal partner for John Turner in building and operating the Triangle X Ranch. Raised by Catholic nuns in a convent in San Antonio, Texas, Louise nevertheless developed a love of the outdoors early in life. She often visited school friends on their Texas ranches, where she learned to ride, shoot straight, and confidently handle herself in the open country.
On their first date in Jackson Hole, John guided Louise on an elk hunt, where she harvested a fine trophy bull. Her adventurous spirit carried far beyond hunting—she was also among the early women to climb the Grand Teton.
During the first decade and a half of running the ranch together, there was no rural electricity. Louise worked long hours over a wood cook stove, heating rooms, preparing meals for family and staff, doing laundry, and canning vegetables and fruit to last through the long Wyoming winters. When asked years later what her toughest job had been, Louise replied with characteristic humor: “Cleaning the dang milk separator.”
To earn extra cash during those early years, the ranch milked additional cows. The milk was placed in cans and loaded onto the mail sleigh so neighbors could ladle out what they needed and later pay the Turners. After milking, Louise used a large hand-cranked separator with plates and screens to divide the milk needed for cream,
butter, and even ice cream.
Louise loved the valley—its spectacular scenery, wildflowers, wildlife, and ever-changing seasons—and she delighted in sharing it with others. Each day, she guided horseback rides through the country surrounding the Triangle X and often led ranch guests on hikes into the Tetons. She had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed singing both Spanish and English songs around cookouts and campfires. Guests often remarked that once Louise welcomed them to the ranch, they no longer felt like strangers.
A striking and gracious presence, Louise was also a shrewd businesswoman and a superb cook who carefully oversaw the fine meals served to guests. She believed strongly in giving back to the community. Among her many contributions, she helped found the local Catholic church, assisted in starting the local Soroptimist chapter, and played a leadership role in building the Pioneer Homestead apartments to house valley old-timers.
Louise Mapes Turner helped shape not only the spirit of the Triangle X Ranch but also the community of Jackson Hole itself.
Did you know Louise? We would welcome any recollections or memories you would like to share.
