Green River in Sweetwater County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)

The French Trio - 1938

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2015

1. The French Trio - 1938 Marker

Caption: The French trio Antoine DeSeyne (left), Genevieve DeColmont, and Bernard DeColmont on the banks of the Green River in September 1938.

Inscription. In September 1938 on the eve of World War II, three young people from France came to southwest Wyoming for a trip down the Green River.
Bernard and Genevieve LeColmont were married in Paris on August 1, 1938, and the trip to America to run the Green was their honeymoon. Antoine DeSeyne was their best friend and river partner on other trips. The three were expert kayakers.
The Frenchmen spent a week in Green River making preparations and on September 14th, they launched - the first kayakers on the upper Green River.
Though only 22 years old, Genevieve was the star of the trip. She ran her own boat, did her share of the work, and was the best boat "person" of the three. She kayaked much slower than the men, but never damaged her boat or flipped in rapids.
The trio continued downriver and resupplied in Jensen and Green River, Utah. They ended their journey November 9th at Lee's Ferry, Arizona. The river was icing up and they were unable to continue.
Returning to Europe in time for World War II, the three fought in the French Resistance, lived quiet lives in France and died in the 1970's.

Erected by Green River Greenbelt and City of Green River.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Sports • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 14, 1938.

Location.

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41° 31.392′ N, 109° 28.242′ W. Marker is in Green River, Wyoming, in Sweetwater County. Marker can be reached from South 2nd East Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 398 South 2nd East Street, Green River WY 82935, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Norm Nevills & A.K. Reynolds - 1940's (a few steps from this marker); Major Wesley Powell and Party (within shouting distance of this marker); Buzz Holstrom (within shouting distance of this marker); William Ashley - 1825 (within shouting distance of this marker); Green River City Hall - 1942-1954 (within shouting distance of this marker); Riverside Swimming Pool (within shouting distance of this marker); The Damsite Surveys (within shouting distance of this marker); William Manly - 1849 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Green River.

More about this marker. This marker is located next to the perimeter walking path in Island Park. Island Park occupies the northwestern end of Expedition Island and is across the bridge at the south end of South 2nd East Street.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2015

2. The French Trio - 1938 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 334 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 1, 2015, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.