Frank's Ranche; Or, My Holiday in the Rockies: Being a Contribution to the Inquiry into What We Are to Do with Our Boys

"Frank's Ranche; Or, My Holiday in the Rockies" by E. Marston is a travel memoir written in the late 19th century. It recounts the experiences of the author and his son Frank as they navigate life in the American West, particularly focusing on Frank’s struggles and ambitions as he strives to establish himself in the rugged Rocky Mountain region. The narrative appears to reflect on themes of adventure, personal growth, and the relationship between parents and their children. The opening of the memoir sets the stage for a journey filled with mixed emotions and expectations. The author expresses a sense of both excitement and trepidation as he prepares to travel to the Rockies, where he hopes to visit Frank, who has been trying his hand at various ventures including farming in Minnesota, only to encounter failures and setbacks. The letters describe Frank's adventurous spirit and determination to succeed, despite hardships, while revealing his picturesque but challenging experiences in the wild, such as rough living conditions, interactions with wildlife, and the obstacles of frontier life. The author's reflections on his son's journey paint a vivid picture of an adventurous quest in a time of change, amid the beauty and danger of the American frontier.