Tombstone

Milli Cookson, Marilyn Weaver, Me, and Deen Underwood on Allen Street.
photo courtesy Rod Linkous

Your's Truly spent the Labor Day week end in the town too tough to die; Tombstone, Arizona. It was the 27th annual "Rendezvous of Gunfighters". Hosted by the veteran gunfight re-enactment group "the Wild Bunch", and their ladies, "Hells Belles", Gunfight groups from across the nation are invited to come preform at the famous O.K. Corral. Proceeds from the gate over the week end are donated to various charities in Colchis County. For myself and the Paso del Norte Pistoleros, it's been a tradition to attend every year since 1996. The Pistoleros have preformed 10 of the past 12 years. We're looking at rounding up enough folks to possibly perform in 2009.

Over all it was a good week end. Heidi, the Buckaroo, and I arrived in town Friday afternoon. After checking in with the Traywicks to let them know we had arrived safely, we toured the streets to see what had changed over the year. The East and west coasters have tried to take over, only to be disappointed at the amount of tourist that actually pass through town. Many think that the Rendezvous, Wyatt Earp Days, and Helldorado are the norm for tourist traffic, and are disappointed when they receive only one or two people a day the rest of the year. All I can say is: " Duh!"

Friday evening was the mixer sponsored by the Wild Bunch. This year it was held at the saloon located in "Six Gun City". The proprietor has poured a new concrete slab, and added a over hang for the patrons watching the shows. great improvements and much welcomed. It was a great chance to meet old friends and catch up on the goings ons in their lives. Ben Traywick, "Mr. Tombstone" is looking good, and was in good spirits. His son, Bill, arrived later in the evening with his gorgeous bride, Jeanie.

Saturday morning we hit Allen Street to see who all was in Town. El Paso was well represented. From the County Historical Commission we had the beautiful Deen Underwood and her husband, Ham. As with the Historical Commission, and President of Concordia Heritage Association, Ms Patricia Kiddeny. Six Guns and Shady Ladies were represented by Ken Smith, Frank Baron, and two others. With the folks in town on their own, I counted at least 17 El Pasoans.


The current management of the O.K. Corral seem to be a bit greedy. Admission prices jumped through the roof. The $5.00 admission is now $10.00. Maybe I'm getting matter of fact in my old age, but in previous years, members of participating groups, and judges were admitted free, to watch the other groups performances. Not this year!!!! Took a member of the Wild Bunch to twist an arm for Heidi, Marilyn Weaver, Milli Cookson, and I to get in to watch the Wild Bunch. I was pleasantly surprised with the show. I admit that it's been maybe 8 years since I got to watch the Wild bunch in action. It was well worth the finagling.

Of course, Sunday was the Parade with the costume contest. As usual, there were some great outfits, and there were some outlandish outfits. The one thing that struck me this year was the utter lack of sportsmanship on the part of some of the contestants. Heidi had entered the parade despite the fact I was a judge. She was hunted down and yelled at because the parade was "fixed" and she was gonna win because she slept with a judge. Unfortunately, it was one of the locals, who lost a steady customer because of that incident. Anyone that knows me, knows that when it comes time for evaluation, or judgment, I don't care who you are, it you're stuff ain't right, it ain't right. For my wife and friends, if anything, I'm harder on them. Oh well, enough of that rant. Next year I think we have a solution for that problem.

The awards ceromony was cut short by a sudden down pour. I ain't talking about a 1/4 inch spit, but a driving rain. In the semi open Dragoon Saloon, the rain was blown in as far as the bar. Once we cleared a path, got Heidi and the Buckaroo out of there and back to the hotel. With alcohol mixed in, was getting ugly after the winners were announced.

For those interested, the winners from El Paso included:

Saloon Girl: Third Place to Tina Flynn
Children: Third Place to Shooter Olivias
Towns Woman: Second Place to Rudy Linkous
Cowboy: First Place to Ernie Olivias
Gunfighter: Second Place to Ken Smith

Damn good showing folks!!!

After some final "Power Shopping" Monday morning we all headed back to El Paso. A good time was had by all.

A Hell of a Send Off

Thursday August 6th, 2008 was the Memorial Service for Leroy Grazelle. I still find it difficult to realize he is now training the heavenly gun crews. Why is it, most folks really don't get to know a man until he has passed away? While I knew he had re-enacted for a number of years, I didn't know for how long, nor how many of his immediate family also re-enacted. Heck I wasn't sure if he was still working, or had retired. Leroy was just always there, more than willing to lend a helping hand, provide advice, or crack a joke. Another thing I observed, there was one hell of a crowd present to say their final goodbyes.

Unfortunately I have had to attend quite a few memorials and funerals over the past few years. Some were crowded, mainly to make sure the deceased was dead. But Thursday, the folks at the church had to haul in not one, but three additional loads of chairs to the guests. Even with all the additional seating, there were still people standing at the back of the church, all there to pay their respects and to say "Good Bye." To me that marks the true wealth of a man, the number of friends and family he leaves behind.

Lincoln County

It is with heavy heart I come to the keyboard today. We lost a good friend up in Lincoln Sunday afternoon.

Old Lincoln Days went off wonderfully. Beautiful weather all day Saturday, and Sunday. Ron Grimes from Carlsbad performed his one man show,"From Buffalo Hunter to Man Hunter" about Pat Garrett. Patricia Kidney had a nice stand set up presenting Concordia Heritage Association. Of course I was doing my gambling demonstrations. And the Military Committee from the Friends of Ft Selden had camp set up at the Dolan House. We had a good turn out. Had some interesting questions from the crowd.

After lunch Sunday, we started tearing down camp to head back home. Long about 2:30 the un- thinkable happened. Leroy Grazelle collapsed near his trailer. CPR was administered until the ambulance arrived. Unfortunately, Leroy did not make it to the Hospital.

Leroy Grazelle will be missed. He leaves behind his wonderful wife, Rosalyn, A daughter Annette, and sons Steven and Billy. He had been involved in re-enacting and the Friends of Ft Selden for years. Matter of fact, it was Leroy who tought me how to load and man a mountain howitzer. That was back in 1997 or 1998, at Socorro. To sum it all up, because of his knowledge, open heart and faith, and willingness to give the shirt off his own back to some one in need,Leroy Grazelle was one hell of a man. I for one am going to sorely miss him.

A long Week, and Lincoln

Well, boys, girls, and Submarine Race Fans, yet another week has gone by. Because of this and that, I'm running late on getting around to posting, and I do humbly apologize for that.

The bad news is that my Monthly Old West El Paso Gunfight Tour is postponed untill Saturday August 9th, 2008. And why you might ask? Because Heidi, the Buckaroo and I are heading to Lincoln, New Mexico for Billy the Kid Days. We'll head up Friday evening, deal cards and talk history, then race back Sunday evening. Ought to be fun.

Got an email from the friends of Pat Garrett. From the sound of it, Cal Traylor took his last group out to see the ranch and Garrett Murder/ Kill site. Only had one couple that didn't brave the rain last Saturday. Other than that, a good time was had by all. Did learn that there are some issues about access to the murder site. But they seemed to be under control.

Wasn't sure if there was a meeting of the Concordia Heritage Society. Not sure iffn I'll make the August one either.

And for the trivia for the day, it was on August 1st, 1895 that Officer John Selman Jr. arrested Beulah M'Rose for drunk & Disorderly, and carrying a gun. She was fined $50.00. Some claim that this arrest provoked hard feelings between Jr. and John Wesley Hardin. Personally, it just an excuse of Papa John Selman to killed the famed gunfighter.

Diamond Dick gets new head stone

Monday evening I got a call from a friend, letting me know that Sonny Zambrano was going to install the granite headstone for Ernest St Leon (Diamond Dick). For those of you unfamiliar with the name, Ernst St Leon was a Texas Ranger, Under Cover man, and Frontier Detective. He served with John R. Hughes and Frank Jones. He earned the name Diamond Dick by way of the large stickpin he habitually wore. He was killed in a gunfight in a Ysleta cantina in August of '98. He was taken to El paso's Hotel Dieu. Despite the doc's best efforts, Diamond Dick died of his bullet wounds on August 31st, 1898. He was only 39 years old.

As far back as we can remember, Diamond Dick didn't have any marker at all. Beth Jones of Concordia Heritage Association located the grave in 1999. Hamilton Underwood constructed and installed a very nice wrought iron cross to mark the grave site. There the situation sit until The CHA purchased a new granite marker for him. I got excited when the call came in, and started making calls myself. Besides my usual suspects, I called and or emailed the local media to let them know whats going on.

So yesterday morning there were quite a group waiting for Sonny. Deen and Ham Underwood, Leon Metz, Marilyn Weaver, myself, Heidi, and the little Buckaroo were all waiting. Sonny was right on time. Deen inspected the stone, and the decision was made on just how it was going to be installed. A camera man from KFOX-TV showed up and shot some good footage.


Leon, myself, and Deen made a few comments for the camera, and as the saying goes: A good time was had by all.

Photo courtesy of Ham Underwood

Weekly update

Well folks, another week has gone by. How many of us remembered the significance of July 15th, 1945? I have to admit I had forgotten myself until reminded by my friend Rod Linkous. It was that evening when the scientists working out at Trinity site detonated the world's first atomic explosion, thus opening the Nuclear era. There are stories of the confusion the racket and flash caused even as as far south as El Paso. Typical government response was that it was an ammo dump exploding. Some This never change.

Actually got to listen to the Leon Metz Show Saturday morning on KTSM Radio. Jon Hansen, El Paso County's commissioner to the State Historic Commission, and Frank Gorman, past commissioner were guests. I know both these gentlemen the county historic commission meetings, and my hat's off to them. Over all good show. From Jon, we learned that the State Commission in heavily involved with the restoration of the Governor's Mansion, especially after the recent fire ( it was arson). They also went over the Historic Commission's acquisition of the Magoffin Home.

Also got to read Leon's column in the Time's this morning. Great piece about the Coyote and him place in history and culture.

I did do a little research in the alleged closing of the Museum of History. After the fall out the previous week, it was decided by Counsel to propose a 2.5% increase in their budget, and well as the Libraries and Parks and Rec. I found it intrigueing that the CVB got a 6% increase.

Now am I wrong, but doesn't the CVB control the Plaza Theatre, McKelligan Canyon ( mainly Viva El Paso), the Chavez Performing Art's Center, and the Convention Center? And don't forget the same company controls the monopoly for concessions there as well ( $3.00 for a SMALL bottle of water- It's Plum Ridiculous!)? So with all the income these folks are raking in form the differnt venues, why do THEY need such a large increase in budget? Friend of mine wanted to throw a birthday party on the Plaza Annex, and by the time the catering and such was factored in, it would have cost her in excess of $25,000.00. Makes me wonder if I'm back in Cook County IL again. Just another of the questions I'd like to ask her majesty, Joyce the 1st if I become Mayor.

Regretfully I haven't had time to go down and review the Butterfield Trail exhibit at the MOH. If I know Barb Angus, it's a damned good Exhibit. Now there's an unsung heroine of El Paso. I remember back in the bad old days out on Americas Ave. She and Rene Harris would be able to accomplish so much, with so little, that they could achieve about anything with nothing. One of the few regrets I have about the new digs is that I can't waltz in the back door anymore and pitch in to help.

Yet Another Week

They say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. If that's the truth I should make Popeye look like an amenic weakling. The old faithful blue pick'em up decided to fry a starter Thursday, so any plans I had for the week end were trashed.

Heidi and I DID make it to see Viva El Paso Saturday night. Yeah they play fast and loose with the history, but overall it was a well put together show, and worth the trip.

The El Paso County Hiscotirc Commission is on hiatus this month, so no meeting to report on this week. Next meeting should be September.

A bunch of folks in town depart Tuesday for Tulsa, OK for the Round Up of the Wild West Historical Association, the result of the merging of Nola and Wola. From what I've seen of the progran for this week, it ought to be a hell of a convention. Paul Cool has a break out session of John B. Tays. I'd kill to be able to sit in on that one. When folks get back, I'll pass on the comments they had.

Speaking of Comments and what the little birdies say, July 27th was the scheduled Dedication of the Concordia Cemetery State Historical Marker. I wasn't able to attend, but from what I heard, A lot of praises were sung for the Probationers and their good work, but nothing on the official agenda about the dedication. If this is true, my question is; "What Gives?" Anyone out there who attended and heard differnt, plus send in your comments.

Another gripe I am looking into. Heard a snipet on Leon Metz's show Saturday morning that the city is talking about shutting down the Museum of History because of buget restraints.
IF true, My question to Hiz Honor and Joyce the 1st is:
1: If we can't afford a museum of history, despite the bond money raise to build it, How can we afford the attorney fees to fight the reopening of ASARCO?
2: If we cant afford to keep the Museum of History open, How can the city afford to build a new Puzzle Palace? If the one atop MCGinty Hill isn't big enough, clear out the deadwood in city Hall. How many secretaries or aids do the Mayor and the Reps actually need?

on well thats for another blog.... when I officially begin my bid for Mayor.

Once I get settled in tonight, I'm going to go over the budget and see where this all is coming from. Once I get a good grip on the details I will post them here.

For anyone that went down town Thursday, I apologize for not being there. With the truck starter going up in smoke, was stuck out in the North East trying to figure out how to get home

Another week. Life was beginning to sound like a Country Western Song. Bobby was sick and cranky, truck broke down, and some one stole all my money. And me with out a beer in the house! Oh well.


Saturday July 5th had some good stuff going on. First was my regularly schedualed "Old West El Paso Gunfight Tour". Unfortunatly, no ne showed up again. I really need to find the resources to advertise out of town....

Henri Flores and his crowd had there Concordia Ghost tour as well. Being without the truck, I couldn't slip by and see what sort of turn out he had.

Trying to contact City Rep Castro, and the Police Chief today. Thursday sees a city anniversary we really out to recognize. See if Ms Castro's secratary ships me off to the Guitar Player's secratary yet again.

And what's so special about Thurday you might ask? It Marks the 125th anniversary of the first El paso Police Officer killed in the line of duty.

Tom Mode was a former Texas Ranger, serving under Lt. James A. Tays in 1878. He also ran a small ranch outside of town. By 1883 Mode was an assistant under City Marshal Frank Comstock. By all accounts he was a hard working capable officer.

Howard Doughty operated the Hart Brothers' Willo Spring Ranch, just outside of SIlver City,New Mexico. He and a couple of friends had sold a herd of cattle in Chiuhuahua, and were celebrating the sale. Doughty was drunk and quarrelsome, raising Cain at the National Theatre on Ekl Paso Street. He even went so far as to hurl empty whiskey tumblers at the performers on stage. Adding two more friends to the group (including Nic Biddle, a reporter for the Lone Star) the quintet made their way to Utah street and the Mansard Roof, a bordello operated by Miss Cora Bell. Doughty was just as troublesome there as at the National, demanding the the house fighting men take him on. Tiring of the Mansard Roof's wares, Doughty led his group across the street to Alice Abbott's Bordello. Doughty doing his best to woo Miss Dora Scott.

Mode and city jailer W.H. Wheat had answered the drunk and disorderly call at the National Theatre. Mode trekked to the Mansard Roof, and found his quarry at Abbott's. Wheat brought Biddle out to the porch, where Mode questioned him about the real culprit in the trouble. Doughty watched this questioning through the window, slipping his .45 behind the couch.

When Tom Mode entered the parlor and informed Doughty he was under arrest, the rancher whipped out his pistol and began firing wildly. Mode attempted to drew his own six-gun, but caught the muzzle in the hem of his coat. Before he could get it clear, Doughty had hit him in the chest. Tom Mode Staggered outside and collapsed in the muddy street. Doughty, his companions and jailer Wheat all scedattled out of the area. In his defense, Wheat claimed it was to fetch a doctor and the marshal. it was two weeks before Capt Murray of the Rangers arrested Doughty in Colorado City. With the legal manuvering and such, it wasn't until April of 1885 that Doughty stood trial. he was acquited on grounds of self defense

To mark the occasion, I invited the Chief of Police, NE CIty Representaive Castro, to join me in the parking lot on South Mesa Street, between Overland and Piasano Thursday evenng at 7:00. Be interesting to see if anyone shows up.

Anniversaries and such

This past week saw two anniversaries.



The first was the third anniversay of my "public" wedding to Miss Heidi. That was a blast. Hard to beleive it's only been three years.



The second is of one of the most contreversial military engagements of the Old West. Custer's Last Stand.



It was the summer of 1876. Generals Terry and Crook were in the field to return the Souix and Cheyennes back to the reservations. From Ft Abraham Loncoln, LTC George Armstrong Custer led an independant column consisting of his 7th U.S. Cavalry. Custer's orders were to make contact, but not attack any large villages until Terry arrived.



The 24th, Custer's scout discovered a broad trail. Custer moved in, but when the indians discovered his presence, he decided to attack. The agents had reported only approx. 2000 men women and children at large. Custer considered his force large enough to enage and defeat the village.



On June 25th, Custer deployed his forces and attacked. Major Marcus Reno led a charge straight into the village. He met heavy resistance, and decided to fall back across the river. Despite confusion and indicisiveness on the part of Reno, his command managed to establish a defensive position on on ridge above the village. Captain Frederick Benteen lead 2 companies of the 7th through the broken ground south of the village to prevent escape from that sectore, as Custer took the bulk of the command around to the back side of the village to cut off the indians escape.

Armchair Generals still critisize General Custer for splitting his command in this manner. They over look the fact that at that time and place, it was a stanard manuver. Unless the odds were enormously in their favor, most warriors would fight a rear guard action as the women and children fled. Unfortuntlay for Custer, Crazy Horse had fought General George Crooke to a stand still on the Rosebud on the 17th. Bouyed by that victory and Sitting Bull's medicine, the Soiux and Cheyenne warriors had no intention of retreating that day.

Custer's first real sign of trouble was when he and the lead elements of his battalion came out of the coolie and crossed the Little Big Horn. Instead of being behind the village, he was only a third of the way along side of it. The agents had under estimated the number of Indians in camp. Instead of facing some 600 warriors, the 7th Cavalry was going against over 2000 of the best light Cavalry the world had ever seen. The battalion was decimated, Commanche, CPT Keough's mount being the only survivor. Reno's battalion took heavy casualties as well, but held off until General Terry's arrival on June 27th.

The best description of this battle can be found in King's "Indian Fights & Indian Fighters." First published in 1909, it has been reprinted a number of times by various University presses. Even with the new archelogic eveidence uncovered after various fires and floods, the account still stands, despite revisionists.

Keep your Powder dry

Shakespeare Weekend

The weekend of June 21st and 22nd, Heidi and I were out at Shakespeare Ghost Town for the living history tours. Of course, Shakespeare is our hme away from home, and the little Buckaroo seems right at home as well.

For those of you not familiar with the town, Shakespeare was a mining community just outside of Lordsburg, NM. The first boom occurred in 1870, drawing many a charactor to the region that would turn up in Tombstone a decade later. In 1935 rancher Frank Hill purchased the town site as his ranch HQ. His wife Rita, and later daughter Janaloo would preserve the buildings as they collected and documentd the stories concerning the town.

Manny Hough, the owner is doing well. He was a little "tuckeredout" from chores Thursday and Friday, so I conducted the tours on both days. Considering it's June, and with gas costing an arm and a leg, we had a darned good turn out, with over 130 people visiting the town over the week end.

Manny had a surprise for Heidi Saturday afternoon. A paranormal research group out of Tucson arrived to look into the ghost stories connected with Shakespeare. That being Heidi's billiwack, she was invited to work with the team. A real professional group. I'm waiting to find out if they caught anything on the recorders.

I was reminded of a little told story. In 1882 Curly Bill Brocious showed up in Shakespeare with a case of the measles, and an infected gunshot wound. According to the old timers, Curly Bill didn't recover. AT that time the Earp Vendetta Ride was in progress. Many of the residents of Shakespeare were allied with Curly Bill in one way or another. They didnt want Wyatt to have a body to brag about killing, so they buried Curly Bill in the basement of the General Merchandise.

Now in the late 1920's, the General Merchadise was being used as a school House for the children of the Mexican workers at the mines. As the story goes, one day during recess, a number of little boys playing in the basement dug up a human skull. Not wanting any trouble or disruption, their teacher made them rebury it, and promise not to tell anyone.

Rita and Janaloo both said that occassionaly one could smell a faint wift of sulpher when in thay corner of the building. Is the story true? Just as true as you want it to be.

Four Dead in Five Seconds.

Here it is, the 3rd of April, and still no place to definitely hold the observance of the gunfight anniversary. I had envisioned gathering at Cleveland Square in Down town El Paso. Been trying since the end of February to get clearance from city hall to use the park. Wasn't until the 24th of March that I finally was able to talk to Barry Russell at Parks & Rec about the use of the park. Had to shoot off a proposal off the cuff, and still no response. It's beginning to look as if we'll gather at San Jacinto Plaza, shoot it up on the grass there, and if the cops arrest us, be loaud and vocal in court!

I can't see how this folks up in the "Puzzle Palace" ever get anything done. Guess since I don't have a refinery, or a bank, they don't want to fool around with El Paso history.

Up and Running

Well folks, it's the first installment in the gunfight central of Old West El Paso. This should be the first of many rantings and ravings about El Paso's Old West History and what's being, or not being done to exploit or preserve the history of the Sun City. I will also document the process as I attempt to establish various events, celebrations and ceromonies in the region to mark the regions colourful history.