I have been working with my friend, Jeff Smith, to create a short video advertising his new book titled, "Alias Soapy Smith." Jeff is the great grandson of the infamous bunco artist known as Soapy Smith who lived and died in the late 1800's. I have a preliminary version done, but cannot yet show it as we have not yet received permission from all of the artists involved in displaying their wrok.
In the meantime, if you are a fan of old west history, you can order a copy of the book from www.klondikeresearch.com or www.soapysmith.net . I am up to Chapter 10 and I have to say it is one of the most detailed biographies you will ever read and it includes a lot of familiar names from the time period. Did you know that Bat Masterson helped to rig an election in Denver?
Check it out.
BB
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Old West Social
I have just returned from Norco, CA where I attended a session of the Old West Social Gathering. Also there were Terry Ike Clanton and Jeff Soapy Smith. Ike, the EmCee, continued the theme of paranormal events in Tombstone started on his most recent episode of the Haunted Saloon. I spoke a bit about the possibility of Doc Holliday being buried in Griffin, Georgia rather than in Colorado as is widely believed. Soapy passed out a few of his books about J. R. Smith II, but there were no $50.00 bills inside as he promised. :)
Next week it is on to the Dragoon Mountains and then Tombstone for Clanton Days. See y'all there.
Next week it is on to the Dragoon Mountains and then Tombstone for Clanton Days. See y'all there.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Sutter Mill Millionaire
I just put up another video. This one is about Sam Brannon, the man who started the 49er gold rush and then got rich selling supplies to the miners. I went to the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park up in Coloma to tape the old sawmill and ran into Ed Allen, a volunteer at the park, who told a few tales. This is one of them.
If you ever wondered where the notion of community property came from, watch this 5:38 video:
Sutter Mill Millionaire
If you ever wondered where the notion of community property came from, watch this 5:38 video:
Sutter Mill Millionaire
Friday, October 30, 2009
Doc Holliday video is online.
My video of Holliday cousin Bill Dunn hosting a brief tour of the highlights in his Doc Holliday Museum is now online. I really enjoyed visiting with Bill who spent the entire day showing me around. He even took me to the gravesite where he is certain Doc and his father are actually buried there in Griffin. Check it out: Holliday Museum
I am about ready to start my next trip. I will be attending the monthly Old West Social Gathering in Norco, CA. Jeff Smith and Ike Clanton should be there. Then it's off to a weekend in Mesa, AZ for Old West Days and finally on to Tombstone for Clanton Days.
Have camera, will travel.
I am about ready to start my next trip. I will be attending the monthly Old West Social Gathering in Norco, CA. Jeff Smith and Ike Clanton should be there. Then it's off to a weekend in Mesa, AZ for Old West Days and finally on to Tombstone for Clanton Days.
Have camera, will travel.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
New videos
As I am finally caught up on all my obligations, I now have time to work on all the video episodes that I have been putting aside for so long. I am nearly complete with Bungalo Bill's visit to Georgia, which includes a brief visit to Stone Mountain to view its enormous bas-relief of three Confederate heros, and a tour of the Doc Holliday Museum in Griffin. Many thanks to Bill Dunn, owner and curator of the museum who spent his whole day chatting with me and showing me around. He has a surprise or two for old west historians.
Also in the works is an old video of my friends Jerry and Dixie Brewer out at the Ringo grave site where Jerry shows me how to find a lion ant, or "doodle bug" in the dirt near the grave. I will have them both on YouTube shortly.
Also in the works is an old video of my friends Jerry and Dixie Brewer out at the Ringo grave site where Jerry shows me how to find a lion ant, or "doodle bug" in the dirt near the grave. I will have them both on YouTube shortly.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Meals on Wheels - wine country style
I went on another mini-adventure yesterday, this time with the wife along. We rode the Napa Valley Wine Train from Napa to St. Helena through the middle of California's wine country. We enjoyed a great four course meal and fabulous scenic views through the panoramic windows of the Vista Dome coach. A wonderful "three hour tour" that didn't leave us stranded on a desert island.
During the meal, I overheard a conversation from the next booth where a young lady described her encounter with vice president Joe Biden. Her words - "The whole time we were talking he kept looking down my blouse. He was a complete ass."
No comment.
During the meal, I overheard a conversation from the next booth where a young lady described her encounter with vice president Joe Biden. Her words - "The whole time we were talking he kept looking down my blouse. He was a complete ass."
No comment.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Bungalo Bill pays a visit to Virginia City
I went to Virginia City yesterday and had a great time. No special occasion, I just wanted to see the town again and compare it to our favorite town of Tombstone. Folks there were very friendly and I certainly did not feel out of place in my 1800's outfit. I hit the street at 7:00 a.m. which is too early for most people, but it was nice to get in a camera shot or two before the sidewalks got crowded.
The historic downtown area is a lot bigger than the section of Allen Street in Tombstone. There are a large number of saloons and shops of every kind. Bring your walking shoes if you head this way. Parking is allowed along the main street which is C Street, but it quickly fills up before 9:00 a.m. This is not the height of tourist season so plenty of free parking was available on the side streets.
I love this town. It has several museums including one dedicated to Mark Twain who lived and worked there as Samuel Clemens before he became a famous writer. There are dozens of houses and buildings still standing and in use from the 19th century including a mansion built by George Hearst (remember Deadwood?)
I caught a performance of David John and the Comstock Cowboys at the Bucket of Blood, which is but one of the many watering holes along the street. Great band and a lively crowd.
They now have a steam train that runs from Virginia City to Carson and back, as well as a "short line" diesel that takes you out to the mines through some really scenic areas. Lots of history in this town. I will be heading back soon. Videos to follow on both the Haunted Saloon show and on my site, West of the Pecos.
The historic downtown area is a lot bigger than the section of Allen Street in Tombstone. There are a large number of saloons and shops of every kind. Bring your walking shoes if you head this way. Parking is allowed along the main street which is C Street, but it quickly fills up before 9:00 a.m. This is not the height of tourist season so plenty of free parking was available on the side streets.
I love this town. It has several museums including one dedicated to Mark Twain who lived and worked there as Samuel Clemens before he became a famous writer. There are dozens of houses and buildings still standing and in use from the 19th century including a mansion built by George Hearst (remember Deadwood?)
I caught a performance of David John and the Comstock Cowboys at the Bucket of Blood, which is but one of the many watering holes along the street. Great band and a lively crowd.
They now have a steam train that runs from Virginia City to Carson and back, as well as a "short line" diesel that takes you out to the mines through some really scenic areas. Lots of history in this town. I will be heading back soon. Videos to follow on both the Haunted Saloon show and on my site, West of the Pecos.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Gold Country
U.S. Marshal Bungalo Bill has just returned to Tombstone from Coloma, California.
I had a great time visiting the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park. It's a short ride up the trail from Sacramento, near Placerville. This is the home of Sutter's Mill where the Gold Rush of 1849 all began when John Sutter's employee/partner James Marshall discovered gold in the American River. Videos and pictures to follow, both on West of the Pecos and on the Haunted Saloon internet TV show. I interviewed blacksmith Bob Wirth in his shop and spoke with guide Ed Allen in front of the old mill. Sincere thanks to these gentlemen for their time and effort.
Most of the buildings in Coloma are actually part of the state park. It is virtually a ghost town. This is one place I am going to visit again in the near future. If you would like to visit the park, take Highway 49 off of U.S. 50. Don't take the Shingle Springs exit. That drive is now private.
I had a great time visiting the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historical Park. It's a short ride up the trail from Sacramento, near Placerville. This is the home of Sutter's Mill where the Gold Rush of 1849 all began when John Sutter's employee/partner James Marshall discovered gold in the American River. Videos and pictures to follow, both on West of the Pecos and on the Haunted Saloon internet TV show. I interviewed blacksmith Bob Wirth in his shop and spoke with guide Ed Allen in front of the old mill. Sincere thanks to these gentlemen for their time and effort.
Most of the buildings in Coloma are actually part of the state park. It is virtually a ghost town. This is one place I am going to visit again in the near future. If you would like to visit the park, take Highway 49 off of U.S. 50. Don't take the Shingle Springs exit. That drive is now private.
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