Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Bonnie Parker's Bloodied Glasses-- An Update Worth Waiting For.

A ways back now, I published an article concerning Bonnie Parker's bloodied glasses-- reportedly worn by her and recovered at the scene of the ambush.  The owner of the glasses, a gentleman named Steve from Massachusetts (who has wished his full name to remain anonymous)-- had provided clarification to the blog re: Bonnie's specs, in telling of Shreveport, LA. Sheriff Thomas Hughes having obtained Bonnie's glasses after the waylay.  And what has seemed to be quite adequate provenance, has been documented here and elsewhere concerning Bonnie's bloody spectacles. However as is usually the case within Bonnie & Clyde History-- Bonnie & Clyde "naysayers" assembled after publication of the article to criticize, scrutinize and beat about the head, any notion of Bonnie's glasses being legitimate.    

Now for those of you who've studied the U.S. Bureau of Investigation Dallas Bonnie and Clyde File (file #26-4114)-- you'll know Sheriff Hughes to be a figure steeped in controversy, who some (apparently including the Bureau at the time)-- felt to be non-trustworthy.  Also stories regarding historical accounts, are often considered just that-- without some form of corroboration.  Fast forward to the present.  With "many thanks" to Jason-- here are scans of The Shreveport Journal, dated May 24, 1934.  Within an article Titled "Barrow and Parker Woman Had Paid in Looks and Health for Months of Dodging Officers"-- now an independent account of Bonnie's glasses (including their being splattered by blood)-- as reported by Tom Ashley, Journal Staff Reporter.  Since I've never seen this article before-- as Hubert Humphrey used to say-- I'm "pleased as punch" to provide it for you.


By including scans of both the Journal front page and article-- I hope all will enjoy seeing an olden account of Bonnie's glasses, newly brought to the fore.  Along with my thanks to Jason and best to Steve-- I can't help but include a note for the naysayers, who've previously expended time and venom in attempting to dispute Bonnie's glasses.  My feeling is as always concerning uncovering historical evidence.  Just as in life-- patience is indeed a virtue.  And when it comes to those who spend what could be valuable time, attempting to dispute with such animosity damn near everything within this history-- just think of the positive energy which could be spent, if not already stoking the fires of the indefensible.       
    

5 comments:

  1. Dear Winston and Jason. Thank you for posting this article. As owner of the glasses, I have never seen it before. I especially love the descriptive prose which was so typical of that era (e.g., Bonnie with her tough, "male" like features, etc.). The article is written from an interesting perspective in that their lives would certainly have taken its toll both physically and emotionally. B&C history never fails to fascinate. Again, many thanks!

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  2. I am extremely happy for the owner of the glasses. You truly have a historical artifact. Something that was on Bonnie the day she passed blood and all.

    You have something to be treasured. Thank you should also go to the person for the article and sharing it.

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  3. Both Steve and I have expressed thanks to Jason-- who so graciously contacted me re: sharing the article for the blog. It's likely thought, everything has been seen by nearly everyone concerning this history. Neither Steve nor I had viewed this Shreveport article before. As such, I'm sure many have now viewed the article's contents for the 1st time as well. It's always best to keep digging within Bonnie & Clyde History-- as you never know what you'll find.

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  4. It's interesting the way that they described Bonnie's features as being more masculine - wonder which picture they were comparing her to? I never saw Bonnie as anything but feminine-looking - not particularly androgenous - but it could be that with all the weight she lost, the bony angles of her face gave a more masculine impression. (I notice that as I myself get older and bonier, I don't look as girly as I used to, and I was never the girliest-looking girl, anyway!) I've never seen that article before, either, and it's always good to see new info! (Haven't been around as much - been too busy to spend much time here!!!)

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  5. This is awesome - I haven't seen these articles before! I've noticed the difference in their appearance between their early days on the run and their final days - Bonnie, especially, shows the toll that was taken. In the photo of the family gathering in November of 1933, I think it was (it's the photo in which Bonnie is wearing a slender dress and wearing some type of wrap over her hair) she looks especially frail and thin. Thanks for providing this article!!!

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