Yes.. There's Redemption In Bonnie & Clyde History.

Last evening, I sent a link to the last post here on The B&CHB-- re: the alleged Bonnie Swatches to James Howard.. the gentleman offering the swatches for sale.  I am pleased to report, that quite graciously-- Mr. Howard has removed his eBay offering of the swatches, pending a more thorough examination into the swatches' provenance. 

Also, that a healthy exchange of views between James and myself, resulted in the following expressions from Mr. Howard-- which he has allowed me to post here..

 

"I am trying to locate Joe to get the proper names. Unless I had been lied to which over time I have come to understand it is hard to authenticate but the size of the vest and shirt were quite small. I would never let anyone try it on but only one woman could fit her hand in the cuff. It was dated properly and quite rotten. I care very much about history and as I said I mainly collect history and movie pieces. I will share the info I gather with you and until then I will take the swatches down."

 

"I am sure if all of my proper homework but to me it seemed they were very secretive over giving out information.  And I was not asking about anything to do with B&C.  The information was given to me that he was a distant relative and his grandmother had these pieces.  Which then took 2 years to get to me after seeing pictures and asking questions.  Once again I understand and do not argue the fact."

 

"I never aimed to take anyone for a ride or anything of that nature.  But again I need to find out this absent info.  Thank you for your help as well. It is appreciated."  --James Howard 11/16/15 

 

I know some have asked "What else can be done"??-- concerning dealing with inequities in Bonnie & Clyde History.  Well with some folks- perhaps little can be done to sway them into the "Court of Reasonableness and Change" for the good of this history.  However with some such as James Howard-- at least James was willing to listen and adapt for now.. with an eye toward the future and good of history in general.  I think I can speak for Bonnie & Clyde History.. at least for those for whom this has been an issue.. and say "Thank you" to James Howard-- for acting in a way, many would think he wouldn't. 
 
And for those who've also worked so tirelessly on this issue-- "many thanks" to you as well.         
 

Hopefully-- there will be more to come re: the Bonnie swatches and search for their truth. 
  

When It Comes To Bonnie & Clyde "Relics" For Sale Or Bonnie & Clyde Lore-- Don't Be Fooled By Those Who Apparently Don't Care.. If You're Fooled Or Not.

These days, it seems Bonnie & Clyde History can sometimes be deluged with "maybe" truth, "maybe somewhat" truth or out and out fabrications of truth-- backed by provenance only "The Invisible Man" can see.  And we've surely been through a lot of this in recent years-- from Jeff Guinn assertions backed by his "All written history" defense.. to the 7th man at the ambush.. to the torturing of Bonnie & Clyde and staging of a fake ambush.. to claims of Bonnie's children.. to bricks and rocks and windows and whatever else from "here, there and everywhere"-- having been "donated" (yeah, sure..) from Bonnie & Clyde's last hideout in Sailes, which has been gone for decades now.. to ?$!!#$%^*?!? 

And "ah"-- the Bonnie swatches are for sale again.  Based on others alerting me to this suspect offering-- months ago, I had offered James Howard who uses the moniker Photoboy1988 on eBay.. a forum here, to please provide proof of authenticity for his alleged Bonnie vest and swatches.. sold both through eBay and also through the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum.  He's never responded.  Mr. Howard is known to the Bonnie & Clyde historical community, as he has made the rounds with his "Bonnie vest"-- and also publicized this swatch offering not only on eBay.. but within his public Facebook page as well.

Alleged and "guaranteed" Bonnie vest.  As most likely know who follow this history-- Bonnie Parker was a quite petite woman, who stood about 5 feet tall.. and on a good day, weighed maybe 100 lbs.  She and Blanche, who was 5'1 and when captured, weighed 81 pounds-- were known to be able to wear each others clothes.  Now.. what size is this vest??

So when someone posted on another B&C site the other day, that the Bonnie swatches were back on eBay.. I decided to ask questions of the seller.  I don't think he knew it was me-- but as he didn't ask, I didn't tell.  So like any other member of eBay in having the right to ask questions-- I did.. hoping to understand what these supposed Bonnie swatches are, and where they came from?? 

I did find it interesting though.. that after having asked a number of questions of Photoboy1988 concerning this offering-- that eBay page still didn't register or show any questions re: the swatches??  I wonder if eBay should know about that??  Questions definitely made with responses forthcoming from the seller.. which don't appear for others to benefit from.  "Hmmmm".  

1st of all.. this is the offering.  In the screenshots ahead, my questions of Photoboy1988 appear right above the blue Reply prompt.  His replies can be read at top under Photoboy1988 moniker.  My additional comments for this blog post, appear below that same blue box.
  

The text above Bonnie Parker's head in the photo states.. "The attached swatch came directly from a vest owned and worn by Bonnie Parker.  This item is guaranteed authentic".

No where within this description, is one word concerning provenance.  Just a prompt to ask questions.. so I did.

Ah, the "family member".. yes that's what we're interested in.  Doesn't say a Parker family member.  And who specifically, might that family member be??  That is the question.

Alright.. so who is Joe Russell, who had permission from his grandma to go into storage??  Which Parker relative is he or his grandmother related to??  Lots' of non-specific talk, while not committing to "anything" of note-- concerning provenance of this item.

Which family was "hush hush"??  A Parker related family??  Yes??  No??  Which Parker related family??  If knowledge exists to support this item.. why isn't the item defended based on proof?? And BTW-- the reason $200 could be charged for the Clyde pant swatches, and to my knowledge none are left.. is that Marie Barrow certified those swatches as having come from her brother's death pants which she possessed.  Her signature validates those swatches.. and Mr. Howard's signature adorns the Bonnie swatches.  "Yeah man".

And Mr. Howard-- I am surely not confused.. and it's not up to anyone else, to validate an item you tout as "guaranteed authentic".  Anything that comes with such iron-clad assurance, especially something of an historical nature, needs to include supporting proof.  It is up to "you" to prove your item's authenticity.  You are not selling fake movie blood here.  You are claiming you have possessed and are selling, pieces of a "guaranteed authentic" "Bonnie Parker owned and worn" piece of clothing-- which would qualify it as an historical artifact.  That, despite direct and verifiable Parker family knowledge, that Bonnie's possessions were destroyed by her Aunt Pat Plummer, caused by a dispute with Bonnie's sister Billie Parker-- who had asked Aunt Pat to store them.

By your own admission-- you have sold nearly 200 of your swatches over the past 5 years, which myself and others close to this history.. have asked you to please validate as being authentic.  If you can-- then do so, with names named and a clear path to provenance.  And my offer still stands-- for you to use this forum for your validation should you wish.  You are a welcome guest here, whenever you are ready.

If this is the standard being applied-- then where is the proof??

 
For anyone to employ gobbledygook-laden semantics and attempt to shift the burden of proof to others, while reaping financial rewards for items which apparently cannot be proven authentic.. well concerning this item and other Bonnie & Clyde items claimed real, which pop up from time to time without proper provenance.. I suppose the 'ol adage applies-- "Buyer Beware".  A phrase which these days within Bonnie & Clyde History-- should mean more than ever.                   

Although Some May Revel In It-- Shameless Merchandising Does Not Bonnie & Clyde History Make.

Almost everyday on eBay-- one can find a wide array of Bonnie & Clyde "related" items for sale.. merchandise apparently targeted at unsuspecting fans of Bonnie & Clyde History, longing for any warm & fuzzy closeness they can get their hands on.  Some items are admittedly replicas-- although not always clearly defined.. while other items are claimed authentic-- but often without adequate provenance to justify even a 2nd glance, by those who surely know how incredibly rare authentic Bonnie & Clyde items are. 

Then there are the arrogant and "all mighty" power sellers or even once reputable entities, who offer a "myriad" of hapless items thought worthy of someone's idea of important I guess-- but in reality, have little if anything to do with this history.. besides the desire for public accolades, based on self-touting fluffatudes.  Now of course, fluffatudes isn't an actual word-- but it outta be.. as it seems to fit so well within this context. 

Re-creations of wanted posters, reprinted photos, novelty currency, dioramas, pendants, money clips, belt buckles, Photoshopped fantasy images which never existed in real life, DVDs, nightclub visors, Halloween costumes, comic artwork, jewelry, Racer Back Tank Tops, figurines, decanters, tee shirts, supposed physical location pieces like building materials and swatches of clothing without adequate provenance.. hats, towels, hand fans, key chains, Beer Koozies, cups, stickers, buttons, magnets, mouse pads, tattoos, coffee cups, shot glasses (that one you'll need, after dealing with some of this stuff).

Playing cards, coasters, posters, pencils, tote bags, bobble heads, pieces of supposed historical places and even Bonnie & Clyde "dirt" I suppose-- if some were bold enough to sell bags of it, in saying it was from some hallowed Bonnie & Clyde sight then or now.  And the latest entry.. lunch boxes.  Who in the hell uses a lunch box any more?&$!#??  Man some who sell this stuff, seem to have just about everything else.. so I'm waiting to see when Bonnie & Clyde "personal items" hit the market.  Bonnie & Clyde body spray and Condoms anyone??  Too far-fetched??  Oh I don't know.. for all this "historical creativity"-- seems to be leading to some penultimate Bonnie & Clyde item of some sort.

Ladies and Gentlemen.. the Bonnie & Clyde lunch box, with "borrowed" picnic idea.  Saw that on a Tom Methvin Tee Shirt once.. in fact I own one.  Clever idea.  Too bad others can't come up with their own ideas.    

There never seems to be a shortage of marketing schemes, for Bonnie & Clyde.  I wonder what Clyde & Bonnie, would think of all this stuff-- peddled to the masses concerning them??  

So my question is.. Where is the "History" among all the hawking of items people just "gotta have"or think they do.. based on someone making them and throwing 'em out there, in order for some to enjoy Bonnie & Clyde History??  'Don't know where some will find history in a Beer Koozie??  Maybe they'll ponder this history while dropping a few??  However, all this "fluff 'n stuff"-- to me, highlights the greed among some who apparently see only dollar signs.. where helping to impart Bonnie & Clyde historical knowledge, could better occupy their time.

Hopefully, there's a Bonnie & Clyde book in one of those boxes.

Lunch boxes??.. really??  So do the 1st 50 callers get a replica of Bonnie's sandwich from the ambush.. neatly packed inside??  Or maybe some lucky reveler, will get an old moldy mass, with someone claiming it's the real sandwich.  And I just love when some of these folks and supporters pose smiling broadly, at historical markers meant to memorialize the ending of life within this history.  "Everyone smile".. so you can post and share your callous camaraderie on social media. 

Trinkets and disrespect-- seem to go hand-in-hand for Bonnie & Clyde History now.  But don't forget to all buy your lunch boxes. Someone commented, that now some will have a place to keep their unsubstantiated bricks.  I thought that was fair and creative.     

And so it goes.  

         

Just Like "Video Killed The Radio Star"-- Seemingly.. Social Media Now Threatens Bonnie & Clyde History.

Lets try an experiment. Let's take 30 or 40 people.. lock 'em in a room deep inside a house marked "Private" on the door-- where they have spirited and passionate discussions about Bonnie & Clyde History.  Now let's go out into the street, and see what others know of these discussions??  Well.. others would know "nothing" about these grand debates-- for those outside the secret group, would have no way of knowing things they're not privy to.

Now let's make it interesting.  Instead of a house marked "Private".. let's make it a secret Internet discussion group.  Then let's take another secret Internet discussion group with opposing points of view, and people who don't like people in the 1st group.  And for a dash of intrigue, let's add spies friendly to both groups-- for how would one secret group know what the other secret group was doing without them??  Spies knowingly allowed to move about within both Internet encampments, so as to report back on comments, activities and battle plans.  So each secret group knows what the other is doing and saying, and is fed info (consciously or not)-- in order to fuel incendiary comment. 

Oh, and one more thing.. each group has troll-like people among them.. rude, crude, arrogant and anger-laden types-- who act much like "enforcers" in Ice Hockey or non-scoring Centers in Basketball.  For their job stoked by abusive comment, is apparently to incite combativeness, within monumental wastes of hate-driven time.. time better spent aimed at positive and meaningful commentary for the betterment of this history.  That's of course, if anyone else could see what's happening-- besides just members of the "shhhh".. private groups.  

What an odd and twisted reality huh??  So far fetched-- it couldn't be an actual reality.. right??.. could it??  Oh yes it could-- and unfortunately, this underground world  that thrives within social media outlets-- is where many of Bonnie & Clyde History's best and brightest, have chosen to spend their time "enjoying" this history.  Which of course, could inspire comparison to a now iconic saying.. "Houston, we have a problem".

So whether it concerns spirited debate, over egocentric truth-defying antics within The Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum.. or some far-fangled unsubstantiated tale, advanced by plain 'ol eccentric characters looking for Bonnie & Clyde historical attention without merit-- seems some now prefer private message boards to public comment.  This as if somehow magically-- secret comment could be converted to "guts and glory" out in the open showdowns.. like some Wild West encounter in 1888, which actually settled things.  But man, I don't think gunslingers of the Wild West-- would at all understand this Internet stuff.. with hot challenges from the safety of shadows??   

Well I'm not sure I do either.  Therefore, I've had to step away from social media applications of Bonnie & Clyde History which I was invited to (thank you though)-- and return mostly to a more fitting reality here on the blog.. where I know the result of my efforts for those far & wide, who for example are viewing this post now. 

One excessively rude fellow, even tried to tell me how non-respected blogs are in the scheme of things today.  Well with blogs such an integral part of legitimate and daily major media applications these days-- that's surely not true.  Perhaps this gentleman has spent far too much time within the dark recesses of short-lived respect.. where some defenders of nonsense and ill-repute within Bonnie & Clyde History reside-- along too, with those on the "good side" who staunchly defend right within this history.  One thing's for sure.. based on inconsiderate activities which I witnessed 1st hand-- I know now, some can even turn on their own.. to eclipse the tenor of why they're supposedly there in the 1st place. 

As a father and grandfather, I found the excessively rude fellow's hateful tirade against me both sad and remarkable.. in that his Facebook page shows him most often with his children.  Perhaps proof positive, that social media can bring out the worst in people.. who should have consistent values, to set as examples for themselves and others.  Or proof that playing in secret-- allows dark realities a vehicle for expression.. dark realities others may choose to be concerned about-- if only they knew.  I wonder whether this guy would feel comfortable, if his kids could view his hateful words-- and know it was their dad who said them??  I wonder.
 

So you know what??  Perhaps so many wonderful people worldwide (and I'm sure folks reading this)-- with a burning desire to learn of Bonnie & Clyde History fresh and new.. and without tainted views or hatred for anything or anyone-- may lay better claim to advancing Bonnie & Clyde History in the long run, than those who seemingly view this history as group related entertainment now.  For games are fine to play when you're a kid.. as that's what kids do well.  However when seriousness and historical resolve are called for-- to me, seriousness and historical resolve are the best traits for the best and brightest.. not anger, games and immaturity.
              

Those who know me well-- know I have little patience for immaturity and childishness within adult bodies.  For at my age, my feeling is what ridiculousness is that??  So I'll keep an eye on some of these sites, for they are good for learning of information sometimes available no place else.. and perhaps even comment there from time to time.  But I would ask what good is it-- when some of the best and brightest, reside in bastions of secrecy.. where their knowledge and usefulness is limited to conversations among themselves-- and where immaturity and blatantly abhorrent crudeness, can rear it's ugly head and have a home.. where that sort of thing is often tolerated or encouraged.

For their part-- I'm sure many within these cocoon-spun groups believe there is little harm to their private wars.  But as most of these premier, historically-astute & well-schooled commentators of Bonnie & Clyde History, now comment little if anywhere publicly-- while opting instead for the anonymity of private vehicles.. again I ask, what good is comment that cannot be seen by most??  Maybe being able to make pointed remarks and still remain "off the record" is the idea??  So why speak passionately at all.. if not on the record??

I do hope for the good of this history, some of these quite talented and seemingly caring folks (some of Bonnie & Clyde History's best)-- will view private message boards as a value added vehicle.. but revert to the light of public comment for the most part from here on out.  For this history deserves honest and open expression to be aired.   

Yes, Bonnie & Clyde History has a problem-- for often now, meaningful comment concerning this history has gone underground-- and is thus confined to small groups of people who battle each other with impassioned gusto.. in believing their path the right path to advance this history.  For what it's worth.. I don't.
 
And for blog detractors and non-believers.. I think I have just helped many around the world, learn about an important aspect of this history they would've never realized.. without a viable public forum to spread the word. 

My best to all who love Bonnie & Clyde History.