Bonnie and Clyde History

Bonnie & Clyde History Notes

2012-01-24T03:55:00.001-05:00

Visitors from Tanzania, Montenegro & Armenia-- have added their flags to The B&CHB League of Nations. The Bonnie & Clyde History Blog is proud to be a resource, for keenly interested Bonnie & Clyde aficionados, who've now viewed this historical forum from "141" countries-- and growing. "Welcome" to our B&C friends from around the world.

To search this blog for a topic of interest, please use The B&CHB search tool-- beneath the blog welcome. To view past posts-- The B&CHB Archive can be found bottom blog left. For recent posts, click "older posts"-- after the last post visible. For info on adding comments-- see bottom of this notes section. This Bonnie & Clyde blog, contents & expressions-- are ©2009-2012 by A. W. Woodward with all rights reserved.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!"-- from The B&CHB. Well-- here we go again!! A new post is up concerning what is sure to be a controversial proposed Bonnie & Clyde movie offering. As I always seem primed to battle Jeff Guinn concerning his Bonnie & Clyde contentions-- news of a Guinn based B&C movie, is fuel for a Winter fire here on the blog. Good comments are being added here and there as well. And there's more to come with a new look at Capt. Frank Hamer/in the works. Also new B&C Polls will up soon-- as well as new links, to replace links which have been pulled from You Tube.

To learn about the B&C Death Car-- see posts dated 1/3/2010 and 1/5/2011.

For those looking to explore B&C "Sexual Rumors"-- I'd encourage all to read the 8/8/09 post "Sordid Rumors and Innuendos Exposed".

The ambush site on Google street view-- http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&ll=32.441469,-93.092568&spn=0,0.002057&z=19&layer=c&cbll=32.441389,-93.092618&panoid=ZLPLvxWo1_X5WCJexF96XA&cbp=12,224.05,,0,5.23

Always keep Frank Ballinger in your thoughts and prayers, as he continues to break the grip of cancer. Make sure to visit Bonnie and Clyde's Hideout w/link located blog left.

I hope all will cast votes for the B&C Polls. The B&C Polls, a favorite feature of many-- are found both blog left & right. Test your B&C knowledge.

Many thanks for supporting my authentic dual B&C signatures-- against forgeries offered for sale. Allies are united against those who sell bogus historical signatures. Both Bonnie Parker's poem "The Street Girl" and The B&C Signatures, can be viewed at The National Museum of Crime and Punishment in Wash. D.C.

Among my B&C expressions-- I've given talks for The Dallas Historical Society-- twice been a speaker at the Lorraine Joyner Memorial Historian's Meeting/Authentic B&C Festival Gibsland, LA-- contributed to Bonnie & Clyde's Hideout-- and authored scores of historical articles here on The B&CHB. To have me comment re: B&C for your historical event, e-mail for info.

Please enter comments-- within each post of interest. Comments made within "this" section, are noted but not retained. Please sign up to follow this blog>> blog top left. *Note*-- You must have a user ID to comment here. I'll gladly post thoughtful and polite comments. "Anonymous" comments will not be posted, nor will I read or post deceptive, crass, obscenity laced or extremist views-- where hate "is" the message. Please address correspondence, questions or suggestions to bchistory@optonline.net Also look for me on Facebook--- facebook.com/awinston.woodward

Now a Jeff Guinn Bonnie & Clyde Movie?? Say It Ain't So!!

2012-01-06T01:10:00.033-05:00

It seems I've got some catching up to do. I was alerted to the possibility of a new Bonnie & Clyde movie based on Jeff Guinn's dubious "author for hire" book Go Down Together-- The True Story of Bonnie & Clyde. In light of Director Tonya Holly's long standing labor of love, in working so diligently to bring an historically accurate account of this history to the big screen-- the news of a parallel effort by Jeff Guinn, to me-- falls somewhere within the spectrum of downright disturbing and outright outlandish.

As I've offered my opinion concerning Guinn's historically lacking and shoddily researched book on numerous occasions-- my pointed reaction to a "Go Down Together" based Bonnie & Clyde movie, should come as no surprise. The man who's forever labeled Bonnie Parker a prostitute and portrays the ambush of Bonnie and Clyde based on unfounded speculation-- is apparently trying to cash in on his 1/2 baked effort in a big way.

In understanding how Jeff seemingly used those he should have felt privileged to have even known-- rest assured, bringing a Bonnie Parker prostitute contention to the Silver Screen, will likely draw the sharp ire of Bonnie & Clyde family members-- and assuredly, those of us who strive to bring truth to Bonnie & Clyde History.

Perhaps this time, Jeff's "shameless" esscuse will be the same as before-- in his telling me straight faced "All written history is ultimately best guess". Well if that's true Jeff-- don't be surprised when many band together to level just criticism, and support actions deemed appropriate by those defending their own-- as well as Bonnie & History. The "real" Bonnie & Clyde History-- and not one as told by Santa's little helper.

Bonnie & Clyde's Death Car-- Still As Poignant As Ever

2012-01-02T12:00:00.067-05:00

With "thanks" to good friend of the blog Joseph Rumeo, who hails from the great Canadian north-- recent Bonnie & Clyde Death Car pics, taken by him at Primm, Nevada.

Note the shots from Clyde's side, which after passing through both Bonnie and Clyde-- could only dent the strong steel of the car's exterior on Bonnie's side.

Also note a good close-up of the few shots fired by Dallas Deputy Bob Alcorn, which hit Bonnie's passenger side above the door. So too, of shots fired from the rear by Deputy Hinton-- which entered through the rear window and could have been responsible for severing Bonnie's spine.

Of additional interest, is a fresh photo of Clyde's blue Western style shirt-- as worn the day of the ambush. Black and white images tend to mute the realism and human dynamic associated with Bonnie & Clyde.

But just as color photos of Depression Age America so fortunately exist-- this color image reminds us, that Bonnie and Clyde as well as their victims-- did perish in living color.

The magnitude of carnage levied upon Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow that fateful day in May of '34 is always evident-- when viewing the bullet riddled death car. Movies are one thing-- but reality is quite another.

Like Shooting Stars-- More Bonnie & Clyde Wannabes Gain Their 2 Minutes of Fame

2011-08-12T13:16:00.053-04:00

Well these are certainly not your grandparent's Bonnie & Clyde days anymore. In possessing technology today which Bonnie & Clyde would marvel at-- law enforcement always seems to have the tools and resources needed-- to get the jump on and quickly hunt down criminals who make a big splash. Just as other recent outlaws who the media has ceremoniously & inaccurately ascended to the level of Bonnie & Clyde-- The Dougherty Gang-- Lee, Ryan and Dylan didn't last long on the run. Hell, it seems they were just witnessed buying their tent-- & barely had time to put the sticks up.

Bonnie & Clyde History is so much more profound than just the antics, crimes & passion of a love swooned pair-- most often viewed in polarizing terms, as either callous hardened killers or unfortunate characters of fate. Their history is "our" history-- as The Great Depression affected all, regardless of circumstance. Those remarkably tough times, manifested true hardship, heartache, legitimate desperation and class struggle.

Compare that to this trio of troubled kids, where the threat of one having to register as a sex offender-- was thought would hamper his ability to see his yet unborn child. That could well be true-- but I'm not sure modern problems of personal inconvenience such as this, measure up to the unmatched challenges and struggles a brave '30's populous had to endure.

Although the overall crime rate reportedly dropped during the Depression-- robbery based murder and domestic violence surged, as frustrations were stretched to the breaking point within many. Desperate times can lead to desperate measures, among those where hope flickers like a candle in the wind. I seem to do one of these posts, every time now Bonnie & Clyde are mentioned in comparison to whichever modern day misfits are on the run. I'm sure it won't be long, until this recurring historical inequity is exercised once again by the media-- in order to prompt a reminder, of what truly tough times & iconic criminals were really like.

When It Rains It Pours-- Bonnie & Clyde Movies That is

2011-08-01T02:27:00.027-04:00

With thanks to Russ-- an interesting new development on the Bonnie & Clyde movie front.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/newer-grittier-version-of-bonnie-and-clyde-on-the%2C59500/

However, the source book for this newly reported Burger and Sheldon effort is less than impressive-- at least to me. It looks like I'll need to re-sharpen the skewers once again, for yet another round of Jeff Guinn "historical" comment concerning this newly proposed film. According to this media account, should this additional Bonnie & Clyde movie be made-- it will key on the hype and sensationalism Jeff Guinn brought to bear (without historical basis)-- which seemed aimed at spurring on his book sales. It appears this portrayal, will include a telling of Bonnie's alleged foray into the world of Prostitution-- a claim Guinn has espoused, but can't back with any credibility. To view the damage Guinn has inflicted on Bonnie's reputation-- one only needs to Google the phrase Bonnie Parker Prostitute, to reveal how Guinn's handy work has maligned her.

Whether it be within the realms of politics or film-- as the truth doesn't seem important anymore, it appears this new Bonnie & Clyde movie will look to capitalize on today's successful formula-- of separating people from their $$ via the sensational. My take is-- the "true" story of Bonnie & Clyde if told correctly, is more interesting and poignant than any film portrayal to date. Based on Tonya Holly's passion and dedication to the truth concerning Bonnie & Clyde, it's my belief-- her portrayal will become the standard by which other are judged.

I've been in touch with Tonya, who says she's aware of this alternative Bonnie & Clyde movie effort. Last I've heard, Tonya's moving ahead with The Story of Bonnie & Clyde regardless of likened competitors. I as many-- feel Tonya will provide the saga of Bonnie & Clyde the historical truth these iconic outlaws deserve. I have no such illusion, concerning any effort which relies on Guinn's fantasy-laced interpretation of Bonnie & Clyde. Guinn, who's a "hired gun" contract writer anyway-- has moved on to topics unrelated to the history of Bonnie & Clyde, thus proving his lack of sustained interest in this history. In hearing of his association with this latest Bonnie & Clyde movie effort-- I can't say I'm disappointed.

A Bonnie & Clyde History Blog Editorial-- Same 'Ol Shit/ Different Day

2011-06-14T17:57:00.081-04:00

As it seems some just can't control themselves & also speak with forked tongue, it's time again although it be unfortunate-- for an editorial re: the behavior of some within this history. This will be short and sweet-- at least for me, as I don't have time for moronic nonsense. For those who believe in Tom Methvin and his followers/the self proclaimed Bonnie & Clyde "Elite"-- go there/stay there and stay away from here. I will not have my daughter insulted as she was previously, the memory of my "wonderful" and deceased granddaughter dragged through the dirt-- and myself threatened repeatedly by a classless cad and liar-- who works tirelessly at manipulating others, to follow him off the cliff of indecency-- while spewing the lowest form of septic insult.

All I can do is document the threats-- and let he who does a fine job of coming apart at the seams, continue to do so if that's his desire. Rant after rant/year after year/forum after forum/topic after topic/attempt at ruined reputation after attempt at ruined reputation-- should signal to some what reality is. But if those around him still feel comfortable in supporting that kind of crudity and inhumanity, good luck to you-- for your forums repeatedly revert to only being platforms for hate filled vitriol. Unfortunately as such, these forums are often focused on manipulation and spin rather than history. Inciting hatred is bad enough-- but to me being heartless and dishonest, is a far more telling measure of a person's true identity.

Nothing surrounding this history, should be about selfishness, hatred or retribution-- as having the unique opportunity to study a history so steeped in passion and human dynamics, is indeed an honorable and fulfilling pastime. Useless and self imposed drama-- are not.

Dirty tricksters are an old breed, but never supported by the truth. Dates can be changed, threads altered and spin created to influence those easily fooled. But you see, my granddaughter didn't just up and die-- so the end date of cruel comments even though now changed, is irrelevant. My family was going through turmoil concerning Leila's being ill-- at the same time that a multitude of crass comments were being made. Some might say "we didn't know"-- to which I would reply, "as you don't always know what's going on in people's lives-- you shouldn't have been saying those things to begin with". And concerning insincere condolences-- the indisputable truth is, rude comments were made-- then those same individuals tried to backtrack, and seem sincere in expressing sorrow.

It's funny how hatred and sorrow don't mix. As such, even Tom's cleverly crafted 2 word note of condolence "Very sad"-- was picked out by some within our families, who asked "who is that idiot?" It seems even for those who didn't know anything about him-- in viewing just 2 words of "supposed" sympathy, they had him pegged correctly. Insincerity you see-- is not easily disguised.

Unlike some who will spend countless hours harping on this, and posting rant after rant to waste time and space on their forums-- that won't be the case here. Unfortunately from time to time, I need to respond to another round of this Bonnie & Clyde elitist bullshit. I've sent 1 e-mail in response to many, and hopefully just this opinion will suffice-- in combating a number of newly posted comments elsewhere. Thus, we can hopefully now move on to more important historical matters. As always in these instances-- my apologies for needing to take time for this kind of distraction.

Honorable men, are never dirty tricksters or liars-- and honorable men in the end will prevail. I take pride in having The Bonnie & Clyde History Blog be objective, fair and polite. So even within these comments which by all rights could be much more scathing-- I choose couth over crudity, and honor over disgrace.

Update-- I've now read Tom's latest rant-- a rambling repetitive attempt at saving face I suppose. For the record, having lost quite a bit of weight, I'm in pretty good shape now-- better than in years. And what was that you said in your e-mail about having proof Bonnie was pregnant?? All this time you've made people think I'm wrong about that, and that I've wanted to hurt others in my quest for the truth. Now what was that about Coushatta?!? Prescriptions and Doctor's notes-- "oh my". I wonder if JR knows you send threatening e-mails exposing your research, and holding it over my head as if I care. And is 2022 now the release date for the book??

I know what I feel is true re: a Bonnie Parker pregnancy-- and all this time you've agreed, but made others question my motives?? and investigation. Now at some point, you're going to reveal what you know in support of a Bonnie pregnancy?!? So what was the point of ostracizing me in the minds of others, over something in truth you agree with?? That's a fair question for all to ponder, isn't it?? Hypocrite is as hypocrite does. And where does a pregnant Bonnie fit in with Gordon Baker's book?? He may not have proof, but may not be that far off either. Worth trying to ruin his reputation, or just an attempt to reduce a competitor by one?? So what did happen at the ambush, which was so secretive?? What was the info from a witness to that carnage/never publicly revealed?? I might suggest we try and get along about now. This really seems all about hate-- and I'm not into hate.

"Love is the answer and you know that for sure"
-- John Lennon

And what's that about obsession TM-- as between you and your right hand girl Jan, you sometimes visit here close to 20 times a day. Thanks for the support-- but I don't care at all to look at what you're doing. Just 12 visits on Thursday-- perhaps a little light, but there's always tomorrow.

In Honor of Leila

2011-06-06T05:25:00.071-04:00

I haven't posted a photo of my granddaughter Leila until now-- something I've wanted to do for all who had expressed kind thoughts upon her passing. It's a shame at the time, some were wrapped up in trying to destroy the reputation of Gordon Baker and also in taking callous shots at me at a most inopportune moment-- while my family was in the midst of heartbreak.

I've now had the chance to read through the B&C History Discussion forum, which I imagine some might prefer I wouldn't have found. My advantage in having seen this now, is to better understand who among the self proclaimed Bonnie & Clyde "Community" are sincerely passionate about their cause (as there are some good folks there)-- vs those who just seem to be insurmountably vulgar individuals. I have noted those who went out of their way to make cruel remarks, while at the same time appearing concerned about my family and myself during a period of immense personal tragedy. Although I didn't know it then, a number of what appeared to be sincere condolences re: my granddaughter's passing-- obviously were backed by less than true feelings.

So for those who are interested, and in her honor-- this was Leila. And to those who were nice enough to exercise restraint and decorum within that forum of grand disrespect-- my sincere "thanks" and appreciation. Also to those loyal to The B&CHB, whom I know expressed genuine and heartfelt concern for my daughter, my family and myself-- I again offer my most grateful thanks. I'll always remember your wonderful kindness. However for those whose false words and actions deserve no accolades-- please note my feeling that this wonderful little girl-- was a far better person in just one year of life, than you'll likely be in all your days. To treat people as you do just because you feel like it, I'm sure is not what you would want others to do unto you.

Maybe we're a little more even now. Oh and for those who've expressed "glee"-- in thinking you've made a difference in having brought down Gordon Baker and his book, I don't see it that way. Those who cast stones, but yet have or support what many might consider marginal theories-- and without evidence to back their cause-- really should think twice before criticizing others. Fools and their followers it seems, serve little purpose-- except to entertain their own twisted sense of hatred. I can think of fewer things more useless.

It's interesting how some people's hidden truths are exposed when the chips are down, while others remain true to the self always seen. Hey-- What goes around, comes around. And as a friend of mine recently posted-- "Pay no mind to those who talk behind your back, it simply means that you are two steps ahead".

Joplin Relief-- Please Help If You Can

2011-05-28T23:12:00.021-04:00

The Joplin relief effort in helping displaced families is seemingly a monumental task. As such I would ask that if possible, all help if you can-- even with a small donation. Although for many of us, our only link to Joplin is the Bonnie & Clyde History that resides there, this very human tragedy is certainly not a Bonnie & Clyde event.

I must take a moment to say, I've now heard of a Bonnie & Clyde Historian's fund being established for Joplin relief. I suppose that's alright-- however I'm not sure anyone should tag this tragedy to promote a Bonnie & Clyde anything. You don't see a B&CHB Joplin Relief Fund, as I can only feel the Red Cross Chapter there on the ground in Missouri-- is likely the correct vehicle with which to donate. Also-- any comments concerning complaints about Joplin residents I've seen advanced recently, in dealing with Bonnie & Clyde matters at a time when Joplin's citizens are dying-- is abhorrent to me. Bad taste & timing as I view it.

You can find links to the Ozark Red Cross Chapter here, on Frank Ballinger's site and on my facebook page. I encourage all who can-- to please donate. And don't feel you need to link any association to Bonnie & Clyde to do so. I'm not part of any historian's fund, and although I'm sure it's well intentioned-- I'm not so sure it's entirely necessary. I just hope all will do the right thing-- when doing the right thing is all that matters.

Link to the Ozarks Chapter of The American Red Cross for Joplin disaster relief--
http://www.redcross-ozarks.org/joplin/

"Thank You"

Joplin, MO Devastated by Tornado-- Death Toll High. Bonnie & Clyde's Joplin Hideout Survives Twister

2011-05-23T01:33:00.092-04:00

Joplin, MO has sustained much damage after a powerful double vortex tornado struck the city on May 22nd. The storm which has been identified as an EF5, had winds topping 200 MPH. More than 140 fatalities have been confirmed, with many still missing. Besides heart felt concern for the lives and property of the good people there, there's also been an interest among those who revere this history regarding the condition of Bonnie & Clyde's Joplin hideout.

As tornadoes have destroyed a number of Bonnie & Clyde historical sites over the years, I've attempted to learn what I can concerning this situation-- while maintaining a proper and compassionate focus on the lives and families of Joplin residents, which of course must be the overriding concern. Regarding Bonnie & Clyde's Joplin hideout, Tonya Holly has declared the following via facebook-- "Just heard from Phillip McClendon, he said the apartment in Joplin is fine. It is on 34th St. and the tornado went down 32nd St. He is going to let us know where people can send supplies or whatever is needed to help. He and his wife survived the tornado in their closet, but their house and many of their neighbors are gone. He is the owner of the Bonnie and Clyde hideout. I was so glad to hear his voice."

My Goodness, what a story. Thankfully the McClendons are safe, but their harrowing account illustrates just how serous this situation was. Many thanks to Tonya for the update, and may God bless the citizens of Joplin in their time of need.

Author Ron Morgan had communicated with me, in providing his feeling that based on his knowledge of Joplin-- that the tornado may have come very close to Oak Ridge Drive. How right he was. As Ron and I and others have expressed continuously since this tragedy occurred-- people and families must come first, before historical matters. As such, priorities need to be placed in the right order. As nearly 1000 hits were logged on this site on May 23rd and 24th alone, mostly searching for info on Joplin-- there's obviously been great interest expressed. Many thanks for your patience and understanding-- within what are most dyer concerns for the people of Joplin.

The Story of Bonnie & Clyde. Hilary Duff's Out-- No She's In-- No She's Out-- No Wait, She's In??

2011-05-18T03:18:00.028-04:00

As many know, I've tried my best to keep up with the ongoing saga of The Story of Bonnie & Clyde-- Tonya S. Holly's independent attempt at telling a true life version of the History of Bonnie & Clyde for the silver screen. In exchanging e-mails with Tonya over the past few days, I've discovered the heartbreaking and unfortunate truth-- that many associated with the film were affected by the devastation of the recent tornadoes which swept through Alabama. Some associated with the film or within their families lost their homes or worse-- lost friends or loved ones. Shooting was also said to be affected by the toll of the tornadoes. Upon expressing my somber condolences to all affected, I politely attempted to learn what I could from Tonya concerning the progress of the film, which has apparently been sidetracked repeatedly by a lack of adequate funding for the project.

But then I seemingly walked into a hornet's nest of controversy involving the reported firing of the movie's leading lady Hilary Duff by Holly. TMZ had reported this rift and although Holly's website Cypress Moon Productions still lists Duff as portraying Bonnie Parker for the movie, imdb.com has removed her from the movie's actors list. Hilary Duff has issued comment-- including making a statement for the U.S. news show Access Hollywood Live that she approached director Holly through her agent for clarification.

"I said, 'Well, I wanna, like, release a statement, but if I got fired I just want you to let me know so I don't release something, saying, 'I didn't know that I was fired. "She emailed me and said,"You know you're my Bonnie and of course I don't even know where this all came from and I'm so sorry..."

Thus Hilary's conclusion has been expressed this way-- "So, if the movie ever gets made, I think I'm Bonnie... It's been a long time coming. With these independent movies, sometimes they never get made or sometimes they take 10 years to get made."

However, importantly what may be have been overlooked by Hilary Duff within her statement-- is the reality that Bonnie was barely 20 years old and Clyde not much older when the saga of Bonnie & Clyde actually began. So especially with it's lead actors, time is of the essence as no one's getting any younger. And although Tonya has always been most generous in keeping The B&CHB informed of her movie's progress, this go round it appears more measured responses were the order of the day regarding the status of the film-- both from a filming perspective and perhaps more critically, a funding one. I too am hopeful this updated and projected true life account of Bonnie & Clyde will indeed be made. But it seems especially for a bold and independent project such as this-- this is no time for a recession. There's still interest in this movie, but understandably it seems less-- than 2 years ago when interest was at a fever pitch.

So channel your positive thoughts and hopes for what could be a wonderful and historically important film-- and stay tuned for more on Tonya Holly's The Story of Bonnie & Clyde.

Prentiss Oakley Finally Gets His Due

2011-05-18T02:29:00.009-04:00

In a move which seemingly took longer than it may have needed to-- an updated plaque has been installed at the Henderson Jordan Memorial Park in Arcadia, Louisiana. This newly crafted brass plaque has now corrected the oversight of a year ago, where former Bienville Parish Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff and Bonnie & Clyde ambush posse member Prentiss Oakley-- was inexplicably left off the memorial commemorating the 6 members of the posse. This memorial is located at the former sight of Congers Furniture Store and Funeral Home in Arcadia.

In a gesture befitting of Prentiss Oakley's place in history-- the new plaque (pictured here)-- includes mention of Oakley, whom is known to have been the lawman who killed Clyde Barrow. Many thanks to Holley, for providing the image of the new Henderson Jordan Memorial Park plaque for those who frequent The B&CHB.

Bonnie and Clyde Truth-- "Oh" Those Authors

2011-05-04T20:21:00.139-04:00

Every so often I'll comment re: truth in Bonnie & Clyde History, a topic which most know with confidence that I'm committed to wholeheartedly. I wonder what it is about modern society, that truth has seemingly taken a back seat to reaping the spoils of unbridled greed-- or has truth really always been at the mercy of reality as seen through rose colored glasses?? It almost seems now we're to the point where accuracy has roughly the same value as mediocrity. From reality TV with no basis in reality, to journalism which regularly sports apologies and who's output is rarely proofread-- to books where some authors seemingly say as they please, and treat historical events with the same care employed by tabloid journalists.

And at least for one Bonnie & Clyde "historical" author with a much celebrated release, it seemed easier to incorporate a catch all disclaimer in attempting to negate even the need for historical accuracy-- rather than field legitimate questions concerning his work. Add to that the pungent aura of self aggrandizement amongst some, in appearing to take credit for others' long standing research within more modern efforts. What do you suppose is lacking within today's historical sensibilities??-- which has transformed what "should" be stellar standards upheld in the researching and reporting of history-- into some denigratory clay like modeling of history, to fit perhaps within the narrow maximization of a 16 week book tour. What's apparently lost on publishing houses today, is the fact that once historical books hit the discount racks-- they still retain lasting impact. And do publishers really possess the ability to research and resolve factual issues, without succumbing to the temptation of allowing sensationalism to drive book sales?? Now there's a question for a whole 'nother article.

I must say I'm not much into publishing plugs for authors who leave what appear to be self supporting comments-- which I suppose they hope will be posted, and just so happen to coincide with a book release. Recently-- a claim of propriety for the 1st publication of knowledge concerning a Bonnie Parker pregnancy was advanced behind the scenes here, along with the assertion of remarkable proof having been cited for this contention. Well being as interested as I've been for a number of years now in this mystery, and having launched my own investigation into a possible Bonnie Parker pregnancy which I feel "has" produced interesting insights-- I was of course eager to learn of this remarkable info. But it seems the catch was, I had to buy the book to find out.

I don't feel any historian, should install a financial prerequisite on another historian in the sharing of what could be key historical information. Selling your wares is fine, but seeming to hold out for cash historian to historian-- I had never heard of that before, and frankly skepticism on my part was the inevitable result of such an action. And as no revelations were forthcoming within a number of follow up e-mail exchanges, to support this gentleman's statement that Bonnie had told a friend she was 3 months pregnant-- I can only believe this monumental info had to do with Clemmie Methvin's insights as related by her sister in law Emma. However as I and others familiar with this history are aware-- that knowledge along with other Bonnie Parker pregnancy angles have been known and written of for years, and in some cases decades. Perhaps this individual wasn't familiar with the extent to which I've delved into this mystery, but it became clear through our e-mails-- that the weight of new knowledge concerning a possible Bonnie Parker pregnancy rested squarely on this side of the keyboard.

Hey, gotta push to sell those books-- which I'm sure are fine books-- but not here, where Bonnie & Clyde truth is sought without compromise. As this particular True Crime book having to do with Dillinger truths isn't primarily focused on Bonnie & Clyde, and it's author (who seems a nice enough fellow)-- is better known for reporting on other notorious outlaws, I'll wish him well with his book and not belabor the point-- except to say I feel Dr. Carroll Rich and John Neal Phillips might appreciate their published efforts being recognized. Carroll wrote of a Bonnie Parker pregnancy circa 1970 with regards to Dr. James Wade's findings upon examining Bonnie-- and in 1996, John chronicled additional detail concerning this rumor.

Some of John's work was then footnoted within Jim Knight's book, with Jim using personally held interviews with Clemmie Methvin concerning Bonnie's revelation to Emma concerning her pregnancy-- as well as the preparations of women in Bienville Parish to help Bonnie. Another Clemmie interview regarding this topic exists amongst numerous interviews, which are so far unpublished. I have read transcripts of or viewed a number of these remarkable interviews from those alive in 1934-- most of whom are no longer with us.

Among Phillip's revelations was the story of Dallas Herald Reporter Bill Duncan, who in searching for answers concerning this mystery, traveled to Arcadia apparently for the express purpose of viewing the undraped body of Bonnie Parker in death-- in attempting to determine Bonnie's state of pregnancy if any at the time of her demise. That was of course nearly 77 years ago. Ala John Toland-- some authors who specialize in other outlaws, or paint outlaw history with a broader brush-- understandably might not always convey Bonnie & Clyde History to it's fullest insights. Of course in fairness, the opposite would certainly hold true-- should I try to impart many of the finer nuances of John Dillinger or Alvin Karpis.

However as this author was seemingly hell bent, on espousing a conspiracy theory and cover up of a Bonnie pregnancy-- my reply (even though I too believe Bonnie may have been pregnant when killed)-- was to exercise caution, and prompt this gentleman to provide more proof than just logical feelings. Logical feelings and $2.25 will get you a ride on the NYC subway-- provided you can find a MetroCard machine that takes cash!!

It seems true, as expressed by some within this history who are wise enough to possess a uniquely broad perspective on previously published Bonnie & Clyde works-- that so much knowledge (whether true or not) regarding these iconic desperadoes just seems bandied about from book to book-- and with some said insights having little basis in fact or evidence to support them. Also the groundbreaking info from Dallas FBI file 26-4114, to my knowledge-- was 1st used by Paul Schneider within his 2009 release Bonnie and Clyde: The Lives Behind the Legend. Some may not care for Scheider's unique narrative style in telling the story of The Barrow Gang from a surmised point of view, but Paul's research including his use of the aforementioned FBI info seems strong.

One disturbing element within this debate over truth within Bonnie & Clyde History, has to do with some authors' apparent ease in incorporating previously known work-- while seemingly taking credit for their use of it. One highly regarded Bonnie & Clyde author has related his feelings concerning this to me, while a well known B&C Historian has been so bold as to use the term plagiarism, to describe his impression of a recent B&C work. Just as with popular music these days, where blatantly sampled million dollar hooks from the past-- are re-spun into new songs in seeking the expedient all mighty dollar-- such seems the case with some historical chronicles published within this lightning quick data driven world.

"Sorry-- I'm too busy to exchange e-mails with you concerning this history, as I'm out promoting my book"-- is a phrase the gist of which I've experienced in one form or another, more than once in recent memory. But as we're all really busy in one way or another these days-- I feel you make time, when something's important to you. Also if you've gone to the trouble, to publish an historical effort likely filled with blood, sweat and tears-- wouldn't it seem worthwhile to discuss it within the realm of historical relevance?? Winston Churchill's famous quote about truth as depicted at the top of this article-- couldn't be more relevant.

It's most interesting what you learn by telling the truth, and suggesting the need for higher standards within this history. But it seems a sad reality these days-- that support for supposition driven assertions, and less than truthful self promotion of others work can so easily be bought and defended. However just remember-- facts are not decided by how many people believe them, and truth is not determined by how loudly it is shouted. Hopefully, there will always be an honorable defense of truth in Bonnie & Clyde History.

Grapevine-- The Truth Remains at a Murky Depth

2011-04-25T23:19:00.047-04:00

This Easter marked the 77th anniversary of the Grapevine killings-- another of the many uncertain Bonnie and Clyde events, where truth seems poised as if formed of mercurial lines. It's of course clear, that officers Wheeler and Murphy were viciously gunned down that Easter in 1934-- upon investigating what unbenownst to them was a suspicious car containing The Barrow Gang. However now close to 8 decades later, exactly who actually shot the 2 motorcycle police officers that day remains a mystery-- along with how many and which weapons were used.

Many who take the lawman's view within this history and without an element of pity, look to Grapevine as a vindication of sorts for Frank Hamer-- in supporting his statements made in justifying the killing of Bonnie Parker. However the statements of said eyewitness William Schieffer have been debated for decades, and with good cause-- as contradictory eyewitness accounts exist. Schieffer was never able to identify Bonnie Parker as the woman he saw that day-- and in fact, even though it was apparently more than obvious that Clyde Barrow and his accomplices were involved, the police in sorting through the accounts told that Easter Sunday-- oddly decided to charge Billie Mace and Floyd Hamilton for the crime. Billie and Floyd would ultimately be exonerated via ballistics evidence found within the Warren death car. Also-- even though Emma Parker seemed desperate to wish a clean pass be given to her daughter in telling of a Henry Methvin confession to both murders-- the number and types of shell casings reportedly found at the scene, don't appear to support the participation of just one killer. It seems more logical that both Clyde Barrow and Henry Methvin pulled the triggers that day, although many seem eager to eliminate Clyde as one of the shooters.

Yes this is yet another murky Bonnie & Clyde event, which to those who cannot forget the senseless murders of H. D. Murphy and E. B. Wheeler-- point to both the brutality of The Barrow Gang and the reality of the times in which they lived. For those who wish to portray Bonnie and Clyde as victims, Grapevine like their other killings-- can be fashioned as if an origami folding into justifiable homicides of self preservation. However for those who view Bonnie & Clyde as nothing more than cold blooded and perhaps psychopathic killers, Easter Sunday 1934 was just another day-- except for which these particular murders along with The Barrow Gang's other killings-- should never be forgotten.

Bonnie & Clyde Sexual Rumor Never a Dull Moment

2011-04-14T11:35:00.082-04:00

During my recent hiatus, I would look to view key word entries used to access The B&CHB. Along with many thoughtful inquiries which I often respond to-- as usual, there were more than a fair share of questions regarding Bonnie & Clyde sexual rumor. Sometimes these questions seem asked, as if this blog somehow provides some bastion of support for that kind of thing. Well unless someone can show me viable proof of such rumors having a basis in reality-- no-- this is actually a place to dispel such meddlesome innuendo.

Nonetheless-- you've just gotta love many of the questions asked by people searching in the dark, for some semblance of Bonnie & Clyde sexual enlightenment. In keeping with my tradition of addressing B&C sexual innuendo in a forthright manner-- I present examples of questions and comments advanced by some in grasping at sordid straws-- and offer historical viewpoints within lighthearted responses.

Why couldn't B&C have sex??
I wouldn't bet on that having been the case-- and if Clyde were around, I wouldn't let him know you're wondering.

Was Clyde Barrow afraid of women??
I don't know-- perhaps Bonnie, Eleanor or Grace would've answered that one best. Clyde also seemingly had good relationships with his sisters and mother. Go figure.

Did Bonnie have sex with the gang??
Which one??-- the 5 member gang, expanded post Eastham gang-- or some version near the beginning or end. It's hard to explain the STDs in both B&C, but in 1930's America-- their malady was at record levels. The STDs prove sexual activity-- but apparently no one who knew Bonnie, described her in a nefarious way. Any Bonnie sordid reputation, seems to have been advanced post ambush.

Bonnie & Clyde gender
Is there a question here??

Why do people think Clyde was gay??
Ah-- that is the question. Thank you.

Tijuana Bible gay
That's a new one.

In B&C was Clyde gay?? Impotent??
I would suppose if the later were true, the 1st wouldn't matter. You forgot sterile. A tough combo to experience-- which I personally don't believe any of which may have applied to Clyde. For both medically and statistically-- from what I've learned concerning Clyde's teenage illneses, when compared to the odds of those experiences causing permanent harm-- I tend to discount the claims of Clyde's inabilities in these ways.

Bonnie & Clyde Hot Sex
OK-- but I thought they couldn't have sex.

Bonnie & Clyde hope for America
Not a B&C sexual question/comment-- but Wow!!

Risque innuendos regarding guns
Have you reached out to anyone, for help concerning this??

Clyde pencils
My goodness-- what does this mean??

B&C bisexual Guinn
With all respect-- I really don't think he might know.

Bonnie, Clyde, W.D. Jones sex
One big happy family??

B&C psychological profile
Again unrelated to B&C sexual rumor-- however "best of luck".

Bonnie Parker sex habits
I would think those who could have revealed any info of that sort for sure, both perished without doing so. Also given the spirit of the day, it was unlikely such personal info was ever disclosed. Thus anything published post death in the crime mags etc., would almost certainly be invented-- and framed toward sensationalism. Hey-- some are still doing that today. Gotta sell those books.

Who did Bonnie & Clyde eat??
A Freudian slip of the fingers??-- or perhaps
the grand champion of B&C sexual rumor quotes.
My favorite anyway.

I poke a bit of good-natured fun here, in an attempt to raise the bar above the fluff-- & encourage more individuals wondering about B&C, to concentrate on more serious B&C concerns. But a little light hearted commentary sometimes isn't a bad thing. My long standing challenge still stands-- for anyone anywhere, to please provide any reasonable proof to verify any Bonnie & Clyde sexual rumor. After all, facts are facts-- and rumors are called such for a reason.

I find it remarkable, that I can't get even "one" of the multitude of people who inquire about B&C sexual rumor-- to leave a comment explaining why they're fascinated by these somehow vital but unfounded rumors?? Perhaps someone will be brave enough to explain the lure of these feelings-- even though there's no credible evidence to support such claims.

The Baker Ambush Account-- The "Pause" is the Key

2011-04-12T21:48:00.161-04:00

Right up front I'll say I've wrestled with my approach to this post. On the one hand-- I suppose many might feel the proper way to provide stark analysis and comment, re: the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde as published within Gordon Baker's Retribution-- would involve a point by point comparison to other known ambush accounts, as stated by participants who witnessed all hell breaking loose on earth-- that uncomfortably warm 1934 morning near Sailes, Louisiana. However as many are already entrenched within their favorite ambush stories, and generally seem unwilling to consider alternative possibilities-- I'm not sure what use those comparisons would be. The reality seems to be, that polarizing viewpoints based on conflicting stories of the ambush-- may too long be set in stone within many to be adjusted.

Plus the problem I see with that approach, involves the same roadblock as evidenced since 1979-- Ted Hinton's account of the ambush. For no matter who believes what concerning the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde-- in revealing his "come clean" version of events that day, Hinton's account directly or in effect frames all other ambush accounts as told by posse members who talked-- as cover up stories. As these other versions of the ambush differ from Hinton's account and each other in most curious ways-- the question we're forced into by default, is which story to believe??

Some might picture that most uncomfortable gap between the proverbial 'ol rock and a hard place to explain this dilemma-- while others may view this historical debacle, as tantamount to paddling against a stiff current-- and thus after much effort, arriving at no place in particular. Plus concerning the Baker ambush account, although this story could be true-- there's almost no evidence to substantiate it. Thus to me, for some to go through the creative exercise of forming elaborate arguments regarding which detail is or isn't feasible within the Baker story seems fruitless-- as the proof's not available and the accounts being compared to can't be substantiated by intense scrutiny either.

In preparing for this article, I felt it important to re-visit source accounts of the ambush as published at the time-- rather than count on well traveled Bonnie & Clyde reference book versions, so often editorialized over the years. I thought perhaps this approach could help ferret out overlooked clues from the unadulterated interviews of those who were there, where talking points could be derived to address Baker's version of the ambush.

Frank Hamer gave an interview the morning after the ambush, which was published in the Dallas Post Dispatch. Another Hamer account, which included said secret Hamer info as related by a Hamer friend-- was published within Startling Detective Magazine. In a similar fashion, Henderson Jordan's ambush story was also published later on-- and can be found in the November '34 issue of True Detective magazine. Bob Alcorn gave an interview the day of the ambush-- published the following morning in the Dallas Morning News. And perhaps the most famous ambush account, can be found within Ambush-- Ted Hinton's B&C memoir published posthumously in 1979, which to many serves as his legacy.

Among conflicting tales, told by 6 lawmen trained in the art of observing and relating "detail" within their peace officers duties, but who strangely couldn't agree on many key elements of the ambush-- along with accounts told by other witnesses that day-- there's one crucial clue which to my mind holds the key to the Baker account. That pause-- as believed heard directly after Prentiss Oakley squeezed off the 1st 2 shots killing Clyde Barrow. As told by Gordon Baker, within Charles Baker's account of the ambush-- this discernible pause is prominently noted. And as seemingly related no where else to date, Baker fills in that gap in time with a Bonnie Parker plea for mercy and attempted protection in vain-- for her unborn child. As told within Retribution-- these brief but clearly audible cries went un-headed, and shortly thereafter-- Bonnie was shot to pieces.

Of interest to me-- is that Mr. Baker's not the 1st to buck the lawmen's version and reveal the possibility of a pause having occurred, before a brutal barrage of shots penetrated the Warren car-- passing through a likely already dead Clyde and killing Bonnie Parker. However there's plenty of disagreement, in sorting out this apparent independently confirmed and controversial claim. In examining the raw interviews-- the comparisons go as follows.

Within his ambush account, Bienville Parish Sheriff Henderson Jordan notes witnessing a number of very specific and audible verbal exchanges between Ivy Methvin, Clyde and Bonnie. Then with Methvin diving for cover, Jordan states-- "The sharp report of rifle sounded. It's echo was drowned by the roar of six guns. Lead was poured into Barrow's car." Thus Jordan seems to reveal the slightest of pauses-- enough time for the echo of the 1st shots to ring out, before any following shots were fired.

Bob Alcorn never mentions Ivy Methvin, Prentiss Oakley, the Warren car coming to a standstill or any pause in saying--"Clyde began to slow down. All of us jumped up from behind that little mound. We had rifles and shotguns pointed at him. By this time he was in fifty feet of us. He saw us and reached over grabbing for what we later learned was his gun. We let him have it. His head flew back. Bonnie toppled forward. The car careened to the left and ran into a sandbank. We didn't know whether we killed them or not".

Frank Hamer in employing hindsight within his interview the next morning, recalls the moment of the ambush with curious detail-- in saying "Clyde was driving less than 30 miles per hour. I raised up and commanded them to halt. At the same instant, Clyde reached for his 12 gauge sawed off shotgun leaning on the seat between him and Bonnie, and Bonnie reached for a 16 gauge sawed of shotgun. I gave them a chance to halt but they didn't, so we gave 'em the same medicine they've given so many others. *Note-- This is the interview, which may have forever framed Hamer's opinion of having killed Bonnie Parker in the eyes of many by his stating-- "I hated to shoot a woman-- but as I looked down my rifle barrel I remembered that Bonnie Parked had taken part in the murder of nine peace officers. I remembered how she kicked the body of a highway patrolman at Grapevine, Tex., Easter Sunday, and fired a bullet into his body as he lay on the ground. Bonnie just got in the way of bullets intended for Clyde Barrow. A woman like that had something like that coming to her."

However, within a later vintage article on Frank Hamer entitled Outlaw Tamer of the New West-- more is recounted of the ambush in a more dramatized story, including info said supplied by an unnamed friend of Hamer's. Although this article contains seeming exaggeration, out and out falsehoods and often contradicts Hamer's earlier version as told at the time of the waylay-- some details (such as B&C reaching for weapons)-- actually support other ambush stories. However note that Prentiss Oakley's 1st shots are conspicuously missing. Thus no pause. Among other things not mentioned-- there's no mention of Ivy Methvin.

This article recounts the ambush as this-- Hamer restrained his impatient aides and at 9:30 they sighted a V-8 coming up the rise. A truck slowed the Ford up and at the crest of the hill the car came almost to a complete stop. Six rifles leveled at the man and the girl in the car. "It's Barrow," cried Hinton and Alcorn confirmed. Six voices cried "Hands up!" Barrow dropped a hand into his lap for the weapon that lay there. Bonnie reached for a shotgun at her side. The six rifles Browning automatics all, roared. Lead smashed through the windshield, through the windows, through the body of the car. Barrow's head slumped onto his chest and his body rolled oddly and lifelessly over into the seat. His foot slipped from the clutch and the car started up jerked forward in high for a few feet and into a ditch. The Hail of leaden death never let up until the automobile had settled over onto one side. Hamer found Barrow drooped lifelessly over the car door, one ear and the back of his head torn off, his chest driven in by 50 bullet wounds. Terribly mutilated also was Bonnie, one hand clutching a pack of cigarets, the other an automatic shotgun. Hamer turned away, slightly ill.

Hinton's version of the critical moment was expressed as this-- "He has pulled even with the engine part of the parked truck, twenty feet in front of me, and he is in my gunsight, though his car is still moving. Suddenly, Alcorn's deep bellow "HALT!" arouses him. Alongside him Bonnie screams, and I fire and everyone fires, and in the awful hell and noise Clyde is reaching for a weapon, and the wheels are digging into the gravel as he makes a start to get away. MY B.A.R. spits out twenty shots in an instant, and the drumbeat of shells knifes through the steel body of the car, and glass is shattering. For a fleeting instant, the car seems to melt and hang in a kind of eerie and animated suspension, trying to move forward, spitting gravel-- etc".

Nicely written, but here's a question-- again what happened to Prentiss Oakley's 1st 2 shots?? Those shots are not apparent, nor is any pause seemingly discernible at all in Hinton's account. Although not in interview form with him directly, fortunately-- Prentiss Oakley apparently related thoughts of his ambush experience to friends-- who revealed some of Oakley's comments over the years. These revelations have been available in video form. Importantly, Oakley admitted firing first-- but said he wasn't sure why he fired. It's thought the intense pressure of the moment, may have caused Oakley (with a bead on Clyde)-- to squeeze his trigger initially. But again, true to other ambush posse accounts-- I don't recall these stories of Oakley's exploits, including mention of a pause after his firing.

However in throwing a gleaming monkey wrench into the lawmen's accounts-- this pause "is" noted within the accounts of independent observers, some of whom were present to witness the ambush with both their eyes & ears-- and some who instead witnessed it just aurally. As told within Bonnie & Clyde A 21st Century Update, Jim Knight notes that Prentiss Oakley emptied 5 shots into the Warren car, with only the 1st shot having hit Clyde in the temple killing him instantly. Jim states that as witnessed that day, only Oakley's 1st 2 shots stood out on their own-- with the final 3 being drowned out within the carnage which ensued. Buddy Goldston is footnoted as the source of that info, from his Remembering Bonnie and Clyde documentary interview.

John Neal Phillips also makes reference to this pause in firing, within his iconic Bonnie & Clyde rendering Running with Bonnie and Clyde. In this offering, Prentiss Oakley took 2 shots prematurely-- with Hinton seeing Clyde's head snap back. Then all six officers opened fire. It's seems unclear from John's account-- how long this pause was noted to be. The man named as the source of this critical info, concerning Oakley having fired with the pause that followed-- is Gibsland resident Olin Jackson. Mr. Jackson was working in the fields some 2 miles away, at the time of the ambush. Olin who to me was a good but testy interview, and who recently passed away having reached his late 90s-- told this now famous story of having heard the initial shots-- followed by a pause and then a wrath of gunfire. Mr. Jackson's claim has been chronicled in both video form, and within some of the more reputable Bonnie & Clyde historical reference books.

Although none of these accounts note a duration for this pause (which would be key to the Baker account)-- as I understand it from my many talks with "Boots" Hinton, who heard this story from Olin-- Mr. Jackson noted a slight pause before additional gunfire erupted. How slight is slight-- may be the "most" important element in wading through the Baker ambush account. As mentioned, not even Ted Hinton who professed to have exposed the truth within his account of the ambush-- mentions this discernible pause and thus offers no details from that experience. But it seems to me, those sympathetic to the lawmen have been forced to comment on this gap in time-- and admit to a contradiction in events as reported, based on independent witness accounts.

This opens up the possibility to all sorts of contradictions to the reality of that day-- as the lawmen themselves couldn't seem to get their stories quite straight. Concerning that pause in firing-- as others independent of the law and independent of the Baker account witnessed this pause-- I am inclined to believe such a pause indeed occurred. But it's what happened within that pause, that's important to Baker's story.

The crux of the Baker ambush account is that Frank Hamer hired Charles Baker, said to have been a freelance Canadian born photographer living in Texas at the time-- to record on film the capture of Bonnie & Clyde. Within this story, Hamer's motivation seems to involve preserving for some future use (perhaps his own)-- professionally shot footage of the ambush. Thus Charles Baker is reported as the "7th man" at Sailes that day, who chronicled the ambush. The film from 3 strategically placed movie cameras, was said to have been confiscated by Hamer-- who made sure no footage remained out of his possession.

As further explained within Retribution, during that pause & after Prentiss Oakley had noticeably killed Clyde-- Bonnie was said to have pleaded for mercy-- with enough time seemingly having elapsed for Baker to believe the posse might take Bonnie Parker alive. But then to Baker's horror, Bonnie is executed in a hail of bullets. After the ambush, and with posse members self absorbed in sifting through the bounty of their efforts-- Charles Baker is able to abscond with Bonnie's diary, which was well hidden under Bonnie's seat. This diary apparently revealed a final Bonnie Parker poem (Retribution)-- and diary entries from January 1st, 1934 until the morning of the ambush. It's said Bonnie's final diary entry, eerily foretold of her own death on that very day.

Of course the beauty of Retribution from a documentation viewpoint-- is that there isn't any. It seems the most crucial element of Baker's proof (Charles Baker's notes)-- were destroyed in a vindictive act by a Baker relative. I don't know about you, but I guarantee you one thing-- if those were my notes, they would have been locked up tight in a safe deposit box so that no cruel fate could befall them. I suppose Gordon Baker's explanation of Bonnie & Clyde not being of particular importance to him in 1985, couldn't have been better illustrated-- than by his apparent disregard for the value of those irreplaceable notes, which today could be historically monumental.

I've read much of the overzealous banter re: Retribution, as professed by those within this history who like to spread their skepticism like a blanket-- and pick apart any and all minutia within the saga of Bonnie & Clyde to the point of obsession. I myself don't feel it makes any difference, which wind up cameras may have been used by Charles Baker-- or where he was when the proceedings in Arcadia were unfolding. Hell-- the cloak of secrecy concerning the ambush of B&C casts such a dark shadow, I would challenge anyone to recount the actual events as they occurred that day-- based on any one or combination of ambush accounts. It's my belief, the full truth concerning the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde may never be known.

To me this is simple-- we could debate Retribution for years, but I don't feel we need to. Could Charles Baker have been at the ambush at the invitation of Frank Hamer?? Sure. Could he have recorded the ambush on film that Hamer confiscated?? Sounds like Hamer to me. However-- did this event actually happen as portrayed within Retribution??? I would ask politely, how these accounts could be believed objectively-- with nary a shred of proof??? I would feel more comfortable concerning Charles Baker, if some evidence of his existence could be shown. We know much about the 6 who fired at Bonnie & Clyde-- but nothing about Baker, with the exception of a word of mouth account and secondary notes. Could Baker and his participation within this history, just be one of those deep dark Bonnie & Clyde secrets-- never meant to see the light of day?? That could be a fair assessment-- as I believe many of those secrets exist. However I must say, the already murky ambush of B&C is hardly the place-- to throw in this added historical mystery without some element of proof. Concerning Baker and his story-- having a disclaimer act as a barricade at every turn, is not good for historical disclosure.

Regarding the pause which I feel so important-- based on independent witness accounts, no matter what the lawmen said that day or later in life-- I for one believe there was some discernible pause after Prentiss Oakley's 1st shots rang out. And the lawmen themselves may have evidenced this, with the claim that Bonnie was heard to scream after the law's presence was known. That's an interesting clue, as it too notes a space in time for reflection-- but at what point this scream occurred (pre or post Oakley's shots)-- would be vital to know. I'm still searching for a Bonnie scream from source material at the time, but am not sure this Bonnie reaction was noted until later. Hinton notes it after Alcorn's warning and prior to any shooting having started. It's funny-- they "let them have it"-- but some still had time to hear Bonnie's scream. Another seeming inconsistency.

However none of those who witnessed a pause in the firing, seemed to note a pause long enough for Bonnie to have made her plea as noted by Baker. In this case, the timing of gunshots wouldn't lie-- and that timing element-- a pause long enough for Bonnie to plead for 2 human lives and attempt to surrender-- doesn't seem apparent within what could have been terrific corroborating evidence. To me, the length of the pause is the "key" in being able to support or reject the Baker ambush account. In my view-- the amount of detail as reported within that pause by Baker-- could not likely occur within the space of time noted by independent observers. While others may choose to hash out the minutia of this to their heart's content-- I'll stick with this key moment as being most important.

Many know, after looking into a possible Bonnie Parker pregnancy now for close to 3 years-- I make no bones about the fact that at this point, I believe Bonnie may have been pregnant (or thought she was) when killed. I feel there may eventually be enough evidence to support this Bonnie circumstance. Nonetheless-- without even cursory proof for it's claims, I can add little additional credence to a Bonnie pregnancy based on the Baker ambush account. Having said that-- I respect very much Gordon Baker's valiant and stated desire, to have done right in honoring Charles Baker's dying request concerning this story.

You won't get me to say that I doubt Gordon Baker, or attack him as some defenders of the B&C Status Quo have done. I have no tolerance for unwarranted or vicious personal attacks-- whether within an historical context or elsewhere. Historical commentary based on substance is one thing-- immaturity and the use of personal slurs is quite another.

And for those who like to cast stones at me-- yes-- when compared to Gordon Baker, I view my criticism of Jeff Guinn's B&C book in a much different manner. To me, there's no apparent willingness to overtly tout the sensational within Baker's book-- or mold non-facts into facts, while noting via footnotes or e-mail that due diligence was employed-- or use materials with dubious merit from supposed B&C authorities, to make inference where inference cannot logically be made-- or publish claims based on the wrong provenance, when the correct provenance was easily obtainable-- or to utilize a "catch all" disclaimer, which in effect releases him from any and all responsibility historically-- in stating that "all written history is ultimately best guess." That's more the work of a hired gun, with literary experience in writing of vampires and Santa Claus. The simple truth is-- evidence is required to validate historical claims. Otherwise stories such as this, fall into the realm of Bonnie & Clyde lore. And Lord knows-- there's never a shortage of B&C lore.

It's most unfortunate more evidence isn't available to support Charles Baker's claim-- or of the existence of Charles Baker himself. Perhaps this could be sorted out in the future. Proof of the existence of Baker would help immensely, toward considering Retribution and it's ambush account as a viable Bonnie & Clyde work.

I don't believe anyone living, can substantiate exactly what occurred at the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde. I'm must say I'm to the point, where I don't feel confident in any of the stated ambush accounts. There seem too many conflicting and important differences noted, to know for sure what occurred that day-- except that Bonnie & Clyde were indeed killed by the 6 lawmen known to have participated (rightly or wrongly) in that carnage. But I suppose without this profound element of mystery within B&C History, filled with it's many fascinating uncertainties-- there would be little to do but say "Yep-- that's the way it was". And what fun would that be?? Also what can be made of the reported Bonnie Parker poem Retribution-- which accompanies this new B&C book, and could sound the part of a Bonnie poem-- but is it??

As always-- I welcome your comments.

A Bonnie & Clyde History Blog Q & A-- With Gordon Baker

2011-02-15T23:24:00.094-05:00

Gordon Baker's new Bonnie and Clyde offering Retribution, has inspired much comment-- some of it polite, thoughtful and genuinely inquisitive, and some to my way of thinking-- rude, self serving and not befitting of historical discussion. Unfortunately within the analysis of Bonnie & Clyde History, there are some who would prefer to play vicious games, rather than add meaningful comment to this history. With that said, there are many more fair minded and polite individuals-- who keep a wary but open mind concerning Bonnie & Clyde History, and who with the proper element of respect-- are willing to consider alternative scenarios within an historical void, which rarely lets in much light.

Perhaps those so critical of Mr. Baker, should take a lesson from the famous quote attributed to Voltaire but likely written by Evelyn Beatrice Hall under the pseudonym S. G. Tallentyre which states-- “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Within that spirit of fairness, it seems appropriate to comment-- that Retribution consists of a reasonable but brief rehash of Bonnie & Clyde History, derived from a variety of well known sources. And just as a number of Bonnie & Clyde authors have formed their historical opinions based on writings which have come before them, it appears Mr. Baker along with the proper credits-- has accomplished his version of the same. As such although the read is good, Retribution offers little new on the traditional Bonnie & Clyde home front. "However"-- this new e-book's importance and claim to fame, will undoubtedly be it's "7th man" ambush account-- a wildly different and most controversial story espousing the participation of Charles Baker, whom it's said was hired by Frank Hamer to professionally film the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde.

It's purported that to Baker's horror, he witnessed Bonnie Parker plead for her life as well as the life of her unborn child-- only to have those pleas dashed and then be brutally murdered, after the sharpshooting of Prentiss Oakley had already cut down Clyde Barrow within the space of 2 shots. At first what seemed a chance Bonnie would be taken alive, quickly turned to mayhem-- as the ambush posse opened up with remarkable firepower, on just one living individual whom it seemed apparent to Charles Baker could have been saved. Although it's never seemed clear what the posse members realized at the time, or whether their regenerated thoughts only resonated within accounts told afterward??-- when you think of it, based on the totality of ambush recollections-- the sense of Clyde having been hit and likely already dead when Bonnie took the wrath of so many shots-- seems with or without Charles Baker, to have been the reality of the ambush.

However based on this latest ambush account, the key question is-- did an independent observer audibly hear Bonnie Parker plead for her life and the life of an unborn innocent, only to be decimated in cold blood by officers who couldn't control their desire to enact retribution that day-- their own form of roadside justice, regardless of circumstance?? With all the cloaked secrecy surrounding Bonnie & Clyde ambush stories as told over the years, it seems fair to ask whether Baker's account is credible enough to be "the great dark secret"-- and reason for all the conflicting ambush accounts as told, not told or analyzed for all these many decades?? It's not my purpose within this post, to address my opinions or evidentiary comparisons regarding the Baker ambush account. Rather this article, is dedicated to questions and answers addressed to Gordon Baker concerning his book. My next post concerning Retribution, will get to the meat of the matter from an historical viewpoint.

Some have seemingly taken their public interrogation of Mr. Baker to an unhealthy and heartless extreme, under the guise of protecting Bonnie & Clyde historical correctness. Well as someone who staunchly defends Bonnie & Clyde historical accuracy, my view is if someone, "anyone"-- can verify which ambush account is worthy to protect and why??-- well then we have a news flash!! The ambush of Bonnie & Clyde's been solved. But as no one can seem to prove any of the ambush accounts as stated, and it doesn't appear this one can be proven either-- "and" I assure you, even more controversial ambush contentions are on the horizon-- my view is, to maintain an open mind and keep digging for the truth. There are certain aspects of the ambush and it's aftermath, which are pretty much assured. However to this day-- many key elements concerning the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde-- seem about as solid as a dissipating fog.

While some were busy exhibiting non-exemplary behavior toward this latest Bonnie & Clyde author-- I felt it important to reach out to Gordon Baker, in a way fitting of someone who'd presented a new Bonnie & Clyde ambush account. What follows are a series of questions, answers and comments made to and by Gordon Baker. Among many e-mails to hit my inbox in commenting on Retribution, a number of really good questions were advanced-- which I addressed with Gordon Baker both within e-mails and a phone conversation I had with him. Along with queries of my own-- I present here a compilation of questions which many have felt should be asked, along with responses from Gordon Baker. Many thanks, to those who formed questions used in this effort.

Q-- Even though you had an agreement to wait the 25 years until 2010 to tell this story, based on a realization of your own mortality-- why did you risk this information perhaps being lost forever?? Did you ever think to release this information sooner??

GB-- I now understand your concern, as a historian about my waiting so long to make the information public. In that 25 year period, I could have lost my life, and the information I had would have been lost. However, the deal was I had to wait out those 25 years before going public. This was Charles Baker’s wish. No, I never considered releasing the info sooner. I filed the info away and never really thought about it much until the beginning of 2010. Prior to my starting to write the book about B&C at the beginning of 2010, the B&C story was not a big deal to me. It's only since I started to write the book that I have taken more of an interest in the story.

Q--Did Charles Baker make notes of the ambush, and how long after the ambush were these notes made?? Also did you make notes based on Charles story as you heard it?? And did your father perhaps make any notes, based on his knowledge of Charles story??

GB-- Charles did make notes about the ambush, but I have no idea how long after the incident that he did this. I did not make any notes as Charles told me, he would be mailing me a copy of all the information, which he did. My father did not make any notes. Everything I put in the book concerning Charles's participation was taken from his notes.

Q-- Where are Charles' notes now??

GB-- I had all the notes Charles Baker sent me including the envelope till the winter of 2004. It was at that time that my sister destroyed most of my belongings. This is a story about a fight over our parent's estate. It started in 2000 and it is still going on today, eleven years later. In 1999 I purchased a new computer, and that was when I entered the notes Charles had sent me.

Q-- How did your father learn of Charles' ambush account??

GB-- In 1935, Charles father told my dad his son had been with the B&C posse, acting as a photographer. That was all the information he gave my dad and he asked my father to not repeat that information. My dad never told me about that and I only learned he knew about it, the day Charles visited my dad's home in 1985.

Q-- How old was Charles Baker in 1934?? How old was he at his death??

GB-- I believe he was 81 when he died so that would put him at 30 years old in 1934.

(A.W.W. note)-- 1934 plus 51 = 1985. As such, Charles would have died the same year he met with Gordon Baker. Some tight timing-- however Gordon related to me that Charles knew he was dying, and didn't want to pass on without his ambush experience being known.

Q-- Where in Texas did Charles Baker live??

GB-- All I know is that he was living in Texas at the time. I don’t know what part. My father did tell me, because of the type of work he was in, he had to keep on the move to find new jobs and of course the depression of that era didn’t help his cause any. This next comment was speculation on my father’s part. He believed Charles accepted the ambush assignment hoping that it would open up new opportunities, which would further his career.

Q-- Was Charles employed as a newspaper or media photographer-- or was he a freelance photographer, and where was he employed??

GB-- Charles was self employed by himself as a freelance photographer. From my understanding, times were difficult then and being a freelance photographer was not an easy job. Apparently he was quite mobile in his search for work.

Q-- Was Charles Baker an American??

GB-- No, Charles was a Canadian-- who lived in Texas at the time.

Q-- Do you have a photo of Charles, or know of anyone who would??

GB-- I do not have a photo and wouldn’t know where to start to try and get one. I only met Charles that one time. These were distant relatives and the two arms of the families only visited each other a few times in the 30s.

Q-- Do you feel it would it be possible to locate info on Charles Baker??

GB-- Trying to trace back Charles Baker is a mission impossible job. Too much time has passed. The Baker families did not keep in touch with distant relatives. All my dad's brothers and sisters are dead, and it's the same on my mother's side. The same would be true for all arms of the family tree.

Q-- How did Charles Baker come to meet Frank Hamer??

GB-- I have no knowledge of how he met Hamer or what assignments they worked on.

Q-- What type of cameras were used by Charles Baker in recording the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde, and how could more than one camera have been running at the same time??

GB-- I'm almost certain Charles used a Cine Kodak 8 Model 20 movie camera. This camera was used during the 1930s and was employed by many newspaper photographers. Cameras such as this used wind up spring mechanisms, which allowed 2 minutes of filming time for each side of the film. 2 minutes of film would 1st be shot on one side-- then the film cartridge reversed to allow for an additional 2 minutes of exposure. I believe an external spring action device could be purchased, which could extend the motor time.

(A.W.W. note)-- For reference, here's a link showing how an old style Kodak movie camera worked.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3E0fYNtu8w

Q-- The January 1st entry in Bonnie's diary seems to allow for the possibility that Frank Hamer was involved in the hunt for B&C prior to the Eastham Prison break. How would this be possible??-- or does this diary entry purport an unknown reality for the emergence of Frank Hamer within this history??

GB-- In reference to your paragraph starting with, “Also the Jan 1st, 1934 reference. I have read the two entries in the diary and yes, you are right, they do appear to be out of sync. When I was entering the notes into my computer I was taking small chunks, typing them in and triple checking them to make sure I had everything correct. In that regard, I am confident that I did not make a mistake. That raises the question, did Charles make a mistake, did Bonnie make a mistake or did Bonnie know something that has not been discovered yet?

Q-- What other info concerning Bonnie Parker's diary was present within the notes you mentioned existed??

GB-- Charles said Bonnie was quite the writer, and as such many of her entries were long-- in talking of the weather, road conditions, reminiscing about things they had done in the past, and places Bonnie would like to go etc. As such, Charles related only what he thought was relevant information.

Q-- L. J. "Boots" Hinton has sometimes related stories from his father which are unpublished. Have you ever spoken to "Boots" Hinton??

GB-- I have never spoken to "Boots" Hinton.

(A.W.W. note)-- As there's an ambush detail, I've heard recounted by "Boots" which I believe has had little exposure over the years-- I felt it important to ask this question. "Boots" has also told me, that he and Gordon have never spoken.

Gordon Baker comments--

The B&C posse had a seventh man with them who was a freelance photographer hired by Frank Hamer. I personally, do not find that impossible or strange to believe. I believe the ambush of B&C was going to be the highlight of Hamer’s career and he was well aware of that. He was also aware that trophy material, like the killing of B&C would be worth a substantial amount of money. However, he had to settle for whatever B&C had with them at the time of the ambush. I believe Hamer made the decision to have the ambush recorded on film because he knew that would be worth money to news services, newspapers, magazines and maybe even the Hollywood film industry.

The reality was with a seventh man at the ambush, there was now a person who could give a more independent account of what happened. However, Hamer was a methodical type of person and to protect himself in case of a major blunder, he swore the photographer to silence with deadly consequences if he ever talked. His actions make sense and his thinking is logical. If the ambush didn't go as planned the last thing he needed was a big mouth photographer causing him major embarrassment.

Charles Baker's account of the ambush was quite close to the other accounts given by the lawmen. There are however, a few differences.

1) The car stopped on the hill for as long as five minutes, before approaching the truck stopped on the highway ahead of them.

2) Between the killing of Clyde and the killing of Bonnie there was an interval of time, where no shots were fired. I don't know how long that period was, but it was long enough that Charles believed they were going to take Bonnie alive.

3) A third difference is the fact that Bonnie was given enough time to yell at the lawmen after Clyde was killed. After reading Charles' notes, there was no question about it. She was trying to surrender to the law and begging for her life. Her efforts failed, but I believe it bought her more precious seconds. During those seconds, the lawmen had to be wondering was this right, to kill a pregnant woman who was a cripple and pleading for her life? In the end, I believe the lawmen looked to their boss for a signal on what to do? Hamer's signal came in the form of the opening shots, which led to over thirty shells entering Bonnie's fragile body.

4) A fourth difference is the fact, Bonnie in her attempt to surrender told the lawmen that she was pregnant. Another unknown that will never have an answer is would Hamer have given B&C fair warning before firing. My personal thoughts are yes he would have. Clyde vowed he would never be taken alive. If Hamer gave them fair warning, Clyde had two choices, reach for his gun or put the gas pedal to the floor. Either way, he was a dead man in my books.

Hamer went to the trouble of hiring a photographer to film the event. I believe he did this, because he figured he could make some money with the film. If that was true then he needed to follow proper police procedures. However, the ambush took a twist of fate, not in Hamers' favor and he had to bury the film.

Third piece of new info. The photographer finding Bonnie's diary. Again this disclosure of information is hard to believe. However, Bonnie was known to have kept a diary. My own thoughts on this are: The lawmen in their haste or excitement did not find the diary and Charles did. It was just pure luck on his part. However, for him to smuggle it out under the nose of Hamer was one gutsy move.

Gordon Baker thoughts at this time

I have read all your emails 3 times, to make sure I understood them. I have read some comments on line. I knew there would be a lot of skepticism. I knew people would want proof almost beyond a shadow of a doubt. I can understand that. So far I've received two nasty emails. Some people are taking this very personal. It's only now, I realize, I should have taken notes and regret that mistake. At that point in time (1985) my interest in B&C was not that great. I was self employed at that time and owned two video movie rental stores. The renting of video movies was very popular in those days and the stores occupied most of my time.

Gordon Baker conclusion to this point

I'm really wondering if I did the right thing, by going public with the info. However, I believe most people have filled in the blanks anyway. I read one comment on line, where the person stated this news is not new. I wish Charles would have gone public with it, long before he died. That way, everyone would have heard the story from the horse's mouth.

Some people think this is all about me selling books. If people want me to give the book away, I'm willing to list it for free. This was about my keeping a promise. I believe the average person in the U.S. and Canada couldn't care less about Bonnie and Clyde. Actually, I did forget to include a couple of items in the book, which are Frank Hamer did give Charles Baker a pat down looking for any film that Charles may have put in his pockets. That was at the same time he asked Charles to open all the cameras. The other item was Charles did say Frank Hamer was a big man and it was very easy to feel intimidated around him. I can tell you that when Charles started talking about the ambush, he became very emotional. It was clear to me that 50 years had not faded the memories. I do remember him telling me, I don't know how those lawmen can live with themselves, after firing their guns on a defenseless cripple woman, who was clearly trying to surrender. It was this part of the ambush that affected him the most I believe, as he mentioned it more than once.

-- Gordon.

A.W.W. Comment--

I will return soon, with a critical look at the Baker ambush account. For those who feel Bonnie & Clyde History shouldn't be explored to it's fullest, because some in their ultimate wisdom wish to pass definitive judgment on this history-- which is so hard to nail down in so many regards-- some beautifully written words of edification.

The people along the sand
All turn and look one way.
They turn their back on the land.
They look at the sea all day.

As long as it takes to pass
A ship keeps raising its hull;
The wetter ground like glass
Reflects a standing gull.

The land may vary more;
But wherever the truth may be—
The water comes ashore,
And the people look at the sea.

They cannot look out far.
They cannot look in deep.
But when was that ever a bar
To any watch they keep?

Neither Out Far Nor In Deep
Robert Frost 1936

Just the Thing to Kick Off the New Year Right-- The January 2011 Bonnie & Clyde Polls

2011-02-04T21:14:00.065-05:00

I tried to keep things within the realm of easy research, for the 1st batch of 2011 Bonnie and Clyde Polls. So continuing within that vein of simplicity-- here we go. Homer Glaze and Mrs. L. G. Butler, were both said to have witnessed the killing of Howard Hall at his Little's grocery store in Sherman, Texas on October 11th, 1932. When Mr. Hall protested what was apparently Clyde Barrow's abusive and aggressive treatment of him-- Mr. Hall was shot 3 times in the chest. For those who say Clyde wasn't a cold blooded killer and just killed when he had to, the Howard Hall killing is perhaps revealing and fuel for the fire of debate-- as Mr. Hall was reportedly shot a 4th time while dying on the ground. Anger, cursing and abusiveness were noted, culminating in Clyde being indicted for the Hall killing with malice in December of '32.

Contrary to what might seem obvious for the owner of a combination jewelry store, filling station and garage-- John Bucher's training was said to have been as an optician. One can envision the "fine eye" of an optician-- as being useful to a jeweler. 3 filling stations, were reportedly robbed by The Barrow Gang in rapid succession on July 18th, 1933 at Fort Dodge, Iowa. However, it seems in addition to robbing the 3 stations and kidnapping 2 of the station attendants along the way-- some overlooked the 4th robbery committed by Clyde and the gang in Fort Dodge. That of Justin Chevalier, brother of the Texaco owner Leon Chevalier. Justin was relieved of the keys to his car, apparently to prevent the car from being used to trail the outlaws. In one of those amazing Barrow Gang stories, Justin reportedly asked Clyde to throw his keys out the window down the road-- so he wouldn't need to replace them. This "good deed" of a request, was reportedly honored by Clyde.

High powered rifles were said to have been the weapons used by Burley Wetsel and Carl Capp, to fire upon the Barrow Gang as it exited the scene-- after robbing the Farmers & Miners Bank in Oronogo, Missouri on November 30th, 1932. The machine gun fire which was returned in retaliation for the gas men's volley, was said to have just missed Wetsel. Although there seems nothing truly definitive to go on-- a comparison of photos with Emma Parker standing next to Bonnie (who was reportedly just shy of 5 feet in height)-- and Cumie Barrow standing next to a 5 foot 1 inch Blanche, seem to show Emma to be the taller of the Bonnie & Clyde mothers. Although both a teller and a customer at the Henry & Sons bank in Lancaster, Texas, couldn't positively identify Clyde Barrow and Ray Hamilton as the robbers of their bank that late February day in '34-- Clyde's newspaper feud with Ray Hamilton seemed to reveal all that needed to be known to implicate them. Even though 4 vehicles were said used in an elaborate plan to evade the law-- it was Henry Methvin believed to have been at the wheel, when Clyde and Ray exited the bank.

And in a question I though some might get but didn't-- Dr. James Wade's coroners office was in Arcadia-- but his personal practice was located in Gibsland. The burned out remains of his physician's office, is located just across the street from what was Ma Canfield's Cafe-- now occupied by The Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum. I've found an article in the past noting that Dr. Wade's clinic had burned-- but I've never been able to determine when this destruction occurred. Within photos I've taken while in Gibsland, archived here in the B&CHB photo gallery-- in the right shots, you can see the scorched empty space which evidence notes (with the remains of 3 different tile floor patterns visible)-- that the vacant area once housed 3 storefronts. As I understand it, Dr. Wade's practice was located in the far left space.

And finally concerning Joe Gunn and his experience with The Barrow Gang at Reeds Spring, Missouri in February of '34-- it seems the most widely held belief based on interviews with Mr. Gunn, had him walking "to" the store when picked up by the gang near Fred Tolbert's farm. Therefore, he would likely not have had his groceries with him, when apprehended by a powerfully armed and formidable Barrow Gang lineup that day.

Many thanks as always, for your participation in the B&C Polls. Look for the February polls to be posted soon.

Again and Again "and Again"-- A Rude and Non-Productive Bonnie & Clyde History

2011-02-01T05:30:00.173-05:00

One of the least enjoyable things I do concerning Bonnie & Clyde History, is having to comment from time to time-- about those who would attempt to influence which Bonnie & Clyde accounts are acceptable to advance and believe-- and which ones aren't. This history is sometimes so polarized, that kind of thing can actually occur. However within my focus on advancing Bonnie & Clyde truth, narrow minded attempts at historical censorship don't fly with me-- and have caused flaps over the years among some of us with our ears to the ground within this history. As I believe Bonnie & Clyde History should be wide open for new or lesser known accounts to be told and examined-- I never understand the need for the judgmental recompense which can sometimes occur.

Regarding the effort by some, in attempting to discredit the new Bonnie & Clyde book Retribution and it's author Gordon Baker-- prior to more knowledge even being known concerning it's alleged revelations-- unfortunately, I find that a typical reaction by some "gate keepers" of Bonnie & Clyde History-- who in my view couldn't be more wrong. The lack of decorum within this history can be remarkable-- and as I see it, vengeance and threats shouldn't be part of any Bonnie & Clyde historical issue. Passion yes-- but passion to a fault-- no. Plus among some, there could be viewed a discernible conflict of interest-- in appearing to protect other ambush theories and "revelations"-- which to many, may end up being even more unbelievable and non-provable than the Baker account. In my view, all Bonnie & Clyde stories should stand on their own merits (or lack there of)-- and be sorted out based on honest and straight forward investigative analysis-- not childish, cursory and non-productive nonsense.

To all who've sent derogatory e-mails or worse here & there-- or have commented so viciously about this new Bonnie & Clyde effort with it's controversial ambush account, I would ask-- how can you look to shut down possible revelations within Bonnie & Clyde History no matter how "outrageous"-- just because you feel they're not true?? Then like some great protectors-- feel you're doing a service for this history, by attempting to eliminate historical assertions before they're even investigated. Hell if some had their way, I suppose we'd have no Bonnie & Clyde articles or reference materials at all-- based on a rain of skepticism and examinations on the vaunted Internet. As such-- many Bonnie & Clyde books and postulations, could be judged too controversial for publication.

BTW-- for those who send e-mails my way with unsavory comments, apparently aimed at my providing a forum for Bonnie & Clyde accounts you don't feel are cool-- please know I am proud to feature B&C accounts of many types, and don't plan on changing my independent looks into Bonnie & Clyde History anytime soon. Now would I publish an account which said Bonnie & Clyde jumped over the moon?? No-- but other accounts which seem to merit consideration, will find a forum for exploration here.

I would ask why an ambush account like Frank Hamer's, who has Bonnie & Clyde going no faster than 30 MPH when ambushed, be subjected to more or less scrutiny than this account-- or for that matter a total of 4 accounts, which have a warning shouted to Clyde by 3 different officers?? Those conflicting ambush accounts, made by lawmen who were experienced in providing detail concerning circumstances they found themselves in-- but yet couldn't seem to get their stories straight, have been meticulously examined for more than 75 years. So why then is it wrong to examine this new account?? Those who react negatively to new Bonnie & Clyde stories being advanced-- don't seem to like it when the possibility of a Bonnie pregnancy is brought up-- just as now in shooting down this ambush account which involves a Bonnie pregnancy as well. Hmmm.

Apparently for some who fancy themselves as saviors of Bonnie & Clyde History-- anger, hate and censorship are honorable. The Internet and some e-mails are abuzz with less than polite comment on Retribution, as well as threatening language which I find deplorable. I'll be most interested to see, what happens when certain new theories and revelations surface (of which I'm aware)-- and some within this history rush to discredit those questionable assertions. Others can banter behind the scenes, to find hollow justification in support of this kind of thing-- but I cannot. I'm going to learn what I can about these new ambush contentions, and report on them in an objective and historical way.

A parallel concerning Jeff Guinn has been advanced in comparing my handling of Go Down Together to Retribution. "Many" have had issues with Guinn's "True" Untold Story of Bonnie & Clyde. The difference in Guinn's case, was I knew based on correspondence and documentation-- that there were likely issues with his diligence, concerning the Bonnie prostitute angle-- his admitted use of a report based on apparent supposition concerning his ambush account-- and conflict between one of his interviews, and a previously held interview with the same individual. In addition, Jeff's "remarkable" statement to me that "all written history is ultimately best guess"-- well that didn't help his credibility with me either. So in the case of Go Down Together, there appeared to be multiple issues with that Bonnie & Clyde effort-- which when compared to this new ambush account, at least up until now don't apply. It could be, that there won't be enough objective evidence to support this bold new assertion-- but at least the reporting of it, may not have the same issues as found with Go Down Together.

My feeling is there should be civility within Bonnie and Clyde History, that this history should be fully explored-- and in regard to searches for Bonnie & Clyde truth, that the chips should fall where they may-- and not be stacked the way some feel they should look. As always, I hope for a better Bonnie and Clyde History-- and return now to more enjoyable historical tasks.

Retribution-- Does Gordon Baker's "7th Man" Finally Reveal the Truth, Regarding the Storied Ambush of Bonnie & Clyde??

2011-01-24T03:58:00.149-05:00

With thanks to Tom-- I've had a chance to read much of Gordon Baker's recently published e-book Retribution. Mr. Baker's account involves newly chronicled revelations said told by a relative (Charles Baker)-- whom he claims was the "7th man" at the ambush site that fateful May morning in 1934. Baker is noted to have been the photographer hired by Frank Hamer-- to film the capture of Bonnie & Clyde. Within this story, Baker was reported to have had cameras rolling, and chronicled the ambush from the time Bonnie & Clyde stopped at the top of the hill to ponder their fate before advancing (a possibility often discussed)-- to the time the wrecker took the Warren car with Bonnie & Clyde's shattered bodies still inside to Arcadia.

The press release regarding Mr. Baker's e-book can be viewed here-- http://www.wireservice.ca/index.php?module=News&func=display&sid=4348 and the book itself, is available from Amazon.com and I suppose other booksellers.

Among many revelations purported which wax contrary to known accounts-- in Baker's version of the ambush, when Prentiss Oakley hits Clyde with the 1st shots and Bonnie realizes Clyde is dead-- Bonnie screams, then shouts out that she's pregnant and tries to surrender. Bonnie's pleas were said to be audible to Baker, whom it's written was positioned to the left of Hamer at the end of the firing line. After a noticeable pause, and with the car now rolling-- the posse opened up with a torrent of gunfire to the horror of Baker-- who's it's said never forgot that ghastly reality.

Charles Baker is also acknowledged to have recovered Bonnie's diary from beneath her seat, and unbeknownst to Captain Hamer-- smuggled it from the scene. Bonnie's diary is noted to have contained entries from January 1st, 1934, to the morning of the ambush. This diary is revealed to have contained a final Bonnie Parker poem, and notes yet another premonition by Bonnie-- who felt she would die that very day. Entries as said existed within Bonnie's diary, as well as Bonnie's poem "Retribution"-- are detailed within this book which bears the same name. Regulars of this blog will recall, that a formerly true Bonnie premonition concerning the death of her sister's children, was documented by Billie Parker Moon within her unpublished manuscript. Bonnie it seems, may have had "the gift" of unworldly psychic insight.

Throngs of those interested in this history have asked for generations, whether the true story of the ambush will ever be told??-- or has it now?? I'm not sure. But as I'm still reading this quite fascinating account-- I would encourage all to hit your favorite book purchasing site, and get a hold of this latest Bonnie & Clyde story. I intend to contact the author with numerous questions I have, which you never know-- may have answers.

I've already read some skeptical comments concerning this new Bonnie & Clyde account-- but then again, when "hasn't" there been skepticism regarding so much to do with Bonnie & Clyde History?? As such, I'm sure the Bonnie & Clyde Skeptics on Call Society-- will be "flush with frenzy" over this one. But I would be one to encourage additional discovery concerning this bold account, rather than foster cynicism based on some blanket feeling of doubt. BTW-- the mythical group mentioned here, is one I feel could exist-- when comprised of those who seem content to question everything about this history-- have no answers and believe there aren't any. My feeling is, this latest ambush account should be questioned and dug into-- with the same fervor the other known accounts have been subjected to.

I'll have more on Retribution, once my reading is done. And as I know it must be asked "what happened to the film??"-- as it's told within Retribution-- Hamer took it. There's a story related elsewhere, that at some point-- Frank Hamer's son may have destroyed many of his father's materials on Bonnie & Clyde?? With professionally shot film of the ambush now said to have existed-- it seems any destroyed Hamer records of Bonnie & Clyde, opens up another ghastly thought as well.

Could the posse's cover up concerning the detention of Ivy Methvin and jurisdictional issues as described by Ted Hinton, be swamped in comparison-- by a reported deliberate killing of a pregnant Bonnie Parker who pled for mercy and received none?? Based on the evidence which exists, I've felt for some time-- that Bonnie could well have been pregnant when killed. However this purported account, makes that thought hit home-- in a sickeningly profound way I'm sure few of us could have imagined.

If indeed there was a long enough pause after Oakley's fatal shots (a pause heard by others from a distance)-- for some within the posse to realize Clyde was dead-- and if Bonnie was heard pleading for her life and the life of her unborn child (which Frank Hamer admitted he believed he knew)-- would that reality be enough to shroud the ambush in the secrecy exhibited all these years??? And could that reality, be enough to cause some hardened lawmen present that day-- to veer away from ever being the same again-- resulting in reported alcohol abuse and in Henderson Jordan's case, his hair being witnessed to have turned white within a short time after the ambush?? Perhaps there would be but few better uses-- for the word "absolutely".

Charles Baker apparently made his claims, in knowing he had little time to live. Then by agreement, public release of this info was intentionally withheld until now. It's noted Mr. Baker didn't feel it right, to take his secrets concerning the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde to the grave. Near death confessions can often be revealing. Whether or not there's enough to go on regarding Retribution and it's "electric" revelations-- I'm sure, is a question that will be asked and vigorously debated. Many questions need to be addressed here-- and I hope to be able to help gain some of those answers.

A Bonnie and Clyde Q & A-- Who Were the Loggers Who Witnessed Bonnie & Clyde's Deaths??

2011-01-16T08:34:00.162-05:00

A visitor from Douglasville, GA has keyed into the blog-- asking about perhaps an eternal Bonnie & Clyde mystery. The identities of the loggers who witnessed a lurid ambush of Bonnie & Clyde that fateful day in May of '34-- has been a maze of conjecture for decades. Some Bonnie & Clyde historical accounts, identify just 2 men being associated with the logging truck-- which it seems to the ambush posse members who talked, was traveling north and in danger of disrupting their waylay-- by passing in between the posse and Warren car. However true to the unique controversy which surrounds the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde, the one known individual who steered the logging rig that fateful day-- told a decidedly different story.

Some seem content to further gossip and lore within Bonnie & Clyde History-- even to the remarkable point of espousing historical fact as guesswork, while at the same time attempting to promote a true story of Bonnie & Clyde. Others question much of this history-- in arriving at little result, by viewing Bonnie & Clyde History as a perpetual Catch 22 of factual mistrust. Thank goodness for the Bonnie & Clyde researchers and authors, who've been most diligent in compiling the best accounts of this Depression Age Saga.

I along with many who care for this history-- are proponents of "truth" within Bonnie & Clyde History. The danger of Bonnie & Clyde conjecture being printed, borrowed and re-published over the years can be obvious. When Bonnie & Clyde lore is advanced and recounted multiple times, the illusion of lore morphing into fact-- can become reality to many. And that danger is well illustrated, within a number of aspects of the ambush.

Buddy Goldston has been identified at times, as having been the lone rider positioned upon the logging rig-- when all hell broke loose that hot spring day in Louisiana. However within more accurately researched Bonnie & Clyde chronicles and based on rarely known conversations, Mr. Goldston confirmed that he was indeed the driver of that renown logging truck. Furthermore Buddy revealed within discussions held with him, that there were "2" men riding on the back of his logging rig that day-- not just one.

That makes 3 individuals in addition to at least Bonnie, Clyde, Ivy Methvin and the 6 ambush posse members-- who were present to witness the carnage that ensued. One motto I've stood by in investigating this history has been-- "get closest to the source". To me, the best source of information which remains concerning Buddy Goldston-- is my compadre' and friend to many within this history-- L. J. "Boots" Hinton. "Boots" knew Buddy, and as it turns out-- spent time in direct conversation with Mr. Goldston concerning Buddy's involvement at the ambush.

At times, stories concerning the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde have seemed a bevy of misinformation-- with multiple conflicting accounts having been told by eyewitnesses who were there. To my reasoning, whether these varying stories as told by trained and experienced lawmen smack of a cover up, some mass hallucination or just honest disagreement under the stress of the moment-- stand a good chance of remaining an impenetrable mystery. Fortunately for us-- there were others present that day who could independently tell what occurred. But unfortunately-- these common citizens with objectivity to spare, would never reveal much of what they knew.

Contrary to what's often been written-- as Buddy Goldston told it, he would've approached the ambush site from the north in proceeding south as Bonnie & Clyde were traveling. This crucial departure from what's been reported by posse members including Ted Hinton, would have the logging truck pulling up to Bonnie & Clyde from behind as the shooting started. Although Buddy didn't use a directional term in his description, to illustrate this point-- Buddy revealed that Clyde had passed his logging rig back up the road. Then presumably, Buddy caught up to Bonnie & Clyde at the ambush location. With Ivy Methvin's truck thought positioned in the southbound lane, in forcing Clyde closer to the posse in the northbound lane-- this scenario would have the logging truck approaching Ivy's truck straight on, with little or no room to maneuver between the 2.

Buddy described what happened next, by saying when the shooting started-- he quit the truck and ran into the woods. Buddy said he dove into a hole, which had been made by the root ball of a fallen tree. He commented that he wasn't concerned with snakes, as he sought that hole in trying to escape flying bullets-- which he creatively described as "those singing bees". Buddy later made his famous exclamation is saying "that car was shot up-- them people were shot up".

Within repeated attempts, "Boots" Hinton tried his best to get Buddy to reveal the identities of the other 2 men present that day-- who besides trying to save themselves, could have provided much needed independent accounts of the ambush. But at least within the friendly confines of his encounters with Mr. Hinton-- Buddy never divulged his secrets. "Boots" has 2 theories, as to why Buddy would never reveal this potentially monumental information. The first is perhaps Buddy wasn't supposed to have riders on the rig, and thus was protecting his position with the logging company. Maybe these 2 men had hitched a ride with Buddy?? If so, what a rig to choose that day for conveyance!! The other theory is perhaps these 2 men were associated with the logging company, but were supposed at work elsewhere-- when so conspicuously discovered at the ambush.

There's also the straight forward possibility, that those men were meant to be on that truck-- but just never talked about their Bonnie & Clyde encounter. My comment concerning Buddy's reluctance to expound on his story, in either protecting the other men or himself??-- would be to ask what difference would those concerns have made so many decades later?? To my mind it's more likely, someone in that posse under the threat of repercussion-- may have made it clear to these men, not to tell of what they saw. Apparently and unfortunately-- it seems they never did.

Then there's the somewhat obtuse, but to many very real idea-- of a Bonnie & Clyde curse. Many in Louisiana where the West Dallas Desperadoes traveled, are said to be a superstitious lot. Based on tragic events believed to have befallen some who revealed Bonnie & Clyde secrets over the years-- Bonnie & Clyde reprisals from the "other side" are considered by some, to be a legitimate and feared reality. As such, it's thought this "blood money" curse has over time-- prevented many thought to know Bonnie & Clyde secrets, from revealing them. Indeed many a Bonnie & Clyde story, may have gone to the graves of those too afraid to tell what they knew. From having spoken to locals and researchers alike-- I can attest to the existence of this perceived reality.

Unfortunately as Buddy Goldston passed away nearly a decade ago, and it's logical to believe the other 2 men have passed on now as well-- we may never know the entire truth concerning the logger's story. So who were the loggers who witnessed Bonnie & Clyde's deaths?? Apparently the best answer is Buddy Goldston and 2 unknown individuals, who by design or default-- have remained protected all these years. And as to the question of what these men witnessed??-- unless some account is forthcoming from the families of Buddy Goldston and these mystery men from the past-- that knowledge may have forever been lost. It does seem clear based upon info related to "Boots" Hinton, and from Buddy's filmed interview which appears in the documentary Remembering Bonnie & Clyde-- that from Buddy Goldston's perspective, he was behind Bonnie & Clyde's car not facing it as was reported by the lawmen.

According to Ted Hinton, when the smoke cleared-- Bob Alcorn proceeded to the logging truck, which like the B&C car ended up in a ditch. As the rig was still running and noticeably smoking, Alcorn felt the truck might catch fire. Thus as Hinton recalls, it was Bob Alcorn who entered the truck's cab, and shut the truck down. At that point it was noted the 3 men who had quit the truck-- walked out of the woods. One could only assume, whatever these men perhaps failed to see with such a profusion of bullets flying about-- they "could" see when re-emerging onto the scene. It should be noted there's agreement between Ted Hinton and Buddy Goldston concerning there being 3 men on the logging truck. Apparently they were the only witnesses to say so. So then I would ask-- why the disagreement regarding the direction the truck was traveling?? Or was Buddy's recollection somehow faulty, or unduly influenced by retribution or fear??

Both Ted Hinton and Bob Alcorn, related stories of the ambush to "Boots" Hinton directly over the years. But no matter the account, I as many-- have trouble reconciling conflicting stories of the ambush. You would think Buddy Goldston would know full well, which direction he was traveling that day. Also how could Buddy have been mistaken, concerning his account of Clyde having passed him-- in such a conspicuously new and expensive car within such a rural area?!? In a well noted gaffe as told by Ted Hinton in his book Ambush-- Hinton had Bonnie & Clyde traveling east on the Old Sailes Road. However as that road runs north and south, it can only be thought Hinton made an honest mistake-- in believing the road to run east and west.

It seems there are missing pieces to this great ambush puzzle, which are vitally important. What that missing info is??-- has always been the question. Even in thinking well outside the box, I can see little way that Clyde could have passed Buddy a short time before-- and have Clyde & Bonnie arriving at the ambush site headed south, without Buddy coming in just behind them. In presuming Buddy's story to be true-- that would call into question Henderson Jordan's account, in turning to note the oncoming logging truck arriving at about the same time as Bonnie & Clyde from the opposite direction. But I would ask, even with a lawman's cover up as Hinton described-- how would a misstated direction for the logging truck fit into that contrived story??

Based on the lay of the land around the ambush site, it seems there's just one way for the logging truck to have been passed by Clyde heading south-- and end up facing Clyde heading north. This would involve a convoluted run, with the logging truck turning left atop the final hill before the ambush approach-- coming out on Route 516 (opposite what was likely B&C's hideout)-- then turning right and traveling a mile and a half to the Sailes Corner-- then turning right again-- and proceeding nearly 3 miles to the ambush site heading north. In effect, a nearly 7 mile run to turn the logging truck around without stopping. I believe that possibility to make little sense, and be beyond reason. Plus with a such a heavy rig, it would've taken too long for such an unlikely trip-- prior to the ambush posse opening up on the Warren car. Interestingly, if Bonnie & Clyde had taken that shortcut to their hideout-- they likely wouldn't have been killed that day.

Many ask-- doesn't anyone know what really happened at the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde?!?!? Yet another conflicting account, which may create more questions than it answers. There are indeed indisputable facts we know. As far as the rest-- there are many questions to be answered. As an interesting aside, it was noted that Buddy Goldston thought highly of Ted Hinton-- as Ted didn't show prejudice toward him. "Boots" said that's the way Ted was. As always, I welcome your comments for this and other B&CHB posts. My thanks to L. J. "Boots" Hinton, for his invaluable Bonnie & Clyde knowledge-- truly available no where else.

A Bonnie and Clyde Q & A-- What Ever Happened to Mary O'Dare??

2011-01-08T17:23:00.075-05:00

Linda has been so kind to inquire, in asking a question I'm sure many have wondered-- what ever happened to Mary O'Dare?? Of course, Mary was the estranged wife of Gene O'Dare-- Raymond Hamilton's former partner in crime, and a companion to Ray throughout early 1934.

Mary who it's said wanted to run with The Barrow Gang like Bonnie, seemed to accomplish little in that regard-- except to antagonize Bonnie, Clyde and Henry Methvin. As such, Mary only ran with Bonnie & Clyde for a few short weeks in late February and early March 1934. During that time, Clyde reportedly gave Hamilton the ultimatum to dump Mary or leave himself. As Barrow and Hamilton had shared more than one serious disagreement by that time, and also were engaged in a battle of egos, with Ray feeling he didn't need Clyde-- when faced with that additional reality, Ray separated from the gang. Mary reportedly provided info to the authorities, which aided in Raymond Hamilton's capture. O'Dare would later be sentenced to a year and a day in Federal prison.

Within the past year, I've heard of 2 possible life endings for Mary O'Dare. One was published on Aol Answers.com by a woman named Shirley who said-- "Mary O'Dare who was involved with Bonnie & Clyde was my Aunt. She passed away May 16th". As that expression was posted just 7 months ago, although not impossible-- it's timing would have Mary living quite a long life. I had tried to leave a message for Shirley in requesting a follow up to her post-- but it doesn't seem my attempt may have reached her??

The other resolution for Mary (who's said to have had issues with drugs)-- was that she died long ago as a result of a drug overdose. Based on all that's known of her, many might feel the 2nd option more likely. However in not wishing to be impolite to the memory of Mary O'Dare-- to be sure, I would think a death record would need to be found confirming her fate. Some internet inquiries have Mary marrying 4 times by age 26, but then fast forwarding without benefit of more info on her, to Mary retaining her 4th surname (Holmes??)-- until her death at either age 75 or 86. Both of these suppositions, would contradict the more recent admission (if true??)-- of Mary's death in 2010.

Whether these ancestry type searches, which seem to reach dead ends concerning specifics on Mary beyond her 20's are accurate-- is uncertain. If the last links to Mary that can be found indeed end in her 20's, with a 2nd stint in jail for running drugs-- perhaps a drug related death becomes more likely?? Therefore the graves people are attempting to link to Mary with a variety of death years, using what they believe was her final last name-- may be well intentioned shots in the dark.

There are "a lot" of questions here. I would think a good way to find the truth, would be to follow the trail of those surnames believed true-- and locate living relatives who can form a definitive link to Mary. Then learn from them, the details of Mary's life after Bonnie & Clyde and facts concerning her death. At that point, perhaps documentation concerning Mary's passing could be obtained once more is known. I've had some pretty good luck, in locating living relatives of participants in B&C History. As such, I can envision that grass roots approach in searching for Mary might work.

Based on Linda's query, I'm sure an all out effort could be launched in looking into this elusive mystery. If anyone has further info concerning the fate of Mary O'Dare, or if you're out there Shirley and happen to frequent this blog-- I'm sure all would welcome additional comments concerning this historical void. Many thanks to Linda, for a great B&C History question.

Bonnie & Clyde's Death Car-- Safe and Sound, for Now

2011-01-05T21:12:00.034-05:00

As reported a year ago, Herbst Gaming who owns the Terrible's Casino chain had undergone a financial restructuring. As such, there was always the possibility that The Bonnie & Clyde Death Car which was purchased by Herbst from Gary Primm and Ray Paglia in 2007-- could be in play if Herbst assets were sold. So recently when I was told by a representative of Terrible's, that the famous B&C car originally owned by Jesse and Ruth Warren, had been sold to Boyd Gaming-- it seemed apparent that the fate thought possible (if not likely) at some point for the 1934 Ford Deluxe Model 730, Cordoba Gray 4 door V-8 Sedan with a slew of bullet holes present-- had come to pass.

However upon investigating this story, I've now learned from Boyd Gaming that the recent report from Terrible's that Boyd Gaming had purchased The B&C Death Car was erroneous. I did learn some assets may have been in play for purchase between the gaming companies, but the current asking price of $5,000,000-- may have been a bit steep for the B&C car to have changed hands. I've also learned, you can now rent the historic B&C Death Car for that special occasion. Dinner and drinks please!!

Terrible's has now confirmed the B&C car is safe & sound at the Terrible's Gold Ranch Casino in Verdi, Nevada. In the Spring, plans are in place to return this historic car to Primm, likely to Buffalo Bill's Casino. For those interested in learning the whereabouts of the B&C Death Car-- the Terrible's Casino info line 1 800-fun stop, should be your best source of up to date information.

For Bonnie & Clyde History in 2010-- A Hard Year to Follow

2011-01-02T20:19:00.067-05:00

A very "Happy New Year" to all!! With a renewed hope for inspired Bonnie & Clyde revelations in 2011, it's hard not to appreciate what a fabulous year 2010 was concerning Bonnie & Clyde History. Among nearly 90 posts published here in 2010, The B&CHB was proud to have showcased a number of wondrous and intriguing Bonnie & Clyde historical accounts including--

The story of "Pistol Pete" Storey-- a likely new and formerly unknown Bonnie & Clyde hostage** New Wellington revelations, as told by the Cartwright family** Remarkable revelations from Billie's copy of her unpublished manuscript-- as well as from Billie's journal as supplied by the Parker family** The truth regarding the identity of Bonnie's Aunt Millie** Ella J. Holland's personal encounter with Bonnie & Clyde**

"Amputated"-- the Bonnie Parker Tijuana Bible** The offering of Blanche artifacts, as well as new photos and revelations concerning Blanche Barrow Frasure's post Bonnie & Clyde days-- from her personal effects** Newly discovered truths concerning the prison term of W. D. Jones** The battleground question, of whether a Bonnie Parker pregnancy should be explored??** The story of Grace Davies, and her claims of relation to Bonnie Parker and W. D. Jones**

Info concerning Bonnie & Clyde's Sailes, Louisiana Hideout** A comparison of conflicting accounts from the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde** The "oversight" of Prentiss Oakley being omitted from the Henderson Jordan Memorial Park Plaque in Arcadia-- and the cause of many to correct this injustice, on behalf of a renown man "of" justice** The continued interest and furor over B&C sexual rumors.** The truth concerning Clyde Barrow's birth date**

More from the wonderful writings of Professor Carroll Rich** A recounting of the identity of the B&C family member, who introduced Bonnie to Clyde** The re-publishing of Myrtle J. Potter's A Guy Named Barrow** The Saga of Bonnie and Desperate Clyde by Bonnie Parker (a working version of The Story of Bonnie & Clyde)-- from my B&C collection** An analysis of Bonnie's Death Glasses** And the exposure of fake B&C signatures-- in defense of the real thing**

2010 will definitely be a hard year to follow, but here at The B&CHB-- the investigative sights are set high, in striving to bring you the most accurate accounts of Bonnie & Clyde History. So with many thanks to all who visit here, participate and add to this B&C forum-- it's on to 2011!! A healthy and Happy New Year to all. January 1st also marked the birthday of both Blanche Barrow and L.J. "Boots" Hinton. On a sad note-- 2010 saw the passing of B&C survivor Marvelle Feller and Historian Rick Mattix-- which should put B&C History in the proper perspective for all of us.

The Bonnie & Clyde Holiday Polls-- "Ho Ho Oh"-- A Most Challenging Lot

2010-12-29T21:26:00.100-05:00

The Holiday Edition Bonnie & Clyde Polls lived up to expectation, in being challenging to many. So along with the wonder of the Holidays-- an always keen interest in Bonnie & Clyde and perhaps a well deserved Holiday beverage in place-- here we go.

Prentiss Oakley's death certificate, reveals that Dr. J. L. Wade noted Arthritis as being a contributing cause of the vascular heart disease which killed Prentiss Oakley. Oakley died on October 15th, 1957 at his home at 904 Third Street in Arcadia, Louisiana. There have been rumors published, that Prentiss Oakley may have committed suicide. That dramatic an end for Oakley would appear to fit well to some, in drawing a macabre Bonnie & Clyde connection-- with the mysterious head on collision which killed Henderson Jordan not long afterward in June 1958. However Oakley's death certificate, which a well respected Dr. James Wade affixed his signature to-- seems to rebuff that assertion.

Ivy Methvin was struck and seriously injured in a reported hit and run accident on December 21st, 1946-- on highway 71 outside of Elm Grove, LA. A week later on December 28th-- Ivy would die from his injuries. Whether Ivy Methvin and/or his son Henry were killed deliberately as retribution for the deaths of Bonnie & Clyde as some believe, or died as a result of a tragic accidents-- has been a matter of contention for decades.

The Livingston Ranch was a suspected Bonnie & Clyde hideout near Sayre, Oklahoma. It was located in the area near the bridge where Bonnie, Clyde and W. D. Jones along with their lawman hostages Corey and Hardy-- met up with Buck and Blanche Barrow after the Wellington incident. The ranch was owned by Col. Bert Livingston, who it's said positioned machine guns as a deterrent to those who would snoop there. This suspected outlaw stronghold apparently also had a more official protection in place, as according to the U.S. Bureau of Investigation-- law enforcement near the Livingston Ranch couldn't be counted on. It was also thought The Barrow Gang, may have been harbored by Bert Livingston's son George Livingston who lived nearby.

It was U. S. Bureau of Investigation Dallas Special Agent in Charge Frank Blake, who called The Barrows "the toughest bunch of outlaws at large". And not surprisingly to some, it was Tommy Harryman brother of slain Joplin lawman Wes Harryman-- who showed up in Dallas in July of 1933, admittedly resigned to wanting to kill Bonnie & Clyde or assist others in doing so.

Concerning the January 6th, 1933 shooting at the Lillie McBride house-- reportedly a wanted and on the run Odell Chambless (Gene O'Dare's brother in law)-- had come and gone at the McBride house at an earlier time, having looked to Ray Hamiton's sister for assistance. As such, it was Clyde Barrow who it's said showed up at the McBride house at about sundown on January 6th, to check on the unrelated status of hacksaw blades being smuggled to Ray who was jailed at Hillsboro. Clyde, Bonnie and W. D. Jones would return later that night, for what would result in the deadly encounter with Tarrant County Deputy Sheriff Malcolm Davis. Davis was part of a joint Dallas and Tarrant County lawman's task force, charged with locating Chambless. Unbeknownst to Clyde-- and thanks to quick thinking by the law who figured out the outlaw's warning light, he walked right into the wrong trap-- and escaped in a hail of bullets, shotgun blasts and death.

It was a pretty good bet, that Bonnie & Clyde were involved in the hold up of the 1st National Bank of Stuart, Iowa on April 16th, 1934-- once the Iowa license plates 13-1234 witnessed during the robbery were found in the B&C death car. Until that time-- Bonnie & Clyde had not officially been linked to that robbery. And finally I suppose, Blanche Barrow would be most closely associated with Christmas-- as Blanche passed away on Christmas Eve 1988, at the age of 77.

So there you have it, the 2010 Holiday Bonnie & Clyde Polls. The inaugural batch of 2011 polls will be up and running by mid January. As always, I hope you've found the B&C Polls interesting and informative. Might I suggest that at some point-- all obtain a copy of the Bonnie & Clyde Dallas FBI Files from whatever source you can. They're great historical reading, and to my thinking provide a vital historical supplement-- to the many B&C books written prior to this newly found wealth of B&C knowledge being available. In addition, the Dallas files can sometimes come in handy concerning the B&C Polls. If interested, look for my dual CD offer here on the blog-- and I'll be happy to send some indispensable B&C info your way. Thanks as always-- for your participation in The B&CHB Bonnie & Clyde Polls.

Bonnie's Bloodied Glasses-- Another Bonnie & Clyde Mystery Searching for Focus

2010-12-22T22:24:00.044-05:00

With thanks to Cindi-- a teaser of a 2010 year end Bonnie & Clyde topic. Cindi had e-mailed asking about Bonnie's bloodied glasses, which were said to have been worn by Bonnie Parker at the time of the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde. I as many have been aware of Bonnie's purported eyeglasses, which possess such a uniquely personal and poignant reminder of Bonnie's life through the image of her blood-- but I must admit I've never spent an adequate time focused upon them.

The story goes that after Bonnie Parker, the next owner of the glasses was Sheriff Thomas R. Hughes of Caddo Parish, Louisiana. Caddo Parish includes the Shreveport area of the state, which is located approximately 50 miles from the ambush site. How Sheriff Hughes obtained them, I'm not sure is known. In 1938 Sheriff Hughes was said to have presented the glasses to Art Olson of East Tulsa, Oklahoma. To my knowledge, what connection these 2 men shared is also a mystery. There was also an intermediary noted within that transaction named Cecil Harberson. Mr. Olson was then said to have given Bonnie's glasses to a man named D. A. Bryce. Upon the death of Bryce, his niece in settling his estate-- returned the glasses to A. O. Olson in 1976. The current owner of the glasses is a man from Massachusetts known as Steve E. At least one photo of Bonnie's Death Glasses, depicts the glasses within a case from the Southern Optical Company-- which if this case was found along with the glasses, may well indicate these to have been prescription eyeglasses.

Cindi points out that there is no mention of Bonnie needing glasses within popular Bonnie & Clyde accounts. Also, I don't believe there are any photos known with Bonnie wearing glasses. This leads us to the obvious question of why and when Bonnie needed help in seeing clearly?? Also why no one over the years has seemingly thought to research mention of these glasses from the death car, and attempt to link them to the provenance documented concerning these spectacles of Bonnie's-- is also unclear.

Interestingly-- Clyde's sunglasses were most conspicuously noted at the time of the ambush, and can be seen still dangling from his face both when Clyde was removed from the Warren car-- and also when photographed upon 1st being displayed in Congers. Mention of Clyde's sunglasses, is also written of within Professor Carroll Rich's Bonnie & Clyde accounts. There are also accounts known, of Bonnie having had a road map in her lap when killed. If so, then glasses would make perfect sense with which to read the fine print of that road map. I've viewed images of a 1934 road map perhaps similar to the one Bonnie was scouring. I know even when blown up-- it's hard for example, to discern the route number (LA Route 418)-- that Bonnie & Clyde were traveling that fateful day.

Perhaps it was just never thought of, to reveal Bonnie's need for glasses within family accounts concerning her. I found the same held true within my B&C Signatures investigation, in trying to determine whether Bonnie & Clyde were right or left handed. As it turned out, those who would ultimately provide that human detail not found elsewhere-- had never been asked that question before. A close examination of Bonnie's bloodied glasses shows perhaps a small crack within the right lens-- but otherwise sans the obvious blood present along with a missing nose guard-- these glasses seem in remarkably good shape for the number of shots Bonnie took to the head. Whether or not they were still resting upon Bonnie's face when the shooting stopped, or found later within the car and by whom would be interesting to know-- as no clear image of Bonnie's face in death, seems to exist prior to those taken at Congers.

Many thanks to Cindi, for a great B&C talking point for this year end post.

A Bonnie and Clyde Q&A-- What Affect Did Bonnie & Clyde Have On Society??

2010-12-06T10:50:00.247-05:00

The fact that throngs of strangers felt compelled to attend their funerals-- is a testament to the living legends Bonnie & Clyde became within their time. But what impact did Bonnie & Clyde's well publicized reign of terror and subsequent bloody demise, have on a Depression torn populous-- and what lasting legacy if any, did their martyrdom have which may have survived until today??

One way to ponder these compelling thoughts is to ask-- what affect did Bonnie & Clyde have on society?? Now that's as loaded a question as a BAR locked on full auto-- and one asked here often in one form or another. But as I suppose a doctoral thesis could be disseminated on this subject, I'm not sure an historical post can do this topic the justice it deserves. However I'm willing to take a stab at this engaging query, while also asking others to please add their perspectives as well.

Outside the parameters of the Southwestern United States and within a much larger picture, Bonnie & Clyde were very much a product of their times-- The Great Depression. This impoverished paradox of a time period, created "both" some of the most painful malaise and heroic feats of human determination ever witnessed. Those uniquely dramatic years, were filled with more than their share of heartache and misery for many-- which levied heart wrenching pressures on people's hopes, dreams and lives.

Gender roles were altered during the Depression, when the traditional image of a strong male breadwinner was lessened. Wives and children of most any age, were thrust into odd but necessary positions as family providers. Often, just keeping families intact was a challenging task. Otherwise motivated couples put off weddings, while many delayed divorce-- as often it wasn't deemed a responsible choice, to contemplate beginning or dissolving a family during such hard times. Indeed the reality of The Great Depression from a perspective of survival-- was "all hands on deck". Young children were compelled to grow up fast, and often forgo schooling-- in order to be useful for more practical endeavors. Pressures within the family unit ran high, as both money matters and disagreements over the most basic of human necessities-- lay at the heart of everyday life.

Not unlike the pressures exerted on families-- pressures tearing at the fabric of society during the Depression Years could be extreme. Mistrust in government and institutions ran high, as many in the mainstream seemingly lost trust in the ability of their leaders and others in authority-- to make a difference in helping facilitate basic human needs. While it's been reported that the general crime rate decreased during this period-- crimes of passion and murders due to robbery increased. Suicide rates also rose, although the image of people jumping to their deaths wasn't as common as has been portrayed in Depression Age lore. However 17.4 suicides per 100,000-- did become a painful statistic and reminder of a most troublesome time.

Concerning outlaws such as Bonnie & Clyde, they seemed a not unexpected by-product of what some might call an understandable lawlessness. At it's worst, this rash of violent crime had the potential of erupting into anarchy. And as within Civil War times just 70 years before-- any hint of anarchy needed to be repelled. Although the vast majority of law abiding citizens were just that-- when times were bad and champions were hard to come by-- emboldened criminals could indeed be envisioned as heroic figures. Then just as in creating the perfect blend of anything-- add the components of Bonnie & Clyde. Add the passion of 2 young lovers, who formed an exceedingly rare outlaw couple along with their gang. Throw in the image of a woman viewed as tough and gritty, flirting with people's imaginations and grabbing headlines. Then top it off with stories of this couple, who fought against all odds to survive over and over while pulling off nearly impossible feats of escape and bravery-- and well, the law perhaps never stood a chance-- in the court of public fascination versus such an impassioned pair of opponents.

In reporting on Bonnie & Clyde, the print media although portraying B&C events as accurately as they could-- also spun editorial content and satirical expressions-- which sometimes appeared to mock law enforcement's inability to bring one smallish man and his woman companion to justice. But of course in the end, the newspapers were also quick to point out 'ol sparky's patience-- in waiting in the wings for this loving pair of Texans, should they be caught. However the Texas electric chair would never be warmed by Bonnie & Clyde-- as instead, an ambush posse of 6 in Louisiana enacted their own brand of justice-- by both shooting their way to a much needed victory and propelling Bonnie & Clyde to immortality, through the sheer carnage of their actions. But some might question the level of victory these men achieved?? To me it's a fair question to ask, whether martyrdom has been more kind to Bonnie & Clyde-- than victory ever was to law enforcement?!?

I've chosen to comment, when others feel it fair to draw some comparison between today's moral standards and those of the 1930s. Based on a lack of public outcry-- as I view it, May 23rd, 1934 may have well been considered just another day in Depression Age America. Although the end for Bonnie & Clyde made for great headlines-- to my knowledge, this event caused little admonishment of the law, nor reform of outlaw hunting-- nor some congressional call for criminal rights adjustments. If anything quite the opposite seemed true-- as advantages held by outlaws of the '30's over law enforcement, fueled frustrations which led to laws and tactics being strengthened-- to help battle those who would aspire to be the scourge of society. The advent of a national law enforcement presence to combat using state lines as a shield, along with radio patrol cars and improved law enforcement weaponry-- would prove to be the undoing of many a criminal in the post Bonnie & Clyde era. And those criminals have Bonnie & Clyde to thank in part, for their more modern tactical misfortunes.

Indeed the tenor of the times in the '30's were so much different than today-- that realistically, a comparison of the 2 for purposes of providing argument supported by superimposing today's moral standards upon those which existed then-- seems uniquely unfair. As the 1930's were closer in both years and reality (just 50 years removed)-- from the mentality of an 1880's Wild West-- than we are now to the '30's (some 80 modern years later)-- things were more aptly "the way they were" then. Truly a different time and place in history. Bonnie & Clyde being hunted down and brutally ambushed by a posse laying in wait-- apparently just wasn't that unusual for those times. Imagine if that ambush occurred today. Many gangsters of the '20's and outlaws of the '30's met violent ends-- although not as dramatically. And just as within Wild West times, the bullet riddled bodies of Bonnie & Clyde were displayed before a morbidly curious public-- who didn't think twice of making it "an event" to view the dead bodies of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, and then discuss it later over dinner.

Even Bonnie & Clyde's family members were noted to have held differing opinions of the inevitable and it's aftermath. It's been said, that Henry Barrow in talking with Ted Hinton told Hinton something to the effect that-- I know you're going to have to kill my boy, for he won't go back to prison. And then in a remarkably honorable expression, Barrow told Hinton-- I just want you to know there are no hard feelings. But conversely after the ambush, it was Emma Parker who may have echoed what many felt-- in seemingly criticizing the cowardice of the ambush posse-- for employing stealth laden tactics in waylaying Bonnie & Clyde, instead of facing them straight up. A similarly reported comment by Charles Stanley "The Crime Doctor"-- while displaying the Warren Death car at Austin, Texas-- resulted in Frank Hamer taking the stage and slapping Stanley for his right of free expression.

So what was learned concerning the deaths of Bonnie & Clyde?? I'm not sure. Perhaps a reinforcement of the age old adage that crime doesn't pay. Or that true love never dies. Or maybe some lesson in needing to end deadly rampages sooner, to prevent additional loss of life. Or for newsboys, it may have been thought "Shoot-- there go our best headlines". I'd love to find some well researched account of what affects Bonnie & Clyde had on society. What was the affect of the ambush carnage among members of law enforcement?? Were children counseled by teachers, in learning lessons from the example of Bonnie & Clyde?? And what about Bonnie & Clyde's influences on the treatment of criminals in their wake??

Perhaps we can point to the strengthening of public safety as a societal impact of Bonnie & Clyde, with law enforcement learning from weaknesses turned to strengths-- as a result of battling these and other 1930's outlaws, who turned the law's shortfalls into criminal advantages. However much as we might like to learn of these societal impacts, in reality it seems The Story of Bonnie & Clyde may be a more personal one-- filled with personal recollections, one on one anecdotes and family impacts. I'm also not sure it could be said that dubious police actions were in any way corrected, as a result of Bonnie & Clyde's ambush. Many famous examples exist, where loss of life may have resulted from questionable police judgment-- such as the 1993 Waco siege and 1969 Chicago Fred Hampton raid.

It was the '67 movie Bonnie & Clyde, that brought memories of the actual outlaws back to life after having fallen into obscurity. But the ambush scene as filmed-- somehow seems kinder to me, than I envision the hell and finality of the actual event having been. I would think just the overwhelming smell of cordite in the air, would have made breathing difficult and burned the eyes of the ambush posse members. In that regard it may have taken more than a few seconds, to really focus on the 2 shattered bodies which lay in front of them-- as a reminder of a job well done in the eyes of the law. Realistically Bonnie & Clyde had to be stopped-- and they were.

Whenever this topic arises, I can't help but think in terms better understanding the pain filled and socially complicated Depression driven years of the 1930's-- as providing the best opportunity to address this multifaceted historical question. To me it's wrong of us now, to attempt some self righteous moral kidnapping of 1930's America. Our grandparents and great grandparents were their own people in their own time, with their own values and sense of right and wrong. I'm sure many times that fateful May evening it was said-- "Yep--they got Bonnie & Clyde today-- shot 'em to pieces". I suppose comments like "it's a shame" or "should've gotten them sooner"-- were all the rage.

What impact did Bonnie & Clyde have on society?? That's a good question, but one with perhaps few clear answers. It may be that because it occurred within The Depression Age, the ambush which propelled Bonnie & Clyde to iconic status, was in fact a horrific event camouflaged among many horrific events. As such, I'm not sure being part of such tough and hardened times-- that Bonnie & Clyde had much of any specialized impact at all?? For among the pain and hardships of May 23rd, 1934 upon so many, with the exception of their families who knew no greater pain-- the deaths of Bonnie & Clyde may have been just a poignant part of another desperate day. And for the families of Bonnie & Clyde's victims, the events of May 23rd-- may have provided a sense of closure and redress.

Somehow-- I can see that being just the way it was. We remember the impact this daring duo and loving pair made based on a dozen murders-- their devotion to one another and for an unwavering love for their families. We remember the paradox of a murdering gang, who could also be kind to others. But in addition to those who knew Bonnie & Clyde had to be eliminated, these West Dallas desperadoes did seem to have a grass roots appeal for many. Let's not forget those throngs of common citizens, who went out of their way-- to pay their respects to Bonnie & Clyde upon their deaths. In such difficult and reflective times-- perhaps that outpouring of allegiance, was some sort of silent tribute to the defiance these outlaws represented within many?? I wonder what the law must have felt, in standing among so many mourners who chose to mark the passing of Bonnie & Clyde??

I welcome your comments.

Arcadia Update-- Perhaps Now Closer to Redemption

2010-12-01T18:10:00.057-05:00

Behind the scenes, there have been efforts made on the part of many caring individuals-- to affect a positive outcome concerning Prentiss Oakley being assured his rightful place, upon the Henderson Jordan Memorial Park Plaque. A reliable source has informed me, that according to an Arcadia official-- an updated plaque including mention of Prentiss Oakley has been created and is in the possession of Mayor Eugene Smith. At this point, it's believed Mayor Smith whom I will attempt to reach for comment-- is out of state celebrating the Holidays.

Besides working with others involved in this cause and posting blog comments to spur awareness-- I've reached out to a major Louisiana news outlet, for their help in trying to make a difference. It will be a great day for Bonnie & Clyde History, should this reported 3rd Henderson Jordan Park Plaque with Prentiss Oakley included-- prove to be true and be installed. Perhaps I should have been born in Missouri, as my reaction although hopeful is-- "Show me". It's often said the 3rd time's a charm.

I'll keep you updated as more is known.

Update-- 12/9/2010. Good news on the Arcadia front. I've now re-approached Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith by e-mail to learn the truth re: info recently provided, that a 3rd plaque has been created for Henderson Jordan Park-- which includes mention of Prentiss Oakley. Mayor Smith has responded by saying "Yes, we did re-make the necessary changes. I have it in my office and when we get the proper materials we will have it installed. Eugene." I've responded with my thanks to Mayor Smith for his reply-- and thank him here as well.

I also got a lesson today in Arcadia politics, from a Louisiana based investigative reporter who's well acquainted with the down home realities there. She's going to try and help explain more of this story. I hope to learn what I can, of this seemingly inexplicable historical miscue. But of course most importantly-- when I know the historically correct plaque is in place-- you'll know here on the blog.

What Gives in Arcadia??-- When Will Prentiss Oakley Finally Be Given His Due??

2010-11-25T22:47:00.213-05:00

"Revisionist" history can be a dangerous thing-- and rightfully should be guarded against wherever it be found. And as related to Bonnie & Clyde History, there seems to be a question of monumental proportions rising over the Town of Arcadia, Louisiana-- concerning what some might call an attempt at revising this history.

Back in May, the Henderson Jordan Memorial Park was dedicated with much fanfare-- seemingly with the pride of Arcadia's citizenry overflowing, and the demeanor of it's political brain trust beaming as brightly as the Louisiana noon day Sun. However among the grandeur of this festive celebration-- a problem with grand proportions of it's own arose, which needed to be addressed. It was noticed, that all Bonnie & Clyde ambush posse members had been memorialized upon the Henderson Jordan Park Plaque-- all that is, with the exception of Prentiss Oakley. But how could it be, that for purposes of a Bonnie & Clyde ambush memorial (and especially in Arcadia where he lived)-- that Prentiss Oakley be excluded??

As Henderson Jordan's Deputy and confidant, Prentiss Oakley was not only privy to the secret arrangements leading up to the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde-- but as it turned out, Deputy Oakley was credited as being the man who killed Clyde Barrow, with his 2 initial well placed shots at the beginning of the ambush carnage. After Henderson Jordan completed 2 terms as Bienville Parish Sheriff-- Prentiss Oakley served 3 terms of his own, in leading the Bienville Parish Sheriff's Department. Thus Sheriff Oakley was not only a renown figure in Bonnie & Clyde History, but many would say a favorite son of Louisiana as well.

So what gives?!? I had previously asked Arcadia's Mayor Eugene Smith to please explain this error. Mayor Smith's response although politically pat seemed optimistic, in saying he hadn't noticed the error-- but as it must have been an oversight, said he would work to correct the mistake right away. But as it happened, the original plaque erected for the park was vandalized almost immediately. This event both necessitated & provided the opportunity for a new plaque to be created. Many including myself, felt that strangely fortunate occurrence-- would provide the perfect chance to correct this egregious error.

However I've now heard from 2 individuals close to this history-- who've both reported that the current Henderson Jordan Park Plaque-- "still" doesn't acknowledge Prentiss Oakley. A ways back within an e-mail sent to Mayor Smith, I asked the Mayor with the obvious aspects of Bonnie & Clyde's ambush so well known concerning Prentiss Oakley-- whether there was any possibility that this "oversight" was somehow deliberate?? On that occasion, unlike Mayor Smith's previously generous responses to my e-mails-- this question received no reply. Well based on this latest development, it seems important to reach out to Mayor Smith once again.

There are people in this world, who actually don't believe the Holocaust occurred. Also at least one state within The United States, is seemingly led by those who don't acknowledge the Civil Rights Movement was a reality-- and as such, now mandate politically slanted textbooks be read by our schoolchildren. There's no doubt, that Deputy Sheriff Prentiss Oakley played a significant role in Bonnie & Clyde History. It seems to me what's at question, is what some in Arcadia may know, not know-- or wish to portray now as having been their reality in the past??

It's interesting to note, there have been accounts chronicled-- highlighting the alleged improprieties of Sheriff Henderson Jordan, in handling the Ruth Warren car after the ambush. And I know for a fact, that reprints of an important B&C work sold in and about Arcadia have been edited-- in eliminating any harsh reference to Henderson Jordan, related to his legal admonishment and court ordered release of the Warren car. Could this apparent censorship of Bonnie & Clyde History, and exclusion of Prentiss Oakley within Arcadia's recently formed memorial be related??

With so much at stake in looking to help correct such an obvious historical misstep, I feel it necessary to ask with all respect-- how about a straight forward and non-political answer Mayor Smith-- to a quite straight forward and important historical question?? Why Sir-- has Prentiss Oakley not been commemorated along with the other Bonnie & Clyde ambush posse members, on The Henderson Jordan Memorial Park Plaque in Arcadia?? And is Prentiss Oakley's exclusion from this plaque-- still considered just an oversight??

Some might ask about the man with the gun belt hidden beneath his jacket, standing next to Ted Hinton in many ambush posse photographs-- but most know his name. Perhaps a proclamation can be issued, stating that man really wasn't there?? But we surely know he was. It seems to me without a correction being made, the people of Arcadia run the risk of having their plaque be best known for what it doesn't say-- more than for what it does.

As per Arcadia's website, Mayor Eugene Smith of Arcadia, LA can be reached by calling (318) 263-8456 or e-mail-- arcadiamayor@bellsouth.net

The image of the plaque used above, was taken in May of 2010. But as I understand it's wording hasn't changed-- I include it for reference.

Hey-- Maybe Focusing on Bonnie & Clyde Truth is Working

2010-11-16T14:41:00.045-05:00

I'm very happy to say, that the often prolific inquiries into Clyde Barrow's sexuality-- have now slipped to 9th place in the Nov. 2010 keyword entries to The B&C History Blog. Interestingly this month-- inquires into Blanche Barrow, lead keyword approaches.

I've spent a good bit of my time in chronicling this history, commenting, reporting & re-reporting on the seemingly never ending fascination into Bonnie & Clyde sexual wonderings-- and trying to dispel these unsubstantiated and sordid notions whenever I can. My feeling is, when someone-- "anyone" can ferret out any reasonable evidence to support such claims of Bonnie & Clyde sexual deviance, I'm sure I along with others-- will pay keen attention and work to help examine the basis for such assertions. Until then, Bonnie & Clyde sexual rumors are just that, rumors-- and should be judged accordingly.

It's nice to know, that other more legitimate topics within Bonnie & Clyde History, are at least for now-- leading the way in the hearts and minds of those who love this history.

At What Cost Truth-- Regarding Bonnie & Clyde History??

2010-11-13T13:36:00.188-05:00

If you look closely at this famous photo-- you'll note the expressions of hardened criminals. But embedded deep within those matter of fact looks, which include the heartfelt elements of love and camaraderie-- are the hopes & dreams of 2 young people which would never be realized. As many interested in this history, just focus on Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow the notorious outlaws-- their human sides are often overlooked. But just as sharks circle their prey-- within that human light, rumors have swirled for decades around Bonnie Parker, Clyde Barrow and other members of The Barrow Gang. And somehow, this fascination into Bonnie & Clyde's personal sides-- doesn't much involve mundane things, like topics of interest they liked to discuss, things they found funny or games they chose to amuse themselves with.

No-- somehow for Bonnie & Clyde, it's their most intimate details which seem most desirable to know. Was Clyde a dysfunctional homosexual?? Was Bonnie an insatiable nymphomaniac?? Were both Bonnie & Clyde aided by Barrow Gang members such as W. D. Jones and Henry Methvin, not only in support of their day to day struggles for survival-- but also for more nefarious needs as well?? And according to Dr. James Wade who examined Bonnie & Clyde in death, both had Gonorrhea. As that account's apparently true, how do you reconcile that fact-- and therefore determine who else if anyone, was involved sexually with Bonnie or Clyde or both?? And in the larger scheme of this history, are those most personal of details which so many long to know-- even useful or important??

Bonnie was said to have become pregnant with her husband Roy Thornton?? But she had an abortion right?? No-- it was a miscarriage?? No-- it was some procedure that went wrong, that left her unable to bear children?? But what about Bonnie when ambushed-- she was pregnant then wasn't she?? No-- the families say that's wrong. Bonnie was never pregnant-- as "surely" the families would have known. But as reportedly related in an interview before her death-- Blanche Barrow who "was" in a position to comment, apparently said Bonnie had never been pregnant. That would have included all years prior to Blanche being captured in July of '33-- but not the months afterward, leading to the May 1934 ambush. As such, Blanche's expression concerning her knowledge of Bonnie-- could call into question, family explanations of why Bonnie in later years couldn't become pregnant-- (The Roy Thornton Defense).

But if the family is right, and Bonnie couldn't have been pregnant-- then how do you explain the numerous and unrelated accounts of a Bonnie pregnancy within just months of her death??-- some of which were related directly by those who shared their homes and meals and time-- with Bonnie & Clyde in Louisiana near the end. There were apparently even contingencies discussed-- women standing by to care for Bonnie's baby, while she was presumed in need of future help while still on the run. Such a keen preparedness, would be unnecessary for a woman who couldn't bear children. In addition other evidence exists pointing to this reality, not only from reliable and well regarded people in Texas who reported a Doctor was said to have been treating Bonnie-- but also it seems from an individual close enough to Bonnie & Clyde, to have appeared in photos with them and who shared their escapades in cheating death day to day in 1934. Thus as an offset to long held beliefs on the part of many-- could it be that one well placed individual, may have known the truth better than Bonnie & Clyde's own families??

And what about Clyde-- he wasn't said to be impotent but he was sterile?? It was Scarlett Fever and the Mumps that did in a young Clyde, from the point of view of his ability to father a child. Who was it again, who confirmed Clyde was tested and found to be sterile?? Without proof or documentation, perhaps it was just assumed Clyde's illnesses netted that result-- within a story passed down without question. And has anyone bothered to check, what possibility there was in the 1930's-- for a young man in having experienced this combination of maladies, to have become sterile?? Well I have-- and it doesn't seem as large a likelihood, as some might have you believe. Then of course there's that troublesome W. D. Jones, who reported that before meeting Bonnie-- Clyde had gotten a girl in a family way. Surely you wouldn't think W. D. could have known anything about Clyde, that others close to him didn't. Could he??

Bonnie never had children-- not with Roy not with Clyde, not with anyone-- and as such not with W. D. Jones?? But what about Grace Davies?? Could Grace possibly be right, in believing that she's the daughter of W. D. and Bonnie?? And some have asked-- Winston, what are you doing lending credence to Grace by reporting her story?? To those folks I would say-- a careful read of my expose' on this case, and you might ask yourselves what support I've provided in critically examining this story?? But unfortunately for those with narrow mindsets toward Bonnie & Clyde History-- there "are" some key and unanswered questions within the Grace Davies mystery-- some quite important ones, that from my point of view need to be explained.

This foreword, in highlighting so many controversial and unresolved Bonnie & Clyde mysteries-- is meant as a lead in to the topic of this post-- At What Cost Truth-- Regarding Bonnie & Clyde History?? Many would ask what difference does innuendo make to the reputations of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow?? Hell-- for some who despise the very thought of Bonnie & Clyde, they might well ask who cares?? For those who believe these West Dallas desperadoes, were just hell bound murdering marauders to begin with-- I doubt there would exist much concern. Then there are those like myself and I trust many of you, who possess an intense interest in this history-- and who are genuinely predisposed, to learning the truth about Bonnie & Clyde, no matter where that truth may lead.

As I view it, just as with many famous people-- there are varying degrees of caring, diligence and competence-- regarding how historical inquiries are conducted in seeking truth regarding Bonnie & Clyde. Also as many realize who've attempted research within the realm of this enigmatic history, the levels of insight into these iconic desperadoes-- are often complicated by a sheer lack of reliable information and verifiable fact. As such, sometimes sorting through Bonnie & Clyde History is a bit like walking blindfolded in the dark. The path you think you know, with information you've trusted in having been chronicled over the years-- upon further review, may not be as true as once thought. And I don't believe it's as stretch to say, that many facts regarding this history, unfortunately-- may never be known.

Logically you would think, family resources and associations might yield the most reliable insights into Bonnie & Clyde. But in fairness, that seems to depend on the extent those alive today can comment-- based on their knowledge of those who've lived before them. In many cases, we're now 3 generations removed from those who lived and interacted with members of The Barrow Gang. And as has been admitted to in recorded interviews, as well as through family admissions I've witnessed 1st hand-- as it's known those alive today were deliberately sheltered from Bonnie & Clyde insights, by many who lived when this history unfolded-- the families' knowledge as it exists today seems limited.

Sometimes within Bonnie & Clyde History, no matter how hard you try-- you can end up damned if you do and damned if you don't. And when you find yourself as I have on occasion-- within the useless realm of historical hell, where some who don't even give a damn about history, prefer to spend their time and attempt to spend mine-- by spreading hate and shooting at the messenger cowardly and anonymously, from behind a shield of loyal tidings, self righteousness and fictitious names-- rather than consider contrary historical possibilities through productive and legitimate research-- I would ask what are some afraid of?? That new and perhaps uncomfortable possibilities concerning Bonnie & Clyde become known?? That sacred beliefs regarding these outlaws be challenged?? That those related to Bonnie & Clyde nearly 80 years after the fact, are made aware of ongoing curiosities regarding these outlaws-- that likely will never go away. I don't think many would disagree, that unfortunately Bonnie & Clyde themselves-- assured the world and their families of that reality, through their actions long ago.

Perhaps some would prefer, that all knowledge of this history be frozen at some point in time-- and not explored any more than is known. That way, certain images of these outlaws could be preserved as if through cryogenics-- and some Bonnie & Clyde loyalties whether real or perceived, could perpetuate themselves within a closed circle of self importance. I view my "independence" in researching and reporting Bonnie & Clyde History-- to be my greatest strength, in attempting to learn the truth. However for some-- it appears that an impressive level of Bonnie & Clyde close mindedness, is somehow viewed as an advantage. It seems for those who proudly pledge their allegiance to what might as well be called The Bonnie & Clyde Head in Sand Society-- all is good, nothing needs to be challenged-- and "damn" those who would go so far as to question, long cherished Bonnie & Clyde beliefs.

As a response I must say, that my recent investigation concerning Bonnie, W. D. and Grace Davies-- has me thinking of Bonnie Parker well outside the box. I now find myself pondering comments which have shaken loose, from some well placed within this history which I never thought I'd hear. Are there indeed secrets concerning Bonnie Parker, which have been well protected over so many decades-- and as such, never been revealed?? Some seem to believe in that possibility. And what exactly did happen to Bonnie, within a much less than well documented 1931??

In getting back to the challenges of exploring this history-- I don't mention it much, but within my Bonnie & Clyde inquiries-- it seems when I tread too closely to hallowed ground where some B&C types feel I shouldn't go, I'll get an occasional threatening e-mail or pointed behind the scenes comment. I find that remarkable, but sadly it's true. It's the damnedest thing-- but when I went to bat for Bonnie in battling Jeff Guinn, I received praise and encouragement for defending Bonnie and The Parker Family. These expressions of thanks, included more than one from Bonnie's niece Rhea Leen Linder. However now that I'm digging into areas of uncomfortable or perhaps inconceivable thought for some, concerning a more human Bonnie Parker than her oft angelic image might normally allow-- well then, it seems I've crossed some self imposed line in the sand which rightfully should never be crossed.

It's a good thing I don't buy into these contradictory notions. One one hand, it's good that I defend Bonnie from likes of Jeff Guinn, and his ideas of Bonnie being a prostitute and having been slain by a raging and vengeful Frank Hamer at close range-- in pumping her full of holes from the right side of the death car to avenge Bonnie's brutal, and senseless killings of Officers Murphy and Wheeler at Grapevine. My goodness-- that's a lot of unsubstantiated supposition. I wonder if Jeff has the same sort of hateful comments directed at him, as I receive from "the anonymous ones". In those cases, I defended Bonnie because historically she deserved to be defended-- from dubious allegations which seemed far more sensational than accurate. Based on personal exchanges with Jeff Guinn and in questioning footnotes within his book-- I felt Jeff's diligence was lax in researching these points, and his decision to include these over sensationalized and unsubstantiated assertions within a "True Story" of Bonnie & Clyde-- was a disservice to this history. That's my educated opinion, for what it's worth.

Interestingly, when news of the Bonnie Parker Tijuana Bible "Amputated" hit the fan-- I began hearing more about cracks in the perception of Bonnie being so sweet and innocent. It seems a oversensitivity on the part of some, was evident in defending Bonnie from this scourge of an idea-- that Bonnie's own actions could have in any way formed the impetus, for such a sordid parody being created concerning her. I found it interesting to read comments critical of Bonnie's most avid supporters, revolving around the idea that perhaps a more discerning view into Bonnie Parker is not a bad thing-- and so what if Bonnie's not found to be the "precious angel" so many view her as. The point of these admonishments, was to highlight the fact that Bonnie was human-- and perhaps in reality wasn't the perfect young lady many believe her to be. The idea was even advanced, that perhaps Bonnie sought the outlaw life-- and that Clyde Barrow provided the conduit for that opportunity. I must say-- that's an interesting twist I had never thought of before.

It seems at least partially because of "Amputated"-- a new willingness to examine Bonnie beyond the legend, is being discussed. I cant tell you which came first, the Bonnie rumors or the Bonnie Tijuana Bible (although historically it would be good to know)-- but I myself, would rather trust in truths concerning the "real" Bonnie Parker-- than in 1/2 truths built upon an image supported by incomplete knowledge. As such until proven otherwise, I still see no real evidence to support either of the 2 major Bonnie & Clyde sexual rumors being true. Some may wish them to be true, but that seems another issue unrelated to Bonnie & Clyde.

It's not at all remarkable, that people do very human things. Contrary to what some might believe, beyond the myths and legends-- Bonnie & Clyde were indeed human and as such were fallible. But how much change from B&C's long held images, is too much change in the eyes of some?? For example, through many documented accounts, I believe we now know with a good sense of certainty-- that Bonnie swore a good bit. Apparently the sweet young lady, was prone to curse when unhappy. So is that a trait that might forever disrupt someone's image of Bonnie?? Perhaps. But at least, as it seems now-- that would be a true image.

Would it also be a stretch to say, that as sexual active young people on the run with little time to live-- that Bonnie & Clyde may have run a bit free and loose concerning that aspect of their lives?? Bonnie was also said to have loved children. Could it be, that if possible-- Bonnie would want her dream of having a child realized as well?? That is, unless all who say they know better are correct-- that she and Clyde could never have conceived a child?? Or that neither of them had children, before loving one another. But contrary to what some believe or wish to believe-- I'm not sure at this point, the evidence that exists at least of the time near the ambush-- doesn't support a different story. But whether or not there's enough evidence to be conclusive, may be in the eye of the beholder. As far as accepting B&C as they actually were versus the image some have of them-- for me it's easy to say there "was" a reality to this history and for those who lived it. Sometimes it seems emotions come into play with Bonnie & Clyde, where really they shouldn't. But that's human nature-- especially regarding all the dynamics of this story, involving these individuals and the times in which they lived.

And what about Kent Biffle's reported comment made to Grace Davies, concerning an intimated Bonnie Parker?? Well just as in the movie A Christmas Story, when Ralphie didn't say "fudge"-- according to Grace, Kent didn't call Bonnie a "bore"-- but rather a term which sounds remarkably like it. What did this seasoned Dallas reporter with presumably many contacts over the years, perhaps know about Bonnie Parker?? Was/is there an undercurrent of secret knowledge regarding Bonnie & Clyde-- that's never been brought to light??

But I would also ask-- why some choose to take up the cause, of attempting to suppress even the possibility of new Bonnie & Clyde info coming to light?? In my view, although it may be admirable to protect certain individuals from perhaps uncomfortable investigations into these outlaws-- no one should presume to have the right to conduct self righteous crusades of blatant impoliteness and censorship because of it. I don't believe this history is going away any time soon-- and based on the activity within this B&C forum, where nearly 1000 hits in one day have been registered here from all over the world-- it seems interest in Bonnie & Clyde remains strong where ever they are thought of. And although this is not a comment only forum, I appreciate very much when comments are expressed here.

Note-- As I've already had this fact questioned by those with little better to do, I went back and checked. I apologize for being just 13 hits off. The B&CHB which routinely receives strong activity daily from many corners of the world-- experienced a 987 hit day on February 10th of this year. Also the next visitor from any new country, will add the 103rd country or territory-- to the list of those areas of the world who have come here, in search of Bonnie & Clyde truth.

As a side note I would say, what some don't realize in addressing me sometimes in less than respectful ways-- is that once I sense inappropriate comments within messages directed toward myself or this blog-- those comments are usually erased unread. I suppose some feel by expressing crass comments, they will affect some change in my behavior toward this history. But as Romper Room is now so many decades removed from our psyches-- I have no time to play the useless games others seem to thrive on.

I'm more interested in doing all I can, to help those who wish to know the truth concerning Bonnie & Clyde History. I'm focused on bringing to light, interesting and little known aspects of this history-- as well as attempting to sort out certain Bonnie & Clyde truths from rumors, which are often inquired of. I also wish to dispel if I can, B&C rumors which I feel have been perpetuated erroneously over the years. My investigations as always-- are objective, fair and diligently researched. So for those who would rather not have Bonnie defended from the likes of those who would wrongly slander her and as such alter this history-- not have new Bonnie & Clyde knowledge from Billie's journal and her unpublished manuscript-- not have the advantage of numerous Blanche Barrow items and correspondence to view and learn from-- not have important W. D. Jones info now corrected-- not have new Bonnie & Clyde hostage info brought to light-- not know the truth concerning Millie Stamps along with many other Bonnie & Clyde insights as found here-- there's always that magical choice, of not visiting The B&CHB. For everyone else, as always-- my sincere "thanks" for your continued support.

So what really did happen to Bonnie in 1931?? Why is that seemingly the only year within this saga, with so little known about her??-- and how might that truth relate if it does, to the Grace Davies claim?? Did the law knowingly shoot not just an outlaw woman in 1934-- but a pregnant Bonnie Parker?? And is that why some within the ambush posse, seemingly couldn't handle their remaining years without self destructing?? Did The Barrow Gang make plans to leave The United States, as related to a Bonnie pregnancy?? As there seems to be a credible source who reportedly said Bonnie & Clyde did consider such plans-- what is to be made of that knowledge within this history?? What "were" Frank Hamer's actions at the death car, after the ambush posse shooting en mass stopped??-- and which ambush account is correct?? And why is it-- that the Henderson Jordan Memorial Park Plague in Arcadia, LA.-- may still lack any reference to the historic contributions of Prentiss Oakley-- the man generally recognized as having killed Clyde Barrow??

So at what cost truth-- regarding Bonnie & Clyde History?? Sometimes the cost can be high-- but within the realm of reality and respect, hopefully the truth can be learned without hurting others. As I see it, there's still much to do within Bonnie & Clyde History. So with or without unanimous consent, and with my thanks to so many-- we move forward. I dedicate this post to Rick Mattix, as I feel he would approve of it's content.

BTW-- How dare anyone choose to use the tragedy of Rick Mattix's death against me, in drawing disparaging comparisons between Rick and myself. Rick Mattix was a fine Historian, a gentleman and a friend of mine. What a low and despicable thing to do, which exemplifies the twisted mentality of some within this history.

Rick Mattix-- A Champion for Truth Within History

2010-11-09T02:38:00.076-05:00

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Historian Rick Mattix. I know all will join with me in sending our condolences to Rick's wife Linda and their families. I will always be a fan of Rick and his great work. Rick's books include The Bloody Barrows Come to Iowa-- Coauthor (with William J. Helmer)-- of Public Enemies: America's Criminal Past-- and The Complete Public Enemies Almanac. In addition Rick contributed to numerous other crime related books including, Thompson, The American Legend: The First Submachine Gun by Tracie Hill et. al-- Dillinger: The Untold Story by G. Russell Girardin and William J. Helmer (Expanded Edition) & The Ultimate Thompson Book by Tracie Hill et. al.

Rick's contributions to various historical publications include-- his work on the Oklahombres Journal-- Thompson Collector News-- Prohibition Era Times-- and satirical humor articles for the Chicago based tabloid The Planet. Rick was also a valued consultant to various radio and T.V. documentaries, including Bonnie & Clyde documentaries which have aired over the years. Rick and Linda also published the popular On The Spot Journal, which I'm sure will be remembered-- as an outstanding resource within the realm of criminal history.

I will miss Rick's immense knowledge, his dry matter of fact sense of humor and the wonderful conversations we had-- which would always last an enjoyably long time. On a personal note, I believe Rick was the 1st world renown Historian to publicly acknowledge me as an Historian. I must say, that's a humbling honor I shall always cherish. Rick Mattix always seemed a kind man, who possessed unique talents and a deep-seated passion-- in relating the history he loved. One thing I'll remember fondly about Rick, was his encouragement for me to always press forward with an investigation-- no matter the odds and regardless of any opposition expressed. He would say "go for it"-- and encourage me to stay the course, in searching out the truth.

Rest in Peace Rick-- for you will always be among the best, in contributing to and stating the case for truth within history. With so many complicated things happening in my life, I realize I've learned of Rick's passing well after the fact. As such, today is a sad day for me.

The October Bonnie & Clyde Polls-- Loyalty, Mules and Bravery

2010-11-03T22:02:00.061-04:00

The October B&C Polls were seemingly a rag tag batch of B&C questions. Never the less and true to form-- there "were" apparently a number of challenges, disciphering some of these latest B&C queries. The Bonnie & Clyde Harboring Trial began on February 22nd, 1935. As such, B&C "confederates" from near and far were brought to justice for aiding and abetting Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. Perhaps of all the sentences imposed, you would think Henry Methvin might have been given one of the stiffest. But in reality, only 15 months was doled out to the last B&C accomplice. After the killing of Cal Campbell and kidnapping of Percy Boyd-- the Miami Daily News Record described Bonnie Parker as being Clyde Barrow's gun-woman sweetheart. I kind of liked gun toting hellcat-- a phrase I created for this question. In another news related B&C story, according to the Kaufman Daily Herald-- Bonnie Parker and Ralph Fults told authorities the "tall" tale of having ridden in a rodeo at Tulsa, in explaining just how they were able to remain upon a pitching mule for a 5 mile stretch after the Maybank incident.

Blanche and Buck's date of marriage listed upon their marriage license as seized from The Barrow Gang's Joplin Hideout-- was July 1st, 1931. This Barrow marriage document, has been displayed most recently by The Dallas Historical Society Museum. During the Red Crown shootout, Sheriff Holt Coffey was said to have found himself in the precarious position-- of being located in between the 2 Barrow Gang cabins when the firing commenced. Coffey who was also noted to have carried one of the metal shields upon having knocked on the door of Blanche and Buck's cabin-- was wounded in the neck, shoulder and left hand. Apparently upon hearing the prearranged signal Blanche spoke loudly enough for Clyde, Bonnie and W. D. to hear from the adjacent cabin (of needing time to dress)-- Clyde apparently opened up on Coffey from behind. It seems in being caught in the middle of firing from both cabins, Sheriff Coffey was a lucky man to have survived this Barrow Gang escape determined onslaught.

The next question was one in retrospect, I wish I had worded differently. What I was after was the greatest longevity of the Barrow family members. Instead-- apparently all took this question to mean who lived until the most recent year. In the form I meant this question, Henry Barrow would be the correct answer-- as he outlived Marie in terms of being the oldest Barrow upon passing away. However in fairness, I must accept Marie as well-- in terms of having lived as the question stated-- the longest. And in perhaps the most unexpected question of the lot-- "Old Man" Methvin (Ivy Methvin)-- was just 49 years old at the time of the ambush of B&C. Based on this descriptive term used to identify Ivy, in which many seem to envision an elderly man-- Ivy's comparatively young age (younger than Frank Hamer at the time)-- is often surprising. And finally Gene O'Dare, husband of Mary O'Dare-- was reportedly serving 99 years for robbery, while Mary accompanying her new beau Raymond Hamilton on his adventures and misadventures.

"Thanks" as always-- for participating in the B&C Polls. Look for the November edition, of B&C question & answer fun to be posted soon. BTW-- the photo at the head of this post, is by far one of my favorite B&C related photos. How ironic is that shot of W. D. Jones and Henry Methvin handcuffed together at the B&C Harboring trial?? I've always figured this pairing, to have been a deliberate and perhaps hellish joke-- played on W. D. and Henry by law enforcement?? Or it could have been just a practical matter-- with authorities wanting to keep the Barrow Gang members who had killed, together in one spot?? But one thing seems certain-- well before The Odd Couple hit the stage, TV and movies-- somehow that photo qualifies as depicting an indisputable Odd Couple. I've considered the possibility that in looking away as decidedly as they did, that perhaps neither of them wanted anything to do with one another-- although they found themselves attached. I've wondered what W. D. and Henry must have been thinking the moment that photo was taken?? W. D. of course knew when he bailed on B&C, that he didn't directly contribute to killing them. I'm not sure the same could be said, of Henry's realization of any similar thoughts.

In Search of Just the Right Bonnie and Clyde Halloween Look

2010-10-31T03:04:00.098-04:00

As Anoka, Minnesota is recognized as being the 1st city in the U.S. to celebrate Halloween (as we know it) in 1924, I wonder what if anything Bonnie & Clyde did to honor this holiday-- while trying to survive on the run?? I can't imagine Halloween being of much importance to these relentlessly hunted outlaws, but as it's known B&C would sometimes interact with kids in a kind way-- I wonder what if anything, they did differently on Halloween night??

Bonnie's sense of fashion gets attention, and her well known '30's sweater dress look is recognized as perhaps her most iconic image. This look is one Bonnie Parker Halloween idea-- although pretty much any combo with some sort of tam seems to work. With Clyde, the overt gangster look (although not accurate)-- gets play as a man's costume. And with the modern "gangsta" movement all the rage, a much sexier adaptation of this famous outlaw look now seems popular.

With a little time and effort, I'm sure a great version of B&C's well dressed look could be created for Halloween. Vintage & coordinated 1930's clothing would likely be the key. Now wouldn't that look be fabulous, strolling into a down and happenin' Hallows Eve party!?! BTW-- as reported here in the past, "Boots" Hinton's told me that according to his father Ted Hinton-- Bonnie's famous sweater dress was black-- with red, yellow and light green stripes bordered in black. It seems, Bonnie didn't always wear red.

Happy Halloween!!

W. D. Jones Didn't Serve 17 Years in Prison-- Nor 15 Years. In Fact-- Not Even Close

2010-10-27T00:52:00.107-04:00

In having requested official records concerning W. D. Jones from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, I had expecting to receive just cut and dry tabular records. What arrived instead, was a wonderful synopsis of W. D.'s early life and criminal career as stated by W. D. Jones himself, apparently as revealed within a Texas prison interview. But included along with this rich biographical info, was the specific knowledge I was after. Namely, the exact dates that W. D. Jones entered and exited prison-- in having served his time as an accessory, to the killing of Tarrant County Deputy Sheriff Malcolm Davis in January 1933. In addition to being of interest within the annals of B&C History, this info concerning W. D. would also impact the Grace Davies story-- in revealing the availability of W. D. Jones in possibly being the "handsome" man Grace remembers visiting her, when she was 8 years old.

But a pronounced roadblock seemed to stand squarely in the path of Grace's recollection, in that it's often been written that W. D. was sentenced to 15 years in jail for the Malcolm Davis killing plus 2 additional years-- having been tacked onto his sentence, as a result of the 1935 Bonnie & Clyde Harboring trial. Obviously if that contention were true, and W. D. served 15 years or more in prison and was released somewhere near 1950-- then W. D. Jones couldn't have been the mysterious man Grace remembers. Then as such, the possibility of W. D. being considered as Grace's father would be lessened. As Grace believes she was born in March 1932, she would have been 8 until turning 9 in March 1941.

Ah, but this aspect of Grace's story couldn't be that easy to disprove could it?? As it turns out-- No. And in fact-- the State of Texas prison records for W. D. Jones, just made it entirely possible that the mysterious man from Grace's memory-- could indeed have been W. D. Jones. But wasn't W. D. serving a term of 15 years or more in jail?? Well apparently-- that's not exactly the case. Many B&C books including the most notable ones, chronicle W. D.'s sentence as being the 15 years plus 2. However W. D.'s "actual" sentence as documented within Texas prison records-- was a much more pliable 2-15 years. And although 2 years were apparently added from the B&C Harboring Trial (to run concurrently-- more on this later)-- in fact W. D. was granted a reprieve of sentence in time for Christmas-- dated at Sugarland, Texas December 13th, 1940. I've included here, a scan of W. D.'s Reprieve of Sentence Receipt-- which includes the signatures of W. D. Jones and his Warden.

The Reprieve Of Sentence reads-- Sugarland Texas Dec 13th 1940. I W. D. Jones Register No. 77540, do hereby accept Reprieve of Sentence granted unto me, and agree to conditions stipulated therein, i. e., That I conduct myself in all things in an exemplary manner, and report to Hon. W. K. Howarth, Chairman, of Harris County, Texas, at such times and places as the said Hon. W. K. Howarth, Chairman, shall require. Signed in the presence of Warden or Farm Manager and Signature of Prisoner. Please have prisoner sign the above receipts and return all three to the office of the Bureau of Records and Identification, Huntsville, Texas.

Although W. D.'s Dallas prisoner number from his 1933 mugshot was 11711-- I've learned the register number on this receipt, and W. D.'s 1934 Texas state prisoner number were one in the same-- #77540.

Now when the Grace Davies story was brought to my attention, I thought I remembered W. D. having served a shortened sentence for the Malcolm Davis killing. However, in not remembering exactly where I saw that info-- I sought to review W. D.'s prison term as chronicled within some well respected B&C works, which many of us know. But even in viewing like descriptions of W. D.'s incarceration within these well researched accounts-- I've always been one to prefer learning of B&C historical elements such as this, from their source. Thus I contacted the Texas Prison System for this info. It does seem, many B&C authors used the 15/2 model for W. D.'s 1934 prison sentence without question-- and without elaborating regarding W. D.'s actual time served. It seems now that W. D.'s Reprieve of Sentence Receipt, puts an end to the long held perception that W. D.'s sentence must have equaled his time served. It also helps Grace Davies better understand, an important aspect concerning the possibility of W. D. somehow being her father.

As mentioned earlier, in addition to this most useful prison info concerning W. D.-- his prison records also include some quite insightful biographical knowledge concerning this long tenured Barrow Gang member. As W. D. puts it-- in 1933, he ran around some with Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. One day Malcolm Davis a Ft. Worth police detective, came to Dallas in search of Gene O'Dare. Davis entered a house where he believed O'Dare was hiding. He did not find O'Dare, but decided to wait. Sometime afterwards, Barrow, Parker and W. D. drove to the house. Barrow and Parker started into the house. Davis attempted to arrest them, and when he attempted to do so-- Barrow killed him. Barrow and Parker escaped, and were killed before being tried on charges from the Malcolm Davis killing. W. D. was captured, identified and tried for Davis' murder. He remained in jail in Dallas for 9 months before his trial.

W. D. was born somewhere in East Texas on August 12th, 1916. **Note the difference in W. D's birth date as revealed here-- versus the date which appears on his headstone of May 15th, 1916. His father was a farmer but moved the family to Dallas in 1922. That year W. D.'s father and 2 of his siblings died of pneumonia. As a result of their family's tragedy, all the Jones children quit school and started to work. W. D. sold newspapers and did odd jobs, and thus had contributed toward his family's maintenance from the age of 9. He attended school for only a short time, and never completed the 1st grade. He attended school in West Dallas.

W. D. states he grew up with the Barrow boys and other known criminals from West Dallas. However, he claims he was with them on very few of their escapades. W. D.'s first trouble occurred when he was 11 years old. He was arrested on a charge of bicycle theft, but states that the case was dismissed because he was not guilty. His next trouble was in 1931. W. D. and L. C. Barrow stole an automobile in Dallas and drove it to Shreveport, Louisiana. They were arrested there and returned to Dallas. W. D. was held in jail for 4 months before being tried in Federal court for violation of the Dyer act. He was sentenced to one year and a day, and his time was dated back to the time of his arrest. For the unserved portion of 8 months-- he was placed on probation.

Hardly was W. D.'s probationary period over before he was arrested for car theft in 1932 and given a 2 year suspended sentence. Later in 1932 W. D. was in Beaumont, Texas with Charley Britton and Jack Murphy. The three were arrested on charges of auto theft and failure to stop and render aid. W. D. claimed they were not guilty of the charges, and were released-- without being held for the grand jury.

W. D. continued to associate with the West Dallas gang and was with Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker on several of their shooting scrapes. However, he claimed not to have been with them on the robberies. In 1935, W. D. was returned to Dallas from the penitentiary and tried on a Federal charge for harboring Barrow and Parker. W. D. stated that he was given a 2 year sentence to run concurrent with his sentence in the Texas Prison system. **This is the info as noted before, where W. D.'s 2-15 year sentence wouldn't have been added onto from the harboring trial. W. D. stated he had gotten along well every place he has been assigned since coming to the penitentiary-- and at the time of this accounting, was working in the laundry.

Within a review of his personality, it was noted that W. D. could neither read nor write. However it was further noted that he had a vocabulary comparable to the average urban grammar school graduate. During this interview, W. D. was said to have been frank and cooperative. His prison report reveals that W. D. rationalized his offenses on bad associations. He claimed not to have killed Malcolm Davis, but admitted to being present at the time Davis was killed. He believed he was pleaded guilty to being an accomplice, when he was tried.

The following Summary and Recommendation is quoted verbatim from the Texas Prison interview and evaluation of W. D. Jones--

"Subject, W. D. Jones, #77540, was admitted 11-7-34 from Dallas County with a sentence of from two to fifteen (2-15) years for murder with malice. He had previously served a jail sentence for violation of the Dyer Act and admits one previous suspended sentence. He is also under a federal conviction for harboring a fugitive from justice. Subject was a member of the Clyde Barrow - Bonnie Parker gang. He has one brother serving a sentence in the Texas Prison System."

"Subject is twenty one years of age, practically illeterate, (an interesting spot for a misspelling)-- and single. He has no employment experience that is verifiable. During interview he was cooperative but seems to have been unstable and maladjusted and to have had a poor family background (shown by conviction of one brother and early family breakdown.). He will probably adjust fairly satisfactorily to prison routine but a future prognosis is problematic."

"Tentative classification: 2-A, Medium custodial care, rehabilitation rating 35, Employment Rating: Poor. Subject will probably be most valuable as a common laborer but if he becomes eligible for promotions construction work of a simple trade is recommended."

I hope all have enjoyed learning of some interesting aspects, of W. D. Jones' Texas Prison record. Of significance to me, is yet another W. D. Jones interview to mull over, along with the details confirming his prison confinement-- 2-15 years with 2 years added from the Bonnie & Clyde Harboring Trial to run concurrently. W. D.'s Reprieve Of Sentence Receipt-- shows he was released from prison on the Malcolm Davis accessory charge on December 13th, 1940. This date is important to the Grace Davies claim, in showing W. D. to have been a free man-- and available to have visited North Carolina in late 1940 or early 1941. However a careful read of W. D.'s prison interview, in detailing his activities within 1931-- leaves open the question of exactly when in that year he would have been free to conceive a child?? As I see it, the dates as stated by W. D. himself-- are inconclusive, but leave open that possibility.

My sincere thanks to an old friend at The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Rachel Williams-- and a new friend in Rebecca Matcek, for assisting me in this endeavor. In addition, my thanks to Laura Saegert of The Texas State Library at Austin-- for her consistently kind help, within these searches for B&C historical truth. As always-- I welcome your comments.

A Daughter for Bonnie Parker and W. D. Jones in 1932?!?-- How About Twins?!&?#%?!! You'd Better Brace Yourselves for This One

2010-10-17T23:54:00.318-04:00

Is this the face of an outlaw's daughter-- or the inquisitive look of a young lady destined to know her own happiness, while also searching in vain for a truth she may never know?? One thing's for sure within Bonnie & Clyde History-- there's never a shortage of stories regarding these most iconic of American outlaws-- no matter how outlandish the claims. It can also be said, that among some closest to Bonnie & Clyde's families-- there can exist an "extra" measure of defensiveness and oft times unwillingness, to consider points of view unlike their own.

Now I myself don't consider "it ain't so-- 'cause it ain't so"-- a viable defense, in choosing not to explore B&C stories in search of the truth. With so much new and credible information having come to light in recent years, I believe new avenues of thinking need to be employed, in order to fully understand reality within B&C History. Within that unabashed spirit of seeking transparency within this diverse and less than certain historical journey, I'm proud to say here at The B&CHB-- I don't shy away from controversy and I won't sweep things under the rug. Thus if I were to tell you that an adopted woman living in California, has waged a decades long crusade to learn the truth regarding her identity-- in feeling she may be the daughter of Bonnie Parker and W. D. Jones what would you think??

"That's a good one"!@%$?! might come to mind-- or "that's not possible-- is it"?? Well even as immersed as I am within this history, I was unaware of this monumental claim until earlier this year-- when it was brought to my attention by a friend I trust implicitly within this history. Apparently the B&C Families and some close to them, have been approached quietly over time-- in seeking their help to sort out this hard to fathom matter of B&C contention. However due to media coverage of this story, the circle of knowledge has widened concerning this bold assertion. As such when brought to my attention, my curiosity was jogged. However based on the thoroughly "sensational" nature of this claim, I must admit that even I in possessing a normally "wide open" mindset concerning this history-- didn't concentrate much on it, until the story re-surfaced for me again. Recently, I was sent a link to a KCBS news story concerning this allegation-- which aired in Los Angeles on June 16th, 2009. With many thanks, this link was sent by Cindy-- who's a regular contributor to this blog.

Now there have been many people over the years, who've claimed a kinship with Bonnie, Clyde or some member of The Barrow Gang. In the vast majority of these cases, although the amount of banter and self assertion can be voluminous, viable proof is rarely forthcoming. Thus most who make these claims are often exposed as egocentric opportunists, or those who as a practical matter-- perhaps may need to find more to do with their lives. But in viewing this CBS news video, which was broadcast in the major market of Los Angeles-- I was struck by this woman's determination and conviction, in seemingly truly believing she was somehow the child of W. D. and Bonnie. Plus she had an intriguing story to tell, which on the face of it-- seemed less vulnerable to being "knocked out" as quickly as most "I'm related to B&C" stories.

But let's get real you'd say. How could this be?? This person has to be mistaken. There's no way, or is there?? For the record, this quite pleasant & outgoing lady is Grace Davies-- who hails from the hinterland area of Southern California. Grace is 78 years old-- having been born in March of 1932. Concerning her perceived affiliation with B&C History, Grace's story goes something like this. From the time she was a young girl, Grace wondered about her true identity. As many children do, she had overheard family members talk of her-- and came to the realization she may have been adopted.

As she became of age, Grace began asking her relatives the emotionally laden questions she just couldn't shake-- and which left a wanting feeling within her. At one point, Grace had asked her uncle Jim for insights regarding her adoption. However, instead of the usual story one might expect this relative to tell, Grace's uncle took a most curious detour-- in providing comment seemingly unrelated to her question. Jim proceeded to tell Grace of her aunt Lillie, who in her younger days had been said to run liquor for bootleggers. According to uncle Jim, Grace's aunt Lillie Ruth Brown (pictured here)-- brought Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow to the family farm in North Carolina for a weekend stay. But what on earth, did this knowledge have to do with Grace's adoption?? Understandably, Grace asked if aunt Lillie was her mother?? No said Jim-- but aunt Lillie was said to have been the relative who brought Grace to her adopted parents Glennie Bell Johnson and William Raleigh Johnson as a baby. And in a perfect spot for this phrase-- here's where the plot thickens.

Although Grace's relatives were reluctant to provide the vital information she craved, with each relative questioned-- Grace Marie seemed able to piece together more and more of a puzzle, with what appeared to be ominous possibilities. Grace was told that she was born in another state while her natural mother was in jail. She was then brought to NC by aunt Lillie, and given to her adoptive mother-- Lillie's sister Glennie. Grace also recalls a one time meeting with a mysterious yet friendly man. When Grace was 8, she had taken ill. While she was sick, she remembers a man visiting her-- a "handsome" man, whom she remembers saying he loved her and who cried upon leaving their brief encounter. More on this mystery man in a moment. In later years while searching for proof of her identity, Grace has been told 2 quite different stories by records workers in NC concerning her adoption records. One story is that her records were destroyed by a fire in Smithfield, NC. The other account, has Grace unable to view her sealed records since she was related to "high criminals".

In having uncovered what Grace believed was some connection with Bonnie & Clyde, in 1971-- Grace began looking into B&C History in earnest for information. She read avidly about the outlaws, and began making the rounds of those she felt might assist her-- in deciphering what seemed to be a haphazard but intriguing batch of clues. She approached Phillip Steele, who'd worked on a memoir with Marie Barrow Scoma-- among others, who are recognizable names within the realm of B&C Historical analysis. Remember the mysterious and handsome man from a moment ago?? Now enter Kent Biffle.

After years of searching B&C streams with but a trickle of useful knowledge concerning her quest, on September 12th, 2000-- Grace says she spoke with renown Dallas newsman Kent Biffle. Many familiar with this history are aware of Kent Biffle's work, which included a number of articles on Bonnie & Clyde which he authored over the course of his storied career. According to Grace, in having told Kent what she's learned of her earlier life-- and after some questions from Mr. Biffle in apparently feeling out Grace and attempting to verify knowledge of his own, Kent Biffle laid some "mother load" info upon Grace.

As Grace remembers it-- Kent said W. D. Jones was his friend and a nice man. According to Grace, it was Kent Biffle who told her that W. D. Jones was indeed her daddy. And although never mentioning her by name, Grace says Kent also made what she thought was a veiled reference to Bonnie Parker. Oddly, Kent made this inference within an unexpected and disparaging comment concerning Grace's mother. But as Grace knew Kent Biffle would have had no way of knowing anything of Grace's adoptive mother Glennie Johnson in order to offer comment on her-- she was left with the impression that Kent was referring to Bonnie Parker as being her mother.

As someone once said-- now "those" are revelations within B&C History-- but hold on-- were they really revelations at all?? Now I'll take a moment here to comment, that apparently Kent Biffle has his detractors among some who've dealt with him over the years. I would think anyone in the news game as long as Kent was, could draw a mixed hand when impressions concerning him are tallied. However Kent also has his supporters, one of whom told me Kent is an honest man, who's always intent on getting historical facts right. From my point of view, a review of Kent Biffle's B&C articles-- shows a reporter who seems to express a decidedly negative slant and critical opinion of Bonnie & Clyde, along with those who would laud them. In some ways, this popular news reporter seems to resemble a sort of home town Dallas crusader-- intent on protecting the image of Dallas from the scourge of these young punk criminals who gave Dallas a bad name. But you know what-- there "are" many who would support this sort of B&C bashing, and support Mr. Biffle's opinions concerning B&C wholeheartedly.

I should also note, a most interesting comment which Grace brought to my attention. Grace told me that according to Kent Biffle, not all of W.D.'s interview with Playboy was published in November 1968. There were said to have been portions left untold, which Grace feels may have included info regarding this story. Grace says she made contact with Playboy, who told her no other records of W.D's interview could be located beyond the published interview. I've also communicated with Playboy Enterprises, in an attempt to learn what notes containing unpublished info-- may exist from W.D.'s 1968 interview. In addition, I've tried to clarify just who it was-- who worked with W. D. in bringing his story to press. In a curious response (at least to me)-- Playboy has politely declined my request for info, in citing proprietary privilege. It seems without exception, only Playboy employees can view Playboy materials. One thing I know as I've specifically asked-- Playboy hasn't denied the existence of additional notes from the W. D. sessions. Also so far, Playboy has refused to reveal the source who was responsible for obtaining W. D.'s story.

Well I must say-- I hadn't realized the need for such protections, regarding a 42 year old interview in Playboy magazine?!? I would politely ask why?? My response to this development, is when people start declining requests for historically related info of a seemingly benign nature-- that gets my attention. Based on their response, I've made a newly enhanced request-- in trying to shake the bushes over at Playboy. I find it curious that after all these years, there would be such hesitation concerning this information. It's easy I suppose to hide behind the cloak of proprietary concern. But concern over what?? I wonder if this proprietary focus, is really all there is-- to this apparent lack of professional graciousness?? Could there indeed be secrets revealed within W. D.'s Playboy liner notes?? I hope eventually to gain some insight into W. D.'s Playboy interview, as it relates to this story. I've seen it written that a reporter from Houston was responsible for the W.D. Playboy article. How Kent Biffle seemingly knew of insider info from W.D.'s Playboy confessional, leaves one to wonder whether he may have been a go between to W.D.-- knew the reporter who conducted the interview-- or in fact, may have "been" the reporter who obtained W.D.'s comments on a free lance basis??

Ah but there's more. Just as our journey through the thick woods of uncertainty was nearing a clearing-- we arrive at the road never taken. Through a family held conversation which Grace witnessed early in her life, and via medical evidence uncovered in 1983-- Grace had suspected that she may have been one of twins born to her natural mother. Now if Bonnie Parker was indeed Grace's mother, that would mean that Bonnie had twins in 1932. Next enter Ken Holmes. Ken who's known to many of us, as a Dallas based Historian with a substantial knowledge of B&C History-- has also dealt with Grace over the years. According to Grace, at one point Ken told her that in the 1970's a TV news anchorwoman in Houston, Texas had also claimed to be the daughter of Bonnie Parker.

Grace said she contacted many Houston television stations in an attempt to find this woman. The closest she got, was to have co-workers of this mystery woman ask Grace her date of birth over an open line. When Grace responded-- an audible gasp was said to have been heard among those listening. Grace felt this could mean, that the woman who was fired for telling her sensational claim over the air-- may have had the same birth date as hers?? Now this possibility, just plain opens up the proverbial 'ol extra large can o' worms to sort through.

If true, what would the odds be of "2" women trying to verify themselves as daughters of Bonnie Parker-- and both having the same birthday?? I'm not sure-- but those odds would likely be very long indeed. To me, this seeming connection to another woman who's thought of as a possible twin daughter of Bonnie Parker by Grace-- seems a perception perhaps built on a quantum leap of faith. Such is the case with a number of aspects of this story. Yet interestingly, Grace says she possesses Internet records from 1999 of a Ron Johnson and others from NC-- searching for the twin daughters of Bonnie Parker the outlaw on genealogy.com. Remember, Grace's adopted name is Johnson from North Carolina. I too was able to locate records on genealogy.com, of an forum search for Bonnie Parker twins from 1999 which involved Grace, but no mention yet within my searches of a Ron Johnson or multiple inquiries concerning this. Getting back to Ken Holmes-- Ken was also said to have offered the possibility to Grace, of having DNA analysis performed on a swatch of the B&C death car seat upholstery which he owns.

Ken Holmes graciously responded to my call for comment for this article. According to Ken, he heard the report regarding the Houston, Texas TV news anchorwoman over the radio in the 1970's. Ken recalls this woman was indeed fired from her job, for mentioning on the air that she was the daughter of Bonnie Parker. Ken is familiar with Grace's claim of perhaps being a twin-- but doesn't remember any reference to twins being involved in this story concerning the Houston newswoman. Ken also confirmed his willingness, regarding possible DNA testing of the death car swatch he owns. However as this testing could involve destruction of this rare swatch toward that goal-- it would likely be an expensive endeavor, both concerning this artifact's value and cost of DNA analysis.

Point by Point, Pro and Con--

With considerable background now established in this case, I thought it best to proceed point by point with many of the nuances needed to examine this claim. This format would seem to provide an effective way to impart additional info-- while also providing a much needed airing of arguments pro and con.

Due to difficulty in obtaining her adoption records, although not set in stone-- Grace believes she was born in March 1932. She would prefer to shield her precise birth date in considering the chance that a twin with the same birth date may be searching for her. For the record, I am aware of this date. W. D. Jones was born on May 15th, 1916. Therefore for W. D. to be Grace's father, he would have been just 15 years old both when she was conceived in roughly June 1931-- and also when Grace was born in March of '32. Certainly not impossible-- but many might think this possibility unlikely. And to involve Bonnie Parker-- this fact would also necessitate the image of a married 20 year old Bonnie, already separated from Roy Thornton and involved with Clyde-- having had some sort of fling with a much younger W. D. I'm not sure where it can be shown, that W. D. Jones and Bonnie Parker knew one another prior to December 1932-- when W. D. joined up with Clyde. However as W. D. was friends with Clyde's brother L. C. and had known Clyde for years, it's conceivable that W. D. "could" have crossed paths with Bonnie. How this could be proven I'm not sure.

In order to support this claim based on reported B&C Historical events-- you'd also have to envision Clyde leaving prison in January 1932 and returning to a pregnant Bonnie, who reportedly was elated in seeing Clyde once again. As one B&C Historian expressed to me within a recent talk we had concerning this-- that's "too much of a stretch". Now with Grace's adoption records at this point unavailable-- there could be some play in Grace's birth date. But based on the timing told within this story, I would think it unlikely that Clyde wouldn't have known about a Bonnie pregnancy. How that reality would have gone over with Clyde, after spending 2 years in prison and returning to Bonnie-- that "is" frankly, quite a long stretch.

As I see it, the main element which "could" support this claim-- is the time period in which a Bonnie and W. D. union could have occurred. This timing just happens to coincide precisely, with the period in which a woman born in March 1932 would have been conceived. Any time significantly earlier or later-- and this story wouldn't work. It seems little is known concerning Bonnie's acquaintances and activities between December 1930 and January 1932. Within Fugitives, the family's 1934 account of B&C's story-- notably, Bonnie's exploits appear to pretty much drop from sight during this 13 month period. Although some B&C authors have provided some insight-- with all that's been written about Bonnie Parker both before and after this time, I would ask-- why so little is chronicled of Bonnie from this period?? It's been reported that after Clyde entered prison, Bonnie corresponded with him regularly for months. Their published love letters, seemingly verify a love that carried forward for a good portion of Clyde's confinement. However it's also been noted, that eventually their relationship cooled-- to the point where it's said Bonnie "was" dating other young men during this very time. Is it possible that Bonnie could have been attracted to a younger and notably handsome W. D. Jones-- whom she could have known, and had at least a one night relationship with?? Yes it is. Is it also possible that the family(ies) could have held such a secret as a Bonnie pregnancy tight lipped for generations?? According to some willing to state a belief held for many years-- one would suppose so, depending on the circumstances.

As the Kent Biffle angle is "key" to Grace's story, I've made a number of attempts to contact Kent but so far without a reply. I've learned that Kent who's in his 70s, may not be in the best of health these days. It's certainly not my intention to be impolite to Mr. Biffle or his family. I continue to hope for some response to my approaches-- in asking Kent to please confirm, deny or clarify-- the statements attributed to him by Grace Davies. Based on some candid conversations held between myself and others who either know Kent or know of him-- I've been told it's possible that Kent knew W. D. Jones. However based on known B&C accounts I feel it must be asked-- is it possible that Kent Biffle somehow misspoke regarding the story he reportedly told Grace, in linking her to W. D. and or Bonnie?? Perhaps Kent was right about W.D. but wrong about Bonnie?? I suppose many things could be possible within this story-- including that contention as well.

According to Emma Parker, once Bonnie's marriage to Roy Thornton dissolved, Bonnie lived with her up until the time she and Clyde went away. In 1932 the Parker's Dallas residence was noted to have been located at 2430 Douglass. It seems logical that for this story to be true, the Parker family would have needed (for some reason)-- to cover it up, and do so most effectively for close to 80 years now. From speaking with a number of folks old enough to remember the 1930's, I understand that events such as we're discussing here (a birth out of wedlock-- or involving a minor-- or a child born to a woman already married)-- were considered scandalous circumstances, and would be considered an embarrassment to the families involved. However-- Bonnie's niece Rhea Leen Linder, reveals a touching perspective concerning The Parker Family-- within her rebuttal to this claim which accompanies this post. Rhea Leen asks-- with all the love and care The Parkers had exhibited in searching for her, when she had been placed in a home away from her family-- why they wouldn't have had the same love for any children of Bonnie's?? It's known that Bonnie loved children. Thus what are the odds, she would have given away one much less 2 children-- if presented with the opportunity to have her family care for them?? Not a chance according to Rhea Leen.

As a practical matter, there seems a stark reality standing in the way of Grace's view of the "handsome" man who she recalls visiting her when she was 8-- and believing this gentleman to be W. D. Jones. I have requested documentation from The Texas Department of Criminal Justice concerning the incarceration of William Daniel Jones. It's been written that W. D. was sentenced to 15 years in prison as an accomplice to the January 6th, 1933 murder of Tarrant County Deputy Sheriff Malcolm Davis. Also that 2 years were later added to W. D.'s sentence, as a result of his conviction in the B&C harboring trial in 1935. If W. D. was indeed confined for anywhere near 17 years after his time with Bonnie & Clyde-- then unless W. D. was granted a furlough to visit Grace when she was 8-- the mysterious handsome man who Grace remembers couldn't have been W. D. As soon as I have the info needed to verify W. D.'s sentence-- I'll update this post.

Update-- The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has confirmed that W. D. was released from prison on December 13th, 1940. This info makes it possible, that W. D. could have been the mysterious man who visited Grace when she was 8 years old. Please review additional info from W.D.'s prison record in a post dated October 27th, 2010.

As far as Grace being born to Bonnie while Bonnie was in the Kaufman, Texas jail-- as expressed in the CBS coverage of Grace's story-- here's another spot, where the facts may stand squarely in the way of a good story. Grace is said to have been born in March 1932. But after her involvement in the Maybank incident with Ralph Fults-- Bonnie was imprisoned from April 20th or 21st, 1932 and released after being no billed, on June 17th of that year. Again, there could be some play withing Grace's birth date-- and effectively there would need to be-- in making this timing element of her story possible. Concerning CBS's handling of this story, Peter Wilgoren-- the Senior Executive Producer of CBS News Los Angeles, expressed to me his belief that CBS pretty much went with Grace's story as told-- and without contacting The Parker Family, although their reporter Stacy Butler, was said to have made many phone calls concerning her report.

Divergent views and a family's response. There's "a lot" happening within this assertion of a possible Bonnie & W. D. kinship with Grace Davies-- which may or may not have grounds in reality. Many may feel there's about as much chance of this claim being true-- as a snowball in hell being hit by a shot in the dark!! At this point although I'm not willing to dismiss this claim, I'm not convinced there's enough evidence to substantiate Grace's assertion. However-- there "are" intriguing aspects of this story, which remain unexplained. From the Parker family's point of view, although it's unfortunate that Grace has spent such energy and time within her quest-- it's their view she is mistaken. For her part, although Grace has apparently expressed no monetary desires within the search for her true identity-- she has drawn the ire of some for her persistence, in the face of few verifiable facts. Grace says she just wants to know the truth, concerning the emotionally charged question of who she really is. She has stated if her feelings concerning W. D. and Bonnie are deemed to be false-- she would apologize for any trouble she may have caused. I believe Grace in making that heartfelt statement. In fairness, I feel it needs to be known that Grace also claims a psychic sensitivity-- which she admits to for as long as she can remember. As one who believes in those possibilities, and at this point in my life-- I wouldn't downplay or cast doubt on that admission. So could it be true, that Grace is the daughter of W. D. Jones and Bonnie Parker?? I feel it quite unlikely, but I'm not willing to shut the door on that possibility. In response to Grace's assertion, Bonnie's niece Rhea Leen Linder has asked me to publish an e-mail she sent me-- in response to my approach to her for comment concerning this story. It's my pleasure to do so. This e-mail was dated September 29th, 2010.

Winston - BONNIE HAD NO CHILDREN AT ALL - EVER - NOT BY ROY, NOT BY CLYDE OR NOT BY "ANYONE ELSE" PERIOD.

This must be the woman that keeps calling Buddy, Don't you know that our family would certainly know if she EVER was pregnant and definitely if she had a child or twins - for one thing the baby would never be adopted out - it would have definitely been taken care of by Emma and Jean and rest of family - when they searched for me constantly for 3 years - not having any idea of where I might be - but kept looking - with no help from anyone but the "Welfare dept." - you know darn well that they would have kept any child of Bonnie's - no matter who the daddy was.There were ONLY 3 grandchildren in Bonnie's family - Billie Jean's 2 children, Buddy and Jackie - who passed away at age 2 and 4 - and Buster's daughter, me, Bonnie Ray Parker - and Jean had my name changed to Rhea Leen Frazier when I was in 5th grade.

When does common sense prevail in anything that concerns B&C - I have missed Marie so much - not only for the friendship and things we had planned - but for her knowledge - to at least put so much of this B.S. to rest.

Billie Jean and Marie both - many more times than once - told me that BONNIE NEVER HAD ANY CHILDREN - and I defer to them as the "ONLY EXPERTS" ON THIS SUBJECT.

To ALL of the self-claimed experts and FAMILY WANNA-BE'S - I ask - "WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU WANT TO BE KIN TO BONNIE AND CLYDE?????" No matter what the circumstances - they were still outlaws and did wrong - I thank God that Bonnie never shot anyone - but still she chose to remain on the wrong side of the law with Clyde - eventho, Clyde, Emma, Billie Jean and Buster tried to get her to come home before it was to late - she could have but she chose to stay with Clyde - knowing the ultimate end was to come.

I know that Jeff Guinn said that "HISTORY IS "YOUR BEST GUESS" and preceded to write his book on that opinion - doing whatever it takes to "spice up" his book - and naming it the "true and untold story of Bonnie and Clyde" and then proceeds to lie in it - how can that be considered to be "True and Untold" - in all the other books written and stories told- it was NEVER intimated that she was a "prostitute". That was an out and out lie - I checked with historians that I trust - John Neal Phillips, Jonathan Davis and Boots, as well as others- and they all said that was not in anything that they had seen- nothing had been intimated to that effect - so I guess that was Jeff's "Best Guess" in his mind. Someone said that he chose to use that BECAUSE she wrote the poem about a prostitute - she wrote a poem about "Suicide Sal" but we all know that she DIDN'T commit suicide.

Winston - I would like to see my letter put on your blog - in full - and see what effect, if any, that it has. Take care. Rhea Leen

No DNA-- Grace Davies has expressed her willingness to provide DNA samples to help solve what she feels is a valid question both personally and historically. Rhea Leen Linder has refused to consider providing DNA-- in feeling Grace's claim not credible enough for consideration. For what it's worth-- from both a personal and historical perspective, I've expressed my feeling that DNA analysis may be the "only" way to put this B&C contention to rest. I can appreciate both the Parker and Barrow families' frustration, in having endured kinship related claims for years. But by the same token if it were me-- I would agree to DNA. My feeling is-- why allow a story such as this to fester, and survive those living today who could deal with and possibly dispel it?? My suggestion is, after many decades of uncertainty-- prove or disprove this story. Remember there does exist the death car swatch. To me, all involved-- Grace, The Parkers and Jones (should relatives of W.D. be located)-- would all benefit in knowing the truth. A weight lifted from many shoulders, for the sake of a simple swab in the mouth or testing a piece of fabric. Plus there's the very human element of Grace Davies trying satisfy a lifelong desire to discover her roots. Even one of the most discerning and careful investigators I know-- thinks Grace looks very much like W. D. What do you think about all of this?? I welcome your comments. My thanks for your patience, during the research and construction of a most involved post.

Many thanks as well to L. J. "Boots" Hinton, for allowing the rarely seen photo of W. D. and Bonnie at the rocky outcropping to be published here on The B&CHB. That photo is © 2010 The Hinton Family Archive. BTW-- I find it interesting that in the other photo of Bonnie and W. D. shown above, W. D. Jones has his arm around Bonnie Parker. Maybe it's just me-- but I've always felt Bonnie looked uncomfortable just standing next to other members of The Barrow Gang when photographed. By contrast-- of course Bonnie always seemed at ease when standing with Clyde. What impact might this perceived closeness of Bonnie to W. D. have on this story-- who knows?? Perhaps none at all. But why do you suppose W. D. was able to get close enough to Bonnie, to seemingly express an outward affection in holding her as he did?? And when that photo was taken-- Clyde was almost certainly standing right off camera. I find that photo a curious thing.

Also it was W. D., who carried a wounded Bonnie on his back through thick and thin for a mile at Dexfield Park-- likely saving Bonnie's life, or at best certain capture and separation from Clyde. According to Billie via a story told by Bonnie herself-- W. D. was trusted by Clyde to choose life or death for Bonnie, should the law close in on them at Dexfield Park (B&C's suicide pact). Per Billie's account-- prior to Clyde, Bonnie and W. D. escaping-- when W. D. and Bonnie thought they heard the law near them-- Bonnie said W. D. had a gun to her head with the hammer cocked and his finger on the trigger. That's perhaps the ultimate trust-- to place your life in the hands of another. Apparently both B&C trusted W. D. with that responsibility concerning Bonnie. Then again, if Grace's contention were true-- would W. D. be able to pull the trigger, and end the life of the mother of their child(ren)?? I'm not sure that would make sense. Did Bonnie Parker & W. D. Jones share more in common, than just the element of survival?? It's a most interesting thought.

If anyone anywhere, has additional info concerning Grace Davies or the search for a child or children of Bonnie Parker and W. D. Jones-- please send an e-mail to me at bchistory@optonline.net

The Great Depression and Bonnie & Clyde "Revisited"

2010-10-16T02:12:00.057-04:00

Many cite The Depression, and embittered anti establishment feelings spawned within America during those oh so tense years-- as a contributing factor for the rise of outlaws such as Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and others. Although Clyde's life of crime actually began as a petty thief in 1926, The Depression is almost always equated with the saga of Bonnie and Clyde. I agree with the premise, that anger generated within the general populous in the '30s-- combined with a new found tolerance for lawlessness, within many who wouldn't normally support violence and rebellion-- resulted in the environment necessary, to foster the rise of the dust bowl desperadoes.

I believe these "people's heroes" (whether or not they viewed themselves as such)-- were born from the human condition and economic desperation of those most unique times. Although in my view, The Depression cannot be considered an "end all" argument, in supporting blanket sympathy for the actions of The Barrow Gang-- especially in having killed so many-- there must be a "balance" struck in considering their sins, based on an understanding of the times in which they lived. Some call today the Age of Lawlessness. I would respectfully disagree. I view the 1920's and 30s as the true Age of Lawlessness in America. Nonsensical crackdowns on citizens such as the continuation of prohibition, combined with an ineffectual government and then, with "all hell" breaking loose economically-- seemed legitimate reasons for people to have become "fed up" and rebellious. Times were brutally tough-- and people were a reflection of their times.

Today, comparisons are drawn between The Great Depression and our most recent economic downturn. Perhaps the following facts regarding these darkest of times in America, will be helpful in showing-- that although things could be better now, the economic realities of today cannot compare-- to the tremendous plights experienced three quarters of a century ago. A reality not often expressed, is the length of time The Great Depression lasted. Having begun late in 1929, the last of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal 2 support programs wasn't discontinued until 1943-- when the war economy of WWII took hold. It's important to understand, that the depression of the 1930s was a worldwide economic downturn of catastrophic proportions.

Some Facts about The Great Depression in America--

> 13 million people became unemployed > In 1932, 34 million people belonged to families with no regular full-time wage earner > Industrial production fell by nearly 45% between 1929 and 1932 > Home building dropped by 80% between the years 1929 and 1932 > In the 1920s, the banking system in the U.S. was a nearly $50 billion enterprise, which accounted for nearly 50% of GDP > From the years 1929 to 1932, about 5,000 banks went out of business > By 1933, 11,000 of the 25,000 banks in the U S had failed > Between 1929 and 1933, U.S. GDP fell around 30%, and the stock market lost almost 90% of its value > Over one million families lost their farms between 1930 and 1934 > Between 1929 and 1932 the income of the average American family was reduced by 40% > Nine million savings accounts had been wiped out between 1930 and 1933 > 273,000 families had been evicted from their homes in 1932 alone > There were two million homeless people migrating around the country > Over 60% of Americans were categorized as poor by the federal government in 1933 > In the early 1930s, more people emigrated from the United States than immigrated to it > And although overall crime rates fell during this period, murder rates rose-- both within domestic disputes and robberies.

Those are harsh figures for a U.S. population that in 1932, was only 124,840,471. At one point, the unemployment rate climbed to 23.6%. In 1932 alone, the GNP fell a record 13.4% en route to a 31% total decline-- and the top tax rate was increased from 25 to 63%. Today the U.S. population has topped 300,000,000. Since December 2007, the GDP has fallen 2.5%-- and the unemployment rate has hovered at about 9.4% with 9.5 million unemployed. Perhaps we should count our blessings. The Depression Years were "indeed"-- tough and desperate times.

A question??-- If times today were to become as bad as they were so many years ago-- do you feel we as citizens would react any differently to those pressures, hurts and heartaches?? Its something to ponder. I would welcome your comments.

Color Depression photo courtesy of The Library of Congress Collection. I would wager, most of us only envision the depression years-- through the stark contrast of the black and white images we're used to seeing. I'm not sure how many have ever viewed color photos from this period. As lives then of course were lived in color as they are now-- somehow The Depression when viewed within this realism, hits home all the more.

The Bad Weather Trap-- That Wasn't "Revisited"

2010-10-13T02:49:00.020-04:00

Sometimes, it just takes one formerly secret Bonnie & Clyde document-- for things to get interesting. At 1:20 AM on April 8th, 1934-- Dallas Bureau of Investigation SAC Frank Blake received a telephone message. This communique' was from A. W. Miller, a Texas State Highway Patrolman-- who was calling Blake from the Sheriff's office at Clarksville, TX. Miller stated he was working the territory between Texarkana and Paris, Texas-- watching Red River crossings along with another Hwy Patrol officer named J. W. Chapman, under instructions from Capt. Hamm.

The weather had apparently been bad-- in having rained for days. Officer Miller said the Red River was 2/3 up it's banks, and since that past Thursday-- crossing had been impossible and would be impossible for 3 or 4 days more. The ferry at Texarkana and all ferries in that vicinity had ceased operation because of heavy rains. The only possible crossing would be at Texarkana, and that would be unlikely. The bridge 25 miles east of Clarksville was also washed out, however the officers had reported keeping an eye out there as well.

Miller relayed information that a man from Detroit, Texas who said he served time with Clyde and claimed to know him personally-- said Clyde was in Detroit, Texas on Wednesday April 4th and was headed east. Officer Miller stated he and officer Chapman could be reached at Sheriff Smiley's in Clarksville, in order to provide more information regarding this Clyde Barrow sighting in Detroit-- and also requested this info be passed onto Capt. Hamm. Miller again goes on to detail how the roads, except main highways are still very muddy in Clarksville, and everywhere in between Paris and Texarkana.

Often, those interested in B&C History will ask-- why lawmen failed to employ this tactic or that, in trying to apprehend The Barrow Gang. This memo from a highway patrolman on the ground or should I say in the mud, with info concerning a Barrow sighting and good reconnaissance regarding the weather and roads-- begs the question, as to why no one followed up on the obvious?? Within his phone call, Texas Highway patrolman Miller eluded to what "could" have been a creative trap set for B&C-- or at least an enhanced effort to help in sighting them. Mother nature it seems, had provided a unique opportunity-- to aid law enforcement in their search for Bonnie and Clyde. With the back roads impassable, along with the bridges and ferries knocked out-- given some deployment of manpower, the highway patrol and Bureau of Investigation may have had the chance to set a bad weather trap-- to try and snare Barrow and his devoted paramour, within the soggy Texas countryside.

From interviews known to the Bureau and particularly from W. D. Jones-- the Bureau knew Clyde preferred to travel the back roads. With only the main roads passable, this would force Clyde onto the main roads where lawmen could be stationed. Or instead, if Clyde and Bonnie hunkered down until the rains stopped, they might have emerged later on the back roads again-- where the Hwy Patrol could have been stationed as well. Also with so few crossings of rivers available in those days, and the existing crossings being watched-- at some point or another, The Barrow Gang would need to cross a river and be spotted doing so-- which they "had" been before.

This is one of those "what if" Bureau of Investigation documents. Info was known, the opportunity may have been there-- but seemingly no one thought to complete the idea. Or if they did, perhaps it was felt, with Clyde being so elusive-- this strategy would be too cumbersome to employ. Maybe this is an instance, where Clyde's reputation indeed protected he and Bonnie. The thought could have been-- with the distances Clyde was capable of traversing in any given car trip, along with the unpredictability of his actions-- B&C may not have even been near there at that point-- therefore this strategy was deemed futile to attempt.

Perhaps if the lead time regarding Clyde's Detroit, Texas sighting had been just 2 days instead of 4-- this idea would have been considered?? However there "were" instances detailed in the Dallas FBI Files, where the Barrow Gang was later discovered to have been hold up or stranded at times-- "very" near where lawmen "could" have pursued and perhaps captured them-- but didn't. That was apparently the case after the Red Crown incident, and who knows-- could well have been the case here. Clyde could have stopped due to the heavy rains, only to emerge again when the roads were more passable. Seemingly all the authorities had to do, was station enough well armed men at the river crossings-- and along a select group of main and back roads of the area noted-- and wait for the weather to clear. A little time in the rain-- perhaps may have paid off. It appears, some officers in the trenches may have had a good idea. I find it interesting this bad weather trap wasn't even attempted. How about you?? I welcome your comments.