Greetings To All From Louisiana!!

Well, the time has finally arrived. Currently I'm in Baton Rouge with Tommy. Tonight Jimbee is scheduled to arrive for tomorrow's great Tres Amigo's road trip and historical excursion to Gibsland. I'm hearing from "Boots" that the media attention has been so great-- festival planners are now expecting "big" crowds for this weekend's great Bonnie & Clyde event. Allowances are also being made for expansion of Friday evening's historian's meeting. Look for "Boots" Hinton on network TV, on the CBS Sunday Morning program this coming Sunday.

Also look for pics/links to the weekend's events from The Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Festival-- as well as new B&C Polls to be posted.

Skunked On Bonnie Reaching
For A Familiar Gun Question--

Latest Poll Answers

Hi all. As Gibsland is fast approaching, this weeks poll answers will be short and sweet. The folks that frequent this blog are indeed a knowledgeable and talented group. It hasn't been easy to find a question or two, where no one would arrive at the correct answer. However this week, I apparently found one, in the Persell gun question. So here we go--

At the time of his run in with B&C-- Joe Johns was a Deputy Sheriff at Carlsbad, NM. Some may have thought of Johns as Sheriff of Carlsbad, as Johns had held that post previously-- before taking on a different role as a Deputy Sheriff.

Skunked-- Many feel the image of Bonnie reaching for Tom Persell's stag handled revolver, taken from the kidnapped motorcycle officer in Springfield, Missouri-- helped galvanize police feelings against the outlaws. I felt I might have given too many hints, in the wording of this question-- but that unique and easily identifiable pistol was the key. In addition, Persell was the focus of another poll this week as well. The gang also flaunted this pistol, by hanging it upside down from the hood ornament of their car-- within another of the Joplin photos. (W.D. sitting in front of car, with weapons exhibited)

James Mullins was the primary recipient of monies from the R. P. Henry bank robbery in Lancaster, Texas. Ray Hamilton was the go between. The $1000. was Mullins payment for his being the inside connection at Eastham. Of course, this particular bank robbery also spelled the end of the relationship, between Clyde and Raymond Hamilton.

Tom Persell was the only Peace Officer to actually stop and attempt to detain B&C, during their reign of terror. How Persell was able to catch up with the Barrow vehicle or whether Clyde may have let him do it, in order to capture this officer is unknown.

"Smoot" Schmid became Dallas County Texas Sheriff on January 1st, 1933. It seems Sheriff Schmid may have walked into a Hornet's nest, in entering office-- and immediately having to contend with the Barrow Gang. I wonder what he thought, when his wife said to him "How was your day honey"??

Sophie Stone and H.D.Darby were released by B&C near Waldo, Arkansas. There are various accounts of this encounter. However, after reading different eyewitness stories of B&C within the Dallas FBI Files, I am more convinced than I was-- that the Gang may have been more abusive to Stone and Darby, than sometimes portrayed in print and movies.

The value of a 1934 dollar today is just over $15-- $15.34 to be exact. I just love the gas prices, visible in the old photos from back then.

Smoot Schmid and Lee Simmons agreed to combine Hamer and Gault with Hinton and Alcorn, on April 3rd, 1934. I'm not sure whether this specific date has ever been published before. My thanks to L. J. "Boots" Hinton for this gem of tidbit.

Look for new poll questions of some form and number soon. I plan on posting a few key and challenging el supremos, to top off May's contest.

The Law's Knocking On The Door--
Only One Day Left To Vote

A friendly reminder-- there's just 1 day left to vote and record your votes, at that oh so familiar e-mail address-- bchistory@optonline.net toward this month's B&C History Poll Contest. This latest group of polls, close Friday May 15th at 10PM eastern (US). May's competition has indeed been spirited and close thus far. I'm not sure how many additional questions I'll be able to post prior to Gibsland-- as pretty soon, I need to make my way down South. I'll likely post a smaller, select and challenging group of questions-- in order to try and separate this talented group of contestants, in the running for May's prize.

And for all the many new visitors to this site, from all over ("thank you")-- who are not involved in May's contest-- please have fun, and cast your votes for the polls. The B&C polls are meant for all, whether you choose to be involved in the poll contests-- or just wish to check on and improve your B&C knowledge. There's a contest each month, which everyone may participate in if desired. Please see details in post below, dated Wed April 29th.

So grab your BARs, make your dash for the car-- and vote today. Also check out additional photos I've posted on right of blog.

As always, my best to all-- Winston

Follow Up To "Bonnie's Sweet 16" Question

I received an e-mail from author/historian Jim Knight. Jim wanted to know more about the background on Bonnie's shotgun, nicknamed "Bonnie's Sweet 16" by Ted Hinton and Bob Alcorn. Thus, I followed up with "Boots" Hinton, who was the source of this information.

According to "Boots"-- the story goes, that after the ambush, Frank Hamer phoned Lee Simmons. Within their conversation Hamer asked Simmons, what he wanted done with the captured weapons from the death car. Hamer was told to let the boys (ambush posse members) have what they wanted, and retain the rest. Prentis Oakley had taken possession of the shotgun, which was at Bonnie's side in the Warren car. Oakley later gave this weapon to a friend of his, who held onto this shotgun all the rest of his life. When this gentleman passed away, his wife gave this storied weapon to their nephew. Not many years ago, the nephew visited the Ambush Museum-- looking to sell this gun. This individual is said to have a letter of provenance from Prentis Oakley re: the gun's authenticity. It's my understanding at some point, the shotgun was offered for auction on ebay-- but no one met the price requested.

"Boots" said both his father Ted Hinton, and Bob Alcorn independently referred to this shotgun in his presence, as being "Bonnie's Sweet 16". Both men of course were at the capture site, witnessed the weapons captured from the Warren death car-- and would have surely recognized the gauge of the gun in question.

Without speaking to the owner of this weapon, I would think there would be little chance, of learning more about it. However, with both Hinton and Alcorn referring to this shotgun as "Bonnie's Sweet 16"-- I'm not sure there could be much doubt, as to the proper identification of this weapon-- as being the 16 gauge found in the death car. This gun having been taken from Bonnie's side within the Warren car-- seems to be the key and basis of this particular shotgun, being identified as her gun. The pearl handled .45 auto pistol on display in the Texas Ranger Museum, I believe has also been defined in this way-- as being Bonnie's pistol, based on its close proximity to Bonnie when found. There is also, a .45 caliber military issue revolver attributed to Bonnie from within the death car-- as it was found beneath her, when the car was searched. This weapon also still exists, and is the hands of a private collector and historian.

I hope all find this explanation interesting, and that I've answered your questions Jim, as they relate to this story. Thanks much for your comments and questions.

Update-- Jim replied to post.

Jim Knight mentions that a good picture of the 2 sawed off shotguns found in the Warren car-- the 16 gauge and 20 gauge, can be found on page 177 of Ted Hinton's book Ambush. Jim points out, the 16 gauge could have been either a 16 gauge Browning or Remington Model 11, which were commonly referred to as "Sweet 16's" by duck, quail and rabbit hunters. Thus the designation of this weapon as "Bonnie's Sweet 16" by Hinton and Alcorn, appears to have been a blending of this weapon's already given nickname-- along with the apparent fact of it being found near her, at the ambush site. It was also mentioned, that Clyde may have killed 4 men with this weapon.

My thanks as always, to Jim Knight.

P.S.-- Look for my opening blog-- for guest postings of commentary soon.

Gibsfest 2009-- Both Triumph and Swan Song??
Yes and Perhaps-- So Get There If You Can

The past number of months leading up to the 2009 Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Festival, have been anything but peaceful in B&C land. The release of the Jeff Guinn and Paul Schneider books, with their extra spirited commentary-- along with a number of B&C message board wars, somehow resembling The Red Crown and Dexfield Park shootouts-- have led us to this wonderful and defining moment of joy. Another B&C Ambush Festival. The word festival evokes thoughts of fun and engagement. As such, I am hopeful, the upcoming extravaganza, will flourish for all it's potential-- and more. Good friends telling wonderful stories-- and sharing our love for this unique and addictive history. To me, this year's 75th anniversary commemoration of the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde, will not only be special as a great event-- but will also be a welcomed relief, from the B&C related controversies which recently, have loomed so much at the forefront of so many thoughts.

I for one, am very much looking forward to this respite. As much as defending the wholeness of this history is important to me-- my B&C friendships, especially as they relate to Gibsland and the festival, hold a special place within my heart. Make no mistake, even though I've written extensively on this topic, I will re-visit Go Down Together, and publish my own review of this work, once the annual pilgrimage to Gibsland is completed. I feel a concise and critical response to this book is essential, from the perspective of preserving the integrity of this history. But for now-- Gibsland is the key. Gibsland is really what matters. Not to diminish other grand issues and worthy battles, for they can always be re-kindled. However, as the great festival in Gibsland dawns again, it should be noted that this go round, could be one of the last-- at least as we've known it.

I've been reluctant to speak of this until now-- but if not now when?? The B&C Ambush Festival is an eclectic combination of efforts, between local residents and outsiders-- who assure the festival goes as planned each year. As much as some including myself find it "remarkable"-- many of the populous in Gibsland and surrounding parts, seem less than enthusiastic regarding keeping the memory of Bonnie and Clyde alive. Indeed for some, the memory of B&C seems thought of as a curse-- a curse many would prefer to see, just go away.

Health concerns for our friend "Boots" Hinton, along with the harsh economic realities of these times for the Ambush Museum, could come into play at some point. I'm of course hoping they won't, but as life goes on-- they could. My concern is without the concerted efforts of a few key individuals, who have put their great love for this history, along with a good portion of their hearts and souls, into festival efforts-- that the festival's makeup or existence, could be destined to change. I'm sure if push comes to shove, some type of festival could survive, but in what form would remain to be seen.

This year, The B&C Ambush Festival's commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the ambush of Bonnie and Clyde, is indeed a "special" event-- which has garnering much deserved recognition. Media attention for this event seems particularly high this year. Also, I understand many who have not visited the festival in years, are planning on attending. As mentioned, the B&C friends I've met and interacted with, including at the festival-- are without a doubt, the best part of this whole B&C experience for me. Others have also echoed that sentiment. And this year, there's a good chance some of us, who know each other from forums such as this-- will actually get to meet on the streets of Gibsland.

So if you can, my sincere advice, especially this year-- is to pack your '34 Fordor or like vehicle-- and set your path toward Gibsland, Louisiana. It's a sleepy little spot, except at festival time-- when it's alive with activity, energy and B&C "passion"-- whether some of the locals find this devotion to Bonnie and Clyde history, desirable or not. Regarding any changes to this great event, along with perhaps a fulfillment of certain local desires for a Bonnie and Clyde exorcism-- I hope I'm as wrong as you hope I am. However, as I'm pretty close to the action in Gibsland, don't be surprised if some material changes occur at some point-- which could impact this wonderful tradition.

On a positive note, for all who go, please say Hi to "Boots" Hinton, the family members, and the rest of us-- who will all be looking for one other. Please support the B&C Ambush Museum while there, so they'll enjoy a good festival. And please don't forget the historian's meeting, sure to be a festival highlight-- Friday evening May 22nd at the Gibsland Grill. Dinner's at 6:00 PM, with the historian's meeting to follow. A good time will be had by all. Plus if you're lucky, you'll get to see a now rare appearance by Jimbee. Hell, Tommy and I can't even find him. I guess we'll see him when he makes the trek to Baton Rouge, for the Tres Amigos road trip to Bienville Parish-- with historic stops planned along the way. There are many B&C video links and such, located along the right side of the blog-- with which to get in the mood, for the great Gibsfest.

And look for Tommy and I to post, details of how we plan on presenting the happenings from Gibsland, for all to see. I'm not sure at this point if "we" know, but as soon as we do-- you'll know as well.

'Must be "Dirt in the fuel line".

Poll Contest is Close

After 3 rounds of the B&C History Blog Poll Contest, just 2 answers separate the top 3 contestants. All have qualified with at least 10 questions answered.

With 8 questions posted this week, anyone who wishes to enter this contest-- can be sure of being on track toward qualifying for May. Let's see if this new group of poll questions, can separate the oh so knowledgeable men, ladies and couples from each other-- or if this exercise in Bonnie and Clyde minutiamania-- will just keep tightening up??

Hot Off The Presses--
New B&C Poll Questions

Hi gang. Try your hand at the new batch of B&C poll questions. With Gibsland creeping closer, I'm not sure how many more questions I can post before the great event. So, there's a bunch this time. Some should be pretty easy, and with some-- I'm still searching for the right level of obscurity week in, week out.

As always, for those who are in the poll contest or wish to be-- please e-mail your answers to bchistory@optonline.net to record your selections. And thanks for your expressions of happiness with the B&C polls. I'm trying to make blog fun as well as informative.

Poll Question Answers

The old clock on the wall says it's time again, to reveal the latest batch of B&C History poll question answers. So here we go--

The Rosborough car, stolen from Marshall, Texas-- was a 1932 Ford B-400 V-8 Convertible. That was an easy one.

Ted Hinton and Bob Alcorn's nickname for Bonnie Parker's shotgun was "Bonnie's Sweet 16". (updated) This weapon attributed to her, was found by her side in the death car. 2 sawed off shotguns were found in the Warren car-- this 16 gauge and a 20 gauge.

In the famous pic of Clyde sitting on the bumper of their car, the rifle Clyde is holding on top is a Krag-Jorgensen 1898 (likely a carbine). This one I thought might be somewhat of a challenge-- as within both the Joplin and FBI Files, this gun is mis-identified as a Springfield rifle. As noted in the Theo Money letter within The Joplin Files-- this rifle is said to have been the property of Alva Hall, a bootlegger-- who Clyde and the Gang visited near Waldron, Arkansas. Clyde traded Hall for this gun, however in an odd twist, Mr. Hall forgot to remove his hunting license from the stock. Therefore when this gun was later recovered, it was easily identified-- and the law was able to trace it back to Hall, and his encounter with the Barrow Gang.

Although this rifle is twice noted by the authorities to have been a Springfield rifle, some research will reveal the reason for this mis-identification. In 1892, Krag had been selected as the new supplier of rifles to the US military-- replacing Springfield. Then in an interesting turn of events, in 1894 the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts, began making American made versions of these Norwegian weapons. Thus during this period, both Norwegian Krags and Springfield made American Krags were in circulation. The US models, were identified on the rifles as being from the Springfield Armory. These markings I believe, prompted the error on the part of the law, in mistakenly calling the rifle Clyde had, what it said it was-- a Springfield. The side loading magazine (a Krag trademark)-- is a dead giveaway, to the proper identification of this weapon. Thus I believe Winston Ramsey had it right in his book, On the Trail of Bonnie & Clyde Then and Now. The law in 1933 in my view-- had it wrong.

Please check out new You Tube video links to both the BAR and the Krag-Jorgensen rifle, down the right side of the blog. The Krag-Jorgensen video is immediately followed by piece on the Springfield 1903-- so you can see the difference. Video shows firing of an 1896 Krag-Jorgensen Carbine, very similar to the rifle Clyde is holding-- only this video is better than the video for the 1898 model, and includes the Springfield piece.

Related to the Krag question, Clyde got this gun from a bootlegger, in exchange for $7.50 and a .22 High Power.

John Callaway was Blanche Barrow's 1st husband. Blanche married Buck Barrow, after she apparently escaped an abusive relationship with Callaway. Blanche of course later married Eddie Frasure-- and never re-married after his death. Caldwell was Blanche's maiden name.

870 swatches of Clyde's death pants, were said to have been cut to be sold by Marie. A number of these were sold originally. It's also thought, an unknown number may have disappeared when Marie's son Shawn, landed in trouble with the law. It's my understanding some of the Clyde pant Swatches "may" still be available for sale. The B&C Ambush Museum currently has none available, but may be able to supply them if requested. I saw recently, that a memorabilia house, sold one of these swatches for $750. So if you can still get one for the original $200 asking price-- good deal. If anyone's interested, let me know-- I'll see what I can do to find some.

Thanks for your participation. Please look for the new poll zingers tomorrow.

Does Anyone Have B&C Photos to Share??

Hi all. Very soon, I'll be opening up this forum to guest authors (many of you I hope)-- who will be able to post your B&C articles and thoughts, here on the Bonnie and Clyde History blog. Within that same spirit-- does anyone have B&C photos of interest, they wish to share and contribute to this forum?? If so, please respond to this post-- and e-mail offerings to bchistory@optonline.net Proper credit will of course be given for all images used. My thanks to you as always, for your support of this B&C forum. --Winston

Current Polls Ending Tonight
Playing it Safe??

Just a reminder-- voting for the current crop of B&C poll questions ends tonight (May 9th) at 10:00 PM eastern time/US. So all who still wish to try their hand at this eclectic group of queries, please give it a go. It's interesting, so many are shying away from some of the zinger questions-- even though only a small group are involved so far in the poll contest?? I would encourage all to vote "and" record your votes, at bchistory@optonline.net Someone's going to win a nice B&C prize every month. There will still be enough questions posted, to qualify for the minimum of 10 votes cast for May's contest. I'm having as much fun making these questions fun and challenging, as many of you have told me you're having fun answering them. So onward gang to more questions.

Ah, but those who think they know some things for sure, may be surprised come about 11 tonight. There may be a pattern emerging??-- an MO so to speak, in my forming many of these questions. I wonder if some will figure it out?? I'm not one, for always liking things to be as obvious as they seem. Another clue for you all, the Walrus was Paul-- or was he??

"Remarkable" Unseen Photos

Thanks to the Tynes family, I already have photos of Barrow relative and Bureau informant Bailey Tynes to reveal at Gibsland. But now, thanks to FBI Historian John Fox-- I have within my e-mail in-box, a photo of Bureau of Investigation Special Agent L.A. Kindell as well. "Thank you" John, for coming through so magnificently-- once again.

"Ooh baby"--

As I've decided to unveil the rare images I've been searching for, at the Ambush Festival Historian's Meeting-- I'm sincerely sorry to tease you with this knowledge. But this "is" exciting news, which I just couldn't hold back. Sometimes things are well worth the wait-- and I'm sure this old adage will hold true, re: these new B&C related photos. So please stay tuned during the festival, as perhaps Tommy and I can post these images on the fly-- from the great Louisiana shindig, for all to see.

I have also asked John, to attempt to locate photos of SAC Blake from the Bureau's Dallas field office circa 1930's and SAC Whitley from New Orleans. He's working on this. So please rub the nearest B&C idol type thing you can find, and keep your fingers crossed. Good Karma-- good Karma.

All I have to say right now is "Thank you" John Fox--
along with "Hot Damn"-- and "Very Cool"!!

Drama Personified

One of the prime reasons I decided to do this blog, was to escape from the drama-- associated with some B&C conversational outlets. Although I no longer participate on a certain message board in question (Blanche's Hangout)-- I'm hearing of increased and less than polite drama cropping up there again. I don't find it surprising, that confrontation and shenanigans still prevail, on this paradox of a speak easy-- that seems to swing back and forth between "in crowd love fest" and "all hell breaking loose". Although there are many fine and knowledgeable B&C oriented folks, who participate quite peaceably there-- many of whom also participate here (thank you)-- there just seems to be something regarding the chemistry, and supervisory guidance or lack of it-- which in my view, allow for these needless and hurtful personal situations to occur.

There's also an element of sheer crap that occurs there, such as the use of stealth and hidden identities-- which on the face of it, are nothing but potential trouble and as such, shouldn't be allowed. As mentioned in my 1st post here-- there are more games played there, than you can shake your proverbial history sticks at. Too bad-- as the enjoyment of this history, is a most worthwhile and fascinating human endeavor. I can only hope the pot will stop boiling over there, and simmer down once again. So less drama, and more wonderful B&C history I say.

Hey it's Festival Time!! That's where my head's at now.

Peace to all-- and on to Gibsland, Bienville Parish, Louisiana. That's where the history awaits, we all love so much.

Don't Forget to Vote and E-Mail Your Picks

With just 2 days left to cast votes on the latest batch of B&C Poll questions, I've heard from but a few of you re: recording your votes for the Poll Contest. bchistory@optonline.net is the spot to tally your votes. For those new to blog, please review post below for poll contest details. And where are all the gamblers out there?? Bonnie's shotgun & Marie's swatches questions seem to have few takers-- compared to the rest. The swatch question can be researched, and Bonnie's shotgun question-- unfortunately not. But that's what makes some of these poll questions fun and insightful. New and little known B&C info.

The Bonnie shotgun question, is relayed from my compadre' "Boots" from his father Ted Hinton. There's new knowledge still to be learned re: B&C, even after all these years. The Dallas FBI files are proof of that. It's fun for me to put little known things I am aware of, in questions for all to figure out-- mixed in of course, with some answers that sure seem right. There may be craftiness afoot-- but it's up to you to figure out where. Too many hints?? A number of you have good starts on tallying votes for contest. So lets hear from you. Make sure you get your votes to me, by time polls end May 9th at 10:00 PM eastern. Then a new batch of teasers and pleasers, will be posted for you to ponder. Thanks.

Gibsland's Getting Close Now

It's almost time. You can almost hear the old Kit Kat clock on the wall, moving it's tail-- swinging it back and forth. Festival time. Time for good friends and Bonnie & Clyde banter-- lots of it. "Boots" tells me the media circus has begun. But this year, the media frenzy is more intense, as the 75th anniversary of the ambush is now upon us. The NY Times and AP are supposed to have reporters there for the weekend. NPR was there last year, and I would think will make the party again this go 'round. The Shreveport television stations, Channels 6 and 3 and 12 and the like, are already conducting their interviews-- and preparing for the great annual B&C event. Yep-- it's festival time.

Being in Gibsland and the surrounding areas at festival time, is like living in a time capsule. The past almost seems real-- as if you could actually be transported back in time, to the Spring of 1934. Things around those parts don't look like they've changed much, in the now 75 years which have passed-- since the time of Bonnie & Clyde. And with old cars on the street there during the festival, you might just as well be back in '34. Just walk into Ma Canfield's, park yourself on a counter stool-- order yourself a lime ricky and set a spell. Just don't be surprised when you leave, if you hear that sweet Southern sound, of a kind woman's voice directed at you and saying--"Y'all come back now, ya hear".

As with many, I am most looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Despite the wonder of the strangely addictive history of Bonnie & Clyde-- somehow it's the people, that make the biggest difference for me. The many wonderful and dedicated B&C historians, family members, aficionados and just plain 'ol folks-- who come from near and far, to rub shoulders there. That to me, is what makes you glad you came. Besides the reenactments, food and activities, there are old cars, old weapons, old buildings and a few really old people to take in as well. If I ever make it to my 80's, 90's or God willing, anywhere near 100, I want to be in the same shape as some of these folks.

But the point of interacting with these fine specimens of human kind, is not to just compliment them on their longevity. For some of these individuals were alive at the time of the ambush. And as remarkable as it seems, there's still an individual or 2, who actually went to the ambush site, and viewed B&C within the Warren car. High on my list this year, will be to speak with as many older folks as I can find there. Also on my agenda, are some really exciting Tres Amigos 'e amigos excursions to B&C historical haunts. Over the river and through the woods-- to B&C, Methvin, Joyner and Cole locations we go. And I'm going to get to the White Owl Cafe spot and El Rancho (still standing)-- if I have to sharpen the machete and hack my way there.

Ah El Rancho-- now that would be my watering hole. I just like the whole sound and feel of that name. A double bourbon on the rocks, an iced cold Coke back and nickels for the juke box please. Hey, still serving food?? Indeed all those old Highway 80 locations are of keen interest to me. Traveling them today, is akin to being alive in 1934. The road that time forgot. Similar to the magic and majesty of driving Route 66, exploring old Route 80 down in those parts-- is like stepping into another dimension. You don't need to use much of your imagination, to wonder what things were like there in the 1930's-- for the landscape of old Highway 80, seemingly hasn't changed much-- from that time at all.

I'm hearing from some who unfortunately, cannot make this great adventure. For those folks, along with all others interested-- Tommy Methvin and I have something special cooking for you. We're planning on presenting festival happenings-- streaming fairly close to live, from Louisiana this year. These photos, reports, videos and the like, will be hosted somewhere-- ie: their own B&C Festival blog or on Tommy's website or the Boodles Board -- somewhere, yet to be determined. So stayed tuned. I of course will post pics I've taken, along with Ambush Festival stories and comments-- here on the B&C History blog, for all to see and enjoy.

So look for links to this special B&C outlet for the festival, here and on other B&C sites you know. And I haven't said much about this lately, but our old friend Jimmy Ray Gillman is on board, and looking forward to participating in and enjoying, this monumental adventure as well. JimBee is alive, well and down-- for the Ambush Festival happening. Tres Amigos and friends ride again!!

As Jimmy Ray says, "Turn it up man to 11 and let it eat".

Whatever that means-- I agree.

New Video Game For Blog-- Rudolph's Revenge

Try link to check out this fun little game. Click on Reindeer to kick Santa (used here as a metaphor for some less than diligent B&C author type, who writes prolifically of 'Ol Saint Nick)-- up a tree and score some points. Select replay, to play again without Christmas song-- or reset to main menu, for that real Christmas feeling. Time Reindeer to kick when needle at it's peak, for maximum distance. Soar high, collect presents-- score points. Left clicking while Santa in air activates elves in trees with candy cane sticks. These sticks work like pinball flippers, to keep Santa up there. If you get good elf action, scores well above 50,000 possible. My high score so far = 139,756. Sometimes Santa keeps going and going.

Somehow, I just had to have this game for this forum. No disrespect for the tradition of Santa Claus, as Santa serves here as just a metaphor. Link is located down right side of blog. Just a little escape, to deal with frustration-- over what I view, as perhaps some less than stellar historical caring. Hey, it's all in good fun-- but "to the moon Alice." Bam Zoom.

Out With The Old, In With The New--
New Poll Questions

Check out and try your hand, at 6 new poll questions I've posted for all to ponder. As voting seems fairly fast, the time period for each poll, will now be just 5 days. When you're satisfied with your answers, please remember to e-mail your answers to me-- so I can record them toward contest. All polls end 5/9/09 at 10:00 PM eastern time.

Good luck gang.

Answers To Previous Poll Questions--

Cumie and Sophronia, are Indian names from the Walker's American Indian heritage

Bonnie's famous sweater dress was reported by Ted Hinton, to have been black-- with red, yellow and light green stripes.

Note: A slight change re: Bonnie's sweater dress, although in my view, not enough of a variant to have impacted voting. In double checking my e-mail from last August, when I first learned of this wonderful B&C revelation-- I discovered I left out 1 color of the stripes, within my description. But as the basic dress choices of dark blue, deep red, black and a very dark green were so diverse, and the stripe combination was mostly correct-- for those who chose black as the dress color, with the stripes mentioned-- I feel it only fair to count those votes. I hope all will agree. See image of '30s Minerva style book with color cover at right-- depicting a very similar color combination as Bonnie's famous sweater dress. It's hard to tell from B&W photo of Bonnie & Clyde, whether stripes in Bonnie's dress were bordered by or included black-- as shown on this fashion book's cover?? My thanks to Frank Ballinger and the Hideout, for this image.

Dallas Sheriff's deputies dare not call Richard Allan "Smoot" Schmid-- The Big Gorilla, to his face. The seemingly derogatory nick name of Smooth Smith, appears to have been assigned to Smoot-- by Bureau Agents, within their writing of him in the Dallas FBI Files-- re: the Sowers incident.

L.J. "Boots" Hinton was 4 months old, when B&C were ambushed. This one almost seems like one of those exercises in the "illusion" of logic. "Boots" was born on January 1st, 1934. As such, so many seem to get this wrong-- in thinking "Boots" was 5 months 23 days old on the date of the ambush. And you might think it so, as May 23rd is 5 months 23 days after January 1st. However as I see it-- "Boots" would have been 4 months 23 days old, on the date of the ambush. As you don't begin your life on day one being 1 month old, but in effect at zero-- then you would need to live a month, to be 1 month old. So on February 1st, 1934, "Boots" was 1 month old. In following from there, on March 1st, 2 months-- April 1st, 3 months. Thus on May 1st, 1934-- "Boots" Hinton turned 4 months old.

But as living 23 days into May, wouldn't have equaled another month-- and in an effort not to give away the answer, I went with 4 months. I hope all agree. An abacus or fingers, may be the best tools to figure this one out. When in doubt, fingers worked for me. Tommy and I talked this exercise out, arriving at a consensus of confusion. Any mathematicians out there?? Does anyone have any thoughts on this??

My thanks to all who voted.

A Reminder-- Please Reply For Contest

Hi all. Some have replied, re: the B&C History Poll Contest, for this weeks questions. I hope many more will participate as 2 of these polls close Sunday.

Please e-mail your name and answers for the current questions, to me at: bchistory@optonline.net

To be fair, once I reveal the answers to each poll question, registration of answers for that question will be closed. There are lots of good votes cast so far. So let's hear from you.
--Thanks.

Announcing B&C History Poll Contest--
Along with Tougher Poll Questions

Based on the ebb and flow of B&C History Poll answers, it seems perhaps tougher questions are needed. And since at least one of you has asked about prizes, perhaps, there's a way to satisfy those-- with that competitive B&C spirit. How about an ongoing B&C History Poll Contest. That way, I can provide a B&C related prize at the end of each month-- for whomever has the best accuracy in answering the poll questions.

If you like the contest idea, then let's try it. For those who wish to participate in The B&C History Poll Contest-- and include the current crop of 4 poll questions-- please e-mail your name and answers for each poll question to me at-- bchistory@optonline.net This way, your answers remain anonymous to each other, but I can keep track.

The rules are simple: The contest is open to all who participate on this forum. To be fair and allow for some to enter the game mid stream, as well as those who may not answer all polls-- a minimum of 10 votes per contest period, are required to qualify for prizes. Ample polls will be posted each week or so, to allow for sufficient votes to be cast. Those with more votes cast than others, within a contest period-- agree that all is fair beyond a 10 vote sampling. In case of a tie, a 3 question 1 day playoff-- will decide the winner. If still tied after playoff-- multiple prizes will be awarded.

Prizes could be B&C books, photos, tee shirts, internet offerings, works from me, or whatever interesting and eclectic B&C items I can find. These may include items from Ken Holmes' Southwestern Historical Publications catalog, or gift offerings from the B&C Ambush Museum. As the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Festival's upon us, perhaps the 1st prize offered, should be something from this year's Festival in Gibsland-- commemorating the 75th anniversary of the ambush.

Meanwhile-- it looks like I really need to buckle down are find some more challenging questions for you all. Accordingly, I am poised to post some zingers, created in conjunction with "Boots" Hinton. So get ready-- all who feel they know their B&C stuff. The bar has been raised, so lets all climb higher. The 1st contest period will end May 31st. When I return from Gibsland-- I'll award the inaugural Poll Contest prize. Please be sure to e-mail your current poll votes-- for this week's credit. You've gotta be in it to win it. So let's hear from you. Thanks for your participation. Let's see if the same people always win-- or a sense of parody will prevail, within some friendly competition??

B&C Poll Results Re: Dexfield Park Posse

It appears no one got the correct answer to the Dexfield Park posse B&C Poll question. I went with the Dallas FBI Files account, of the Dexter capture attempt for this question.

The correct answer was, about 15 posse members advanced on the Barrow Gang, in the near dawn attempt to capture B&C. Photos I've seen of the Dexter posse, seem to chronicle a varying number of participants. Of course it's not clear from any of the pictures, whether all posse members were noted within any of these images. What is clear, is not many uniformed lawmen participated in that group. The posse appears to be mainly a collection of locals, along with their weapons.

I found it interesting whomever led this posse, thought to advance on the Barrow Gang encampment in a V formation. This lessened the possibility of the posse members being hit by friendly fire-- and made it more difficult for B&C with their backs to the river, to escape. If not for the men who were stationed at the bridges, having abandoned their posts in hearing the firing, and mistakenly thinking B&C must have been captured-- the operation may have been a resounding success. That stroke of luck, along with Clyde's bluffing of Mr. Fellers, apparently with an empty gun-- meant Bonnie, Clyde and W. D. would live to fight another day.

I hope all will vote on new poll questions as I post them. 2 brand new ones, have replaced this one.

Thanks for participating.