Bonnie & Clyde Memorabilia-- So Often Fluff, Masquerading For the Authentic.

Reuters put it this way-- (Reuters) - "Two guns believed seized from gangsters Bonnie and Clyde in 1933 after a deadly Missouri shootout with police sold for a combined $210,000 at an auction on Saturday in Kansas City to an unnamed online bidder".  Also and of perhaps greater note, this same news outlet reported on the now famous RR auction in this way-- (Reuters) - "Two pistols found on the bodies of famed Depression-era outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow after they were killed by a posse in 1934 have sold at auction on Sunday for $504,000". 

Now did these Hamer family treasures (the Bonnie & Clyde pistols from the death car)-- possess a stronger provenance than the Thompson submachine gun and shotgun reportedly seized from Bonnie & Clyde's Joplin hideout??  In my view-- yes.  But to some Bonnie & Clyde Historians who've spoken out-- even Bonnie's supposed "squat gun" is suspect.  However in reality-- only those present at the ambush would know.  So does Hamer's description of this now storied gun, trump others recollections who never spoke of such a weapon??  Apparently it does, although logic would neatly support the opposite conclusion-- that since others didn't remember it-- it may not be so.

But having personally spoken to Joplin's Chief of Police at one point-- re: their Bonnie & Clyde files and admitted inability to retain Bonnie & Clyde physical evidence from within their own ranks-- I would bet on the Hamer weapons before the Joplin ones.  Plus as many in the know know-- Clyde didn't at all favor the unreliable nature of the Thompson, but rather in every case I am aware of-- when a machine gun was employed by The Barrow Gang, it was a BAR. 

The recent failure of the Carroll Rich .32 to bring even a reasonable bid at auction, to me illustrates a point concerning the shallow nature of Bonnie & Clyde memorabilia and within a wider realm-- of memorabilia in general these days.  Some historical pieces are quite common-- while others can be remarkably rare.  Based on realities which exist within Bonnie & Clyde History-- true artifacts from this history and most individuals associated with it, are "exceedingly" rare.

For instance, we now know the truth regarding the destruction of Bonnie's remaining personal effects.  We also know most of Clyde's belongings were retained by the Barrow family-- with a portion of them being made available by family members over the years.  Such was the case, with Marie Barrow's apparent gesture of love-- in wanting "the kids" (as they were affectionately known by those closest to them) reinterred, so they could RIP together forever. But as it turned out, even though more than an adequate amount was raised for this purpose-- other family dynamics came into play, which negated such an effort.

With many family-held Bonnie & Clyde pieces destroyed, under wraps or dispersed-- that leaves the search for authentic Bonnie & Clyde artifacts to include items from those who may have "happened upon" the famous couple, or to law enforcement who seized remnants of the West Dallas duo's adventures over the relatively short time they were on the run.  Some of these remnants have logical and strong provenance-- while others so often appear to be cases of "wishful thinking". 

As I feel fortunate to own a number of authentic Bonnie & Clyde artifacts-- I often receive e-mails from those who feel they too have real Bonnie & Clyde pieces, and ask for assistance in trying to discern their reality.  As some may know, almost all my Bonnie & Clyde pieces-- came from family members.  My Bonnie poem "The Saga of Bonnie and Desperate Clyde"-- came from Blanche's Estate. Billie's unfinished manuscript, came from the Parker family via Blanche's Executrix with permission of Bonnie's niece-- whom I made certain knew I had it, and who so graciously allowed me to retain it.  Rhea Leen's such a sweet lady.  And so many remaining personal effects of Blanche, came to me via her Estate-- with provenance beyond reproach. 

The only Bonnie & Clyde artifact I own which came from unknown waters, are my dual Bonnie & Clyde signatures-- which with help of the best experts I could find, much time and objective effort was spent authenticating.  The signatures, are one of those someone "happened upon" Bonnie & Clyde pieces.  But even The Bonnie & Clyde Signatures may have been obtained by a Barrow relative-- a possibility still being explored.

However among many candidates I've viewed which are obvious fakes-- there are some pieces out there I and others feel could be real.  In perhaps a surprising gesture to some, but surely not to me-- I do feel another pair of Bonnie & Clyde signatures could exist-- apparently signed on some sort of Drug Store container.  I say this, because I feel it's clear-- no authentic Bonnie signatures had surfaced prior to Bonnie's script within my piece, and also on Steve Haas' Bonnie poem "The Street Girl".  Bonnie formed her signature in a most unusual way-- and the Bonnie script on the Pharmacy container is formed similarly.  However, as only an image of this possibility exists, but no evidence of this container's owner or physical whereabouts is known-- I'm not sure how to advance this idea??

Then there are the Coach's Corners of the world and like memorabilia houses in Las Vegas and elsewhere-- who market "rare" and for many "suspect" alleged signatures like Bonnie & Clyde's, as if they were as common as the air we breathe.  My advice is simple-- be wary of any entity that promotes memorabilia backed by "authenticators" who've been cited within exposes' on forgery. 

The photo above of an alleged Clyde signature-- is apparently one of Coach's Corner's latest forays into their sea of suspicion. They claim "Your Son" is added as a bonus, and book value approaches 3 grand on the hard to find piece".  Well for those who obviously know so little, and sell incredibly rare pieces for a pittance (and why would anyone do that?? unless afraid of greater scrutiny)-- the true value of a legitimate Clyde Barrow as noted through previous sales, might require the leveraging of someone's house.  "Many thanks" as always  to Chris-- for the pic and head's up.  But even some of the most "reputable" and respected auction houses as I view it-- can be guilty of shoddy diligence when it comes to promoting Bonnie & Clyde artifacts.  This was evident concerning that supposed signed photo of Bonnie, as sold by Christies and profiled here some time back.

 

The photo in question, sported an alleged and incorrect Bonnie signature with salutation and signature in 2 different inks backed by an iron-cladly "wrong" provenance.  When I contacted Christies on behalf of both the buyer and individual wrongly named as proof of this item's authenticity-- Christies hedged in claiming they never promoted Bonnie's supposed signature as the focus of this item.  A tale hard to swallow-- when most of this item's provenance centered around the signature, and when a news photo without script-- would've likely fetched hundreds of dollars-- not $7400.  Seemingly not much caring for truth or what's right??  "Cha Ching"!!!  Note: Another photo w/Bonnie signature "identical" to the one sold by Christies-- was touted by yet another memorabilia site concurrently (yep)-- and reportedly sold for $15,000.  "Aye Yi Yi".

Guns seem the easiest items to promote, as having been in the presence of Bonnie & Clyde.  However one of the latest things touted as a Bonnie & Clyde piece, is a ledger of unknown origin-- passed down through a family in Texas.  At 1st, based on the location of this item and possible connection to the flight path of an expanded Barrow Gangs' escape from their Eastham Prison breakout-- it was thought by some including me, that Bonnie & Clyde signatures within this ledger could be real. 

However, what wasn't disclosed by it's initial owner, but rather the gentleman who bought it-- was alleged multiple signatures of Bonnie & Clyde within this book, among the signatures of many celebrities sans explanation.  To my way of thinking this may have signaled some fun loving people's pranks-- to sign this Hotel register or whatever it was, as Bonnie & Clyde.  Probably not an unusual possibility-- as this dangerous, romantic and paradoxical couple were both admired and hated back in '34. Anyway-- with the reality of multiple versions of Bonnie & Clyde signatures apparently present-- I and others have backed away from this reported Bonnie & Clyde relic in the name of wariness and prudence. 

Long story just a touch longer-- such a "stand up" and respected Carroll Rich deserved better, than to have someone end up with a death car gun for 12 grand-- which to me, is an injustice to Carroll and this history-- considering a suspect Thompson fetched 10 times that within the same Mayo auction house.  But I suppose consistency is the key-- as Joplin sports some of the more blatant and likely Bonnie & Clyde fakes.  These include the Bonnie Parker Highway Patrol fingerprint card, located at the Missouri Highway Patrol Museum-- and the door at the Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum, supposedly from the top of the stairs at the Joplin hideout-- but with bullet holes in it??  Now a Thompson, reportedly taken from the Joplin hideout.  But how much can you say, when fighting an uphill battle??

"As much as it takes".             

Bonnie & Clyde Amatuer Coroner's Night Revisited

OK-- Since some wish to dredge up the Frank Hamer brutal shooting of Bonnie from the right side of the death car, as espoused by Jones, Fischer and Guinn-- such an analysis requires the "bloody dimple" on Bonnie's right cheek, to be an entrance wound not noted by Dr. James Wade within his Coroner's Inquest report of May 23rd, 1934.  Either that, or this theory implies a cover-up by Wade-- in succumbing to pressure by one would assume Frank Hamer, to avoid the embarrassment of such an action on his part.

However as Hamer wasn't known as a man who minced words or feelings, and his feelings toward Bonnie (apparently largely based on a jaded impression of the Grapevine killings) were adequately expressed-- such hedging of any determined action he participated in makes little sense.  It's all gobbledygook to me.  My response to such reckless Bonnie & Clyde supposition and sensationalism-- is to simply say "prove it".    

There are those still living, who remember James Wade as man of great integrity.  In defense of the real Coroner Dr. Wade-- we could begin with this photo of a cleaned up Bonnie-- which shows what many have always thought was a cute Bonnie Parker indeed having dimples.  But we've already known that from photos of her when alive.  But I wonder what happened to that bullet hole within her right cheek, so "clearly visible" within the bloody Bonnie photo?? I guess it just goes to show-- blood within a dimple, does not good history make.

Time to quote Jeff Guinn as per Jones and Fischer-- "As the Ford gradually rolled to stop in the ditch beside the road, Hamer hustled down the hill, brandishing his powerful Colt Monitor Machine Rifle.  He was taking no chances. First, he fired a burst into Bonnie through the rear passenger window.  Then, when the car had completely stopped, the six-foot, three-inch Hamer walked forward, leaning his towering frame over the front seat where Bonnie was slumped, and fired a final series of shots down through the window and windshield directly into her".  

"Ummm"-- I don't think so.  Without forensic evidence to support such a colorful description, this story may qualify for some elitist award of fiction-- but lacks credibility from an historical viewpoint.  "So many" point-blank and powerfully punishing shots.  Apparently it's too bad Hamer was such a poor shot-- "and" from such close range. For based on the record both written and photographic-- it seems he missed her.

For the record-- this is the photo and description from the Jones/Fischer report which started this whole brew ha ha-- and inspired Jeff Guinn to travel a slippery slope, when forming his interpretation of the ambush-- seemingly laced with large and poisonous doses of fantasy.  Besides addressing elements of the Warren Fordor vehicle, by a man who built a remarkable replica car-- no one associated with the Jones/Fischer report was an expert on any element commented on-- ie: forensic science, crime scene investigation or photography.  However by the time this creative analysis was published-- it had been decided Bonnie's "bloody dimple" was an entrance wound, and the true entrance wound as noted by Dr. Wade-- had miraculously morphed into a scornful and vindictive exit wound. 

Dr. Wade's notation of this wound was as follows-- "another through the mouth on left side, exiting at top of jaw".  Please compare this photo and analysis, to the photo of a cleaned up Bonnie above for the truth.  But I can just hear the conspiracy theorists now-- "well then, they must have doctored the photos".  "Oh please"-- but I do hope those with such inclinations, find more valuable things to do in life .  

It's likely we will never know all that really occurred at the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde.  Hamer for example, said the Warren Car was traveling at a high rate of speed when the shooting commenced.  All other accounts have the car stopped or barely moving, which logic also supports.  Too many inconsistencies to address, in a post dedicated to the desire by some to over-sensationalize the already sensational-- and others to exploit unproven grandiose "theories"-- which I think are correctly classified by many including me, as what they are-- creative and "wanting" supposition.

And one last thing-- I absolutely want to address a comment made to me, that according to more than one source-- Ted Hinton stated that Frank Hamer had fired into the right window of the death car.  And based on the wounds in Bonnie's face-- even though Ted said Hamer used a .45 caliber, this individual surmised (surely a proper admission)-- that based on it's penetrating power, Hamer instead used a .38 for this grisly task.  Well for those who know me, you'll know I didn't hesitate to go to the best source concerning Ted Hinton-- his Son L. J. "Boots" Hinton, who's both a good friend and most accurate relayer of information known concerning his father. 

I read the entire creative statement as espoused by this gentleman, in support of the Hamer assassin's theory to "Boots".  While decorum dictates I not print Mr. Hinton's response-- it's suffice to say, these comments attributed to Ted by those lacking both historical knowledge and diligence-- are surely not correct. 

According to Ted Hinton and Bob Alcorn as told both publicly and in private-- Ted was the first officer to the car, trying 1st to open Clyde's door-- but when it wouldn't budge (as it had been blown shut by gun fire)-- Ted was said to have hurdled the hood of the Warren car to open Bonnie's door.  Alcorn apparently offered colorful comment, that he was afraid Ted might hurt himself in his haste to reach the death car.  It seems to me, those who wish "so mightily" for the Hamer vindictive elimination of Bonnie twaddle to be true-- are getting so bold, as to just make things up now.  But that seems in keeping with this whole "theory" doesn't it?? 

And of course, no rebuke of Bonnie & Clyde lore would be quite complete-- without continued thanks to Jeff Guinn, for bringing unsubstantiated and sensationalized fodder to the forefront.  I suppose for some, it's best to keep Jeff's fateful words in mind when sorting through Bonnie & Clyde History-- a clever quote, which might allow a creative writer historical license to infinity and beyond.  Jeff said-- "all written history is ultimately best guess". 

Well here's a quote from me-- "No, it's not".  You know, I always try to be polite, fair and patient within the realm of Bonnie & Clyde History. However, I "will" call it like I see it.  And when studying Bonnie & Clyde, one thing's for sure-- for many it's a polarizing and emotional experience.  It seems when some travel dimly lit paths-- they strive to see what isn't there.  It's easy to float the sensational, and criticize those of us who do our best to "keep the gate"-- when it comes to historical truth.  These days it seems so simple to imagine scenarios without merit, and spread them like wildfire through modern means.  My feeling is rumor and innuendo within history, have always been a fact of life.  What seems different today-- is the personal tact some people take, when they cannot defend historical positions or plain get caught within a web of the non-defensible. 

Many will note, when I make statements concerning this history I rarely use absolutes-- a trait I am most conscious of.  For I know how hard it is to prove what's hard to prove-- so long after the fact.  Therefore I feel it best in most circumstances, to leave a little wiggle room.  I only wish some would realize, when they say with "absolute assurity" that some far-out notion is true-- keep building upon it with reckless abandon, advance contrived rumor and make personal attacks when asked to consider logic and employ diligence within their quest-- they would have the graciousness to take a step back and ponder their position.  What a refreshing change that would be.

Some might say I should heed my own words when it comes to Jeff Guinn.  Perhaps a fair comment.  But to me the difference with Guinn-- is sensationalism shouldn't have been allowed to trump diligence within a widely distributed work.  It's my opinion, Jeff had the opportunity and was expected to exercise heightened diligence when writing an historical account-- something it seems he wasn't used to. Now everyone and their brother quotes "Go Down Together" as being Gospel when it comes to Bonnie & Clyde.  "Yep"-- Bonnie was a prostitute and Hamer acted like a crazed assassin, hellbent on filling a hated Bonnie Parker full 'o lead.  Jeff Guinn said so.  Well while Jeff has long since left this history to write of other things-- those of us who seek the truth, are left to clean up his mess.  Someone has to.                                 

"When It Rains It Pours"-- Another Bonnie & Clyde Death Car Weapon To Be Auctioned

When a recent auction featured Hamer family-owned guns reportedly from the Bonnie & Clyde Death Car-- Bonnie & Clyde Historians, aficionados and the public alike, marveled at the prices fetched for such rare and "romantic" weapons.  And almost all have surely viewed the inventoried arsenal of Bonnie & Clyde firepower, either through pics taken at Arcadia in the wake of the ambush-- or via Ted Hinton's famous film footage, which "God bless him" for taking.  As it's unclear to me, whether the Hamer Bonnie & Clyde weapons were included within the pictured arsenal or held back for private enjoyment-- I'm not sure whether any non-inventoried firearms from the death car have previously been viewed by the public??   Thus the weapon pictured above, may be "the or one of the"-- only non-inventoried death car guns known to exist. 

This weapon has been owned for some time by the renown Bonnie & Clyde Historian Professor Carroll Rich. As Carroll has become a friend over the years-- he and I have discussed this weapon.  But it wasn't until recently-- when he decided to part with it.  As per Carroll, the story and provenance of this .32 long goes like this-- 

"The gun was taken from the death car on the day of the shooting after the car had been towed into Arcadia.  One of Henderson Jordan's deputies, Reginald Hightower, who was not at the ambush, got the gun, with the bullets in it, kept it a while until the issue of who actually owned the contents of the car came into question.  Barrow's family were threatening to sue for the items, although the guns themselves were surely stolen.  Although there was supposed to be an inventory of weapons from the car, some of them were never on the "official" list. Reginald, whom we all called "Reg," gave the gun to his sister-in-law Vern, probably with the intention of getting it back later.  Vern Hightower was a widow whose husband--Reg's brother-- having had been gassed in WW1, later died of lung failure.  She lived alone with a small child, and  Reg believed that a woman alone might need to protect herself.  She had the gun from that point on, showing it on rare occasions to nieces and nephews, my brother and me among them.  Years later when she was an old lady and interest in Bonnie and Clyde had long since faded, she went to the nursing home.  She then passed the gun on to my father, her brother-in-law and the one who was dealing with her financial affairs.  She did not want to risk having the gun stolen from her house.  Both she and my parents--my mother was Vern's sister--seemed to think of it as some kind of unpleasant relic from a violent past, certainly nothing of value.  Later when I was older and had a renewed interest in B and C, my dad gave it to me.  I'm sure he felt it was almost worthless since the bullets it required were hard to find.  He knew all about guns, was a great hunter who frequently quail hunted with Prentiss Oakley. I think it has not been cleaned or fired since the day Reg took it from the car.  Certainly I have not done so--although a gun expert once told me I should keep it oiled.  Oddly enough, I also have an old shotgun my dad used, one he bought from Prentiss for $80.00."

Let me interject a feeling at this point.  There have been numerous stories told re: items removed from the death car prior to it being towed to Arcadia, or more to the point-- while the lawmen in charge of "guarding" the car looked the other way, thus allowing the public to have their way with Bonnie & Clyde and their rolling tomb-- until more reasonable heads prevailed.  Also I know of no one, who doesn't respect Carroll Rich immensely-- and hold him in the highest esteem.  Thus if Carroll states this Smith and Wesson pistol to be a non-documented weapon from the Bonnie & Clyde death car-- this surely seems a case where you can "take it to the bank".  Carroll's stellar reputation and knowledge of Bonnie & Clyde events-- as well as his personal friendships with key players involved (The Jordans, Oakleys and Wades etc)-- along with his family's close association with this history (a Cole connection)-- make Carroll's views unique, and worth paying close attention to.    

I think this weapon is fascinating not only because it's yet another death car weapon to become available-- but moreover as a reminder of stories told by those who were there-- of  both a frenzied mob descending on the car and picking at it until being stopped by those who allowed this morally debatable thievery in the 1st place.  And concerning actions by the ambush posse-- it's surely reasonable to assume, that the lawmen present also removed articles desired-- when given the opportunity.  There's also the story told of Capt. Hamer asking Lee Simmons what to do with the weapons from the car??  The response accepted as truth, was to give the lawmen carte blanche in keeping whichever weapons they fancied.  Thus for Deputy Reginald Hightower-- this gun was his baby and trophy from that fateful day. 

The Carroll Rich Smith and Wesson Bonnie & Clyde revolver is set to be auctioned by Mayo Auctions of Kansas City on February 2nd, 2013.  For those interested in this historic Bonnie & Clyde item, additional info can be found and questions directed here--  http://www.auctionbymayo.com/index.php?subp=1&sct=&pg=ap&pid=30464   

The Bonnie & Clyde Carlsbad Incident-- "Say Hello" to Nellie Stamps.

As Joe Johns liked to tell the story (and perhaps with the same eye toward protecting Mrs Stamps as when Bonnie, Clyde & Ray Hamilton wanted to double back and kill her for attempting to turn them in)-- it was good police work on his part, in spotting the strangers' car in town and following it to the Stamps residence.  Or if the more likely account of neighbor and cantaloupe farmer Bill Cobb is correct-- after showing him packs of money and bloodstained clothes, Mrs Stamps devised a plan to alert the law under the guise of going next door to help Mr. Cobb water his melons.  Regardless of the details (but now more clearly defined, based on the account you're about to read)-- Nellie Parker Stamps owns a unique place in Bonnie & Clyde History.  

However unlike the Barrow family, where over the years much has been divulged from within-- the Parker family has done an admirable job of protecting their own.  As such, little is known about Bonnie's father Charlie Parker or Aunt Nellie-- who according to Billie Parker, was one of 7 Parker siblings on her father's side-- the others being Ed, Annie, Laura, Roxy and Floyd.  And now based on good evidence-- at this point I feel confident we know, Nellie's name was never Millie-- as the families seemingly doled out a healthy helping of literary license within "Fugitives" to "protect the innocent". 

Nor to my knowledge, has a photo of Nellie Stamps ever been seen by those loyal to this history-- until now.  One of my favorite aspects of examining Bonnie & Clyde History, is the opportunity through often challenging research (and admittedly with a little luck along the way)-- of working with family members of those from the saga of Bonnie & Clyde, who along with my heartfelt thanks-- have placed their trust in me to tell their stories accurately and without bias.  I feel fortunate, to have experienced this trust and historical camaraderie on a number of occasions.  As such now too-- I can thank a member of the Stamps family, for aiding a history fraught with missing pieces, rumor and innuendo.  

Also as a related aspect of these investigations, there's often the  added bonus of uncovering stories never previously revealed to the public-- based on family accounts passed down through the years as witnessed by contemporaries of Bonnie & Clyde.  So with "many thanks" to Catherine Queen, a wonderful 1st photo and new info concerning Nellie and Melvin, her husband at the time of the August 13th, 1932 Carlsbad incident.  In addition-- an intriguing story never before known concerning Bonnie & Clyde's fateful visit to New Mexico.

Contrary to some tales told-- Nellie was never killed by Bonnie & Clyde as retribution for her actions.  Rather it's believed Nellie was born on April 25th, 1882 and passed away in 1944.  She had been married once before and was the former Nellie Parker Wagman.  Also as now confirmed by both the Parker and Stamps families, Nellie had a daughter from her 1st marriage-- although the name of her daughter remains unknown.  Nellie met Dorsey Melvin Stamps (born September 22nd, 1895) in Corsicana, Texas in the 1920's-- with the couple moving to Mexia, Texas after being married.

Melvin was a butcher by trade, and as such Nellie & Melvin operated a Hotel with grocery next door in Mexia during this period.  In the early '30's they moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico, where Melvin remained employed within his profession.  After Nellie's death, Melvin married Elsie Roswell and relocated to Winaka, Oklahoma.  He would re-marry once again, and passed from this Earth on February 8th, 1975.

Concerning Bonnie & Clyde's visit to New Mexico-- the Stamps family provides insights not known before.  According to the family-- Bonnie had contacted Aunt Nellie by telephone to arrange their visit to Carlsbad.  I've also learned Nellie wasn't the only Stamps relative to host/harbor Bonnie & Clyde.  Melvin's Aunt Mattie, who lived in various places along the Red River between Oklahoma and Texas-- was thought to have hosted Bonnie & Clyde visits as well. 

Here's a most interesting and formerly untold story concerning Carlsbad.  Apparently Nellie and Melvin weren't the only Stamps relatives present when Bonnie, Clyde and Ray visited in August of '32.  As told to me, Catherine Queen's grandmother Isa Teel along with her 3 children had driven from Wilson, Oklahoma to Carlsbad for a visit with her brother and wife Melvin and Nellie.  Cathy's mother Jesse "Muriel" Teel (aged 10 at the time)-- was one of the 3 children present/ one being 3 years older and one 3 years younger.  

When they arrived at Melvin and Nellie's home in Carlsbad, the kids were firmly advised to stay on the floor of the car and completely out of sight-- as Isa was both confused and terrified by what she saw.  Isa had walked past the strange car with no one visible, only to spot a variety of weapons of differing sizes on the backseat and floor.  Being unhappy at this turn of events, she and her brother Melvin exchanged words through the screen door.  His eyes were telling Isa to go, but after driving all that way for an expected visit-- she argued to stay, and for whomever else was visiting to leave.  At that point she whispered as did he.  Isa then raised her voice to say she was going back through town to get some pop-- and if she didn't see the car leave town, she wouldn't be back.

Isa then returned rapidly to town, got gas and waited-- until finally seeing the strangers' car exiting.  Upon returning to Nellie and Melvin's, and with the kids in bed-- the conversation concerning what had occurred, lasted well into the night.  It was agreed, that Melvin and Nellie would contact the authorities in Carlsbad regarding what happened.  Then after staying the night-- Isa left and never returned.  Late the following day, Bonnie, Clyde and Ray returned to see Nellie.  Apparently  they had camped in their car just outside of town.  And the rest as they say is history-- with Deputy Joe Johns being tipped off, surprised at gunpoint-- kidnapped and later released.

So as Paul Harvey would say-- "And now you know the rest of the story".  BTW-- in never having seen a photo of Charlie Parker, but now in seeing his sister Nellie-- I find Nellie's resemblance to Bonnie remarkable.  In viewing numerous pics of Emma Parker representing the Krause side of the family, and now one of Nellie Parker with which to compare-- I believe we now have a clearer idea of the family mix, in order to arrive at the looks of the Parker children.

My "thanks" once again to Catherine Queen, and also the Oklahoma Historical Society for not giving up in search of photos of Nellie and Melvin Stamps.  I welcome your comments.

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Another Bonnie & Clyde Historical Site Now Gone-- Stringtown Dance Hall Seccumbs To Fire.

I'm sad to report yet another Bonnie & Clyde historical site is now gone.  With many thanks to Rusty Steed-- I've learned the former dance hall site, forever linked to the Stringtown incident where Undersheriff Eugene Moore was killed in August 1932-- burned to the ground in early June of this year.  For the past 10 years, the famous building had been used as a fruit and vegetable stand-- and was purchased just 3 years ago by the same owners who had previously rented it.

Not much else to say-- except as time marches on, so too does the likelihood that at some point, almost all Bonnie & Clyde historical sites will be gone.  As such I renew my call that historical status be pursued for all Bonnie & Clyde locations.  But alas, such focus takes a remarkable level of caring and strong resources-- in wanting to influence the preservation of historical sites.  Unfortunately-- 'don't see much of that any more.  

Again with thanks to Rusty-- before and after shots of Stringtown.