Streaks Are Meant To Be Broken-- Answers To The Latest B&C Polls

It's that time again-- time to reveal the answers to the B&C Polls. As answers this go 'round seemed all over the lot, somehow I knew that no one also participating in the monthly Poll Contest-- would likely get all these questions right. And that turned out to be the case. I may get some e-mails and phone calls this time, but as James Taylor said-- "that's why I'm here". As I try to use only reliable sources for the B&C Poll questions, but choose not to reveal all of them-- to preserve my ability to continue this favorite feature of many for a good long time, please know I trust in the seeds for these answers.

Some of the sources for this batch of queries were somewhat obscure, but they needed to be-- with the polls having been run through so efficiently, by at least one B&C expert for 2 months in a row. As I thought what fun is that?!?-- I set out with the help of my compadre' L.J. "Boots" Hinton to try and toughen up the polls. Many of you did well with these questions, but many too may be surprised at some of the answers. So here we go--

Bonnie's father Charley Parker (with corrected spelling)-- died on December 31st, 1914. Many wonder about this, as so little is known about Charley-- but I have it from the family that this date is correct. I purposely added the reference to Charley deserting his family, in attempting to debunk that rumor here. Well I'm sure my phone will be ringing, as many may think Emma never viewed Clyde-- but I'm going with what I believe to be a credible new report, which I quote in saying "Bonnie's mother also attended the funeral and gazed into the open casket at Clyde's face but said nothing". In a letter to W.C. Condit President of the Nebraska Sheriff's Association, Joplin Chief of Detective Ed Portley, said Buck paid Carl Beatty (his spelling) $100 and 2 Ford Model A's for his Marmon. As I've mentioned on occaision, based on info from the Joplin Police files on B&C-- the Marmon was offered as restitution to the families of Harry McGinnis and Wes Harryman.

In a newspaper article from the time, Sheriff Thigpen is credited as saying that initially, Dilbert Darby thought Pretty Boy Floyd, may have been responsible for kidnapping himself and Sophia Stone. Of course later, Darby and Stone got it right by picking out photos of their Barrow Gang assailants. Well, I finally skunked you all on a question again. It was McCamy Campbell Embalmer Tommy McCallum, who reconstructed Bonnie's lower face, which was so badly damaged by gunfire. Although not all the bullets were said to have been removed from either body, it was McCallum-- who for many years, reportedly wore a tie tack made from a bullet taken from Bonnie's body. Concerning the number of cars in the procession from the ambush site to Arcadia, 150 has been published as the estimate. "Boots" said his father Ted Hinton, commented the number was more than 100.

5 was the correct number of aeroplane flights to the Arcadia airport, related to the ambush of B&C. One of those trips, carried Dallas Sheriff "Smoot" Schmid to the event he long anticipated. At least one account, has Buck upstairs on the couch when the shooting started in Joplin. But not according to W.D. Jones-- who said it was Buck who opened the garage door, when all hell broke loose at number 3347 & 1/2 34th Street on April 13th, 1933. What a great address.

Well there you have it-- answers to the latest batch of B&C Polls. I have to double check, but I believe that so far-- the B&C Poll Contest for March is tied. It's good to see an ex-champion re-enter the fray, in competing again for monthly Poll Champion honors. I encourage more who have fun with the polls, to enter the poll contest each month. For instructions on how to enter, please view the paragraph on the polls within the notes section. As March's contest could well go down to the wire, please look for a new group of challenging B&C Polls (March round 2)-- to be posted soon. As always my thanks, to all who vote just for fun-- and also to those who participate in the monthly poll contests. Fun and knowledge are the goals-- of the B&C Polls on The B&CHB.

Was There Really An Aunt "Millie"-- In B&C History??

We all the know the story of Bonnie, Clyde and Ray Hamilton paying a visit to Bonnie's Aunt Millie in Carlsbad, NM in August of 1932. Although there are conflicting reports as to what actually happened, to cause Deputy Sheriff Joe Johns to be kidnapped as a result of their visit-- there's no doubt that Johns was indeed taken hostage by B&C, and later released 15 miles outside of San Antonio, Texas. Most have always assumed, that Aunt Millie Stamps was the Parker relative responsible for alerting Johns-- and thus causing this escapade, or-- that Mrs. Stamps was the unwitting recipient of good police work by the Deputy Sheriff, which made it appear that she had betrayed Bonnie and Clyde.

However, a review of news reports from that time-- seem to reveal no first name mentioned for Mrs. Stamp, as she was called (without the s). It appears Millie's 1st name may have been learned primarily from Emma Parker's recollections in Fugitives. As such, Aunt Millie has been written of for decades, by authors and historians in recounting this renowned story. Emma played down Millie's role in attempting to turn in Bonnie, Clyde and Ray that day-- in as much stating that she didn't believe Millie was responsible for this incident, as it was reported or rumored.

My purpose here, is to state my belief-- that Aunt Millie as so often described within the History of B&C-- may have actually been Aunt Nellie. It is widely believed that in Fugitives, names were changed to protect the innocent-- when told of by the families in 1934. Emma described the relative from the Carlsbad incident as a sister, which is close to true-- but it appears now, that person was not a sister of Emma's named Millie, but rather her sister in law-- Charlie's sister Nellie.

I'm now aware of credible documentation-- which repudiates the existence of a Millie within either the Parker or Krause families. However-- Bonnie's father Charlie Parker did have a sister named Nellie. And interestingly-- it's Nellie who's specifically mentioned within this 1st hand history, as being the Aunt who turned in B&C when B&C visited her. Aunt Nellie is said to have lived somewhere in West Texas. I've found the record of a Nellie Stamps within the 1930 census-- living in Pecos, Texas. Pecos is 86.3 miles from Carlsbad, NM. In 1930-- Pecos to Carlsbad was a pretty straight shot North on Rt 17 to Rt 2. Today, this trip would be made on Rt 285. This woman was born in 1881 and would have been 49 years old in 1930. This info makes sense in comparing the ages of Parker and Krause contemporary relatives during this time period. For example, Emma Krause, who married Charlie Parker-- was born in 1885. Charlie was born in 1882. Thus it seems reasonable, that Charlie's sister Nellie could have been born the year before him.

Furthermore, there's an ominous element within these new revelations, which "could" support a less than peaceful end for Aunt Nellie. In an interview provided on August 17th, 1932-- Deputy Sheriff Joe Johns recounted part of his hostage ordeal by saying "Shortly after leaving Carlsbad, Sunday morning they wanted to come back and kill Mrs. Stamp. She had gone down on her knees and begged them not to hurt me when they left her home. They told her to shut up but they did say they wouldn't hurt me. When they suggested going back and killing Mrs. Stamp I said "Oh don't do that fellows". They didn't say anything but kept right on driving."

Apparently the family too questioned what became of Aunt Nellie. It's my understanding that after noting Aunt Nellie had turned in B&C and that they had escaped-- it was wondered what became of Aunt Nellie??-- as it seems she was never heard of again. Perhaps she was dead?? Perhaps B&C got to her?? Maybe this was just playful family banter-- but based on Joe John's recollection made just days after the incident-- I find these thoughts most intriguing. I've had it asked before, whether Clyde could kill a woman?? But it seems for most, that's a hypothetical quandary both unsavory and untouchable. And would Clyde go as far as to kill a relative of Bonnie's, in knowing Bonnie's penchant for compassion-- or just walk away?? That's a hell of an interesting question??

Based on newspaper accounts I've read of this story, the Stamp home was located near the canal west of Carlsbad. This home is pictured in both olden and modern views, in Winston Ramsey's book-- so apparently it still stands. Recently I was asked, about the woman who's identified as Nellie Gonzales on the U.S. Bureau of Investigation wanted poster-- published just days before B&C were ambushed. To the person who asked, I'm sorry to have taken so long in answering. However based on research leading to this post, I am still unsure who this reported 1/2 sister of Bonnie's is?? That Nellie is listed as being from Harwood in Gonzales County, Texas. Gonzales County is located to the east of San Antonio. However as Nellie Gonzales is listed as Bonnie's 1/2 sister and Nellie Stamp(s) nee Parker was Bonnie's father's sister-- these 2 Nellies couldn't be considered the same person. I will say, the Parker family line seems more shrouded in mystery than the Krause family line-- as less seems known about it.

As I find myself getting into B&C research such as this from time to time, and as this mystery has been of particular interest to me-- I am now seeing what I can learn of Aunt Nellie as related to Carlsbad. I'm contacting historians in that area, and will let you know what I discover from my phone and Internet travels. Hopefully eye witness accounts, public records and additional newspaper articles can be accessed, which will shed new light upon this story.

Even though I'm now aware of this most reliable account, which reveals Aunt Nellie as being the Aunt who betrayed B&C-- I'm interested in learning more about Nellie and the Carlsbad incident. I'd like to learn whether Mrs Stamp(s) stayed in the Carlsbad, NM area for the rest of her days-- when she died-- and how?? Thus try and provide facts, to answer the question of whether Mrs Stamp(s) was perhaps ultimately killed-- for her actions or perceived actions against B&C?? While I'm at it, if I can-- I'll try to learn more about Bill Cobb-- who it's said helped Mrs. Stamp create a diversion, so she could slip off to a neighbor's house to call Deputy Sheriff Johns. I'm sure many would like to know, more about Bill Cobb's participation and recollections at Carlsbad that August day in 1932.

Perhaps the Carlsbad incident can be updated with new insights-- so please stay tuned. Credit along with my thanks to Winston Ramsey, for the photo of the Stamp house in Carlsbad. I wish I knew the date of this photo, as the house looks abandoned by that point. Perhaps I'll be fortunate enough to speak with it's current owners. If anyone has info concerning this topic, I would very much appreciate hearing from you. I welcome your comments.

Blanche Caldwell Barrow Frasure Auction Lot #2-- Blanche's Tea Pot-- Tea With Blanche Anyone?? Winning bid $31.

Now this is an interesting and personal Blanche item, if there ever was one. The item pictured, which looks so good on my kitchen table is Blanche's Tea Pot. Blanche's Executrix and friend of more than 30 years Lorraine Weiser, attests-- that this is the Tea Pot Blanche would serve tea to friends with. It's a nice size Tea Pot, which is brown in color-- with a pearlescent finish. Uniquely, the top of the Tea Pot is rounded, while it's body is octagonal in shape. There's not much else to say, except that after so many years-- it's condition is nearly perfect. There are just the slightest chips within the lip of the spout. An exceptionally nice item owned by Blanche Caldwell Barrow Frasure, meant for use in sharing joy, poignant moments and good conversation. If only this Tea Pot could talk.

Regarding this auction, the same rules apply to this item as were stated for the last. Please review the auction rules which appear within the offering for Blanche's personal check. You can bid by e-mailing me at bchistory@optonline.net This is a 2 week auction, which will end Friday March 26th at 10:00PM Eastern (U.S.). I don't know what else to say about these Blanche items, except to hope all with a love for this history-- will partake of these opportunities, to own items owned by Blanche.

Blanche Caldwell Barrow Frasure Auction Lot #1-- Blanche Check-- Winning bid $50.01

Let's start right in with one of the great Blanche items available through these offerings-- a personal check #2200, dated October 16th, 1981. This check is made out to Montgomery Ward and signed by Blanche, as Mrs Blanche Frasure. It's my understanding that in settling Blanche's Estate, 100's of checks like this one were discarded-- in not realizing their potential importance. Thus this could be one of the only remaining checks with Blanche's signature, known to be available. I obtained this check directly from the Executrix of Blanche's Estate, as an item that was owned by her since Blanche's passing in 1988-- until being provided to me recently. A COA signed by Blanche's Executrix, will be included with this item to the auction winner.

This is an interesting piece, in that a handwritten change of address was made on the check-- prior to it's being used. This check was negotiated, and bears a bank stamp on it's verso. As a collector of autographs and B&C Historian-- it's my belief that not a lot of Blanche signatures exist in any form. Autographs are a most personal expression from any historic figure, and a personal check when available-- is often one of the best documents, to assure authenticity of a signature. In this case, this rare check made out and signed by Blanche-- is a great way to own something from a Barrow Gang member. I have just one of these to offer through these auctions. This item was scanned, with only sharpness enhancement added-- to reflect accurately the good condition of this check. This Blanche check is offered as is.

Auction Rules-- This is a 2 week auction. Bidding will be accepted only via e-mail to bchistory@optonline.net There is no minimum bid, however I would encourage all to bid with respect for the legacy of Blanche in mind-- in other words, please refrain from frivolous bids. I will update this post with the current bid for all to see. Bidding for this item will close on Friday March 19th at 10:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.). Bidding is open to all who can view this blog worldwide. No anonymous bids will be accepted, however all bidder identities will remain confidential during this process. Once bidding has ended, the winner will have the option to either be known by name and location or just location-- as in a state or country if desired. For international bidders, please know-- you must be able to accept and I must be able to ship a package to your location without issue.

If for any reason difficulty should arise, where a winning bid cannot be fulfilled-- the next largest bid will be declared the winner. Payment will be in U.S. dollars. Western Union Money Orders, U.S. Postal Service Money Orders or International U.S. Postal Service Money Orders will be the accepted methods of payment. Fair shipping costs, as well as costs for insurance and delivery confirmation-- will be added to the final selling price, payable prior to delivery. All shipped items "must" include a delivery confirmation via the U.S. Postal Service, Fed Ex, UPS or DHL. As these are unique items owned by an historic figure, and with adequate time to decide upon bidding-- all sales are final. All decisions concerning additional nuances of these offerings, including revision of auction rules based on circumstance-- rest solely with myself. I reserve the right to terminate any auction, for fair cause or abuse.

With all of that behind us-- let the bidding begin. Please enjoy this wonderful opportunity, and good luck gang.

Blanche Caldwell Barrow Frasure Personal Items-- To Be Offered "Exclusively" On The B&CHB

The wait is over!! Last November on the blog, I published plans for a Blanche Caldwell Barrow Frasure auction, which was to include a number of items-- in particular the Blanche manuscript, which was slated to be the auction centerpiece. As many are so keenly aware, this rare and remarkable document-- Blanche's handwritten record of her days with Bonnie and Clyde, is the only 1st hand account known-- provided by a Barrow Gang member who was present, throughout a number of well known B&C escapades.

But instead of offering this historic manuscript via the internet as originally planned-- for a number of reasons important to it's owner, it was decided Blanche's manuscript would be offered privately-- which has been the case for many months now. Behind the scenes, I have worked closely with the Estate of Blanche Caldwell Frasure and it's Executrix-- within this effort. As of March 1st, I can now report that the manuscript has been sold.

With this said concerning Blanche's manuscript, many know that the bulk of Blanche's B&C related items were auctioned off at The Heritage Galleries in 2006. What remains of Blanche's Estate, for the most part are personal items. I let it be known back in November, that there would be some Blanche items offered here-- for the loyal followers of The Bonnie and Clyde History Blog. As I am a man of my word, this brings me to the exciting news that follows.

I have access to a limited number of personal items owned by Blanche Caldwell (Barrow) Frasure, which I plan to offer here for those who follow The B&CHB. At least with what is available now-- this will be an "exclusive" offering. These are not B&C related items per se, but rather are personal items owned and used by Blanche. Other than a personal check or 2 with Blanche's signature, I would term these items personal belongings or knick knacks ie: a ceramic tea pot Blanche served tea to friends with, a small decorative milk pitcher-- likely used for the same purpose, silver butter spreaders, Blanche's crocheting needles etc-- this sort of thing-- personal items, which Blanche used in her daily life. Authentic Bonnie and Clyde artifacts are nearly impossible to come by. However for those with a keen interest in these outlaws and their history-- I would think any personally owned item from a Barrow Gang member, would be of considerable interest.

Additional auction rules could be amended within other posts-- however some thoughts now. My initial ideas to be fair to all would include, that each item be offered for a reasonable period of time-- perhaps a number of weeks. Anyone who can view this blog would be eligible to participate. As I don't have the facility here to conduct an eBay style auction, bidding would be conducted via e-mails to me. I would offer these items to worldwide bidding, without a minimum and without a buy it now option-- completely wide open. I feel that's fair. I will publish current bids, so all will know where the bidding stands. I would ask that out of respect for Blanche and her legacy, that bidding for her personal items be responsible-- without frivolous bids.

No anonymous bids would be accepted-- however the identities of all who bid, would be confidential between the bidders and myself throughout the bidding process. I would leave it up to the winner of each item, to choose whether they be identified by name or in lieu of that-- just by their location. Fair shipping costs will be calculated worldwide via an accepted carrier, plus appropriate insurance and delivery confirmation if available. These costs would be paid along with the winning bid, in advance of shipping. Also, if a lot winner is overseas, I must be able to ship and you must be able to receive a package from the United States. U.S. Postal Service money orders, or International U.S. Postal Service money orders would be the accepted method of payment-- although I may expand upon this. A certificate of authenticity and specific to each item-- will be provided along with each item.

I have more to figure out regarding all of this, including working up the 1st lot-- about which I will communicate with you soon. I hope all are excited at the prospects of perhaps owning something from Blanche. I wish these could be B&C related items-- however as expressed to me, they were Blanche's. Speaking for myself-- I know if I could own "anything" from a number of historic figures, I would certainly want to. My sincere thanks to Mrs. Lorraine Weiser, for generously providing me with some of Blanche's belongings, to be offered to followers of The B&CHB. There's more to come, so please stay tuned. As always, please address any questions or comments to me-- concerning this or other B&CHB happenings.

It's Time Again-- For The Bonnie & Clyde Polls

It's time to reveal the latest B&C Poll answers-- so here we go. Prior to being killed at Joplin, in addition to his regular duties as a Joplin motor detective-- Harry McGinnis once served as Chief of Detectives for the Joplin Police Dept. McGinnis filled the Chief Detectives post, during an Ed Portley illness. It was Aug Atz, who was not at the Okabena, Minnesota bank-- at the time it was robbed by The Barrow Gang. According to reports at the time, when Aug's daughter Cleo Atz heard the bank alarm-- she summoned her father, along with men at the implement store nearby. Mr. Atz grabbed a .32 caliber revolver and shot at B&C from the the alleyway behind the bank. It was noted, that someone in the car returned fire with a machine gun-- missing Mr. Atz. W. J. Kelly and D. B. Hovenden, were both customers of the bank-- and Sam Frederickson was one of the bank cashiers present that day. Mr. Hovendon was also the man who stopped to ask a suspected Bonnie and Blanche if they needed assistance, as they were spotted stationed in their getaway car-- outside of town earlier that morning.

Only one law enforcement officer or posse member, was said to have been hit by Barrow Gang return fire at Dexfield Park. That lawman was Deputy Sheriff C. C. "Rags" Riley, who as it turns out was a lucky man-- having suffered just a glancing blow to the head, from what was thought to be a shot from a BAR. Just 4 of the 7 BARs present at the National Guard Armory in Ranger, Texas were stolen during The Barrow Gang's invasion on February 20th, 1934. The other 3 BARs were apparently deemed too old and used to be of much purpose to Barrow.

Regarding the shell casings found at the Grapevine murder scene-- all of the above was the correct answer. To me the variety of shell casings found there, illustrates perhaps a more brutal reality than the simple story so often recounted of the Grapevine killings. The sheer scope of firepower used from so many different weapons-- the (3) 16 gauge shotgun blasts, (5) .45 caliber auto shots and (3) 12 gauge shotgun bursts-- apparently used to bring down just 2 motorcycle officers, I feel points to more than one shooter. It doesn't seem the truth-- that it was just a matter of firing a couple of shotgun blasts, in order to fell officers Edward Wheeler and H. D. Murphy. As many make the case that Henry Methvin killed both officers that day-- based on the ballistics evidence l respectfully disagree, in feeling both Clyde and Henry pulled the triggers at Grapevine. Please feel free to comment.

It was Floyd Hamilton's wife Mildred Hamilton, who tied with Marie Barrow, for the shortest sentences at the 1935 B&C Harboring Trial. Both received sentences of just 1 hour. Of all the participants in the saga of Bonnie and Clyde-- interestingly only Henry Barrow, was saved from being charged and receiving time during the Harboring Trial. As we now know that Mr. Barrow participated in many acts of protection for B&C as well as sharing in monies given to Henry and Cumie by the outlaws-- I wonder why Mr. Barrow was precluded from serving time as the others?? Henry was even known to have offered to help Bailey Tynes obtain weapons hidden by Clyde, as brokered through 2 middle men. Even Ted Hinton was known to have gone out of his way to help the elder Mr. Barrow protect his family-- by providing him a weapon and possible insulation from prosecution. Apparently the gentlemanly Henry Barrow, garnered that much respect and perhaps sympathy-- based on his respectful dealings with others.

Gladys Cartwright's 4 month old son was named John. Alonzo was Gladys' husband's name-- while Jack and Mitchell, were Gladys Pritchard Cartwright's brothers. And finally, the Sutherland, Iowa farmer who it's said encountered The Barrow Gang at his farm, helped authorities by leading them to bloody clothing, spent shell casings and by detailing the license plate number 11-2399-- which was also noted in the Fort Dodge service station hold ups. So here too-- the correct answer was all of the above. My thanks as always, for your participation in the B&C Polls. Look for all new polls to be posted soon-- here on The B&CHB.

Bonnie and Clyde Q&A-- What Did Bonnie Do, After She Helped Clyde Escape From Jail??

The question's been asked here on the blog-- what did Bonnie do after she helped Clyde escape from jail in Waco?? As Fugitives provides perhaps the best day to day account of Bonnie's actions from Waco thru Eastham-- I took this question to mean what did Bonnie do right after the Waco incident?? But as this query was a little hard to gauge, in an effort to be thorough-- I'll address both circumstances here.

As the story goes, on March 8th 1930, Bonnie visited Clyde at the McLennan County Jail-- and was introduced to Clyde's new friend William Turner. Turner who hailed from Waco, had been in prison previously-- where he had escaped and been re-captured. This time, he was up on a federal rap for robbing a post office. Having just re-entered confinement, Turner had an escape plan in mind, but needed help from someone on the outside. As Clyde liked Turner's plan, and felt he could provide the outside help needed-- in quick order he was in on the scheme. Clyde asked Bonnie to help them escape, to which she agreed. Clyde slipped her a map to Turner's parent's home, where she was to go and locate a hidden gun. This was the famous note where Clyde had included the message for Bonnie-- "You're the sweetest baby in the world to me".

Bonnie and her cousin Mary, who it's said wasn't such a willing participant in this unlawful endeavor-- went to Turner's parent's home while they were away and located the gun. Bonnie hid the pistol beneath her clothes and smuggled it to Clyde. On the night of March 11th, Clyde, Turner and another new inmate Emory Abernathy (also imprisoned for serious crimes)-- made their move, overtaking a guard and the prison's turnkey. Once the trio escaped, the plan was to pick up Bonnie-- who had returned to her cousin Mary's house along with her.

But by the following morning, Clyde hadn't shown to get Bonnie. As such, it's said Bonnie planned on returning home that evening. However, the young ladies became spooked by 2 men who knocked on Mary's door and then hung around-- waiting in their car outside the house for some period of time. Logically, Bonnie and Mary thought the 2 men might have been the law looking for them-- in having learned of their roles in Clyde's escape. But actually, these were 2 men sent by Clyde to get Bonnie. Unfortunately-- Bonnie didn't know this until later on.

When the men finally left, instead of taking public transportation-- Bonnie apparently hitchhiked back to Dallas. She didn't know Clyde was alright, until receiving a telegram from him-- sent from Nokomis, Illinois. In that telegram, Clyde told Bonnie he was OK-- and asked her to contact his mother and wait for him. Of course Bonnie's impending reunion with Clyde was not to be-- as soon afterward on March 17th, Clyde and his fellow escapees would be re-captured, after an eventful series of missteps in Middletown, Ohio.

After the Waco incident, Bonnie was known to have stayed close to the Barrow family for some period of time. However as the months wore on, she became less interested in Clyde. It's said Emma was pressuring Bonnie to dump Clyde, as to Emma-- Clyde was nothing but trouble. After some delay, apparently due to government acknowledged poor prison conditions, Clyde re-entered the Waco system. When he did and upon completing his paperwork, he apparently lied a number of times, including listing Bonnie as his wife. This could allow for visitation between them. But then upon being re-sentenced, he made the leap to the notorious Eastham Prison Farm.

Bonnie who initially had written to Clyde often, at more than one point-- pretty much stopped writing to him. She was said to have dated other young men during this period. Then for some reason before Christmas 1930, she began corresponding with Clyde again which rekindled their relationship. Of course after Clyde sacrificed 2 toes either to get out of work detail, or to go to Huntsville to be with Buck??-- less than a week later Cumie Barrow's work for her son's release paid off, when Clyde was granted a conditional pardon. On February 2nd, 1932 Clyde left prison on crutches. The rest as they say is history.

Now there are multiple stories, as to what happened to the gun Bonnie smuggled into the Waco jail-- that Clyde was said to have ditched in Middletown, Ohio. The purported gun from one account is pictured above. That's a fine topic for a future go round of Bonnie and Clyde Q&A. "Thanks" for another great B&C question.

The Story of Bonnie and Clyde-- An Update

As The B&CHB receives regular inquiries, regarding Cypress Moon's production of The Story of Bonnie and Clyde-- every so often, I exchange e-mails with Tonya Holly to ask her for an update on how the movie is going. Tonya and I have communicated again, so I wanted to provide all of you with the latest concerning the upcoming B&C movie.

Tonya says 2009 was a tough year for both schedules and financing. As the recent economic realities have affected many industries including independent film making, apparently financing has been tough to come by-- resulting in promises made falling through. Cypress Moon is now dealing with new investment groups, and is hopeful to be shooting by the end of April.

I do have one significant news flash concerning the film, in that Tonya has revealed they do plan on shooting the ambush scene in Bienville Parish, Louisiana-- at the actual ambush location on old LA Hwy 418. If all goes well, they may be shooting the ambush close to the actual day B&C were killed. I don't know about all of you, but to me-- using that final turn and crested hill as the ambush location, is fabulous news!! You can't provide more realism for the ambush, than using the actual spot in which B&C were waylaid.

This is the latest information available as of now. As in the past, I'll do my best to keep everyone updated on The Story of Bonnie and Clyde as I learn more. My sincere "thanks" to Tonya S. Holly of Cypress Moon Studios-- for sharing her insights with the followers of The B&CHB, on this wonderful and highly anticipated B&C movie project.

January's B&C Polls-- A Look At Round 2

Round 2 of January's B&C Poll questions seemed to have stumped some but not others. This batch was largely based on reported accounts from the time. So here we go-- the 1st 2 questions had to do with the Ruston, LA incident. H. Dillard Darby and Sophia Stone were home for lunch and apparently enjoying some time together, when they witnessed the theft of Dillard's car-- upon which they jumped into Miss Stone's car and attempted to follow Darby's car. As the chase neared the town of Hico-- Dillard realized he wouldn't be able to overtake his car, and turned around in order to return to Ruston. According to published reports, Darby was subsequently flagged down by a man he thought was Warren Robinson-- a friend of his. But instead of being Robinson-- it was members of The Barrow Gang. Darby was reportedly slugged by one of the Barrow brothers-- and Stone was said to have been yanked from her car, and hit by Bonnie Parker on the back of the neck with a pistol butt. It was a local farmer who was said to have witnessed these events, and made the 2nd call to a local Sheriff.

Gun Crazy starring Peggy Cummins and John Dall, was the 1949 film noir production about the crime spree of a gun toting husband and wife-- which is credited as beginning the B&C movie craze. I would have also accepted this film's alternate title, Deadly is the Female as a correct answer. Regarding the Sowers ambush attempt, a number of items were reportedly recovered from B&C's car in addition to what is visible on Sheriff "Smoot" Schmid's desk the day after the ambush. Among these items, were 2 stolen parcel post packages from Montgomery Ward, Fort Worth-- addressed to a Mr. A. W. Harris on the U.S. mail route to Ivan, near Breckenridge, Stephens County, Texas. Also found in the car were a bottle of water, a jar of white whiskey, numerous sets of stolen license plates, a medical kit, clothing, a sack of pennies, and what was described as a large quantity of stolen merchandise. Also regarding Sowers, it was said B&C were traveling about 25 miles per hour--when the posse opened up on them.

Concerning Bonnie and Clyde books, there may be more-- but I am aware of at least 25 books which have been written on B&C. There are also numerous books, which include chapters or accounts of Bonnie and Clyde within them. James White was the name provided by Bonnie Parker to Millie Stamps as being her husband-- when B&C visited her aunt Millie in Carlsbad, New Mexico in August of 1932. As the story's told, Bonnie, Clyde and Ray Hamilton showed up unannounced at Bonnie's aunt's on August 13th of that year. Mrs. Stamps became concerned, when she was asked to wash bloody clothing and witnessed a large sum of cash stashed under a mattress. Although conflicting reports exist regarding this incident, it's thought Millie created a diversion along with Bill Cobb-- the cantaloupe farmer she had let land to, to allow Millie time to notify Deputy Sheriff Joe Johns of the strange occurrences at her home. Johns, the former Sheriff was captured by Barrow and Hamilton. A search for Johns ensued, which ended when Johns walked into the San Antonio, Texas Sheriff's office-- telling of being kidnapped by 2 men and an 18 year old girl.

And finally 5 people died in what's known as the Kansas City Massacre. On June 17th, 1933, 4 law enforcement officers were gunned down as they escorted their prisoner Frank "Jelly" Nash-- at Kansas City's Union Station depot. Nash was also killed during the melee. Nash was being escorted back to Leavenworth, where he had escaped 3 years before. Although credit for these killings is often given to a gang led by Vernon Miller as an attempt to free Nash, various notorious criminals of the day were investigated for this crime including The Barrow Gang. This incident was also rumored to have possibly been a hit on Nash. Interestingly, as 2 of the fallen officers and Nash were said to have been killed by shotgun blasts, and the only known shotguns at the scene were carried by the peace officers-- it's thought by some that friendly fire may have killed 2 of the officers and Nash. In addition to Nash, those who died included Bureau of Investigation agent Raymond J. Caffrey, McAlester, Oklahoma Chief of Police Otto Reed, as well as Kansas City Police officers W. J. Grooms and Frank Hermanson. After more than 75 years-- The Kansas City Massacre remains unsolved.

"Thanks as always"-- for your participation in the B&C Polls. Look for the 1st batch of February polls to be posted soon.

A B&CHB Exclusive: "Pistol" Pete Storey-- An Unknown B&C Hostage??

The August 1st, 2009 post entitled "The Bad Weather Trap-- That Wasn't" has inspired a most interesting e-mail to me, which could reveal a heretofore unknown B&C kidnapping and hostage. As Detroit, Texas was mentioned in the August post, as a location where B&C were thought to have passed through-- Deport, Texas, which lies nearby in the same county-- came into play within the approach to me.

A relative of a man named "Pistol" Pete Storey, told me of a favorite tale Mr. Storey apparently imparted for years-- to anyone who would listen. As the story goes, Mr. Storey ran a cotton gin in Deport, (Red River County) Texas. One night around 8PM, as he was locking up his office-- a man and a woman came to the door. The man commented on Pete's new car. As few people had a new car that nice in that part of Texas at the time, the man asked to see the inside-- as he was considering buying one for himself. Pete obliged, grabbed his keys and met the strange couple outside. Upon unlocking the car, the man pulled a gun and ordered Pete into the back seat. The man took the keys and proceeded to the driver's seat, while the woman sat in the passenger seat.

It was said the man talked to Pete a lot while they traveled, asking him questions and making small talk. Pete and this mystery man may have had much in common, as Pete was known to have used several aliases to avoid ever paying a red cent in income tax. Pete also distrusted the government, distrusted law enforcement and hated banks. Pete said the man was friendly and polite. He addressed the woman only as "honey" at first, but as their ride progressed into the night-- the couple eventually let their guard down, and called each other by name. It was then that "Pistol" Pete's suspicions were said to have been realized-- it was Clyde and Bonnie.

After hours of driving and conversation, Clyde decided it was time to let Pete out. Clyde said he didn't want to do it, but felt he had to tie Pete up so they could get away. Pete claimed they tied him very loosely to a tree, and Clyde promised that his car would be returned to him in good condition-- when he found one suitable to replace it. At that point the couple Pete claimed were Bonnie and Clyde, drove away in his car. A few days later, Pete's car was found by the side of a road believed to be in Oklahoma. The car was unharmed, with the keys in the ignition.

Pete apparently never told the police of his tale, but did tell this story to others-- long before many books were published concerning B&C. Now it's my understanding that Pete was known to have told some tall tales in his time, and as a result-- few believed his encounter with Bonnie and Clyde. However it's known, that Pete swore by this story as being true. As an aside, please remember the family of Bailey Tynes told me a similar account, of how Bailey was known to have told tall tales. However, with the release of the Dallas FBI files, Bailey's stories (never known to be true) were confirmed to have happened.

Similarly, with reported accounts of B&C perhaps having traveled near to the area where Pete's cotton gin was-- his relative now believes this story has the validity to be brought to light. She thinks the specifics of this story sound "a lot" like B&C, and upon review I must agree. The MO of approaching a mark near closing time, has been documented in other Clyde Barrow robberies. Also B&C's approach in taking a captive "for a ride" well outside of an area, and letting them off far away from the scene of their crime-- is also consistent with known B&C escapades. The tying of a hostage "loosely" to a tree to afford the duo a chance to escape, is also true to known accounts verified by police hostages from the Wellington incident.

And finally the traits of politeness expressed during the act of stealing a car and distancing themselves from an area, the small talk expressed-- and the abandoning of a stolen car with it's keys left in the ignition for it's owner to recover, are all witnessed events which to me-- are hallmarks of a B&C carjacking. We now know, that B&C and The Barrow Gang could be be quite cross and uncouth when they wanted to be. However, there are other stories which point to a softer side to the desperadoes-- one laced with kindness for their prisoners. Another interesting similarity to this account, also came from the Wellington hostages-- in that it was said that Clyde tended to talk a lot. So all in all to me-- there are enough similarities in this case to known and verified B&C traits, to make this reported account quite possible.

I am working to secure a photo of "Pistol" Pete Storey, which if successful-- I will add to this post. It's my understanding that audio tapes may also exist, with Pete himself telling his B&C tale. I've been told I may have access to hearing these tapes, which are being searched for now. My sincere thanks to the lady from Texas, who's name I know-- but at this point prefers to remain anonymous to most, in her relaying this remarkable family account. One of my rules in working with those with B&C stories to tell, is that at least I know who I'm dealing with. I am confident enough in the comparison of this story to known accounts, to believe this intriguing tale could be of great importance and interest-- and thus warrants it's publishing here.

I am helping to suggest ways to this family member of Pete Storey, to hopefully nail down a more verifiable account of this recollection. The potentials of this story are great-- so please stayed tuned. Many of you say you visit the B&CHB for the insights learned here. How about this one?? I very much appreciate the trust placed in me, by those who have B&C insights to tell. I invite your comments, concerning this potentially standout B&C revelation.

Bonnie and Clyde Q&A-- Was Killing Bonnie Parker Fair??

Well, you might want to break out the boxing gloves for this one. A viewer from New Mexico keyed in asking this always controversial and poignant question. As far as I can tell, this has been one of those watershed, double edged sword inquiries for decades-- where no matter who wields the sword, they get cut. From my perspective, a recounting of known facts may help in attempting to sort out this great debate. However, in considering the question of whether the killing of Bonnie Parker was fair-- oddly enough answering this question, often seems to lead to a perpetual array of even more perplexing questions.

An obvious first query for this question is-- fair to whom?? Fair to society??-- fair to Bonnie Parker and her family??-- fair for our system of morals and ethics, then or now??-- or fair to those with the benefit of hindsight, who pick apart this 75 year old controversy with the keen vision of a great African cat?? There are those who take the "hard line" regardless-- regardless of compassion, and regardless of historical circumstance. For the hard liners-- Clyde's paramour was a killer, or at the very least a killer by association-- who needed to be stopped along with Barrow at any cost. Death for B&C couldn't come soon enough, for those who identify most with the law-- and as often expressed through the ambush at Sailes, these blood thirsty desperadoes surely got what they deserved. But for others compassion reigns, in making it seem logical through numerous exercises in the hypothetical-- that additional thought could and should have been exercised by the lawmen involved, in attempting to save Bonnie.

These arguments of salvation often center around ideas thought of now, which "may" have been employed, if only they'd been realized then. Or perhaps alternative plans "were" considered in '34 but rejected-- for which we may never know?? It's been rumored for decades, that good intelligence based on the help of informants close to the outlaws, played a key role in taking down B&C. Thanks to the Dallas FBI files, we now know this to be true-- and to a greater extent than previously known. With good info available from informants trusted by B&C, and at least 6 trained officers plus members of the Bureau of Investigation on the ground near B&C in Louisiana-- the question is asked, why wasn't Clyde just picked off by a sniper-- clean and simple, when they stopped to visit those familiar to them-- or to get gas or food locally in Bienville Parish or the surrounding area?? In fairness-- that's a good question.

Also during the ambush, it's clear that Prentis Oakley likely pressed off the first 2 shots-- one of which killed Clyde instantly. If the Warren car had not been in gear and rolled down the hill toward the embankment when Clyde lost consciousness, would the ambush posse have let loose with such fury-- in catapulting the outlaws to a horrifically earned martyrdom?? With the officers physically so close to the car they would cause to be known as the death car-- were tensions so high, that cooler head's just couldn't prevail when the first shots rang out?? Thus in paraphrasing Lee Simmon's order to literally shoot the hell out of B&C, was this carnage unavoidable and thus inevitable?? Or rather could one or more of the posse members have exercised restraint, when Clyde's head hit the seat it ultimately ended up resting on-- and not fired further which may have saved Bonnie?? Were the intense pent up frustrations of lawmen everywhere in keen evidence that day, which no matter what-- were destined to be taken out on B&C in a bloodbath, even though the officers coolly said they were just doing their jobs??

To me, the answers to all these questions and others which have framed the argument over whether Bonnie deserved to die, can perhaps best be answered by Bonnie herself. From the accounts and conversations we know of, it seems clear that Bonnie was viewed as being too close to Clyde for separation or rehabilitation. Family members tried in vain, to get Bonnie away from Clyde, and by all outward appearances-- she flat out refused. She stayed by her man to the end, and it seems from her own writings-- she knew that death with Clyde was the reality she faced. To me within that stark realization, is the evidence that it was Bonnie's "choice" to go down with Clyde-- and that life for her would have no meaning without him. So for the many who wish for some overt compassion in saving Bonnie, that in reality it seems she never wished for herself-- I would say look to Bonnie Parker, for the answer to this passionate and morally charged question.

Was killing Bonnie Parker fair?? It seems at least to her it was. However when you factor in the possibility that Bonnie may have been pregnant when killed, and that at least one lawman who pulled the trigger didn't seem to give a damn one way or another-- would the reality of a Bonnie pregnancy if true, have changed Bonnie's perception in protecting an unborn child?? Ah, another question-- and a really good one at that.

The 2010 B&CHB Polls-- And Away We Go

A new year means new B&C polls. Time's a wastin'-- so here are the answers to the 1st B&CHB Polls of an all new decade. It was Cumie Barrow who wrote of Clyde's calling Bonnie the sweetest baby in the world, in her unpublished manuscript. Apparently at some point, Bonnie left her purse at the Barrow station after visiting. In it, Cumie found Clyde's overture, on a note Bonnie saved and had carried with her. This was known to be the same note in which Clyde had drawn the diagram, that detailed where to find the pistol-- which Bonnie smuggled into prison to break out Clyde.

When sent to Waco in 1930, Clyde plead guilty to 7 counts of burglary. Clyde's early stint in prison was for 14 years. However, the seven 2 year sentences were to be served concurrently. Thus Clyde had the possibility of only serving 24 months of the 14 years of sentences imposed. It was a True Detective magazine series entitled The Inside Story of Bonnie Parker and the Bloody Barrows, in which Clyde and Bonnie were billed in reverse order. In addition to Bonnie's poetry, this tabloid series was one of the first examples of this new founded reality. To most and for for many years-- the West Dallas duo was known as Clyde and Bonnie. Doesn't have the same ring to it, does it??

It was Joe Palmer, who thought Henry Methvin liked B&C too much to have given them up. The Raymond Hamilton total time question was a bit tricky. According to Jim Knight's research, by the time the law finally sunk their teeth into Ray near the end-- in addition to the 263 years imposed on Hamilton, they added back a 3 year sentence, which was previously suspended-- making for a total of 266 years. Margaret Heneger was Buck Barrow's 1st wife. Less than a year after marrying Heneger, Buck fell for Pearl Churchley. Margaret and Buck divorced and Margaret was given custody of their son. Thereafter, Buck and Pearl married and had a daughter. It was only then, when Buck and Pearl's relationship dissolved, that Buck met Blanche in 1929.

The accompanying photo is of course Raymond Hamilton, looking as though he too-- knows the end is near. Thanks for your participation in the B&CHB Polls. Look for another batch of early year B&C Poll questions soon.

A '30's World-- What Did People Eat In The 1930's??

Another B&CHB feature I would like to expand upon in 2010, is a feature called A '30's World. Down blog right near the bottom is a selection of 1930's images, I thought would be interesting to those of us who thrive on the history from this unique era. As questions sometimes arise, regarding what things were like during the time of Bonnie and Clyde-- it seems this feature fits right in with our interests in these outlaws.

For all we know of B&C, there's remarkably little known concerning their personal habits. Much of what we do know, has come via family recollections. Such is the case with food. We know a few of the couple's culinary likes, but not many-- red beans and rice for Bonnie, and fried chicken with french fried potatoes and peas with cream and lots of pepper for Clyde. Also hot chocolate with marshmallows played an important role in B&C History when Bonnie and Clyde met. We hear from witnesses, of the times B&C stopped at cafes, but we know little more than a cursory overview of these stories. I believe this has prompted some to ask about food in the '30's. This is a question which I've addressed previously, but have decided to revive-- in order to provide more detail this go round.

People often envision the Depression ravaged 1930's as a time of starvation in America. However in reality, although there were many for whom hunger was a constant reality, apparently starvation in the U.S. during this time was rare. One of the silver linings of the Depression (if there was one)-- was that food was relatively inexpensive. There were soup kitchens open in areas of need, to support those who couldn't afford to eat. The soup kitchens were often run by charitable groups such as churches, Ladies Aid Societies or the Salvation Army. Three meals were served each day including Sundays.

Breakfast at soup kitchens often consisted of a sweet roll and coffee, and dinner and supper as the meals were known then-- were comprised of soup, bread and coffee. Fruits and vegetables for soup kitchens were sometimes provided through charity gardens and donations. Another entity which existed were called penny restaurants, which served low cost meals. For those with the space to plant, home gardens were common-- and provided a plentiful source of sustenance for little money. Local farms which were more prolific in number during the '30s, were also an important source of food. Many farms then were quite diversified, in offering not only vegetables and fruit, but chickens, eggs, hogs, cattle and even sheep for both meat and wool.

For those in better circumstances financially, cafes and restaurants were available where you could eat in or order food to go. Of course for Bonnie and Clyde and the Barrow Gang, food made to go was an important factor-- thus the many stories concerning stops at local cafes wherever they roamed. Local groceries were prevalent, but also chains like Piggly Wiggly and A&P markets were on the rise. Self sufficiency was the norm during this time, and carried over from the home into people's social lives. Church and pot luck dinners were common. Also home economists could be heard on radio, teaching women how to stretch their food budget-- with dishes like casseroles, macaroni and cheese, creamed chipped beef and other such modest meals.

Without question, food in the 1930's was freshly prepared by comparison to today's fast food mentality. The words made "from scratch" are often heard when the preparation of food in the '30's is described. There were some fast food chains like White Castle which debuted in 1921, but for the most part, fast food as we know it today-- didn't arrive en masse until the 1950's. Therefore for those with means, eating at home or at a cafe was the norm. But this was "real" home made food by today's standards-- and likely not dissimilar to what you can order today at modern diners and cafes, however without the wide variety available now. One of the things I miss most about Gibsland, LA when I leave there, is the cafe in town. They serve real home cooking, with a limited but good menu. I would think the experience of eating at a small town cafe such as in Gibsland, would be similar to eating at the cafes of old. This is food served promptly, but not meant to be fast-- just good.

I took a look at some menus and food brands available in the 1930's to give you an idea of the "flavor' of things then. Now of course depending on social and financial situations for people, these menus would vary. For this purpose, I have deliberately avoided menus for ritzy get-togethers for the well to do-- as I don't feel those who wonder about food in the Depression Years, would care much to know of the extravagant. Food at that level is always special, but likely not indicative of foods for the average family during the Depression years.

On You Tube, there's a wonderful series of Depressions Age recipes, as expressed by Clara Cannucciari who's in her 90's. She recounts frugal recipes from that period, along with charming and insightful personal memories from the Depression. Clara shows how to make '30's meals such as the poor man's meal, peppers and eggs, pasta with peas, egg drop soup, dandelion salad, eggplant Parmesan, baked apples and couscous with vegetables. I don't know which are more interesting-- Clara's recollections or her recipes which have inspired a cookbook. But for those of us interested in Depression Age history, I feel it's worth many trips to this terrific Great Depression cooking series. A link to this site can be found here-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGX8m8lAzOs&feature=related

In doing research for this piece, I found websites devoted to Depression Age food. Some examples of family dinner meal suggestions I found, and listed here in no particular order include-- Cheese souffle, pork chops, roast or broiled chicken, meat loaf, fresh beef tongue, baked salmon, Creole beef with noodles, spaghetti Italian, cold boiled ham, broiled ground beef on toast, cream of vegetable soup, browned parsnips, olives and radishes, rhubarb Betty, Lima beans in tomato sauce with crisp bacon, savory cooked lettuce, parsley potatoes, fried tomatoes, wilted dandelion greens, new potatoes, peas, mashed potatoes, french fried potatoes, spring onions on toast, celery and grape salad, Scalloped onions and peanuts, spinach, summer squash, grated cheese and lettuce salad, perfection salad, succotash, carrots, cold (cole) slaw, green tomato pie, Brussels sprouts, fried potato cakes, hot biscuits, oven toasted bread and butter, crab apple jelly, banana pudding, lemon meringue bread pudding, apple sauce, jelly roll, lemon pie, peanut brittle ice cream, sand tarts, peaches and cream, vanilla wafers, Strawberry ice cream, Spanish cream, Ginger bread with whipped cream, iced tea, iced coffee, coffee and milk.

Luncheon examples included-- Sliced ham and currant jelly sandwiches, made with entire-wheat bread, egg salad sandwiches made with white bread, Peanut butter and entire-wheat bread sandwiches, scrambled-egg sandwiches, ham or veal and entire wheat bread sandwiches, jelly and white bread sandwiches a hard cooked egg, cold baked beans, Boston brown bread and butter sandwiches, spiced beef sandwiches with white bread, a raw tomato with salt and pepper, creamed chicken, a hard cooked egg, apple pie, cheese, hot coffee, an orange, an apple, Portsmouth orange cake, raising gingerbread, sponge cake, hot tea and lemonade. Note-- I always love the '30's vernacular, such as "entire wheat" used as an early description for whole wheat.

Breakfasts haven't seemed to have changed much, with '30's offerings including sliced oranges, prepared cereal, fluffy omelet or scrambled eggs, hominy with shredded dates, poached egg on English muffin, toast, muffins, marmalade, applesauce, coffee and milk.

Let's Eat!!

As far as name brands you know, the 30's was a banner decade for the introduction of many including-- Birds Eye Frosted Foods, Wonder Bread, Del Monte Tomato Sauce, Land O Lakes Sweet Cream Butter, Mott's Apple Sauce, Hostess Twinkies, Snickers, Kit Kat, Butterfingers and many candy bars known today, Gerber and Beech-Nut Baby Foods, Bisquick, Ovaltine (promoted as health food for children), Gold Medal Cake Flour, Welch's Grape Juice, Kellogg's Rice Crispies, Frito Corn Chips, Skippy Peanut Butter, Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies, Campbell's Soups in varieties you know, but also including-- mock turtle, muligatawny, pepper pot, tomato-okra and vermicelli-tomato, Kraft Miracle Whip, Royal Crown Cola, Ritz Crackers, Five Flavors Life Savers, RealLemon Lemon Juice, Goya brand foods, Orangina, Pepperidge Farm Breads, Kix Cereal, Spam, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, Ragu Spaghetti Sauce, Motts Apple Juice, Nescafe instant coffee, Lay's Potato Chips and 5 Minute Cream of Wheat.

I hope you've enjoyed this look into food of the 1930's. Perhaps soon, I'll delve into entertainment, transportation or cars of the '30's-- or concentrate on the Warren car. I may need to ask the help of a guest poster for that one. For now, I know one thing-- I'm hungry. Food sure seemed good sounding then, and I'm sure better for you. The photo attached to this post, is the restored 1930's Conoco station & UdropIn cafe, located in Shamrock, Texas. For now AWW signing off, and for all the kids of B&C aficionados everywhere-- be sure to drink your Ovaltine.

"Sex Sells"-- But At What Cost To Bonnie & Clyde History??

I continue to be amazed, at the frequency of Clyde homosexual references-- from a consistent number of people, who key into this blog seemingly for the purpose of learning about this sordid topic. Hopefully many of these individuals are learning some truth while they are here. I'm not sure, why sexual rumors concerning Clyde, Bonnie and other B&C figures within this history have amounted to such a rampant obsession in so many. With that said, I am providing this post as a forum for comment. I am challenging anyone who visits here to glean info on B&C sexual issues, to please comment and present evidence-- which supports Bonnie, Clyde, W. D. Jones or anyone else within the saga of B&C-- as having verifiable sexual issues important enough, to warrant the harm their perception has caused to this history. I would also ask the B&CHB faithful, to please comment as well.

As I continually do, I am encouraging all interested in these scurrilous rumors-- to please go to the blog archive located bottom blog right>> and find the post titled Sordid Rumors and Innuendos Exposed, dated August 8th, 2009. I would suggest that for many, it will be time well spent in reading this post. Within this effort, I teamed up with 3 other B&C Historians, to present the case against these scurrilous rumors having validity-- and also to identify a key source of B&C sexual innuendo. As I am now aware of some additional sources, which may have contributed to these B&C sexual rumors gaining momentum-- I am considering updating this report and re-posting it.

As with other B&C rumors, which have morphed into B&C lore-- these sexual rumors appear to be cutting edge versions of just that-- lore. Does anyone feel that if gay rights had been advanced in the 1930's, that anyone would have attempted to make Clyde Barrow a poster boy for those rights?? Perhaps that's an overly dramatic statement, but maybe not. And I would think the result of such a suggestion if Clyde had found out about it-- would have been more Clyde Barrow killings. There's no credible evidence which points to there being truth regarding these rumors, yet over and over-- there's great interest in discovering more about these slanderous claims. I don't feel there's much doubt, that John Toland contributed greatly to this issue. And now thanks to an expert on Santa, Bonnie Parker was likely a prostitute as well. Lord give me strength, for it's time to fight the good fight again.

Bonnie and Clyde Q&A-- How Many Did B&C Kill??

Ah-- one of the great and spirited Bonnie and Clyde debates. This is a question which in fairness, should be expanded to ask-- how many did The Barrow Gang kill?? When addressing this long standing question of interest, rightfully discussion should also include, delving into some of the more hotly debated Barrow Gang killings and their participants. Many feel either 12 or 13-- are the correct number of known Barrow Gang killings. Although 12 of these murders are assured, I buck with tradition and go with 13-- as being the number of murders, committed by the West Dallas desperadoes and their associates.

In sorting out this question, first I feel it's fair to say that now 75 years later-- it's almost universally acknowledged by B&C experts that Bonnie Parker never killed anyone. In addition to direct culpability, Bonnie as all gang members would have almost certainly been considered accessories to murder-- for whichever killings were committed during their tenures. It's been well documented, that Bonnie loaded weapons with bullets that likely killed others. Also based on the evidence that exists, I for one am convinced-- Bonnie "did" fire weapons a number of times at living targets, however I can find nothing to support Bonnie hitting what she aimed at.

Clyde seems responsible for at least 6 murders, and possibly more of the Barrow Gang killings. In June 1933, Clyde admitted to having been obliged to kill 6 men who attempted to capture him. Clyde's deadly admission was witnessed by lawmen George Corey and Paul Hardy, when they were taken hostage after the Wellington incident. Now some may disagree, but if Clyde was true to his boast-- then it seems 6 of the 7 Barrow Gang killings to that point may have been committed by Clyde. In eliminating John Bucher, you would need to consider all of the next 6 killings to be attributed to Clyde Barrow.

There is debate over the killing of Doyle Johnson, since both Clyde and W.D. shot at Johnson. Many including Jones himself believe he felled Johnson. So even if you were to subtract the Doyle Johnson killing from Clyde's total and pin that one on W. D.-- and then count one of the 2 Grapevine murders for Clyde-- Clyde could still have been responsible for 6 of the killings. Also some consider Clyde's likely killing of Big Ed Crowder in the mix. I myself view Crowder as a pre-Barrow Gang killing, and do not include him within these numbers.

It's almost certain, that W. D. Jones who was a shooter in at least 6 gunfights-- killed at least one man and possibly more. Also Henry Methvin is thought to have killed 2, and depending on who you believe concerning the Grapevine murders, may have killed both motorcycle officers that fateful Easter Sunday-- making for a total of 3 killings. I as many, feel Henry killed one officer and Clyde killed the other. In addition, based on a death bed confession by Buck and W. D. corroboration-- Buck killed Henry Humphrey. And finally, Joe Palmer was reported to have killed Major Crowson-- and is thought to have murdered Wade McNabb.

McNabb is the wild card in determining the correct number Barrow Gang murders. As I see it, McNabb should count as the 13th victim of The Barrow Gang-- and if so, he would also qualify as the only hostage who was killed. The inclusion of McNabb all comes down to whether you believe the story told. On March 29th, 1934 Wade Hampton McNabb is thought to have been kidnapped off a street in Gladewater, Texas by Clyde Barrow, Henry Methvin and Joe Palmer. Several days later, McNabb's body was found near the Texas--Louisiana line. The story goes that McNabb, who was a "Building Tender" at Eastham Prison-- was killed by Joe Palmer, because of his abuse of Palmer while in jail.

Although debatable, the murder of Wade McNabb is a compelling account which makes sense from a Barrow Gang perspective. Palmer had killed Crowson and apparently had a vendetta against McNabb-- which I feel he likely made good on, while in the company of Clyde Barrow and Henry Methvin. If so it should stand to reason, that with Joe Palmer given credit for Major Crowson as a Barrow Gang killing-- it would be fair to add Palmer's likely murder of McNabb to the gang's deadly total.

Some might say as the McNabb killing can't be positively linked to Barrow and his cohorts, that McNabb can't be considered the 13th Barrow Gang victim. It could also be thought that I'm veering slightly off course, from my usual staunchness in backing only verifiable accounts. But sometimes you've gotta go with your guts. I view this story as too logical, to feel others were responsible for this killing. Thus I'll go out on a limb and join others, who count McNabb as the 13th Barrow Gang murder.

In order to pay our respects, here are the 12 known and 1 suspected victim-- who lost their lives at the hands of The Barrow Gang. Of course with their passing-- came much heartache and hardship for their families.

John N. Bucher-- Hillsboro, Texas April 27th, 1932
Eugene Moore-- Atoka, Oklahoma August 5th, 1932
Howard Hall-- Sherman, Texas October 11th, 1932
Doyle Johnson-- Temple, Texas December 26th, 1932
Malcolm Davis-- Dallas, Texas January 6th, 1933
John W. (Wes) Harryman-- Joplin, Missouri April 13th, 1933
Harry McGuinnis-- Joplin, Missouri April 13th, 1933
Henry D. Humphrey-- Alma, Arkansas June 26th, 1933
Major Crowson-- Huntsville, Texas January 16th, 1934
Wade McNabb-- Near the TX--LA border March 29th, 1934
** believed by some to warrant inclusion in this list
E. B. Wheeler-- Grapevine, Texas April 1st, 1934
H. D. Murphy-- Grapevine, Texas April 1st, 1934
Cal Campbell-- Commerce, Oklahoma April 6th, 1934

Thanks for another great question. I welcome your comments.

Bonnie and Clyde Q&A-- Where is the Bonnie & Clyde Death Car??

Herbst Gaming who owns the Terribles Casino chain, bought the Bonnie and Clyde death car & exhibit when it purchased Whiskey Pete's Casino in Primm, Nevada-- as part of a 3 casino acquisition in 2007. Unlike Gary Primm and Ray Paglia, who exhibited the Warren car and Clyde's death shirt as more or less a permanent attraction-- Herbst Gaming has allowed the B&C car and exhibit, to travel "on tour" to many of it's 15 casinos in Nevada, Missouri and Iowa.

There's good news and bad news to this story as it exists now. The good news is that due to the number of Terrible's Casinos, more people across America have been able to view the B&C death car-- as it's been presented nearer to them. The bad news is that Herbst Gaming who was a billion dollars in debt, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March of 2009-- has now lost their casinos. Last October 31st, Judge Greg Zive of Reno, Nevada approved what looks to be the final reorganization plan-- to what has been a controversial bankruptcy case.

It has been published, that assets of Herbst Gaming including their 15 casinos will be turned over to creditors some time in 2010. So stay tuned and keep an eye out for information concerning Herbst, Terribles and the Bonnie and Clyde death car. When ownership of the Warren car is presumably taken over, by a bank or other creditor as a result of Herbst Gaming assets being transferred-- hopefully we'll be able to track it's whereabouts through public information.

The best knowledge I have at this point, is that the Bonnie and Clyde death car has been back at it's location across the street from Whiskey Pete's Casino in Primm, Nevada since January of 2008. I've been told by a Herbst Gaming representative, there are no plans to move the B&C car at this time. For more information concerning the whereabouts of the B&C death car exhibit, contact Whiskey Pete's Casino at 1-800-fun stop.

"Update" 1/5/11-- A recent report that Boyd Gaming had purchased the B&C Death Car from the Terrible's Casino chain was erroneous. I did learn some assets may have been in play for purchase between the gaming companies, but the reported asking price of $5,000,000 may have been too steep for the car to have changed hands. I've also learned, you can now rent the historic B&C Death Car for that special occasion. Terrible's has confirmed, that the B&C car is currently located at the Terrible's Gold Ranch Casino in Verdi, Nevada. In the Spring of 2011, plans are in place to move the car back to Primm-- likely to Buffalo Bills. 1 800- fun stop should be the right phone number at Terrible's, for up to the minute info concerning the location of The Bonnie & Clyde Death Car.

Thanks for a great question, which is so often wondered.

New For 2010-- Bonnie and Clyde Q&A

Here at The B&CHB, I routinely receive keyword entries and e-mails, concerning interesting questions about Bonnie and Clyde. As such, in addition to answering questions individually-- this year I'll be adding a new feature to the blog simply called Bonnie and Clyde Q&A. The goal of this ongoing feature will be to address questions asked, so all who frequent the blog-- can benefit from the Q&A provided.

Look for the 1st in this series to be posted soon. Also, should anyone wish to see a new feature added to the blog-- please e-mail me with your ideas. Thanks.