Wild West Gazette 602-565-5785

Combine peaches, syrup and all remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Place peaches and syrup in decorative containers (such as old-fashioned canning jars). Cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours to allow flavors to develop. Peaches will keep in refrigerator up to two weeks. Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

Calories 130

Protein 0 g

Carbohydrates 35 g

Fat 0 g

Saturated Fat 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

Sodium 13 mg

Dietary Fiber 1 g

Wild West Gazette

Link to Arizona Duuude Cartoon Archives

November 14, 1882
Franklin Leslie kills
Billy "The Kid" Claiborne

On this day, the gunslinger Franklin "Buckskin" Leslie shoots the Billy "The Kid" Claiborne dead in the streets of Tombstone, Arizona. Read all about it Story Continues

CHILDREN’S BOOK BENEFITS PRESCOTT ELKS OPERA HOUSE
The Elks Opera House Foundation is pleased to announce that “The Elk in the Attic,” a book written for children by local author Christopher E. Hoy, is now available online and at local stores. All proceeds from sales of the book will be used to restore the Elks Opera House.

Many local people donated their time and talent to create the book. Chris Hoy donated his manuscript; Walt Anderson created the illustrations; and Bridget Reynolds contributed the book design. Leslie Hoy edited the story, and Elisabeth and Melissa Ruffner, owners of Primrose Press, published the book. Wendy Elgen, owner of Classic Prescott Printing, is printing 2,000 copies of “The Elk in the Attic.” She generously kept production costs exceptionally low for this charitable community project.

“I wrote ‘The Elk in the Attic’ for readers aged seven to ten,” says Chris Hoy, “but adults enjoy it, too.” The story is about drought-weary forest animals that temporarily take up residence in a small town. Nine-year-old Tim Armstrong discovers a huge bull elk named Bill living in the attic above his bedroom, and he’s not the only kid at his school with new animal friends. The adults grow increasingly alarmed, while the animals, trained by Coyote and guided by Grandmother Owl, struggle to survive among humans. Just as events threaten to get out of hand, high-flying Eagle returns from a trip to the top of the world with important news.

“The story is a delight to read, with a moral so deep one is engaged long after the book is put down,” says Elisabeth Ruffner, Founding Secretary of the Elks Opera House Foundation.

Readers of the book will learn that “Bill” currently enjoys a magnificent view of Prescott from the roof of the Elks Opera House. To read a sample chapter of “The Elk in the Attic,” visit the author’s web site at www.elkintheattic.com. The book is available in select stores in Prescott and can also be purchased in the lobby of the Elks Opera House. To order the book online, visit www.elksoperahouse.com.

Tombstone the town too tough to die.... Wild West Gazette January 2007
October 26, 1881- 2007 126th Anniversary of the Gunfight at the OK Corral

Preview Hualapai Ranch at Grand Canyon West

NEWS!
Tombstone Issue

on News Stands
NOW!
Click here
for list of distribution sites.

Center Feature

Features include:

Full issue online as pdf for download 4mg file

Flagstaff AZ Post Office circa 1860

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ROBERT LEROY PARKER

Ron Hamilton of Hamilton Dry Goods sends this picture of carving on rock. Full story? ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

William Floyd "Billy" ClayborneThis is an original article written by Shari Jo

Can the actions of one short period of time define how one man is perceived throughout history? The answer is "yes" for a man named Billy Claiborne. A mere thirty seconds during the infamous shootout near the Ok Corral have branded Billy with such labels as coward, liar, rustler, and outlaw. Do these terms accurately describe him? Just exactly who and was Arizona's "Billy the Kid?"

William Floyd Claiborne was born on October 21, 1880 in either Mississippi (1) or Alabama (2). While he was still young his family most likely packed up and moved to Texas. He’s known to have had at least one sibling named Norman Francis. Growing up in the post-Civil War atmosphere prevalent at the time, the antagonism caused by the influx of northern carpetbaggers in an area of southern ranchers couldn’t help but have an influence on young Billy.
More Billy "The Kid" Claiborne story Continues +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

NORTH WEST ARIZONA & THE GRAND CANYON WEST EXPERIENCE
North West Arizona was first explored just after the California gold rush as a means of developing a quick route to the gold of California. The first explorer to enter the scene was Captain Lorenzo Sitgraves with his 1851 topographic survey assignment. His survey expedition started at the land of the Zuni (Zuni Pueblo; approximately 100 miles east of current day Holbrook) with these instructions from his superior Colonel J. Albert, Topographic Engineers: "You will therefore go to that place, which will be, in fact, the commencing point of your exploration…" "Pursue the Zuni to it’s junction with the Colorado, determining its course and character… You will then pursue the Colorado to it’s junction with the Gulf of California…" The course taken was very close to present day Interstate 40.

The next exploration of Northern Arizona was by E. F. Beale who arrived at the Zuni Pueblo August 29, 1857 with a caravan of camels for the trek across the northern portion of the new Arizona Territory. Beale believed the camel was the "beast of burden" for the arid region Capt. Sitgraves had crossed 6 years prior. His route was nearly identical to Sitgraves. Both routes trekked through Sunset Crossing (Winslow); Leupp; Flagstaff; Mt Floyd. Kingman and Sitgraves Pass (Oatman).

Following the footsteps of Sitgraves & Beale was John Udall 1858 with a large emigrant train to California. His route was similar to his predecessors. These hardy explorers developed the general route that was to carry our modern "wagons" on Route 66.

Oatman Arizona is the initial crossing into Arizona from California on this Historic Icon of America; Route 66. Oatman was founded about 1906 near the Black Mountains about 28 miles from Kingman. This small, dusty

town is the lone survivor and a reminder of Mohave County’s gold-mining boom, which lasted until the mid-1930s. The locals like to point out Oatman with its gold pouring out of the surrounding mountains.

Today Oatman with 150 residents and its Old West charm attracts about 500,000 visitors a year.

In the late 1920s, Oatman had about 10,000 residents, mostly miners. It also had modern conveniences, such as a swimming pool, service stations and a hospital. Oatman locals claim the town had the first movie theater in the state. In 1939, Hollywood’s Clark Gable and Carole Lombard spent their wedding night here; according to the natives.

Oatman declined after I-40 was built In 1951 population dropped to as few as 25. It looked like the town would die, until "How the West Was Won" was filmed here in 1962. Oatman then became a tourist destination. October to April. More than 1,000 weekend tourists watch staged gunfights along main street, tour Goldroad Mine, feed the wild burros that still wander through the streets. These reminders of the town’s former glory provide the mystique of an Old West mining town. The Oatman Hotel, built in 1902, was refurbished in 1924, following a fire. The Oatman Hotel is listed on the National Historic Building Registry. Dining is limited to the Oatman Hotel bar and restaurant and the Mission Inn are the only two public places to dine in town.

Kingman, Arizona starts the longest original stretch of Route 66 remaining today; earning it the name "The Heart of Historic Route 66". A famous son of Kingman; Andy Devine, (Jingles) side kick of Guy Madison (Wild Bill Hickok) and several other western radio, TV and movie heroes was raised on the grounds of the Beale Hotel owned by his parents Tom and Amy Devine. Andy Devine Avenue in Kingman is the western point to follow Route 66 to Walapi, Hackberry, Valentine, Crozier, Truxton, Peach Springs, Grand Canyon Caverns, and Seligman at the eastern end of this historical stretch of Route 66.

The Grand Canyon, scenic Lake Mead, various, historic stops; and now the new Skywalk and Haualapai Ranch are near the famous Route 66. Historic sites and points of interest along Route 66 can be found on www.wildwestgazette.com .

Reaching the Skywalk and Haualapai Ranch via the beautiful scenic drive through the western Arizona landscape and the Joshua Tree Forrest (Northern region) is an impressive experience of a vast, pristine countryside coupled with country charm.

From Kingman take Stockton Hill Road North to Pierce Ferry Road; turn right and go toward Meadville about 5 miles. Turn right at the Grand Canyon West turnoff and go about 7 miles past the Grand Canyon West Ranch to Route Indian 1. Go about 14 miles to the Hualapai Ranch and the Skywalk.

The serene beauty, the canyon view, coupled with the exceptional hospitality of the Hualapai Ranch staff, plus the escape from the hectic pace of today’s world is more than worth the drive.

Plan to stay the night in the lovely cabins at Hualapai Ranch to enjoy the experience of the exceptional beauty of both a true western sunset and sunrise over the western Grand Canyon and understand the granduer of the Grand Canyon and a true cowboy legacy.

The night is so quiet and the stars are so bright you can almost reach out and touch them. Sitting around a campfire with cowboy music strummed on the guitar, a cowboy poet reading his latest work and folks from all over the world telling their impressions of the Grand Canyon and the beauty of Arizona. It’s not unlike what those first pioneers experienced after a long days travel in the wagon train.

Except you get to go to a cabin with hot water, heat/ac and electricity.

Helicopter, Rafting, Hiking, Exploring in the Grand Canyon Massive canyon walls dwarf helicopters as they fly through the canyon in the only places aircraft are allowed below the canyon rim. They look like dragonflies as they deliver visitors to the canyon floor to board pontoon boats for a gentle serene ride up the Colorado River.

Or for the more adventurous the Grand Canyon West offers the only one day rafting experience on the Colorado River. Begin early in the morning with a ride to Diamond Creek. Launch into the water in your raft and encounter your first set of rapids… a taste of what lies downstream.

Pull over on the south side of the canyon to begin a moderate hike to Travertine Falls. Return to the river where the water disappears from the horizon below the towering canyon walls, dropping into a "Caldera," a boulder-choked chute of solid white water!

River Guides are well qualified, each having a background in Hualapai Cultural History, and will help make every trip unforgettable. The motorized rafts are designed specifically for traversing the Colorado River.

• Helicopter tours through the canyon land 4,000 feet below the rim on the banks of the Colorado River.

•Boat rides on the Colorado River between the canyon walls

• Guano Point is a scenic overlook with exceptional views of the river below. Hualapai Tribal Artisans displayed a wide variety of jewelry and native crafts for sale along the parking area. A small cafe offered sandwiches and drinks and a shaded area to sit and enjoy your meal.

• Eagle Point Skywalk offers a gift shop and a wonderful village of native dwellings. The site is busy with construction of new facilities but is worth the trip to view the canyon through the glass floor.

• Hualapai Ranch has wagon rides lasting about 30 minutes that go out close to the rim and a guide who tells the history of the area, names and uses of native plants, and interesting stories.

• Hualapai Ranch also has personalized horseback rides lasting 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on your desire. It’s the perfect way to see the canyon up close and personal

QUOTES & SAYINGS

click for
Hamilton Dry Goods

Yuma Territorial Prison 1875 - 1910

The Yuma Territorial Prison was commissioned in 1875 and operated until 1910, when the prisoner built facility at Florence AZ was completed. Yuma Territorial Prison was dubbed “The Hell Hole”. This nickname was not as well deserved as many desperados would care to have us believe. It was a well operated facility that housed a capacity population of around 200. Throughout the entire operating period Yuma Territorial Prison was at 120 to 130 percent over populated.

More Yuma Territorial Prison History

Trivia
and
contests

FEATURE ARTICLES by Herst
Carlos Montezuma Apache Doctor and Indian Activist

By Howard Herst
The historical and popular fiction of the ninetieth century southwest is abundant with stories of hostility and savagery of the Apache Indians attacking settlers and travelers on the frontier. In Arizona and New Mexico, the army maintained an active force in the field to control Indian hostilities by forcing the Apaches to be confined on reservations.

More of this Carlos Montezuma story Continues

JOHN WILKES BOOTH, WAS HE SHOT, OR NOT?
A Fictionalized Version of an Historical Account

By Howard (Gene) Herst
Corporal Timothy O’Rielly had been performing sentry duty along the roads, bridges, and pathways outside of Port Royal, Virginia. He would stop travelers, ask their names, where they lived, and their destination. The infantry sentries and cavalry patrols have been out on alert since the night of April 14, 1865; the night President Lincoln was shot by the actor, John Wilkes Booth. The military and Pinkerton agents have been monitoring all the possible routes that Booth and his co-conspirators might travel to escape deep into the ex-confederate states. Given one week’s leave of his duties, O’Rielly, early this morning of April 26, hitched a ride on a wagon heading for town. I about three hours before sunrise, and O’Rielly laying on a sac in the wagon bed, was attempting to doze over the jabbering of the driver, Michael Wilcox, who was expressing concerns regarding the future treatment of Virginians by them “scalawag carpet-baggers” now that Lincoln was dead. As the mules trudged along a muddy portion of the road, O’Rielly, attempting to cheer up his companion, began reciting a humorous soldier’s jingle,

“Here I lay me down to sleep

In mud, that’s many fathoms deep

If I’m not here when you awake,

Just hunt me up with an oyster rake”

More John Wilkes Booth story Continues

FURNITURE -
Rustic
One-Of-A-Kind

“Gila County Gothic”
by Roger Buchanan

Each unique piece is made from historic lumber from old homestead fences and barns in Gila County and fire or beetle-killed native trees. Often accented with antique hardware, rocks or found objects.

Maker Roger Buchanan’s works may be seen at these fine establishments:

Bits & Pieces Cottonwood, AZ
Myra’s Gallery Pine, AZ
The Western Village Payson,AZ
When Cowboys Dream Payson, AZ
Down the Street Gallery Payson, AZ

Call Roger directly for a custom made piece

(928) 474-3831

Marguerite Noble

Born January 1910 - Died January 2007

Born in “Tent City” January 1910, at the confluence of the Salt River & Tonto Creek, moved to Payson area where she remained until January 2007.

“We thank you for your recorded “moments” of Arizona History for KMOG Radio in Payson.

These tidbits of history are an intricate part of http://www.wildwestgazette.com

Thanks to Roger Buchanan for approving the use of these jewels of Arizona history.

Vittles,
Varmints
and
Not So
Vital
Statistics

Filaree: A Novel of an American Woman
by Marguerite Noble
This moving novel of pioneer life in Arizona is destined to become a classic. Based on the life of the author's mother, it overturns every stereotype of western womanhood.

o Comes closer to the truth and the validity of the so-called winning of the West than anything I have ever read. It is terrifying, heartbreaking and remarkable. . . . Filaree is also one of the most magnificent portraits of a woman that exists in our literature. - Howard Fast

o I loved Filaree, I didn't just read it, I crawled between the pages and lived it."--Lily Tomlin

o "An extraordinary performance. . . . a powerful antidote to the romantic illusions some people have about ranch people and life on the range. . . . As a writer, Mrs. Noble makes no compromises. She tells her story in plain country American dialect, offers no exaggerated sex or violence, no vulgar talk. She is a realist in the best sense, a breath of fresh air in these free-wheeling times." --C. L. Sonnichsen

o ". . . an engrossing tale . . . recommended for historical fiction readers." --The Midwest Book Review

o "Filaree . . . celebrates her adaptability and accomplishment. This novel is a spunky commemoration of the stubborn spirit of the frontier to resist, survive, and prevail." --Western American Literature

o "The literature style of Filaree is simple, fitting to the people, time, place." --Library Journal

Note: Marguerite Noble passed away on January 1, 2007.

L.C. Herst
602-478-9961

Arizona Rough Riders - from the Marguerite Noble Collection
Stories of Arizona Rough Riders, under the leadership of Teddy Roosevelt, are well known.

On February 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain. The call went out for volunteers. In ten days Arizona's quota of 200 men filled, leaving 800 disappointed aspirants behind.

They had the distinction of being the first group of volunteers in the U.S. to mobilize. In Cuba the death of their captain, Buckey O'Neill, of Prescott, had a demoralizing effect on the Arizona men.

Before the Arizona volunteers left the states, the Phoenix Chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic presented them with a flag they had hand sewn. This banner was the first to fly on Cuban soil. It rests in the State Capitol Building - tattered, weather-worn, and carrying three bullet holes.

They trained in San Antonio. The citizens were tolerant of their antics. William Owens, of Globe, shot out the lights in a street car. No punishment. It earned him the name of Shoot-Em-Up-Bill.

Horses issued them were not always under control. One man wrote' "some of the damn horses bucked like hell." The cowboys of the regiment earned extra money by breaking the horses for inexperienced troopers at $10 a head.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships.

The Arizona Rough Riders
“The toughest set of men"
On August 19, 2007, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park plays host to history. northern Arizona’s very own "A" Troop will appear dressed in authentic period dress of the famous Rough Riders, with their ladies, carrying 100 year old weapons for the public’s examination.
The Arizona Rough Riders is a commemorative group that brings the Spanish/American War era (1898) to life for audiences. The governor of Arizona has given the Arizona Rough Riders a special commission as the "Official Spanish/American War Reenactment Group" for the State of Arizona. The troop depicted came from Prescott 100 years ago, along with the Flagstaff men who also went to the war in the famous "cowboy cavalry". The Rough Riders are the most famous of all volunteer unit' in the history of the US Military.
The Rough Riders were mostly ranchers and cowboys, some 170 men joined from the Arizona Territory, along with a sprinkling of daring aristocrats from the East. The small northern towns of Arizona, the legendary "A" Troop quickly filled its quota and would soon serve with distinction in the two main battles of the Cuban campaign: the famous charge of the "Rough Riders” up "Kettle Hill" and the heavily defended San Juan Heights. After fighting ended the troop returned home where regiment, “A” Troop disbanded on September 15, 1898.
With a special commission from the Governor of Arizona, "A" troop again stands ready to serve. The troop is a ceremonial and re-enactment unit whose purpose is to honor all American War Veterans and to portray, in a historically accurate way, the life, and times of the Arizona Rough Riders. They will describe the era, the war, and the effects of the war on the community's social mores at turn of the century America.
www.azstateparks.com
Arizona State Parks
Celebrating 50 Years, 1957-2007
Proud Past, Bright Future

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BRONZE SCULPTURE
Contemporary Western and
Historical Subjects by GAIL
A Native of northern Arizona, GAIL sculpts highly detailed subjects living the Western life such as “No Riding Job” which depicts a tired cowboy digging post holes and “Spring Fantasy,” a cowgirl bathing in a shallow stream.

See her work at:
Down the Street Art Gallery -Payson, AZ
Gold Nugget Gallery - Wickenburg, AZ
Myra’s Gallery - Pine, AZ

(928) 474-8182

TOM HIATT and
The Sundown Riders

FEATURE ARTICLE
Alchesay National Fish Hatchery &
William Hart Alchesay
a forgotten part of arizona history
by Lee Sharpe
One day we took the turnoff for Alchesay National Fish Hatchery, four miles north of Whiteriver between Mileposts 342 and 343 of AZ 73. A signed paved road heads northeast along Whiteriver a little over 4 miles to the site. Dad wanted to show the kids where all of the fish we had been catching and eating all summer came from. The Hatchery was magical with millions of trout from tadpoles are raised to 6 to 8 inch fish ready to be distributed in the local lakes and rivers.

We were camping along Whiteriver for the summer. Dad went back to Phoenix to work during the week while Mom and the kids stayed in a small trailer in a campground. It was heaven on earth for kids. Dad would return with supplies each Friday and take us on adventures. His knowledge of history meant long talks about the various historical markers, camps and sites.

Alchesay Hatchery specializes in raising small native, rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout of 6–8 inches. Visitors are welcome to view exhibits and stroll along a self-guided tour on 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Alchesay was the name of a famous Sierra Blanc Apache Indian Scout. Chief (Sgt.) William Hart Alchesay, b. 1853 d. August 6, 1928, served as a Sergeant in Company A, United States Army Indian Scouts in the Wars with the Plains Indians. He was awarded the Congressional Medal Of Honor for his bravery during the Winter of 1872-1873, in the Tonto Basin Campaigns. His citation reads “Gallant conduct during campaigns and engagements with Apaches”. One of 14 Native Americans who were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Indian Wars, Alchesay’s Medal was awarded on April 12, 1875, the result of a personal recommendation from General George Crook.

More Alchesay History Recent Updates! New information!

42nd Annual Cowboy Artists of America
Exhibition & Sale Rides Again
The most anticipated Western American fine art event in the country, is the Phoenix Art Museum’s 42nd Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition and Sale, will be at the Museum’s Steele Gallery, October 20th, 2007 – November 18th, 2007.
The 42nd Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition and Sale presents a depiction of the West only the members of Cowboy Artists of America can capture with such realistic skill and spirit. It is presented each year by Phoenix Art Museum’s Men’s Arts Council, and the Sale has become one of the Museum’s most successful fundraising events.

For more information about Phoenix Art Museum’s Men’s Arts Council, call (602) 307-2060 or visit online at www.mensartscouncil.com . For more information about Phoenix Art Museum, visit its Web site at www.PhxArt.org , or call the 24-hour information line at (602) 257-1222.

Wild West Gazette a new publication
highlights arizona history
A new publication the Wild West Gazette will feature stories about the Old West meets the New West. A thread of Arizona history will run through the articles telling the story about where the names we use today came from and the history behind the areas we now call home.

The newspaper publication will have the look and feel of days gone printed on newsprint b/w and old time fonts. You may even see old boards and bullet holes in borders.

Events and advertisements will be reflected in the stories presented. Like what is the history of Pioneer Living History Museum? There's plenty of interesting history in Arizona!

Trivia and contests will delight and educate you in Arizona and Old West History!
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HERITAGE CAKE THE “ICING” ON PAYSON’S 125TH
Article written by Jayne Peace Pyle

One big cake, made up of many little cakes, will be the “icing” on Payson’s 125^th Celebration in October. Called a “Heritage Cake”, this big cake will bring back memories for some of the Old Families, and will hopefully share some culture with those who are not from the Old Families. These cakes are links to our Early Payson area culture. Memories of special people – especially grandmothers and aunts – and special events –such as Christmas or a wedding or a Saturday Night Dance where a young woman was proposed to – are often recalled. Just as many individual pieces of cloth make up a Heritage Quilt, many individual cakes make up the Heritage Cake. Story Continues
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
CELEBRATES CONSTITUTION DAY

Washington, D.C. . . The National Archives celebrates the 220th Anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution throughout September with exciting public programs including a special family day on Sunday, September 16, and a panel discussion on racial equality on Constitution Day, September 17. These events are free and open to the public.

The National Archives has the original Constitution on permanent display in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom of the National Archives Building, located on Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets, NW, Washington, D.C.

Constitution Day Family Celebration - Happy Birthday U.S. Constitution! Sunday, September 16, 12 noon - 3 p.m., Presidential Conference Center Story Continues

3rd Annual National
Day of the American Cowboy
July 28th