the tombstone epitaph - webs epitaph-1-15-11.pdf · kaly's kreations is the next shop, and it...

JANUARY 15, 1899 VOLUME 5 NO 1 WHAT IS A TOMBSTONE WITHOUT ITS EPITAPH

The Tombstone Epitaph

PAGE

Culture Comes to Tombstone……...4

OK Corral Reenactment.……………7

Vice President Dies……….…………..8

Through a Child’s Eyes……...............9

Are You a Real Lady……………….…12

Social Announcements…………...…13

Featured

Epitaph Staff Madminxmag Vandeperck

Amber23 Constantine

Faith Avalira

SarahMarie Paule

Kei Saito

The cast of “A Tombstone Christmas Carol” performed four times during December. Story on Page 4.

Photo by: SarahMarie Paule

BENSON IS BUSTLING

By Faith Avalira

Upon entering the town of Benson, whether by horse or by rail, just

past the bank and courthouse building on the left and the Sheriff's

Office and jail on the right a "Welcome to Benson" sign greets you

in the town squareand invites you to take a stroll along 4th Street.

Benson is bustling with commerce and community. Its businesses,

old and new, extend from the wishing well and clock in the town

square to the gazebo at the north end of town and beyond.

Beginning at the south end of 4th Street, next to the Sheriff's office,

is F & W STABLES AND ODDS AND ENDS, a family-owned busi-

ness that occupies two store fronts and sells "the best horses and

wagons this side of the West," according to the owners Andramada

Turbo, Seth Hammerthal, and Joan Faulkes. You'll also find a nice

selection of hats and horse supplies here, as well.

Continued on page 2

VOLUME 5 NO 1 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 2

Continued from Page 1

Above F & W is the Benson office of the famous

PINKERTON'S NATIONAL DETECTIVE

AGENCY. The Pinkerton agents have become

known collectively as “the eye that never sleeps,”

and their fine work have earned the agency an

excellent reputation. The detectives in these

parts of the Arizona Territory faithfully serve

the people of our beloved communities and have

come to earn their valued respect.

KALY'S KREATIONS is the next shop, and it

contains a beautiful selection of ladies' attire.

Kalylia Carpaccio is a fine seamstress and has

created lovely day dresses, ballgowns, wedding

gowns, intimate apparel, and a few items of

clothing for young girls. Customs orders are also

accepted.

Rounding the corner just past KALY's is the fa-

miliar HORSESHOE SALOON, owned and oper-

ated by its proprietor Shaun Kaestner. Gals, get

your dancing cards ready on Wednesday and

Sunday evenings and come on over to Benson

and dance the night away with your favorite

gent. For a change of pace, on Saturday after-

noons the saloon hosts arm wrestling, and on

Thursdays try your skill at bull riding (the bull

pen is at the end of the street next to the new

Benson Hotel). Dates and times are posted at the

saloon.

Across the street from the saloon, just past San

Pedro Street, is the Post Office and Pony Ex-

press stables where you can post a letter back

home or to anyone right here within Cochise

County. The Pony Express is the most reliable

method to transport your important communica-

tions to friends, loved ones, or business acquaint-

ances.

Benson is host to another fine dress shop, PUL-

CHRITUDE BOUTIQUE & CLOTHIER, which

is in the shop next to the Horseshoe Saloon. New

inventory is still arriving, and you are sure to be

impressed at the colorful and unique dresses and

fine gowns sold by the shop's owner, Juliette

Pashinin.

Continuing down the street just before you reach

the church you'll discover Player Dagostino's

FAB.ULOUS EMPORIUM, which sells a variety

of household goods, decor, photograph, books,

boxed chocolates, dolls and doll houses. It's a

perfect place to purchase something to complete

your home or to find a special gift for someone you

love.

Following your day of shopping, feel free to relax

in the open-air gazebo beneath the tall eucalyptus

tree on the north side of town just outside of the

emporium.

If you are visiting from afar, you may wish to stay

in the beautiful new BENSON HOTEL at the

edge of town just north of Huachuca Street. Upon

entering the lavishly decorated lobby, you imme-

diate feel welcome as you sink down into one of

the cushioned chairs or sofa with your favorite

book chosen from a wide selection in the hotel's

library, or engage in conversation at the dining

table or bar over a friendly drink. The top floor

hosts a grand ballroom and a staircase that leads

to the rooftop where you can enjoy the view of the

town by day or gaze at the stars by night with the

one you love. With four comfortably furnished

rooms, the Benson Hotel is a wonderful place to

hang your hat for just one night or for an extend-

ed stay in town.

Continued on Page 3

On November 13th, citizens celebrated at the

Harvest Ball in Shucks Dance Hall.




There is always room for one more at the J & H

RANCH AND LODGE on the west end of

Huachuca Street near the Hammerthal Ranch,

which is another fine place to stay while you are

in Benson. Owned and operated by Jyclops Jans-

ma, the ranch and lodge boasts of acres of lush

green grass with a rustic lodge at the northern

end of the courtyard. Following the stone walk-

way past the fountain in the courtyard, you'll

come to a large brick building that houses sta-

bles and an abundance of luxury rooms, each

complete with its own fireplace. On the southern

most end of the ranch, at Gila and Benson Road,

is the quaint Cottage Inn, which has three

charming rooms available for short or long term

stays. "A place so quiet you can hear the breeze

sighing through the grass, the flutter of a hum-

mingbird’s wings, and the whisper of an eagle’s

passing," you'll never be disappointed when you

stay at the J & H RANCH AND LODGE.

Benson values the solid fiber of religion within

its community. The wooden cross atop the bell

tower of Benson Church, located at the north end

of 4th Street, is a comforting sight against the

desert sky. The church is open to the public at all

times for personal prayer and confession.

Dreamers School House is under construction at

the corner of 5th Street and Huachuca.

In addition to the commercial section of town,

where a few shops are vacant and available for

immediate rental, there are apartments, town

houses, and cabins situated along 4th and 5th

Streets, many of which are freshly cleaned, paint-

ed, and ready for someone to move right on in and

call them home.

Benson is bustling, and you are invited to become

a part of this growing community!

On October 23rd, the Pearce Travelers Fair at-

tracts locals and those from afar to gather a better

understanding of the Territory’s offerings .


Want to contribute and preserve

our town's history? Become a

Tombstone Epitaph reporter!

Simply write about the daily

happenings in Tombstone.

Receive $ Lindens for each article.

Contact Amber23 Constantine

for more information!


CULTURE COMES TO TOMBSTONE

Written by Tully Blindside

As I made my way to the Bird Cage Theater that

afternoon, there was nothing out of the ordinary

to be said about the day; It was hot, there were

folks about, and it seemed little different than

any other. Folks seemed resigned to the fact that

that day would be nothing special.

I arrived at the theater fashionably early to find

a good seat, and was surprised to find the place

near empty. I found a good spot and settled in for

the show, hoping the day would be well spent.

As I waited, my attention turned to the arriving

folk. Those same people who toil in the sun and

dust to make their way in this wild territory

were finding their way to the theater, like moths

to a candle. Any diversion in this land was a wel-

come change, no matter how fleeting.

There were Ladies in fine dresses, Gentlemen in

their finest suits, and there were folk wearing

every day clothes who just seemed glad to get out

of the sun.

It was interesting listening to the folks both local

and visiting speaking of the Bird Cage and what

their expectations were for this day. Some were

jaded and cynical, others full of wonder and antic-

ipation. It all came together into a pleasing, dull

roar that steadily built until the lights went down

and a tall man stepped forth from the shadows

and stood before that great red curtain.

He spoke of the history of the theater, those fa-

mous folk who had been there before and even sat

in the very seats from which we listened. As a

newcomer, the tale made me feel more a part of

the coming spectacle, an integral part of the life

and breath of this legendary venue.

The man, who I learned was none other than the

Mayor of Tombstone, finished and moved back to

his place among the crowd, as anxious as the rest

to see what may come next.

With little fanfare, a large man parted the cur-

tains stepped forth and addressed the audience

and spoke to them of the manners of the theater

and such things. No hooting, hollering, or shoot-

ing the actors; all those sensible things one must

consider here in Tombstone on a given day. He

welcomed us all and with a grand sweep of his

arm, presented...A Tombstone Christmas Carol.

Continued on Page 5

On October 9th, the Bird Cage actors gather for

a reading of the upcoming play.


The Bird Cage players perform during a typical

Sunday improve on November 7th.




The first scene closed to modest fanfare as the

play progressed to the next scene. Once again,

the smooth transition between scenes was im-

pressive and smooth as silk. I particularly en-

joyed the character of the Sheriff.

As the curtain opened again, the audience set-

tled and the scene began. I was pleased to hear

the sharp intakes of breath, even from those

hecklers of earlier, as the ghost of Christmas

past seemed to float into the jail cell and con-

front the young Thomas in the first of his jour-

neys.

The tale was a classic one, an adaptation of a

tale written for a different time and place, made

to retain all of it's character and moral signifi-

cance in the surrounding of Tombstone. Bril-

liant. A young boy on the wrong path is confront-

ed by his past, present, and future and made to

see the error of his ways in a way both frighten-

ing and heart wrenching.

I thoroughly enjoyed the smooth transitions of the

presentation. Even in the heat of the crowded ven-

ue the actors and actresses maintained their com-

posure impeccably throughout. The costumes were

wonderful, the ladies resplendent. It all came to-

gether almost magically.

As the play moved through the scene and Thomas

was whisked away, a curtain of smoke eerily rose

and momentarily blocked the audience view.... the

crowd grew quieter still.

There on the stage was what looked to be a simple

cabin, and before we knew it, it burst into flames

before our very eyes! The crowd was now restless

as Ladies covered their eyes and Men tried to look

away inconspicuously. As the scene ended there

was an uproar of applause and whistling from the

audience that both surprised and affected me, as I

caught myself doing the same.

Continued on Page 6

November 21st, the Birdcage actors gather on

stage following a Sunday afternoon improve.

The theater presents improve performances eve-

ry other Sunday, year round.


The full cast of “A Tombstone Christmas Carol”

poses following the December 12th performance.

(Back Row) Castion Eyre, TP Spad, Foxx Mistwood

(Front) Amber23 Constantine, Timmie Paule,

Dmitriy Gausman, SarahMarie Paule, Venaria

Brunsen




Then came the next act, Thomas and the Ghost

of Christmas Present. Confronted by this stun-

ning apparition, Thomas revealed his more play-

ful side, yet parted with a sense of regret un-

known to him until that moment. Seeing how

others saw him now was a hard lesson. The sce-

ne ended to thunderous applause and there were

no more taunts or remarks from the audience as

the next scene began.

Throughout the engagement, the play had been

upbeat and lighthearted in the lighting and air

of the stage, but as the curtain opened there

seemed a strange turn. The Ghost of Christmas

future faced the audience for the first time and a

hush dropped over them. The costume work was

done well as it seemed darkness followed the ap-

parition through the cell. But it was in the next

scene in the graveyard the hard lessons of this

fine Work were learned. and when the scene end-

ed, a collective tension was evident in the crowd-

ed theater.

As the play continued, the light and life flowed

back into the theater as the scenes of Thomas

realizing his faults and making reparations

brought hope back into the eyes of the captured

audience. The final scene was one of realization

and redemption, for All.

As that final scene finished, the cast was posi-

tioned in an almost Christmas card-like fashion

and they wished us all a Merry Christmas. The

crowd went absolutely wild, as did this humble

critic.

All in all, the ride was one of many twists, turns,

and emotions. I was mad, glad, sorry, and

thoughtful over that fleeting hour, and for a few

after I must admit. I was not the only one, as I

heard folks commenting on it everywhere they

went. I myself find myself awaiting the return

performance, as I would not miss it.

I give 'A Tombstone Christmas Carol' a place

among the best theater presentations I have wit-

nessed in my time, and feel privileged to have

attended.

When the mayor next tells the tale of the Bird

Cage Theater, those who were there on that day

will be included in those histories, as will I. It

was a fine, fine day.

Dutch Annie’s Doves pose for a group photo.


The Natives participate in an all-day Pow Wow on

September 25th.



RE-ENACTMENT OF THE

OK CORRAL

On October 26th, townsfolk re-enacted the fa-

mous OK Corral shootout.


Tom McLaury, Frank McLaury, Billy Clanton

(Adrian, Jyclops, and Dmi) lay as victims after

the OK Corral.



VICE PRESIDENT DEAD AT AGE 55!

by Faith Avalira

Garret Augustus “Gus” Hobart, the twenty-

fourth Vice President of the United States, died

on November 21, 1899, at the age of 55 from

heart failure. He was the sixth Vice President to

die while in office.

Gus Hobart was born in 1844 in Long Branch,

New Jersey. Three years after graduating top of

his class from Rutgers College in 1863, he was

admitted to the bar in 1866 and practiced law in

Paterson, New Jersey. After serving as clerk of a

grand jury, he was elected as a judge in Paterson

in 1868. Following his service on the Paterson

city council, he went on to serve as speaker in

the New Jersey General Assembly and later on

as president of the New Jersey Senate. Hobart

was the first person to head both houses of the

New Jersey legislature.

In addition to being involved in politics in his

home state, Hobart was also a prominent and suc-

cessful businessman and industrialist, who accu-

mulated a large fortune. He was very interested

in baseball and spent $4,000 on a ballpark in Pat-

erson, working with Ed Barrow, an American

manager and executive in Major League Baseball.

Hobart's family had long been Democrats, but he

converted after marrying into the Republican Tut-

tle family in 1869. Hobart served in two positions

in the Republican Party between the years 1880

and 1896, as chairman of the New Jersey Republi-

can State Committee and as New Jersey member

of the Republican National Committee. He was

twice offered the Republican nomination for Gov-

ernor of New Jersey but declined both offers. In

1884, he attempted to run for United States Sen-

ate but failed in that bid.

Nominated as the Republican candidate for Vice

President on the ticket with William McKinley,

Hobart was elected in the 1896 presidential elec-

tion. During his tenure, he became a close friend,

confidant, and advisor to President McKinley. Be-

cause of the respect the President held for him,

Hobart was entrusted with more responsibilities

than any of his predecessors and he was regarded

as one of the most powerful Vice Presidents while

in office. His wife, Esther Jane "Jennie" Tuttle,

has also been influential, and she has frequently

performed the duties of First Lady Ida McKinley

who suffers from epilepsy and is a recluse at the

White House. Jennie has been a good friend to the

First Lady and often takes care of her when the

President is called away. As friends, the

McKinleys and Hobarts have also vacationed to-

gether.

President McKinley, upon arriving for the funeral

at the Hobart home in Paterson told the family,

“No one outside of this home feels the loss more

deeply than I do.”

Vice President Hobart has been buried at Cedar

Lawn Cemetery in Paterson. He is survived by his

wife Jennie and son Garret, Jr.


THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES

Written by Kei Seito

The side of the box reads "WANTED young, skin-

ny, wiry fellows not over eighteen. Must be expert

riders, willing to risk death daily. Orphans pre-

ferred."

Two of my friends, Jules Jenson & Travis Wright,

answered the call & became riders for the Pony

Express.

Yep that's them... young, skinny, & wiry.

They have there very own route on which they

ride their horses through the countryside &

through towns; checking the marked boxes for

contents needing to be delivered. Nothing can

stop 'em. Travis has even bought himself a warm

coat with gloves & a scarf to make the trip when

its cold. Jules tells me the hardest part of the job

is finding folks the letter goes to... so iffin ya send

one be sure you mark who it goes too real well.

Neither of them report any trouble yet along the

route, but I know a slingshot can do some damage

if aimed well, just in case.

There is one of them boxes located in most every

town in the Tombstone territory. So iffin ya wan-

na send somethin, maybe a letter to Santa, they

will take real good care of ya & be sure your pack-

age gets delivered. Just stick it in the box.

Noses & cheeks are turnin red, & ya can see your

breath... it's cold outside! The lakes in the canyon are

frozen & snow is fallin. Everyone is enjoyin ice skatin

( in spite of an occasional fall... ok ok, I admit it, may-

be 4 or 5 falls) & sleddin or skiin, not to mention a

snow angel & good snow ball fight. A lot of snowflakes

are bein caught on tongues & hot cocoa bein consumed

by the warmin fire. I like mine with momos

(marshmallows). Seems most folks are a little bit

kinder this time of year. I saw Miss Carrie Beedit

give Macy Hoof, a 9 yr old girl, a coat to wear so she

could enjoy the winter fun. Sure is nice to know good

folks don't forget those less fortunate this time of year.

Tombstone is not short on holiday spirit either. Why

the Birdcage is havin a special presentation for some-

one named Carol. She must be somethin. Maybe a

famous actress. I don't rightly know for sure, but I

ain't gonna miss it & neither should you. Tombstone

men are stockin up on straw & feed for the animals,

cuttin firewood for the winter, & selectin that one spe-

cial pine for decoratin... while the ladies are lookin up

their famous Christmas pudding recipes, & makin

quilts for the beds. Soon the fire will be cracklin &

families will be stringin popped corn & cranberries to

put on the tree. Don't tell anyone, but they is good to

eat. Start at the back so no one notices. Kids will

soon be writin letters to Santa Clause & suckin on

candy canes. And listen up Mr. Santa, I don't want no

dang coal this year in my stockin... I been real good.

In fact, what I want most is to become Kei Wiskee.

Most of us orphans want the same thing... a kind &

loving family. The holidays are a great time to adopt!

On November 20th, the children, encouraged

by Dmitriy’s example, decide to overtake the

town of Tombstone.


A class picture of the children in front of school.



FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

MOLLY HASTINGS

1. Tombstone is fun.

2. Tombstone has bad guys.

3. Tombstone will give you something to eat.

4. You can go to school in tombstone.

5. You can go to church in Tombstone.

6. You have to be very quiet at school in Tomb-

stone.

7. The boys in Tombstone are very mean.

8. I like to skip school and go fishing in Tomb-

stone.

9.

10. I give up.

KEI SEITO

T is for the town that wouldn't die.

O is for the outlaws.

M is for the mines.

B is for the bars.

S is for the Sheriff.

T is for the forgotten Two Guns.

O is for the orphanage.

N is for neighborin towns of Bisbee, Pearce, Ben-

son, & Diamond.

E is for the End.

And this sentence here is for the unmentionables

(the Doves).

PIPER DREAMSCAPE

Town is full a means folks that like ta shoot peo-

ples. There is lotsa law folks round but they ain't

able a stop em from shootin. The docs help folks,

but they also hurt em by given em shots. I dun

like shots an ain't never gonna git any gain.

There is an orphanage in town an I used a live

there. The beds ain't bad but they sure ain't as

good as Mama's bed. The OK Corral gots lotsa

horsies an I like it there. I'm not loud ta go in An-

nies, but sometimes I can hear the grown ups in

there an they sould like they is havin a good time.

When I grow up I will prolly go there an have fun.

DMITRIY GAUSMAN

Here, where Allen Street is today, was once empty

land sittin on top of silver.

Mister Edward Schieffelin discovered that silver.

With his money, a town growed and it was called

Tombstone.

What was once silent 'cept for the desert wind

blowin through, became a big town.

There's people and shops and saloons and some-

thin for everyone.

People of all different kinds, be them city folk or

country folk live here.

Even people from foreign places live here.

All of 'em are tryin to find a good life for them-

selves and their families.

But it sure does make it entertainin'.

Tombstone ain't just a place to live.

Tombstone is our lives.

TRAVIS WRIGHT

Tombstone is a town in the Arizona Territory. It

is well known because of the famous Gunfight at

the OK Corral. There are houses and stores and

saloons in town. There are a lot of ranches in the

area around the town. Everyday there are gun-

fights and bank robberies and such going on in

town. There is a big clock tower at the end of Al-

len Street so that everyone can always know what

time it is. It is very hot in Tombstone in the sum-

mer. The army has a fort near town to protect

from Indian attack. There are lots of trials for the

bad men and women who do killings and rob-

beries and such. Tombstone is the best town in all

of Arizona Territory.

Continued on Page 11



TIMMIE A. PAULE

Tombstone is a hell of a city!

I live in the main street, called Allen Street.

Most of the important bildings are there. The sa-

loons,

the doctors, the sheriff, the famus OK corral, the

theater and the brothell, as well as the shopps and

photography studio.

I am living in a room above the photography stu-

dio.

My mother Sarah is the photographer of the town.

And my sister Lily is nine.

There is lots of bandits in Tombstone and they

corse trubble all the time.

In Tombstone you must all ways watsh your back

or

you mite get shott!

I got shott here a few tymes all ready. Two times

to gether with my frand Sylvie.

Thank God the sheriffs office is right next door.

We also go to school in Tombstone.

And after doing my shores I play foot ball on the

field

behind the bank or I go fishing or swimming at

the

creek behind the clock tower.

JULES JENSEN PARKIN-HARRISON

Tombstone is a town full of interesting people.

Some people run ranches full of horses. Some of

the people run whole towns. Some of the people

help catch the bad guys in town. Some of the peo-

ple take pictures of others in town. Some people

handle other peoples money. Some people sell

things to other people.. Some of the people make

sure others are not sick. Some people help protect

the town. The different things people do in town is

what I think make tombstone interesting.

On October 24th, Ivy Lexington and Lot Balbozar

suffer a beauty treatment mishap.


Thanksgiving is celebrated at the Paules new

home.



ARE YOU A REAL LADY?

Written by Faith Avalira

The Tombstone Arizona Ladies Society would

like to announce its reorganization and invite

you to join with us as we unite together for the

edification and common good of women every-

where, and for the working of benevolent and

charitable acts within our communities in and

around Tombstone.

We held two meetings in the Fall to discuss up-

coming projects, designate committees, and elect

officers. Unfortunately, due to schedule con-

straints, two of the newly-elected officers have

stepped down from their positions. Here is the

current slate of officers and vacancies that need

to be filled:

PRESIDENT - Miss Faith Avalira

VICE PRESIDENT - vacant

SECRETARY - vacant

TREASURER - Mrs. Labella Azalee Wasp

All votes to fill these two vacancies are being

cast by absentee ballot. The President of the La-

dies Society has been receiving nominations, and

voting will be open soon.

Several committees have been established within

the Ladies Society, with additional committees

to be formed when needed. Below is a brief sum-

mary of the purpose and function of each:

- The Benevolence Committee has the task of or-

ganizing and facilitating events and activities

that directly benefit our community and its citi-

zens.

- The Women's Suffrage Committee has the re-

sponsibility regarding matters associated with a

woman's right to vote and other issues relating

to the edification and advancement of women.

- The Events Committee works with the Benevo-

lence and Women's Suffrage Committee regard-

ing logistics for scheduled events, such as secur-

ing facilities, as well as coming up with new ideas

for events or activities for the Ladies Society.

- The Publicity/Communications Committee will

also work with the Benevolence and Women's Suf-

frage Committee, and their task is to publicize

events and handle communications about the

events.

If you have not already joined a committee and

would like to do so, please send a note to Miss Av-

alira. You may serve on any number of commit-

tees simultaneously. The board of directors of the

Ladies Society, which is comprised of the officers,

will designate the chairperson of each committee,

and each chairperson will be responsible for

scheduling committee meetings and organizing

their responsibilities with respect to the projects

adopted by the Ladies Society.

Two of the upcoming projects are a Winter Gala in

January or February to raise literary awareness

for the library. It will be a formal dance, and re-

freshments will be served. The other community

project will be a picnic fundraiser in April or May

to assist the Nana Tuxings Home for Children in

Tombstone. Hay wagon rides, a barn dance, re-

freshments, and fireworks are planned.

The Ladies Society also supports Doc Pac Lore-

field as she continues to conduct reproduction

seminars in the Tombstone area throughout next

year. The dates and times will be announced prior

to each seminar.

The Women's Suffrage Committee will be meeting

soon to discuss upcoming projects relating to the

edification of women and women's' rights, so stay

tuned.

If you are a lady in Tombstone or one of the sur-

rounding towns and would like to unite with us,

please join the group and be part of this worthy

society. A group invite box is located outside the

meeting place on Fremont Street.


ANNOUNCEMENTS

Connie Darkfold and her newborn son (with John123 Danick)

spend time with Sarah inside her studio .


On October 16th, Murach Silverblade and Miss

Glitter Rain were joined in matrimony.


On October 15th, Lot Balbozar was married to

Miss Ivy Lexington at a ceremony in Broken

Arrow.


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