Guns of the Old West
May 4, 2021
Which gun won the West? The Hawken, Samuel Colt's pistols, the Springfield "needle gun," Winchester, Smith and Wesson, Sharps? All played their role in taming the west. The double barrel shotgun was versatile, economical, good for hunting, defense, the true workhorse of the Old West.
The Outlaw Burt Alvord
April 27, 2021
Marshall Alvord and his gang successfully robbed a train, his next train robbery failed landing him in jail. He escaped and headed to Mexico. He helped capture outlaw Augustine Chacon. Jailed after another robbery, he spent two years in prison. He died from yellow fever in Barbados.
The Great Diamond Hoax
April 20, 2021
Partners Arnold and Slack showed investors a sack of diamonds they "claimed" they found. They led a group to Wyoming where they had "salted" a small area with uncut diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Geologist Clarence King, a government surveyor exposed the hoax as "utterly valueless" and "unparalleled fraud."
Snowshoe Thompson
April 13, 2021
For twenty years he skied 90 miles over 50 foot snowdrifts through blizzards to haul the mail over the Sierras. He saved the lives of miners, hauled clothing, books, emergency supplies, tools, pots and pans never thinking of himself. He helped anyone in need and left his mark in California's history.
Hats and Caps
April 6, 2021
John Stetson created the "Boss of the Plains." It kept the sun off your eyes and neck, could be a bucket, was customized by the owner and may cost two months wages. The "coonskin cap" was never worn by Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett or Lewis and Clark except on TV.
Frontier Teachers
March 30, 2021
Women proved to be the best teachers as new towns sprang up in the west. Despite limited supplies, school houses and poor pay, they helped with the westward expansion.
Native American Mothers
March 23, 2021
Sacred rituals before during and after childbirth was essential for the family. Some foods were taboo, they used herbs and teas to relieve pain and had their own version of disposable diapers. At least half their babies didn’t survive.
Mary Musgrove
March 16, 2021
The Pocahontas of Georgia, she helped General Oglethorpe establish the Colony of Georgia. As an interpreter she helped prevent war, supplied meat, bread and food for the colonists. Considered the most important figure in Georgia's colonial history.
Louise Siuwheem
March 9, 2021
She saved her Coeur d'Alene tribe from attacking enemies. Called "the spiritual directress, guardian angel of her tribe." She helped convert many of her tribe to Christianity and helped build the Citaldo Mission.
Bill Pickett
March 2, 2021
He invented the technique of bulldogging a steer by biting it's lip. He got the idea by watching bulldogs bite the lips of steers. He traveled the world with the 101 Ranch Wild West Show and amazed thousands. Will Rogers said, "Bill Pickett never had an enemy, even the steers wouldn’t hurt old Bill."