Deadwood Free Press Vol 2 Issue 14

Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 14

April 24, 1878

Vol. 2 Issue 14

April 24, 1878

Orphanage Children Run Amok, Leading Schoolteacher and Decent Children into Danger

Artist’s rendition of the misadventure at the mine, featuring Mrs. Westland, Mr. Patrick Yedmore and the terrified children.

An innocent tour of the town’s mining business, led by new schoolteacher and war veteran widow Mrs. Anna Westland (see related article in this issue), ended with near disaster when one of the undisciplined orphans apparently ran into the mines, setting off a series of unfortunate events. In a brave effort to stop the girl, one Eloisa Checchinato, Mrs. Westland hobbled her aging body into the mines as another orphan, one Olivia Mocha, ran screaming deeper into the darkness. Disaster followed as these two orphans were difficult to follow, the former due to the darkness of her orphanage uniform, the latter due to the shading of her skin, which well matched the colors inside the mines. The first two orphans were then followed by yet another orphan, one Jadzia DeCuir, who has apparently been allowed to dye her hairs with a purplish tint. Another orphan, Eloisa’s brother, also named Eloisa, had been reported as showing up for school in long johns. He had been sent back to the orphanage to change by Mrs. Westland and therefore was not present to be lost in the mines or surely would have been. Brave children from good homes, such as Jonathon Shinn (child of miner widow Shinn), CarrieAnne Kuhr (daughter of long time citizen and businesswoman Mrs. Dio Kuhr) and Nellie Little Boots (ward of business owner Miss Darcy Hancroft) and Sid Denja (son of local lawman Guru Denja) attempted to rescue their classmates, only to become lost themselves. (Also among the lost children were Indian Dwane Hunniton and Celestial Emilin Nakamori.)

Miner Patrick Yedmore stumbled upon Mrs. Westland and some of the children she had located, and accompanied them to safety, while little Miss Duhr resourcefully ran to town to find help, followed by the Indian boy. Several citizens, including the ever present and heroic Judge Rod Eun, as well as local businessman Ernst Osterham accompanied by his constant companion, Phoenix owner Miss Astolat Dufaux, came to the rescue of the remainder of the children. All of the children were returned to their respective homes with the exception of the orphans, who were returned to the orphanage. Miss Jem claimed she was under control of the orphans, but young Eloisa was seen in the streets for some time with her brother, rolling in the dirt. Conversation among the rescuers ensued, with questions concerning the appropriateness of unaccompanied tours for children by Mrs. Westland. The newspaper would respectfully submit that further questions need to be raised as to the running of the orphanage in the absence of orphanage headmistress, Miss Marrant Vita. Perhaps the person currently in charge of the orphans is not able to contain the wildness of said children who are not fit to be turned over into our fine school. Citizens are urged to consider also the appropriateness of mixing orphans and non-white children in schoolrooms with children who are destined to go somewhere in the world. It may be too much to expect of any teacher. Perhaps the town might consider hiring a lesser teacher for schooling these children elsewhere. By A Citizen

Deadwood Council to Discuss Laws, Vacancies The Deadwood Town Council is scheduled to meet 1 p.m. Sunday, May 3, in Town Hall, to discuss establishment of a code of law for the community and .... once again ... discuss how to have a full brace of council members. As it stands now, Deadwood is governed by penalties up to judges and crimes as interpreted by lawmen who bring the laws of different communities with them. Town Attorney Addison Leigh has drafted a code of law and penalties that the council is expected to consider. She can supply copies upon request. “I strongly support the establishment of laws so that criminals may know what full measure of penalty will fall upon them. Presumably they will then choose to go to

other communities to commit their dastardly deeds,” said Town Councilman Neil Streeter. Streeter said he strongly opposed a proposal, however, to make slander and libel a crime. “It might be incredibly personally satisfying to throw every newspaperman and newspaperwoman into jail, but it would end free public discussion,” Streeter said. “People in America should have full freedom to say what they want.” “As we all should, I ask myself, ‘What would Harold Leonard do?” and it’s clearly demand freedom in America, and not suppress discussion.” Meanwhile, among the perennial issues that dogs the council is the task of keeping

its ranks full. The pressures of a town on the frontier and the need to sustain basic needs has always limited the pool of volunteers. So has death. Deputy Mayor Starbuck Shippe’s passing has created a vacancy on the council. Ditto the resignation of Dr. Keli Randt, who is wisely emphasizing care of her patients over the time taken in endless political discussions. Thus the council has two vacancies to consider. For those of you who have lost track, the council now consists of Mayor Clay Kungler, Clerk Coodnank Thibedeau, Treasurer Neil Streeter, and at large members Miss Grey Bedlam and Mrs. Darcy Hancroft. It is likely the council will appoint people

to the vacant positions rather than wait for the next election. The next set of council elections is in July, with a filing deadline of July 1. Those whose seats are up for election include Streeter, Kungler and Thibedeau.

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Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 14

April 24, 1878

Letters to the Editor Editor, As spring passes to summer, what will city fathers bring to our town as entertainment and balm to the spirit? May I suggest ... I know of no place where you can study human nature to more advantage than a country fair? The sharper, the attorney, the miner, or barmaid congregate there. The young fellow who has a sweetheart goes and takes her, and the one who has none goes to find one. Girls who have lovers promenade quietly in a state of bliss, and those who have none are to the fore, as the scotch say, to secure one. Of all the sights at the Fair, the Fair itself, is the greatest sight to see. There are cakes and candies, apples and cider, ice cold lemonade and raspberry syrup. There are chickens, horses, cattle, wild men from Africa and all kinds of devices, good, bad and indifferent, to make money. Nothing can compare the excitement for the company and the wealth it brings to business. A fair of some kind sir, is needed. A Citizen Deadwood

Editor and Publisher Neil Streeter Associate Publisher Lola Kanto Reporters Addison Leigh Contributing Writer Adam Kelly D.A. Kuhr Typesetter S. Morigi 2

Editorial

Editor, The passing snows of winter have revealed a veritable pig sty. Scavengers take flight! On Lee Street alone I have collected two cooking pans, three hammers, a broken pick-axe, coffee tins, and a sock. Don’t bother attempting to recover your lost items citizens, they are mine now. Perhaps I was recently accused to my face of that will teach you to be less careless – but I doubt it. exploiting the memory of Wild Bill Hickok Timothy Jonesberg by organizing Wild Bill days. It was furDeadwood ther accused that it was ghastly of the town to charge vendors a $10 fee to license the use of his name and face for sale during Editor Wild Bill Days. I write my concerns to you sir, crime is Nonsense. again out of control. I take my life in my Since when has a good person not been hand by writing to you. I am a small busi- able to keep giving upon their death? ness owner. Last week I was visited by a Do we refuse to use the name ‘Lincoln’ group of thugs disguised as business men. because the president who bore it is now They demanded money in exchange for in his reward? Have we accused churches and pastors our peace. The meaning of who I needed protection from. of exploiting Jesus because he died after Sir, I am getting on in years and though his preaching? Do we say, ‘Be silent upon the Word of I have never been a yellow, I’m ashamed to admit I paid the man. I have little, just God, respect poor Jesus in his grave?’ Have we burned copied of the New Tesme and a small family, but what I do have I need to keep. tament because it is about the life of a dead I can’t go to the law, maybe this will help fellow? No, of course not. A great man’s benefits warn the people around town better than I continue upon his death. In death, he keeps was. Please don’t publish my name. Anonymous on giving. Deadwood The effect of Wild Bill Days upon Deadwood will be to bring visitors and money who would not otherwise have come. Let me quote from some newspapers that I have written to ... the New York Post April 14 issue. This is the best example of publicity we have received, and yet typical: “We read with interest that Easterners are invited to Deadwood, Wyoming, for Wild Bill Days, a celebration of the town’s hero and a national hero of great stature, in mid-May. This civilized town in the Black Hills will be easy to reach thanks to two years of settlement and those who have come before and marked the path. “Deadwood Free Press Editor Neil Streeter writes to tell us that Hickok, famed Indian Scout and defender of women’s virtue, has a scenic grave worth visiting and many townspeople still telling tales of the man and his amazing acts of targetshooting and defense of the innocent. Wild Bill Days will allow Easterners to enjoy the excitement of the fabled West but then allow them to travel home. “Streeter, formerly of the New York Express many years ago and thus a credible man, writes that the town is safe and

Wild Bill Died for Deadwood, and We’re Damn Grateful yet exciting, with many rustics and people of all colorful language abounding. He says there is no Indian threat and little crime. He reports there are also many single women, some of who ran out of cloth before being able to entirely finish the upper parts of their dresses, who are forlorn about it. They would like good company and men who know how to put them in a good position.” The Post continues ... “Among the entertainments will be dancing, exhibitions of gunplay, and spectacular theatrical representations in the spirit of shows by Ned Buntline and Buffalo Bill that bring the death of Wild Bill and the Western Frontier to life. In such visitors will learn how God’s plan to spread Christianity into Heathen lands has not only converted natives but also claimed the Earth’s most lovely and richest lands for Americans. “In addition, to our astonishment, we learn that visitors will also see the place where the Saint Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ himself appeared to one soiled dove, Jeni Trefusis, to lift her from a life of sin and to a life of Salvation and Good Works. We are not familiar with this story, and are eager to learn more. Apparently Miss Trefusis died a martyr’s death, but mementos of her life remain. There are rumors of miraculous cures. “Streeter corresponds that if the Black Hills are good enough for Mary Magdelene and Jesus, they are surely a place worth visiting for Easterners wishing to capture the excitement of the Frontier World. “Travel arrangements may be made through correspondence of the Deadwood chamber care of the offices of the Deadwood Free Press.” I would challenge any citizen of Deadwood to telegraph the Post and try to get this many inches of favorable columns into their newspaper. You can’t buy publicity like this. So thank you for dying in Deadwood, Wild Bill. We would rather you were alive, but are grateful for your sacrifice. Your life and death teach lessons. We shall all learn from your tale and profit from it.

Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 14

April 24, 1878

Council considers law buildings, other business, at last meeting The following, with some apology, are minutes from the last town council meeting, March 28 MEMBERS PRESENT: Poohneil Streeter, Claytanic Kungler, Coodnank Thibedeau, Dr. Keli Randt (for the Call to Order and Welcome, along with apologies for a need to cut her stay short), and Starbuck Shippe. CITIZENS AND GUESTS PRESENT: Ibram Ansar (for a short time, but was called away by duty to attend to a Bank Robbery in a neighboring town), Karen Hawksby and baby Louise, Addison Leigh, Rod Eun, Traci Munster, Darcy Hancroft, Cameo Caplini, Addison Leigh, and various others may have come and went depending on their interest in the meeting, or misbehavior of children and various and sundry other reasons. I.Call to Order: Council Chairman/ Illustrious Mayor and somewhat inebriated Clay Kungler called the meeting to order at 12:09 p.m. II.Welcome Guests and Sad News: Kungler announced the sad news that newly elected Councilman, Harold Leonard, had been tragically killed in a stagecoach accident in Cheyenne. Taken completely by surprise, the Council and Citizens prayed for the deliverance of his soul to his Almighty Maker and recalled what a fine man and valued Council Member he would have been. In the spirit of the fine Mr. Leonard, Kungler expressed that he would have wanted the council to press on with business. Condolences were expressed for his family, and his untimely death was drunk to by a number of the Council, and audience members as well. Miss Darcy Hancroft, who had former-

ly expressed an interest in being on the Town Council, confirmed that she was still, indeed, interested in a position. Kungler called for a nomination and vote on the election of Hancroft to fill the vacancy left on the Council by Leonard. Hancroft was elected by a unanimous vote. III.Swearing In: Kungler swore in the newly elected Town Council members, Starbuck Shippe and Darcy Hancroft, and they were welcomed to the Council by all. IV.Old Business: Streeter brought up the fact that he had received a very critical letter at the paper regarding the fact that no action had been taken on the package of laws that the Town Attorney had presented. Kungler informed the Council that the item had been placed on a future Agenda and to be thinking of same. V.New Business: 1. Kungler introduced a proposal by Sheriff Ansar regarding a sizeable expansion to the jail. All Council and audience members received a copy of the proposal. (See Addendum A.) After a short perusal of the proposal, Kungler opened the floor for discussion. Pros and cons of the proposal were discussed extensively, including ways to pay for it, and the possible immeasurable benefits the City could receive. A spirited discussion ensued. Streeter moved that a special committee be formed to report back to the Council on the costs of expanding the jail, implementing a new Sheriff Bram Tax to pay for it, and a system of fines and forfeitures upon criminals to repay the tax. Hancroft seconded the motion. Vote was called with all but one member voting against it, and the motion passed.

Shippe and Streeter both volunteered to serve on the committee, with Thibedeau declining to serve on it. Some further discussion continued regarding the proposal and Lawmen’s Hall. 2.Kungler introduced a request from Charleston Capra for the Council’s approval to remove a tree in front of her store on town land. Miss Capra agreed to assume all costs for the removal of the tree. Streeter moved that Miss Capra’s request be granted. Hancroft seconded the motion. One vote was recorded against the motion, but a majority vote of Aye passed the motion. VI.Presentation of Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting, having been published in the paper were considered accepted and entered into the record. VII.Presentation of Treasurer’s Report: Streeter was unable to report on the Town Council Treasury due to an unexpected short illness, but the Council felt assured that nothing was amiss, and the report remained the same as the last meeting. Adjournment: With no further “official business” to discuss and tempers running high, Kungler banging his gavel repeatedly on the desk allowed Streeter to somewhat drowsily move that the meeting adjourn, and Thibedeau seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, and the meeting was closed at 1:20 p.m. Next regular Town Council Meeting to be announced Coodnank Thibedeau, Clerk (Writing assistance provided by Mrs. Cookie Portocarrero, special notes provided by Clay Kungler.)

Prominent Woman Vows to Educate Children Whether They Or Town Want It or Not The Deadwood Spring term is up and running this week under the supervision of maverick teacher and widow, Mrs. Adrianna Westland. Maverick, because Mrs. Westland seems to have taken on the job as a volunteer with little counsel from Deadwood’s Town Council – though she claims to have applied in some fashion. Her decision to turn Teacher began a few weeks back after witnessing several children nearly fall to their deaths after climbing unsafe scaffolding on a Main Street building project. “I was horrified to see what mischief these youngsters got off to for want of useful supervision, after a night of tossing and turning – I resolved to correct the situation at once no matter what the cost! After that, I turned right over and slept like an infant the rest of the night,” the good matron explained. Mrs. Westland seems determined to correct the wrongs of Deadwood: “You really can’t start too soon on the path to morality and knowledge.”

There will be no dilly dallying with modern ideas and new fangled treatises in this classroom. Mrs. Westland is a strict traditionalist. “My students will learn the basics first, reading, writing and

arithmetic,” espoused the animated Mrs. Westland, “rounded out with six weeks course in history, civil government, physical education and life skills. ‘Strong minds, strong lungs, and nice manners – knowledge is nothing without moral compass as guide, ignorance is no excuse.” School will be in session each Thursday at 6 p.m. – students should take care not to be late as Mrs. Anna assures me the hand of discipline will fall hard on those who attempt to test her. Though Mrs. Westland speaks sternly at times, Mrs. Westland truly does care for the education and future of Deadwood’s children. “You know, my husband Mr. Westland passed a year ago this month,” she said in closing, “rather than muddle in sorrow, this opportunity to return to the occupation of my youth and pass on the values and knowledge so dear to Mr. Westland is the best way I can think of to honor his memory.” By Our Correspondent 3

Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 14

Dance the Night Away at The Phoenix Saturday Night Romance, Good Cheer

Deadwood residents get the red carpet treatment on Saturdays with the introduction of the Phoenix Hotel & Theatre’s weekly Saturday evening dinner & dancing event, beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25. Deadwood residents are invited to enjoy a gourmet dinner, cooked by the hotel’s talented chef, Mrs. Tilda Gravois, who will be debuting her new spring menu on this evening. Musical entertainment will be provided during dinner and for dancing later in the evening. Both singles and couples are welcome to attend. Hotel co-owners Miss Astolat Dufaux and Mrs. Cyn Shippe say launching this event is a tribute to deputy mayor Starbuck Shippe, who was killed three weeks ago by an unknown assailant. “Starbuck loved dancing. It was, in fact, his idea to have a weekly social event like this,” Miss Dufaux said. “He wanted to create an opportunity on the weekends for Deadwood residents to socialize in an elegant, family friendly setting.” “We also see it as a chance for the eligible bachelors in town to get acquainted with some of Deadwood’s lovely ladies,” -- some of whom also work on the hotel’s staff, Mrs Shippe added. For those who are unable to it make for dinner at 4 p.m., dancing will continue throughout the evening.

April 24, 1878

Wild Bill Days: May 15-17 Let’s show out of towners the best of the town and welcome their wallets Businesspeople are encouraged to roll out their welcome mats and spruce up their product stocks in preparation for May 15-17 in Deadwood. Thousands of visitors are expected to learn more about the life of famed hero Wild Bill Hickok. The Deadwood Town Council is sponsoring the event, to welcome visitors to see the territory and either spend their money and leave or else invest in the town as capitalists. “This is, after all, the future Chicago of the West,” said Town Councilman and Town Treasurer Neil Streeter, one of the organizers. Among the activities planned are: Theatrical presentations about the life and heroism and death of Wild Bill, as well as the trial and hanging of the villain Jack McCall who shot him in the back in Deadwood two years ago, A Wild Bill Hickok lookalike contest, A Wild Bill Hickok poetry contest, A picnic at the grave of the great man Exhibitions and contests of gunplay and the use of iron, and A card tournament in honor of Wild Bill’s last moments, heroicallly playing poker. Mrs. September Blaisdale Kungler has also worked to procure a modern shooting gallery that will entertain both future gunslingers as well as adults. In addition, Streeter hopes a new book about another legend of the West, the Black Rose of the Black Hills, will be out by the festival. Streeter has recounted how the Blessed Mary Magdalene Herself

Classifieds

Spring Planting Supplies The Black Hills General Store Hoes and Rakes Shovels and fertilizer All manner of seeds for Watermelon Cucumber Peppers Lettuces Radish Beans Seed Potatos The Earth is bountiful He who hestitates is lost Stop by now!

Spring The Birds are back, the grass is riz I wonder where the birdies is? 4

are not interested in the story of Wild Bill. We want to show Deadwood has a dead hero who can meet any need, and people should come here to learn about them and buy commemoratives,” Streeter said.

COURT OF DEADWOOD, DAKOTA TERRITORIES

Look it’s poor little one eyed GunnerAte all the birds that died last summer

Enjoy yourselves Wednesday Nights at the Bella Union Theater and Saloon Faro, Refreshments, music and dancing Ladies and Gents, stop in for a fast game and a free taste of this weeks featured drink; Cinnamon Spiced Whiskey Punch!

RIP Red Rover Up in the happy hunting ground Ol’ Red has gone to rest Nevermore to chase his squirrel Or steal eggs from that nest No more to bark a woof or yap When neighbors come to call, He’ll not be there to guard our cow Or hunt deer in the fall. I wish I had not shot so fast, And filled him full of lead. I might have hit him in the butt Instead of in the head.

appeared on the hills surrounding town to the Black Rose, Miss Jeni Trefusis, to share how even prostitutes such as they could find Salvation. “Her story of conversion is deeply moving, and should appeal to people who

Missing One John Henry Holliday, a dentist, visits the newspaper office to ask if anyone has seen the whereabouts of one known affectionately and in jest as Big Nose Kate to which he has acquaintance and who may have wintered here. He fears she may have lost his address in Fort Griffin. She is seen here in younger years. Inquiries and information to the newspaper office please.

In re the Name Change of: Charleston Capra Slade No. cz18780415

PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE COMES NOW Charleston Capra Slade and petitions the aboveentitled Court for an Order changing her name to Charleston Capra and shows the Court as follows: 1. Petitioner was born on the 12th day of July, 1845 in Dorchester County, State of South Carolina; is a resident of Deadwood, Dakota Territories; and is a citizen/legal resident of the United States of America. 2. Petitioner was carried the name of Slade as part of an arranged marriage. Petitioner suffered great abuses during the marriage which ended with the death of Julian Slade on the 9th day of March, 1878: “I wish to change my name so that I do not have to be reminded daily of the man who killed my unborn child and who tried to kill me. I feel I have suffered enough at his hand and should not be forced to carry his name as a life sentence. Please consider my petition in earnest.” 3. This petition is not made to avoid creditors or for any illegal or fraudulent purpose, but for the bona fide purpose or changing Petitioner’s name to the name by which she has been and prefers his/her name to be referred. WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays that his/her name be changed by Order of this Court from: Charleston Capra Slade to Charleston Capra and that the latter be in place of the former.

Charleston Capra Slade Petitioner

Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 14

April 24, 1878

Special OOC Section

Deadwood Second Annual Academy Awards April 18th, 2009

The Deadwood Academy Awards is a month-long roleplay extravanganza held every March honoring the creative spirit of our roleplayers. This sim-wide event culminates in a splendid awards ceremony where roleplayers are honored with the much coveted Deadwoodie Award.

Deadwood’s finest showed up in their best formal wear.

The awards ceremony, held at the Dakota Playhouse and hosted by Caed Aldwych, was attended by the who’s who of Deadwood.

Among the big winners of the night: CarrieAnne Dubrovna, Elizabeth Vita, Claytanic Kungler, Charleston Capra, Astolat Dufaux, Baird Bravin, Addison Leigh, Cyn Bonetto, Cameo Capalini, and Jeni Trefusis.

Presenters and audience alike sizzled in their gowns and suits. 5