So where did Gary uncover this gem..the ISHS, COI, BSU or UI Archives? Nope…this piece of history comes to us courtesy of the Emu-Z-Um. Now I thought “E” meant I was going to Google search and find a museum website with everything neatly scanned and available for my perusing. Well I had to use the phone instead and had a delightful conversation with Jack and Belva Lawson, the Emu-Z-Um owners. Jack and Belva don’t have no fancy electronics, scanners, computers or the like around their place although they had a little help getting a website going for advertising purposes. No email or surfing the web themselves. In fact, I imagine the only thing not old that gets into the Emu-Z-Um is a youthful paying customer. I picked up vibes of a confused look on some faces when I started talking about putting them up on my blog--but they graciously went along.
Another couple of nice items in Jack and Belva'a collection are two miner’s union ribbons from Silver City and Delamar that date to the Steunenberg/Haywood era and are in remarkable condition. These are highly sought after items that are rarely seen in this condition. Wonderful!
As often happens during these excursions, I also found out that they have a framed certificate or proclamation signed by Governor Steunenberg. Jack did not know the particulars but would welcome anyone to come in, take a look and get a few pictures. If someone does then I sure would be appreciative of a copy and maybe more specifics in terms of what exactly this document relates to. They also have a newspaper article published at the time of Governor Steunenberg’s assassination.
I have a hunch that you just never know what you might find at the Emu-Z-Um and it will on the top of my “got to visit” list during the next Idaho excursion. Jack and Belva are delightful folks and gave me permission to use the attached photos that Gary took during his visit and to give out some information regarding this most interesting of places. Gary, thank you for your great sleuthing.
For more information go to the Emu-Z-Um where you can find directions and also read an article written by Tim Woodward from the
First verse from “Are They Going to Hang My Papa”
“Comrades can you tell me what flag it is that waves,”
The speaker thus addressed a motley crowd,
“Where law protects the millionaire to be obeyed by slaves?”
Rose a murmur then in chorus long and loud.
The meeting was assembled, the miners all were there.
Many protest resolutions had been read,
Through that tempest of confusion came a child with golden hair,
And sobbing, thus so pleadingly she said:
Chorus:
“Are they going to hang my papa? He is innocent, I know.
He never could do any wrong, he is so good and true.
It surely will kill dear mamma, and break by heart in two.
Are they going to kill my papa?” plead this babe with eyes of blue.”
Thank you to Jack and Belva at the Emu-Z-Um.
We hope Gary Eller and John Larsen might soon be doing a recording of "Are They Going to Hang My Papa."
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