Assassination: Idaho's Trial of the Century. Read more about the trial, the players & related events in history on "Footnote.Com." See previous post.

As you can see, I am still playing around with Footnote.com. Theoretically (it has been a little quirky) you should be able to go to my link in the previous post and access any of the images I have saved. For those with automatic email notifications, when I enter a new post you may get an email with no image and just a never ending uploading circle. Not sure why that is or may be a way for footnote to control secondary links. Just delete the email as it looks like you found your way here.

I have found Footnote.com to be a pretty good research tool as my comfort level improves and I get more familiar with the website and various tools. I have located a lot of newspapers articles, the occasional picture, Haywood trial accounts, Idaho and Colorado mining and labor and some interesting Bureau of Investigation (later became the FBI) files. I will keep at it for awhile as only scratched the surface and will at least get my one month memberships worth.

To access some of my findings, go back to the previous post and click on "My Discoveries on Footnote" or the larger number you see. There are several pages of images so you will want to find the "Next" button just above the first image. Excuse any repeats as I seemed to have uploaded a couple extra IPTV DVD images and can't get them off of there. Oh well, more free advertising for public television and maybe a few more DVD sales.

Found on Footnote.com

Footnote.com

Below is the link to the "Footnote" website that I am using on a trial basis. It appears to be pretty good for research and locating files, images, newspapers, etc. For this blog, everything will generally be Idaho, Steunenberg and Haywood trial related. I just started with it and saved a few items that you can click on and view as long as my subscription is active. That may only be a short period of time as have not yet decided if I will pay the additional fee to continue more long term.

I cut and pasted my picture and profile from this blog into "Footnote" so skip that part as is the same. "Annotations" are items I saved with a label or comment, "Connections" are usually related items and "Spotlight" is any specific item that one wants to bring attention too. Today it is an article dated exactly 101 years ago (byline 7/20/1907 Boise, ID) from the Haywood trial. If you want to see all the items then just click on the "14" (or whatever # it is at the moment). The number will increase as more is added.

If you have been using "Footnote" or did previously (or even if this is your first visit) then I sure would appreciate some feedback. Thanks, John

www.footnote.com

Still on the Trail of Jack Simpkins............ Disappearing Dynamiter - What Happened to L. J. "Jack" Simpkins?

This is the forth recent post (see June 21, June 28 and July 13 or click on the links in the text below) related to Harry Orchard and more specifically his partner and co-conspirator Jack Simpkins. Evidence indicates Simpkins was in Caldwell, ID at the same time as Orchard but disappeared shorty before or after the murder of Governor Steunenberg. Simpkins was never again seen and little or no information has surfaced in the ensuing 100+ years.

The following article comes from True West Magazine and was written for the July 1988 edition by David Grover, author of Debaters & Dynamiters: The Story of the Haywood Trial. As you may know, David participated as an expert commentator in the production of Assassination: Idaho's Trial of the Century. It was with great pleasure that I had the opportunity to meet and chat with him following the premiere at the Egyptian Theater on November 7th, 2007 in Boise. You can see a picture among those at the end of the blog that shows my coveted copy of Debaters & Dynamiters (The Haywood Trial, Notable Trials Version) that I taken to get signed by David and other production participants.

Click on each page to enlarge.

To read the text of David's interview for the IPTV program, click on David Grover Interview.

Was Simpkins murdered to be silenced or did he somehow fade into the population never to heard from again? Perhaps he committed suicide as mentioned briefly in a small hidden article in the New York Times on 6/19/1907. See: On the Trail of Jack Simpkins - A Suicide? Or was he connected in some way with the alleged identify switch that was described my a Mr. O'Reilly in letters discussed in my June 21st post, Was That Harry Orchard In the Idaho Pen? We really don't know and may never know for sure. I do not believe any switch occurred or that anyone but the real Harry Orchard/Albert Horsely spent all those years in the Idaho pen until his death in 1954. Simpkins, a member of the executive committee of the Western Federation of Miner's (WFM), was probably in Caldwell to keep an eye on Orchard and make sure he accomplished the objective―assassinating my great grandfather. However, I imagine Simpkins exited the scene quickly before getting any blood directly on his hands and to avoid arrest.

Justice Byron Johnson expressed some skepticism about Harry Orchard's testimony because of it's "flawlessness" and that perhaps he was giving the wrong or not the whole story about Simpkins. With the utmost respect, I disagree with Byron on that point in terms of the overall accuracy of Orchard's testimony although undoubtedly there are some minor points of dispute or omission. Yes, Orchard had definitely been interviewed, interrogated, rehearsed and deposed as much as any witness in history. Probably so much so that it did often sound like he was reading a "narrative" what with all the repetition of his statements, the original written confession, McClure's magazine publication of it in serial form and the then soon to be released book The Confessions and Autobiography of Harry Orchard. Intelligent, calm, cold and calculating―that was Orchard both when it came to committing murder and giving testimony. He stood up incredibly well to the lengthy cross examination by Elliott Richardson. I do wish that Darrow had been given the opportunity to handle the cross examination and get more of a crack at Orchard but in the end it probably made little difference. Richardson was certainly no slouch in terms of his own legal skills.

Another interesting but tragic event in 1907, with a Haywood Trial and perhaps Jack Simpkins connection, was the murder of Sheriff Harvey Brown of Baker County, Oregon. The sheriff happened to be in Caldwell at the time of the governors assassination and assisted with the investigation. He was scheduled to testify at the Haywood trial when he too was blown up by a dynamite bomb planted at the gate to his home. Sound familiar? perhaps the missing Jack Simpkins had information about or some involvement in that crime too. Read more about it at: 1907 Bomb Murder Of Sheriff Harvey Brown.

Jack Simpkins may have lived out his life hidden somewhere in South America far out of the limelight and under a different name. If their is anyone that Mr. O'Reilly came across that was connected to the murder, it it more likely to have been Jack Simpkins rather then Harry Orchard. I think Judge Johnson and I agree on that point. See the June 28th post: Judge Byron's Johnson's take on those letters...was it the mysterious and missing L.J. "Jack" Simpkins? No direct evidence exists to support either theory.

Click here to again view the full text of Byron's interview with IPTV: Byron Johnson Interview.

Be it dead or alive―Haywood, Moyer and Pettibone certainly did not want McParland to have any chance to question Simpkins regarding the inner workings of the executive committee of the WFM. Either killing Simpkins or paying him off and hiding him away were the available options. Had McParland been given a chance to work on Simpkins as he did Orchard, the corroborating evidence that was missing from the Haywood trial might well have been available and we would know more about the role of all the participants (or at least have more testimony and information to debate) leading up to that evening of December 30th, 1905.

So Jack Simpkins remains an enigma. What exactly was his level of knowledge and participation in this story? Where and why did he disappear never to be seen or heard from again? We may never know all the answers but we have all seen examples of information coming to light many years after a crime has been committed...even 100+ years later. It is what keeps Judge Johnson and I and other amateur historians and sleuths looking for that one shred of evidence―a faded letter or memory―that might shine some light on the dark and mysterious role Simpkins played in my great grandfathers murder.

Jack Simpkins....Still a Wanted Man!

As of this writing, I was referred by one county coroner's office jurisdiction to another in Colorado regarding the existence of any 1907 records related to the small New York Time's article in the previous post alleging Simpkins suicide. If any of my Colorado friends can dig anything up related to Simpkins then have at it. When and if anything is found you will find it here on the blog.

**As a courtesy that I always try to extend, I have attempted to contact David Grover and True West magazine but have not received any response and/or objection to the use of this material for educational purposes on this blog. The material is over twenty years old and I am not aware of any copyright issues for non-commercial educational use. If any are brought to my attention then I will be happy to remove the offending portion.

On the Trail of Jack Simpkins - A Suicide?

New York Times, June 19, 1907. This small mention in the NYT was not very definitive. Anyone have more information? It looks like the trail will be taking me to the coroner's office in Fort Collins, Colorado to see what kind of records were kept in 1907. I will let you know what I find.

And that is again the Pinkerton wanted poster from Big Trouble shown on the right.

Woman Suffrage by Governor Frank Steunenberg, Harper's Bazar, May 26, 1900

I previously posted the text of the following article that I had found online. See Sunday, January 6, 2008: Woman Suffrage in Idaho by Governor Frank Steunenberg

Subsequent to the above post, I was able to locate and purchase this very hard to find original of Harper's Bazar from May 26, 1900 containing the article. The cost was a bit over the 10 cents cover price! It is in exceptional condition for its age. The state of Idaho, and I am happy to say Governor Steunenberg, were very progressive in terms of the suffrage movement. Check it out and if you would like a higher resolution scan of it just let me know.


Also see: An Introduction to the Woman's Suffrage Movement

New Idaho Public Television "SONG" Page

Hello All. Hope you are gearing up for a fun but safe 4th of July weekend. What with all the fires raging in our state (CA), I would just as soon folks leave the fireworks alone and go only to the professionally staged shows. Undoubtedly we will still have more fires sparked by the unsafe and careless use of fireworks around our tender dry brush. Be careful out there.

This is just a quick note to let you know that Idaho Public Television (IPTV), courtesy of web guru Rick Penticoff, has added a new page to the Assassination: Idaho's Trial of the Century website. Thanks to the continuing efforts of Gary Eller and a few friends (see individual song credits), you will want to visit the new "Songs" page. Here you will see a sampling of historical music related to the assassination and trial, some of which has been previously mentioned on this blog. It has been fun and gratifying to follow along with Gary as he continues to preserve and record historical music. For more information, check out the Bona Fida/Pickle Butte website. No doubt I will be doing a more detailed entry later down the road and I bet we can expect an album from Gary and the gang in the not too distant future.

So take a listen and while on the IPTV site don't forget to order up your copy of the DVD if you have not yet done so. I reckon a lot of folks have already as I see that the regular link from the "Assassination" page for purchasing the DVD is not currently active. That might be because they ran out of DVD's (a good thing!). However, do not despair as you can still go to http://shop.idahoptv.org/category/show/5147 to place an order. A new batch is due in and scheduled to be available for shipping August 5th. Only $21.95 and you don't have to pay twice that amount to put gas in the tank to get to the theater. Better get your order in quick!

Enjoy the music.

On the Trail of Jack Simpkins - Justice Byron's Johnson's take on those letters...was it the mysterious and missing L.J. "Jack" Simpkins?

This is a continuation of last Saturday's post Was That Harry Orchard In the Idaho Pen? It pertains to the letters from Orchard's prison file that were provided courtesy of the Idaho State Historical Society. You will want to take a look at those if you have not yet done so.

Below is an excerpt from the IPTV interview of retired Justice Byron Johnson (BJ) that mentions those letters. Bruce Reichert (BR) of IPTV and the Producer of Assassination: Idaho's Trial of the Century is the interviewer. See the full text at: Byron Johnson Interview (updated link from IPTV with all interviews).

BR: Now, apparently there are some who wonder if the right man was imprisoned for the murder of the former governor.

BJ: Several months ago, while researching the Haywood trial in the archives of the Idaho Historical Society here in Boise, I went through the prison file of Harry Orchard, page by page, and I came across this sheaf of documents that I thought was very puzzling.

The first document was a letter dated May 3rd, 1939, addressed from Belt, Montana, to the Governor of Idaho; and what this letter said in effect was, you've got the wrong man incarcerated in the Idaho State Penitentiary. That's not the real Harry Orchard. The real Harry Orchard bought his freedom for $200,000.00 many years ago, and you ought to find out who is serving in his place.

Well, this befuddled the Idaho authorities a great deal, so they asked for clarification. The individual, whose name was O'Reilly, came back with the explanation that his brother-in-law had died avowedly by being thrown from a horse, but O'Reilly was convinced that a band of criminals in Montana had killed him, and that the leader of that band of criminals was Harry Orchard.

The Idaho authorities just couldn't make heads nor tails out of this despite some evidence that had been presented by Mr. O'Reilly.

As I have contemplated what might be behind this correspondence, I have concluded that there is at least a distinct possibility that Mr. O'Reilly had stumbled on what happened to Jack Simpkins, that Jack Simpkins may have changed identity; and since he is mentioned vaguely — although under the name of Simmons in this correspondence — that maybe Jack Simpkins had secreted himself in Montana, and maybe he did have a band of criminals that he was leading, and that we may actually have the final chapter of the story in this correspondence. And some day I hope maybe somebody will get to the bottom of what Mr. O'Reilly was talking about.

Photo from Big Trouble by J. Anthony Lukas

And I think the study of this case will never end. I expect a hundred years from now there will be somebody in some medium that has been developed technologically who will be commemorating the 200th anniversary of this trial, who will have new evidence, perhaps based on the correspondence of Mr. O'Reilly from Belt, Montana, perhaps based on new evidence that comes to light from sources that we do not yet know.

One would think after a hundred years we'd plumbed all those sources, but I am surprised every time I begin to look at this freshly, that I find a new interpretation of events, and I think some day we may have even a fuller understanding of all the ingredients of this case. (Courtesy of Idaho Public Television, Assassination: Idaho's Trial of the Century)
Here is a link to an article that appeared in the Idaho Statesman that is also an interview with Justice Johnson and contains some of the same information regarding the mysterious "Jack" Simpkins.
A Mystery From History: Who was behind ex-governor's murder?
And about a 100 years earlier in the New York Times (PDF file): Who Planned the Steunenberg Murder? Look at the photos and you will again find Jack Simpkins.
So what do I think of all this? Maybe tune in next week. I do know that I would sure like to find more information on what happened to L. J. "Jack" Simpkins or Simmons and/or additional evidence from this Mr. O'Reilly or any other parties that that might have been connected to these events. If any of their kinfolk are out there then please dig through those old papers, attics and bureau drawers. Simpkins remains probably the biggest unanswered question in the case surrounding the murder of my great grandfather Governor Steunenberg. If that question could be answered then the $2,000 reward offered by Governor Gooding and the Pinkerton's back in 1906 might even still be available!

Was That Harry Orchard In the Idaho Pen?

As it always seems with high profile assassination cases, conspiracy theories abound. Was Lee Harvey Oswald really the assassin of President Kennedy? Did he act alone? Why was he silenced? The same was true in regards to the assassination of Governor Steunenberg.

Although the following letters raise a similar theory in regards to Harry Orchard, the evidence to date has not led to any substantiation or definitive conclusion. Sound familiar! Then why even raise the issue? Just as with any assassination in history, I do believe "evidence" that might rewrite a bit of history requires a full and complete airing so that other facts that substantiate or discredit such theories can be put forth. I certainly would want to know if anyone else was involved in being the trigger person that murdered my great grandfather. However, until someone can present clear and convincing evidence, then I have no doubt that Harry Orchard was the murderer and he is the one that died in 1954 at the Idaho pen.

Judge Byron Johnson has a great interest in these letters and it was through his research efforts that they were brought to my attention when he and I met in Boise.

I encourage you to read the letters, provide your views and opinions (you can click on the "comments" link at the end of the post) or email me directly. Perhaps some of Orchard's descendants out there have a viewpoint. I will comment more later but wanted to at least get these posted on the blog. Click on each page to enlarge.

The letters were provided courtesy of the Idaho State Historical Society along with permission to reproduce on this blog. Thank you Linda Morton-Keithley, ISHS. Linda’s citation is immediately below.

Im47200801161704.pdf - is a series of 3 letters from AR 42, Department of Corrections Inmate Records, Inmate #1406 The first, dated 3 May 1939 and signed by Joseph O’Reilly, is one page long. The second, dated 13 May 1939 and signed by Joseph O’Reilly, is two pages long. The third, dated 1937 and unsigned, is three pages long.

Happy Father's Day & other Musings

Father’s Day

For all you father’s out there…this is your day. I hope it finds you doing whatever it is you enjoy the most be it sleeping in, attending church, out for a walk, watching a ball game, visiting with family, having a cold one, etc. Our family already covered several of those last night when we attended the San Luis Blues semi-pro game here in San Luis Obispo, CA. My wife Cindy, daughter Caley, two sons Joe and Josh, daughter-in-law Chrystie, foster grandson Noah (and most of Noah’ minor league championship team) were all there. It is more the hanging out with family and friends, yakking away and having a couple of Nathan's hot dogs and Sierra Nevada beers that makes it worth while. After all, this is not my Dodgers or Lakers playing so the game didn’t always get a lot of attention. Somewhere during the evening the home team Blues did win. Our visit this evening was complements of Digital West Networks where both my sons have been employed as technical gurus. Joe is still there while Josh is now an independent consultant (http://www.digitalwest.net/index.htm).

I love all you guys.

Earlier today I called my Dad to wish him a happy father’s day. I was glad he sounded a bit more upbeat despite the challenges that age inevitably brings to him, my mother and my siblings and I. No, not everything has always been storybook in our family but you have to try and look past the potholes on the road of life and keep moving forward. We need to take one day at a time as life is too short and you just never know when that last day will arrive. Love you Dad and Mom.

My Daughter Caley (kay-lee) is turning sweet 16 today. I did say sweet did I not? What a beautiful young lady she has become. After raising two boys, I find my biggest challenge as a father is now having a daughter that is developing other male interests besides me. I have fought and resisted and don’t always like having the competition. Going out with Dad (and Mom) seems to have slipped in the rankings a bit. Oh well, no matter as I still love ya!

Tim Russert

I was reminded of my own mortality this week with the tragic loss of my peer Tim Russert. Together with father’s day, that is probably one reason I am being a bit reflective. In the thick of this political season Tim has always been the trusted source for getting information out of politicians and allowing me to make informed decisions. Although widely respected, a few critics have shown their faces on the blog scene and been critical because Tim was not the political pundit, shock jock or far right or left leaning commentator with an agenda aimed at spoon feeding them with preconceived answers to questions. Instead, Tim challenged both the interviewee and the audience to think, to do research and to come up with educated conclusions of their own. Most of us understand that to be the case but there are still too many folks out there accustomed to letting someone else do all their thinking. It was a bittersweet Sunday morning on Meet the Press with Tom Brokaw sitting in for his suddenly deceased friend and colleague. Many of the familiar faces that have surrounded Tim Russert over the years were there to share moments of the past and to reminisce. One of my favorites is always presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. I recently finished reading her epic Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln and I always appreciate the insight and historical perspective that she brings to the table. Like Big Trouble by Tony Lukas, Team of Rivals is a big read and requires some perseverance. Tim Russert certainly seemed to possess that magnanimity in life for which Lincoln was so well known and that we find all too absent from the human landscape today…particularly among our politicians. You will be missed Tim. We celebrate your fatherhood today too.

Always the Historical Note
Lincoln and Steunenberg

While on the subject of Lincoln, I will mention that Teddy Roosevelt wrote a brief introduction to a memorial on Governor Frank Steunenberg in which he said, “That man himself belongs to that type which found its highest expression in Abraham Lincoln…He was emphatically a man of the people” (From Big Trouble by J. Anthony Lukas).

As someone with a great interest in Lincoln and my great grandfather Governor Steunenberg, I was certainly taken by the comparison and must admit drawing a few of my own during the course of various readings. No, Governor Steunenberg would never reach the national and international stature of a Lincoln but similar views were often expressed about the two men in terms of appearance, dress, upbringing and appeal to their constituents. Frank Steunenberg was a man of the people, simple, unassuming, approachable and facing the challenge of his own civil war in the Coeur d’Alene’s. Lincoln and Steunenberg had to make unpopular decisions to quell insurrections, made enemies in the process and it cost both their lives at the hands of assassins.

By the way, it looks like old Abe may be moving over to the Capitol near Frank. They both need a bit of company and will be able to chat about the Civil War and the Coeur d'Alene. Check it out at:

Plans under way to move Lincoln statue to Idaho Capitol

Picture of Lincoln courtesy of Abraham Lincoln Art Gallery. Com

Old Hippie

On a brighter but still somewhat historical note, I had the pleasure of seeing one of my all time favorite old rock groups this past week…Crosby, Stills and Nash. They were playing right here in SLO County at Avila Beach. A nostalgic flash back to the 60’s/70’s, still hitting the harmonies and singing against the war but it is now Iraq instead of Vietnam. A beautiful evening was had by all with a lot of money raised for a good cause (Options Family of Services: http://www.optionsfs.org/index.html). I first saw CS&N some 38+ years ago in Los Angeles. I was struck by the scene at this outdoor venue with smoke rising over the crowd from the barbecues in contrast to the thick and more pungent scent of 38+ years ago. Of course, just like former President Clinton, I never inhaled..right? Where’s Russert when you need him.

Almost Cut My Hair--CSN, Avila Beach, CA, June 10th, 2008. Found this on You Tube. Video is not very good but audio is decent. We were just in front of where this was taken from. David Crosby can still belt it out pretty good. By the way, I've cut my hair and it has thinned a bit too but not nearly as much as David's.

NBA Update

And finally...and painful as it is...NBA Championship Update: The Celtics have my Lakers on the ropes down 3-1 in a best of seven series. I will be glued to the TV set and hoping that they can begin a comeback with a win in tonight’s game. No team has ever come back to win in the championship series when down 3-1 but I have been around long enough to see a few never say never moments come true. Remember Kirk Gibson of the Dodgers and his home run in the 1988 World Series?

Sunday Night News Flash: Lakers beat Celtics to take the series back to Boston. All the "kids" came over to hang out for the evening while we watched the game, had some food and kept the yakking going.

More Bookworms

After Doris Kearns' Team of Rivals, I have taken on a much lighter read but still one written by Doris. Wait Till Next Year is her recollections and stories about life in New York and it centers around her beloved Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1950's. Of course they became my beloved Los Angeles Dodgers in the late 1950's/1960's and I was always fascinated by their Brooklyn history and the remaining players and coaches that bridged the gap between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. I still have a few Jackie Robinson, Gill Hodges, Johnny Podres and Carl Furillo cards along with those of up and comers like Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax.

A Season for Sorrow

You may have noticed from the previous post that the booklet from We Sing of Idaho also mentions the following: "In 1962 an opera on the same subject was written, with music by C. Griffith Bratt of Boise Junior College (BSU now), and with the libretto by Mrs. Geo. Bowditch of the Idaho Historical Society." The opera was entitled A Season for Sorrow or "A Ring About Orchard." Now I have to plead a bit of ignorance when it comes to the finer points of opera. A few weeks ago I had a delightful phone conversation with the 93 years young Professor Emeritus Dr. C. Griffith Bratt and learned a lot that I did not know. Of course I studied up a bit like a student in Op 101 going in for his first quiz from the good professor. I hope to visit with Dr. Bratt the next time I am in Boise and see a copy of the music, lebretto and perhaps a video of the later performance from the 1990's. I never realized the extent to which this opera focused on my great grandmother Belle Steunenberg and her forgiveness toward Orchard and even includes a part depicting by grandfather Julian Steunenberg. I knew very little of this until I spoke with Dr. Bratt and certainly appreciated his willingness to share information. Thank you too to Professor Wallis Bratt, son of Dr. Bratt and also a professor of music at BSU, for facilitating my contact with his father.

Click here for Find A Grave Page for Dr. Bratt

Below are additional notes I made from our 5/5/08 conversation.

T/C to Dr. C. Griffith Bratt, Boise, ID

A Season for Sorrow

In the early 1960’s, local interest was directed at trying to establish an opera in Boise. Meetings were initiated consisting of local interested parties. Dr. Bratt was then composer in residence at Boise Junior College (later to be BSU). As he recalls, Dean Chaffy may have been the one to originally suggest an opera based upon the historical events surrounding the Steunenberg assassination and Harry Orchard. Originally it was intended to be a workshop opera but ultimately became a full production.

A Season for Sorrow was originally performed in 1962. It was commissioned by the Idaho State Federation of Music Clubs to commemorate the 1963 Territorial Centennial in conjunction with the National Board Session of the National Board of Music Clubs held in Boise, Idaho in 1962. Dr. Bratt wrote the opera in 6-8 weeks which was very fast for an opera score. George and Barbara Bowditch wrote the libretto. The Bowditch’s were New Englanders and not local to Idaho.

In 1990, the opera was presented again by the Boise Opera. An additional act was added written by Hazel Weston with only Mrs. Steunenberg (performed by Joan Metelli) on stage as the sole focus of the scene. A ballet was also added that was choreographed by Warren Stiggins. Dr. Bratt has a video of the 1990 production.

A Season for Sorrow focused on the events leading up to the trial and on Mrs. Steunenberg and her forgiveness toward Harry Orchard.

We Sing of Idaho

The following information comes from the 1963 album We Sing of Idaho produced as a part of the Idaho Centennial. Recently I purchased one of these old albums and on the front it states "Booklet with background notes and fascinating historical information will be found inside the record jacket." Fortunately the booklet was still with this one and scans of the four pages are below.

Gary Eller has gotten me off on this historical music binge although I have always enjoyed the folk ballads of Pete Seeger, The Weavers, Woody Guthrie and later Arlo Guthrie, Peter, Paul & Mary and the likes of Utah Phillips who just recently passed away. See more about Utah at http://www.utahphillips.org/. I was especially interested in the rendition of The Song of Harry Orchard that I could compare with one done my old Utah and the more recent version by John Larsen. The booklet provides information about each song and mentions Orchard, Governor Steunenberg and the Haywood trial (4th page below).

The Bomb at the Governor's Gate by Bryce W. Anderson

I am going to post some of these old magazines as I am able to to so. This article, The Bomb at the Governors Gate, is one of the more widely known and was circulating through the family not long after publication. There are quite a few other western magazines with related articles that I have added to the collection and will try to share from time to time. Click the images to enlarge for reading











I attempted to contact the publisher/author to obtain appropriate permission to post this item. The American West was at one time published by the Western History Association which held the copyright. However, the WHA of today indicates they have no connection to the magazine, no copyright, believe it to be defunct and are unable to provide any information. A Google search failed to show up any specific information on the author. Hence, I made the decision to post. If anyone knows more about it then please let me know. John

Arthur Hart-Idaho of 1863 had counties now located in other states (Idaho Statesmen 5/27/08)

Just when I was feeling guilty that I had not gotten a little more up on the blog this weekend (although I did go through and create a lot of new links that you will want to try out), up came my Google Steunenberg alert with this article by Arthur Hart. Click on the post title to see it on the Idaho Statesmen website.

If you don't know Arthur, he is Director Emeritus of the Idaho State Historical Society, is an authority on Western history and architecture and has written many books on these subjects. A number of his books occupy an honored spot on by bookcase. He was instrumental in evaluating and appraising the Frank Steunenberg documents at the College of Idaho (COI) comprising the George L. Crookham Jr. collection. Of course you can see many of those documents on the COI Smylie archives website at:
http://www.collegeofidaho.edu/aboutaci/archives/GLC/default.asp?ID=about

Fortunately, Arthur has never retired totally from the scene and continues to contribute regularly to historical preservation. His weekly column provides often little known nuggets of history and since this one happened to mention Frank Steunenberg it popped up on my auto search. I need to remember and check the Idaho Statesman more regularly for Arthur's stories...maybe start up a weekly link to it on my blog.

I want to thank Arthur for his continued contributions to preserving and documenting our historical heritage.


NBA Playoff Update: For you basketball fans and baby boomers like me, it is going to be like old times in the NBA finals. My Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics beat the Detroit Pistons so we will have a Lakers/Celtics final for the first time in quite a few years. Maybe we can convince Magic Johnson and Larry Bird or Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Robert Parrish or Elgin Baylor and Kevin McHale or Jerry West and John Havlicek to come out of retirement and do an old timers game at halftime? Then again, maybe it is best to leave history alone, see them in the crowd and just reminisce a bit about the old days.

The Marines

In the family we often think of the better known and published prose of "The Major", George E. Steunenberg, brother of the Governor. I will get some of the Major's items on here too. But this poem was written by my 95 years young Uncle Cal Steunenberg, older brother of my mother Brenda (almost 90) and son of Julian and Frances Steunenberg. It is not dated but was written sometime during or shortly after WWII and I think it is a fitting start to this Memorial Day weekend. Uncle Cal or Cousin Roy Steunenberg might be able to date it more accurately.
As is always the case, it is the patina of time, the hand made corrections and the addition of the three cent stamps at the top commemorating that moment on Mount Suribachi that reflects the heart and soul of its author in honoring his fellow soldiers. I will let Uncle Cal's words do the talking as we honor the service and sacrifice of all those past and present on this Memorial weekend.

Click on the image to enlarge.