John Wayne Imagery In The West and Southwest

John Wayne may be gone (died June 11, 1979), but his image can be seen in many places around the West and Southwest. I can't think of any other movie star who has been so honored, except Elvis Presley.

In my travels, I've seen several of those images. I'm sure they don't even scratch the surface.

Naturally, the main place is the John Wayne: An American Experience museum at the Fort Worth Stockyards in Texas. I visited it a month after it opened.

Here are some images I've come across:

Above, Gallup's El Rancho Hotel lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, El Rancho Hotel dining room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Old Tombstone Western Town. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Boot Hill Graveyard gift shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Goulding's Lodge near Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside John Wayne's Cabin at Goulding's Lodge. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall in Ely, Nevada. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, at the John Wayne: An American Experience museum in Fort Worth. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Boot Hill Photo To The Flatlander II

Once upon a time, there was an "unofficial" newspaper/newsletter of E Clampus Vitus called The Clamper. 

When that went belly-up, it was (more or less) replaced by The Flatlander Nugget. 

When The Flatlander Nugget also later went belly-up, it was replaced by the current newspaper/newsletter called The Flatlander II.

This morning, I sent The Flatlander II a photo for the next issue of Lost Dutchman Chapter's Noble Grand Humbug Michael Manning and the Mayor of Tombstone, Arizona, Dusty Escapule, at the plaque dedication at Boot Hill Graveyard on April 15.

The photo release is as follows:

Over 330 Clampers attended the plaque dedication at Boot Hill Graveyard in Tombstone, Arizona on April 15. Pictured above is Lost Dutchman NGH Michael Manning and Tombstone Mayor Dusty Escapule with the plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Silver Spot Price and ECV Challenge Coin

While on my clampout trip in Arizona last week, silver rose at or near $26/toz at one point about five days ago.

It has since settled back down and is currently at $24.83/toz according to Monex. 

On the subject of the clampout and coins, I picked up a Challenge Coin from the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus. It commemorates the clampout in Tombstone, Arizona and the Boot Hill Graveyard, where we held a plaque dedication. It seems these "challenge coins" have become popular with some chapters. 

The accompanying photos are of both sides of the coin. 

What's a challenge coin, you may ask?

According to Wikipedia:

A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion, bearing an organization's insignia or emblem and carried by the organization's members. Traditionally, they might be given to prove membership when asked and to enhance morale. They are also collected by service members and law enforcement personnel. Historically, challenge coins were presented by unit commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of the unit. They could also be exchanged in recognition of visits to an organization.

Modern day challenge coins may feature popular culture attributes or organizational values. Modern challenge coins are made in a variety of sizes and are often made using popular culture references, including superheroes and other well-known characters in a way that creates a parody.

I have several challenge coins in my collection, but this is the first E Clampus Vitus-oriented coin I've purchased.

Tombstone Photos

Tombstone, Arizona may be known as the wildest of the Wild West, but today it is a fun place to visit.

I first visited Tombstone in the late 1980s and had a great time there. That is why I, without hesitation, immediately jumped in an paid for the clampout when the Lost Dutchman Chapter's website opened to registration a few months ago.

Tombstone didn't disappoint this year. It may be more touristy these days, but much can be learned there as well having a great meal, enjoying adult beverages at several saloons and shopping.

I took a stagecoach tour of the town and one thing I learned was that the courthouse has gallows on the premises. So those convicted didn't have to go very far to get hanged. Another tidbit: several shootings took place inside the Bird Cage Theater.

Below are some photos of Tombstone that I took over the weekend (photos 5 and 6 are inside of Big Nose Kate's Saloon):

Boot Hill Gets Plaqued By Lost Dutchman Chapter

Above, Clampers and PBCs gather for the Boot Hill Graveyard plaque dedication. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, over 300 Clampers and Poor Blind Candidates (PBC) joined the mayor of Tombstone, Arizona, Dusty Escapule, to dedicate a monument plaque at the famous Boot Hill Graveyard.

The monument is located next to the main building/gift store of the cemetery. 

The dedication consisted of speeches on the history of Boot Hill and greetings by Mayor Escapule along with a reading of the plaque's text.

Here's some photos of the dedication:

Above, the monument and plaque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, some of the early arrivals. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Above, the gift store/main building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, more clampers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a section of the Boot Hill Graveyard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Clampers being welcomed by Mayor Dusty Escapule. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the reading of the plaque text by a PBC. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Humbug Mike Manning and Mayor Escapule. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Fun In Tombstone

Following the plaque dedication at Boot Hill Graveyard, I took a stroll to the historical district of Tombstone. 

Once I got there, I took a stagecoach tour of the area. The driver pointed out many sites of shootouts and what businesses existed back in the 1800s and what ones took their places today.  

Afterwards,  I wandered in different shops. I went into Madame Mustache's Old Tyme Parlor and had a photo taken in period garb.

The photo below was emailed to me. I bought an enlargement of the photo, but in sepia tone. I'll post it once I get home and scan it.

I have to get it framed and figure out where to hang it.

Above, yours truly in "Virgil Earp" garb.

Boot Hill Graveyard Plaque Dedication Today

A plaque dedication will take place this morning at the famous Boot Hill Graveyard in Tombstone. 

It will be interesting to see how over 300 Clampers will be able to fit into the parking lot in front of the main building. 

Above, the plaque monument under construction.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.