March 2005 |
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| After the grueling 8 mile hike to Contention, there was nothing left to do but rest our tried dogs in front of a pitcher or two or get out on the Crystal Palace dance floor and try to keep up with BJ. But even he could keep up with the sister act of Bonnie and Nancy. |
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| In the midst of the rough and tumble boomtown of Tombstone the delicate refineries of ladies like Nellie Cashman and Clara Brown proffered the highest standards of genteel qualities. Today's Tombstone ladies bring there own style of genesequa as typified by these stogie puffin' dames. Kind of looks like Frankie smoked her's too fast, though. |
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| The next was a day trip to Sulphur Springs Valley. Using hostorical information and clues, we set out to find the location of the McLaury Ranch. In the summer of 1881, Frank and Tom McLaury left their ranch along the Babocomari River in favor of land some four mile s from Soldier's Hole. They were noted for being of the first ranchers to introduce alfalfa in the valley. Earp researchers make claims that the reason for their relocation was to provide a strategic location for the alleged Cowboy gang to funnel stolen beef to entrepenuers in Tombstone. Our first stop was some 5 South miles from Soldiers Hole along the Whitewater River. It was generally felt that the location was incorrect or, at least, along the fringe of the ranch. |
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| The next stop was Soldiers Hole. The monument reads, "During the CHiricahua Apache Campaign (1861-1886) calvary troops on manuever camped here at a permanent source of water known as Soldiers Hole. W.G Sanderson and Ambrose Lyall struck artesian water nearby in 1883. In 1897 a twelve-battery stamp mill was erected and a post office was established under the name 'Descanso', meaning a haven of rest. A school was built which the Mormon settlers also used for their church. When the railroad by-passed Soldiers Hole in 1909, it's usefulness came to an end." |
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| We were unable to locate any sign of the well where we searched. In the finest tradition of Geraldo Rivera, Bonnie mapped out the Tombstone posse manuevers from the the famous 1881 incident when Geronimo made a dash for the border, stealing horses from the McLaury ranch in the process. Well, didn't find any hole but we were able to find Soldiers Bucket. |
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| The last place we came to was right about four miles South of Soldiers Hole. Using a combination of historical information and word of mouth, we drove to some now-unused land. No ruins were apparent as we walked through the scrub brush. |
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| With the Dragoons to the West and the Chiricahuas to the East, two direct descendants of the father of Frank and Tom McLaury stand on the possible site of the McLaury Ranch. Frank and Tom were branded part of murdering Cowboy gang by Wyatt Earp during the inquest. They were also noted as generous hosts, never to turn a traveller away. It's interesting to note the Earp's benefitted from such hospitality at or near this location only two weeks before shooting Frank and Tom down in Tombstone. |
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| No ruins were found. However, it was noted there were places where the foliage followed certain patterns. Picture on the left indicates straight, ploughed rows. Right next to it was a squared area (middle picture) looking like a building had once been there. Fence posts holes and remains were found at another squared area possibly indicating the location of a corral. At right a single post standing in the center of the field marked the borders of the property. |
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| During the Contention hike, Bill had brought up he had a copy of the actual voice of President Theodore Roosevelt. Before heading back for Tombstone, he wound up his gramophone and let us listen to one of the few recorded speeches of Teddy. Wow! I could've had a D8! That's what they sell in nearby Elfrida. Honest! The spicy hot has a real mule kick to it! A little bit of sod went home with Frankie in that bottle. |
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| Of course, when visiting Tombstone, we got to pay respects to uncle Frank and Tom. In his memoir, Frank and Tom's great grandfather Thomas McClaughry warned of the dangers of traveling to distant lands, away from family. |
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| With the weekend coming to close, we got togehter for dinner a the local genuine Tombstone Italian/Mexican restaurant. Another great time in Tombstone with good friends. |
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| The first and last thing I got to do on my trip to Tombstone was to have an espresso at the world famous Javalinas in Tucson. The owner, Bonnie, graciously allowed me to hitch a ride with her down to Tombstone. Being Seattle resident (well, close enough), I've had plenty espressos in my time, but few as good as the one's at Javalinas. How's that for a plug? |
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