Dear readers, Dear friends from the Old West community,
As we enter the final days of the year, we want to take a moment to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. In the Old West, where the days are long and the nights are calm, we want to thank you for your loyalty to the Beaver Creek Pioneer and to the Two Rivers Privity!
The past year was full of adventures, stories and the unique flair of the Wild West. With authentic events, we experienced a long-forgotten time together in 2023. We hope you enjoyed our stories in the Beaver Creek Pioneer as much as we enjoyed telling them.
As we gaze at the starry sky over the endless prairie, we are already looking forward to the coming year. It promises new encounters, unexplored paths and, of course, many more stories from the time when the West was still wild.
We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas season, may your campfire burn warmly and may the laughter of your friends and family break through the chilly winter air.
Here's to a happy new year, may it be as exciting and fulfilling as a ride through the endless plains of the Wild West.
Until next year, when we open new chapters in this fascinating story together in January 2024!
Merry Christmas
&
Happy New Year!
Chet McCay, Colton White and the Two Rivers Privity
(Be)Merkenswertes über das AZ in crAZy. An Arizona Reader by W. H. Reblinsky.
In his new book KupferSonne, author Wolfgang Horst Reblinsky puts the US state of Arizona in a special light.
On 222 pages and in 25 chapters, Reblinsky writes about the Copper State and highlights a broad spectrum: starting with facts and data about the state, historical events and the administration, he also portrays the American Natives and the Ku Klux Klan, for example.
In his usual relaxed writing style and with lots of personal additions, Reblinsky presents background and peripheral information on the State of Arizona that is unlikely to be found in any other reader.
Reblinsky introduces KupferSonne with the following words:
Copper Sun is an Arizona reader. Take a stroll through the history of the youngest mainland state in the USA, starting with white settlement up to the present day. Learn the background and read marginal information that has fallen off the table of history or been sorted into the wrong drawer. Informative, polarizing, never boring, written with expertise, empathy and from a very personal point of view.
— Wolfgang Horst Reblinsky, Author
For all those who want to get to know Arizona as more than just the "Grand Canyon State", the book offers an exciting and varied journey through the 48th state of the USA.
The book (German language) can be purchased from Tredition Verlag under ISBN: 978-3-384-02131-1, from the Tredition shop, from Weltbild or from any bookseller you trust!
About the author: Wolfgang Horst Reblinsky
Wolfgang Horst Reblinsky a.k.a. Mr. Wolf H. Reblin, Esq., Arizona Justice of the Peace: He has been involved for many years with the history of American settlement as well as with the period between 1920 and 1980.
He has also published articles in American Studies Magazine and Gasoline Magazine. Here at the Beaver Creek Pioneer, he actively writes on exciting topics related to the Old West.
His historical representation is as a justice of the peace in the Arizona Territory around 1870 as Wolf H. Reblin.
For several years he was the German representative of a Utah-based aircraft brokerage and general aviation consulting company.
He has always been interested in American studies, starting with the white colonization up to the present day. Born in Fürth/Bavaria, he is an avowed Franconian. After living in Schönsee, Kulmbach, Fürth, Leipzig, Munich and Regensburg, he currently lives with his wife Beate in Obertraubling and Bad Reichenhall.
It is always important to me to look behind the scenes and beneath the surface. I want to take events out of the drawers into which they have been sorted, rearrange them and then tell them.
Welcome, movie lovers, to our exclusive top 5 list of the best western movies our community has chosen for this winter season!
It's time to sit back with a cup of hot chocolate and a warm blanket as we embark on an epic journey into the Wild West. The following films have not only been highly praised by critics, but also selected by our passionate community to fill winter evenings with gripping stories, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable characters.
Get ready for a journey back in time to the era of cowboys, trappers and Indians - here are the top 5 western films you shouldn't miss this winter!
Cast: Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly and Lloyd Bridges. With Lee Van Cleef.
Storyline
In Hadleyville, a sleepy town in New Mexico Territory, Marshal Will Kane is about to start a new life. Newly married to Amy Fowler, the happy couple are looking forward to starting a family and running a business together in another town. The future seems bright when they suddenly receive unsettling news: Frank Miller, a dangerous bandit who Kane once put behind bars, has been released and will arrive on the midday train - one day before the new marshal will arrive. Miller's gang members - his younger brother Ben, Jack Colby and Jim Pierce - are already waiting at the station. The marshal and his wife's plans are overshadowed by the impending danger, and a confrontation seems inevitable.
This classic film first hit the big screen on July 24, 1951. Since then, it has remained one of the best films of all time. The black and white film was nominated for seven Oscars and won four of them. It also won four Golden Globe Awards and is one of the best-known Hollywood westerns.
Definitely one of the top westerns for the winter season!
Cast: Charlton Heston and Brian Keith. With Victoria Racimo and Stephen Macht.
Storyline
Aged trapper Bill Tyler and his partner head for the majestic mountains of the Wind River. In this remote region, they hope to find first-class hunting opportunities. But instead of finding rich pickings, they are unexpectedly confronted with a harsh reality: A group of Blackfeet ambush them and plunge them into a veritable hell.
We agree: trapper films are among the top westerns for the winter season. A must see for all trappers out there!
Cast: Val Kilmer, Sam Elliot, Kurt Russel and Bill Paxton.
Storyline
Together with his brothers Virgil and Morgan and their mutual friend Doc Holliday, former U.S. Marshal Wyatt Earp plans to enjoy his well-earned retirement as a lawman in the small town of Tombstone. But the peace and quiet is disturbed when a young gang causes trouble. Driven by the call of responsibility, Wyatt decides to put a stop to the cowboys with the "red sashes", led by Curly Bill. After an arrest, the remaining criminals swear revenge and challenge Earp and his companions to a showdown at the O.K. Corral.
It is assumed that "Tombstone" generated over 56 million US dollars in the United States. The outstanding performance of Val Kilmer in his portrayal of Doc Holliday is repeatedly pointed out.
Cast: Kevin Costner. With Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant and Floyd Westerman.
Storyline
Lieutenant John Dunbar is assigned to an abandoned outpost in the west in 1863. There he develops a close bond with a wolf that regularly roams near his cabin. He also meets the Sioux Indian "Tramping Bird" and forms a friendship that is unusual for the era.
Due to the popularity of the film and its lasting impact on the image of the indigenous people of America, members of the Lakota Sioux Nation in Washington, D.C., held a ceremony to honor Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell and Jim Wilson on behalf of the Lakota Nation. Floyd Red Crow Westerman, who played Chief Ten Bears in the movie, made this announcement.
Cast: Robert Duvall and Kevin Costner. With Annette Bening and Sir Michael John Gambon.
Storyline
At the end of the 19th century, Boss Spearman and Charley Waite live as so-called freegrazers in the American West. The two men own no land and, together with the Mexican Button and the gentle Mose, move their herd of cattle across the unfenced pastures of the country. Their lives are characterized by peace and freedom, until one day they come across the ruthless rancher Baxter.
The film won the Western Heritage Award in 2004. Almost half of the total budget of 22 million US dollars was raised personally by Kevin Costner, Jake Eberts and David Valdes. Although the western genre was considered saturated, the film proved to be a surprise success with revenues of 58 million US dollars in the USA alone.
Also a clear recommendation from us as one of the top westerns for the winter season.
Five top western movies - chosen by the community
Join our enthusiastic community at Beaver Creek Pioneer and experience the captivating world of the Wild West with our top western movies for the winter season.
Chosen by the community and carefully compiled, these films promise unforgettable adventures that fit perfectly into the winter coziness. Be inspired by the top Western classics that have been highly rated by our community and immerse yourself in the timeless fascination of the Wild West.
Of the more than 100 films submitted to us for evaluation, these five were named with particular frequency. We would like to thank you very much for your active participation in the survey!
Your movie was not included? Then feel free to share it as a recommendation for others in the comments!
According to our evaluation, the next five top westerns would have been El Dorado, The Searchers, Once Upon a Time in the West, Jeremiah Johnson and Lonesome Dove!
Experience the "Top Western for the winter season" and be enchanted by the cowboys, trappers, Indians and breathtaking landscapes.
This year we are looking back on 12 years of Thanksgiving celebrations with the Two Rivers Privity. This gathering is the best opportunity for us to say thank you to everyone who has actively supported us throughout the year. Such gatherings are always a matter close to our hearts and extremely important to us. Everyone gets together again in their outfits in our beautiful tavern, enjoys a delicious meal and celebrates properly! Then we close our Old West season.
An afternoon of fun, games and snow
Surprising snowfall on the eve of our party heralded the start of winter. Autumn is long gone, but now Father Frost has everything firmly in his grip and covered our Beaver Creek Valley in a magical white.
The first guests arrived after midday. Most of them were not deterred by the distance or the local weather conditions and came from near and far to the Valley of the Beavers to join us for the festivities.
The origin of Thanksgiving teaches us solidarity
The Thanksgiving tradition, as we know it today in the USA, dates back to 1621 - even if the actual origin of the festival is still disputed. The settlers of Plymouth Rock gained a foothold in the land of the Patuxet tribe at this time. A plague killed almost all the Natives, while a harsh winter claimed the lives of almost half the settlers.
Today's reports date back to 1620, when a Native named Tisquantum (Squanto) taught the settlers how to farm. Squanto, who had been a slave in Europe before returning to his tribe, taught the settlers how to fish, grow corn and offered his services as a translator before he died of an illness a year later.
The chief of the Wampanoag tribe, Massasoit, also provided the settlers with food during their first winter on their new land. Massasoit hoped for a pact between his people, who, like the Patuxet, were severely weakened by the disease, and the English, who had a great advantage due to their weaponry. The Wampanoag were in conflict with the Narragansett tribe at the time - a strong ally would ensure the Wampanoag's chances of survival.
The agricultural efforts finally bore fruit and the English Pilgrims celebrated with the Wampanoag tribe for three days in 1621 after a successful harvest.
The origin of Thanksgiving actually teaches us to stick together, to help each other out in difficult times and to broaden our horizons. We therefore want to join in with the idea of exchanging experiences, competing in games, celebrating and focusing on a great community.
We know, of course, that peace between the tribes and the white settlers did not last long in the course of history. In the years that followed, many Natives were killed or taken to reservations, even though they were the ones who originally ensured the settlers' survival.
“Festival Games” in Beaver Creek Valley
This year, we once again had plenty to keep everyone entertained. The "Festival Games" put the skills and knowledge of all those attending to the test. They had to recognize different animals by their skins, throw axes at wooden targets and put their shooting skills to the test.
After the very funny but also extremely frosty excursion, our participants were invited back to the warm tavern. There they were able to share their knowledge about trappers, Indians, cowboys and western movies.
At the same time as we were playing, we were preparing dinner together. Hard-working hands formed dumplings and a wonderfully delicious-smelling roast was finished in the wood-fired oven.
But before that, our guests were served coffee, homemade cakes and the more than justified mulled wine!
A cozy evening with delicious food and good music
Once the games were over, everyone gathered in the cozy, warm tavern. We enjoyed the delicious feast in good company, after which the winners of the day were announced. The champions had their dinner costs for the day waived. The participants who came in second place received a voucher for dinner, to be redeemed at our Authentic Camp 2024. The third-placed participants were able to enjoy two beers, also to be redeemed at Camp 2024. The winners of fourth place didn't go away empty-handed either, as all the competitors received a small gift.
In his Thanksgiving address, Chet McCay thanked all guests and members for coming, for their ongoing support throughout the year and for their loyalty to the community.
As usual, all the birthday children who celebrated their milestone birthday this year were presented with a TRP shirt. There were six people in total, who together reached 280 years of life.
The Beaver Creek Valley Ramblers provided the musical accompaniment to the end of the evening. They once again performed one or two "TRP hits". Sometime late at night, this gigantic day ended with a successful party. Many thanks to everyone who enjoyed this evening with us.
So long, Beaver Creek Valley - The return journey the following day
The following day dawned faster than we would have hoped.
After a hearty breakfast, things got exciting once again - rather unintentionally: a stuck RV couldn't get off the site. The weather had softened the ground so much that it seemed impossible to get out without help. However, with combined forces - and we're talking about the strength of several horses here - the situation was resolved and our friends were able to make their way home. And we, we already have another reason to say thank you to our TRP helper Josef.
We are looking forward to next year and are excited to see what it has in store for us. We are proud of our great community and look forward to shaping the coming Old West season together.
So there is only one thing left for us to say:
Have a nice, peaceful, thoughtful and calm Christmas, have a good start to the New Year and get through the winter without worries. We sincerely hope that we will all meet again next year, safe and sound, when it's time to say it again:
200 Years of Texas Rangers: 1823-2023 The anniversary of a legendary unit
Like all areas on the far side of the frontier, the respective settlement boundaries in the west and south of America, Texas was a place of longing for many in the 19th century.
For Americans, as well as for immigrants.
An area free from state bureaucracy and paternalism by autocratic monarchs.
A country where you had the chance to create your own habitat and take your fate into your own hands.
Dietmar Kuegler writes in his book The Texas Rangers:
The personification of this partly true, partly romanticized idea, which made Texas a main attraction for European immigrants for decades, was the Texas Ranger. The lone rider who resisted all dangers and was only committed to the freedom of his fellow citizens. Not a beadle of a tyrannical power, but a free man in a free land who, out of a common sense of duty, unerringly enforced the law, which was a free law that knew no classes. [...] We still dream of such noble shining lights of state executive power today.
— Dietmar Kügler, Verlag für Amerikanistik
The latter is probably true.
Are all other ideas about Texas and the Rangers myths?
The statement by Preston Smith, Texas governor from 1969 to 1973, that the Rangers were "a special breed of men" is certainly accurate.
The beginnings from 1823
Stephen Fuller Austin
The unit, famous in both positive and negative ways, has its roots in a troop of 10 men recruited in 1823.
Their job was to protect around 700 American settlers in the former Mexican province of Tejas.
The initiator was Stephen Fuller Austin, who is regarded as the founder of this American settlement.
He recruited the settlers (who were viewed with suspicion by the Mexicans) and allocated them land from a contingent that the Spanish government had already made available.
After independence from Spain, the Mexican government entered into the settlers' treaty. Austin obtained the Mexicans' permission for his protectors in advance. According to legend, he paid them out of his own pocket. What is known for certain is that they earned $15 a month.
The men provided their own weapons - a muzzle-loading rifle, a single-shot pistol and a knife were common at the beginning - their horse and all other equipment. They did not wear uniforms, not even a badge at first. It was enough to simply say:
“I’m a Texas Ranger”.
From a legal perspective, it was a citizen patrol. The formal constitution as a state organization dates back to 1835, with Major Robert McAlpin Williamson as the first commander. Detached from these formalities, the Texas Rangers see their founding date in 1823.
In addition to bandits of all ethnicities, their opponents were mainly Indians, especially the Comanche and Lipan Apache. They were not only vastly superior in numbers, but also in shooting power. A ranger had to dismount from his horse and while he was firing a shot with his muzzle-loading rifle, an enemy Indian had shot ten arrows from horseback - therefore highly agile.
Texas becomes a republic - 1836
In 1835, the number of members had risen to 25 men, who were organized into a company. The task continued to be the protection of the Americans against attacks by Indians and bandits.
After the Texas War of Independence and the separation from Mexico, the independent Republic of Texas existed from 1836 to 1845. Also known as the "Lone Star State" after the design of the flag.
The Lone Star StateSam Houston - First and third president of Texas
Sam Houston (1793-1863), victor in the decisive battle against Mexico at San Jacinto, was first president from 1836-1838, then again from 1841-1845, the year in which the Republic of Texas ended with its integration into the USA.
Until this time, the rangers were not permanently employed, but were called up for duty on a case-by-case basis.
At the end of 1836, Parliament decided to permanently employ the Rangers and establish fortified bases on the border with Mexico. The number of personnel grew rapidly. In December 1836 there were 280 men, in June 1837 already 600.
Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar - Second President of Texas
At the turn of the year 1838/39, Sam Houston's successor took office as the second president of the Republic of Texas. Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar (1798-1859, President from 1838-1841) was described as a tough fighter, defender of the white settlers and enemy of all Indians.
His program was: "The white man and the red man are not made to live together in peace. Nature forbids it".
Consequently, he began to reinforce the Rangers to 56 men. The men were contracted for three years and were to fight against the Cherokee and Comanche, who were allied with the Mexicans at the time.
The era of Jack Hays from 1840
John Coffee “Jack” Hays – ca. 1857
In 1841, Sam Houston appointed a man as captain of the Texas Rangers who had come from Tennessee as a land surveyor.
In Texas he was in the army for a short time, then he rode as a scout for the militia.
John Coffee "Jack" Hays (1817-1883) was not only a victorious leader on missions.
Above all, he was the first to introduce structures into the ranger force.
And he introduced a weapon that had been little known in Texas until then: The Colt Paterson revolver.
These revolvers had a five-shot cylinder and each Ranger was issued two. Although the weapons were hardly lethal (the largest caliber available was .34), the firepower was enormous for the time. The weapon also had a significant moral effect on the Indians. Samuel Colt was so impressed by the order that he gave the model the nickname "Texas".
A further development took place together with another Texas Ranger, Captain Samuel H. Walker. Colt named the now six-shooter gun the Whitneyville (the place of manufacture) Walker revolver after him.
Colt WalkerColt Walker
In the progression of history, the weaponry of the Texas Rangers has of course also constantly evolved.
Texas Rangers – ca. 1845
In 1846, the USA began a war against Mexico under the command of General Zachery Taylor.
The Texas Rangers were integrated into his troops.
One legend says that they were the best unit in the American army; another refers to a statement by General Taylor complaining about the lack of discipline amongst the men.
In the troubled times after the Mexican War, many settlers relied upon the protection of the Rangers rather than the US Army.
The Civil War from 1861
During the Civil War, many Rangers joined the Confederate Army of the Southern States from 1861. For example, the 8th Texas Cavalry Regiment was known as Terry's Texas Rangers. As it's commonly known, the Confederate states lost the war, Texas was placed under northern administration and the Texas Rangers were temporarily disbanded.
Terry’s Texas Rangers – ca. 1863Flag of “Terry’s Texas Rangers”
Reconstitution of the Texas Rangers in 1874
Colt Walker und Abzeichen der Texas Rangers
In 1874 Texas once again had its own government.
In the meantime, conditions had become so unsafe that the Texas Rangers were reactivated with a Frontier Battalion and a Special Force.
The battalion, with 6 companies of 75 men, was deployed throughout the country.
The Special Force worked in the border area with Mexico between the Rio Grande and the Nueces River.
In 1915, the crimes committed by ethnic Mexicans on the American-Mexican border escalated, as did the revenge actions of the American settlers.
Governor James Ferguson ordered a large force of Texas Rangers to restore order.
In order to be successful quickly, they executed over 300 "suspected Mexicans" without in-depth investigations or legal proceedings.
Texas Rangers 1915 with dead Mexican rebels
Texas Ranger Frank Hamer versus Bonnie and Clyde
The history of the Texas Rangers spans not only 200 years, but also everything from heroic deeds to those that make us wonder if they were really always noble lawmen.
Some heroic deeds glorified today were in truth shameful. And on the other hand, some still romanticize criminals who were killed by the Texas Rangers.
Frank Hamer
The best examples are the robbers Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker.
There are songs and films about "Bonnie and Clyde" that support this popular myth.
By the time they were shot dead in their stolen car by Texas Rangers led by Francis Augustus "Frank" Hamer on May 23, 1934, they had committed 12 bank robberies and 14 murders (including 9 of police officers), leaving a long trail of blood across the Midwest.
Bonnie Parker, ca. 1932-1933Bonnie & ClydeClyde Barrow, ca. 1932-1933
The modern era of the Texas Rangers begins in 1935
The Texas Rangers have been part of the Department of Public Safety since 1935.
Within this state authority, they take on investigative tasks comparable to those of the German criminal investigation department.
The uniformed state troopers in Texas are the "Texas Highway Patrol".
Both work alongside the local police authorities of the counties and cities and alongside the federal police.
A Texas Ranger on a horseTwo Texas Rangers with car and horse trailerA Texas Ranger on a horseTexas Ranger duty horse
The Texas Rangers today
Today, around 180 rangers work in companies A-F.
Texas Rangers Abzeichen
The men and now also the women still wear white hats, boots and a gun belt around their waists.
In fact, horses are still in use alongside the emergency vehicles.
In the prairie regions of Texas, they are superior to any off-road vehicle.
Today's rangers have a college or university degree, use modern communication tools and state-of-the-art analysis methods.
James Holland – Texas Ranger Texas Department of Public Safety Officer
The headquarters of the six companies are in Houston, (A) Garland (B), Lubbock (C), Weslaco (D), El Paso (E) and Waco/San Antonio (F). The central administration is located in Austin.
Wolfgang Horst Reblinsky a.k.a. Mr. Wolf H. Reblin, Esq., Arizona Justice of the Peace
For many years, he has been working on the history of American colonization as well as the period between 1920 and 1980.
He has also published articles in the Magazin für Amerikanistik and in Gasoline-Magazine.
Here in the Beaver Creek Pioneer, he actively writes on exciting topics related to the "Old West".
He practices his historical representation as a justice of the peace in the Arizona Territory circa 1870 as Wolf H. Reblin along with his wife Eliza B. (Holl) Reblin.
In our precious free time we often share moments with our families. But as performers in the living history scene, we then devote ourselves with dedication to our beloved western hobby. In this captivating world, we strive to experience North American cultural history as authentically as possible. Whether we put ourselves in the shoes of cowboys, trappers, soldiers of the North or South, settlers, Mexican revolutionaries or personalities of the American War of Independence era, we travel back in time and bring history to life.
CowboysSettlers women in Sunday dressConfederate Army CorporalUS Army Soldier - Mandan/Hidatsa WarriorMexicans in the Mexican RevolutionEighteenth century representativesLaw & Order – County Sheriffs 1880
In our hobby dedicated to an authentic past, we also find performers of indigenous groups representing various aspects of the native American population. These include, among others, the Iroquois, Sioux, Apache, Crow, Comanche and Cheyenne - just to name a few performers in our scene.
CrowLakota-SiouxDog Soldier of the MandanChiricahua-Apache
Research, authenticity and living history
The history of American settlement offers a fascinating and extensive range of historical representations for each of us. Once we decide on a particular character, we delve into the associated history. We adapt our clothing to the period and many of us even make authentic items ourselves. These meticulous accessories complete our overall portrayal - historically accurate weapons, as found in history books, are of course essential.
Bear headdressBear headdress
Our goal is to not only look authentic at events such as Councils, Authentic Weeks, Camps, Western-Days or other events, but also to talk with like-minded people about times long past and learn from each other.
This picture with the authentic living-history performers was taken in Beaver Creek Valley during our 2018 TRP camp.
The world of miniature designers
While we are presenting ourselves as actors of the Old West, there is another group of enthusiasts - the miniature designers. These talented artists devote themselves with dedication and expertise to creating unique works of art. Unlike us, they do not re-live history, but transfer their knowledge to small figures of 15mm, 28mm, 54mm, 75mm, 90mm or larger.
They breathe life into prefabricated parts made of artificial resin or pewter and create unique masterpieces. Each finished model is a sign of their craftsmanship and their attention to detail.
The works of the figurine masters
These already modeled parts are carefully assembled and painted by the miniature designers to ensure historical accuracy. Over time, each designer develops his own technique, which makes his works distinctive. The recognizability of each piece, therefore, often allows for conclusions regarding the master. However, to recognize this requires a certain expertise.
From the underlying paint to the last brushstroke, they place great emphasis on precision. The figures are presented in a detailed environment and bring the past to life.
The following miniatures were arranged and painted by Michael Volquarts. They are part of Chet McCay's collection and one-of-a-kind pieces, that are not for sale!
Mato Tope Mandan ChiefSharp shooter Civil war5th N.Y. Zuaves 1861 Civil warSong of the talking wireSioux 1850
This adventurous scene is called "Stampede" and was created by the sculptor Carl Reid. This 75mm tall unique piece was painted by Frank Konetzke of Frank Miniatures. It is also an unsaleable unique piece from the collection of Chet McCay.
The StampedeThe Stampede
An endless variety
Some miniature designers specialize in the Wild West, while others explore a range of eras and possible representations. The Old West in particular offers many motifs, from trappers and American Natives of various tribes, to figures from the French and Indian War, to scenes of the American Civil War era. But the possibilities don't stop there. In miniature design, simply anything is possible.
Here is a small example: Martin Götz, who did the painting and depiction of these figures, is dedicated not only to American history, but also to Canadian, Napoleonic and British history, among others.
English soldier, Rgt. Guyenne, Quebec 1759Joachim Murat, King of Naples 1811Brit. Sergeant, 4. Rgt. Of Foot, Spain 1809Highlander - painting and illustration: Rüdiger Wittauer.
Scenarios of history
Even if painting and decorating individual figures is already time-consuming, some miniature designers dare to portray entire scenes - the so-called diorama.
In this rather time-consuming arrangement of several figures to a scene, there is usually a story being told. In this snapshot often very much happens at once and it's worth to take a closer look at the artwork.
The museum director, Martin Götz, presents some of his works of art there. We have photographed the most beautiful for you - but for a closer look, you can not miss a personal visit; which, by the way, we can warmly recommend!
Sergeant Charles Ewart of "The Royal Scots Greys" - British Artillery 1809 (2nd Dragoons) – erobert die Fahne vom fr. Inf. Rgt. bei Waterloo Diorama: Bemalung und Darstellung – Martin Götz (not for sale)
British artillery 1809 Diorama: painting and presentation - Rainer Freiberg (not for sale)
The Marshal’s Office ca. 1880 Diorama: painting and presentation – Michael Volquarts Collection of Chet McCay (not for sale)
He received a certificate for this diorama in England in 1989, attesting to his "Exceptional quality and skill".
A medal was also awarded by the "Judiciary of the EURO MILITAIRE" at the "International Military Modeling Competition" in the category "Class 9. Boxed Dioramas".
The attention to detail in this diorama is unmistakable and is also clearly recognizable in his works today.
Variety in the miniatures world
The range of such model figures is very wide and diverse. For almost every historical era there is an abundance of these artistic sculptures.
In special editions, such as "Glory of Rome", the glorious era of the Roman Empire is brought to light. Other editions feature Vikings and the Templars of the Crusades. The variety ranges from the Greeks to the Middle Ages to the Samurai and fantasy figures.
There are numerous companies offering models in this industry, including Andrea Miniatures, Beneito Miniatures, Pegaso Models, Romeo Models, First Legion, King & Country, Hobby Boss, Italeri and Revell.
The offer of unpainted and painted figures is huge, and you can find almost everything to create your own miniatures fantasy world. In the store „Berliner Zinnfiguren“ you can buy around 23,000 complete figures and figure kits, as well as more than 31,000 model kits. Just take a look at their retail store or their online store.
Hadrian's Villa - Miniatures from renowned manufacturers
Hadrians Villa - miniatures from well-known manufacturersAnother first-class supplier of painted full figures can be found at hadriansvilla.de. Figurine and vehicle models from various well-known manufacturers are offered here, including:
King & Country
First Legion
Thomas Gunn Miniatures
John Jenkins Designs
W. Britains
Conte
Black Hawk
Figarti
The Collectors Showcase
Marcus Heiß-Hasala – Hadriansvilla
The owner of Hadriansvilla is Marcus Heiß-Hasala. He is a passionate figurine collector himself. He has also been running his online store for many years, through which he offers an impressive selection of figures from the manufacturers mentioned at extremely fair prices. Simply visit his website or contact him personally.
You can also expect excellent service there: Marcus is always friendly, professional and helpful. His dedication and patience in fulfilling customers' wishes are truly admirable. We are therefore extremely pleased to draw your attention to him.
Toysoldiers of Scandinavia - miniatures for a good price
May we introduce you to another great address? TOYSOLDIERS OF SCANDINAVIA, to be found at toysoldiers.dk.
If you are looking for accessories, pre-assembled buildings, landscapes or even complete dioramas, Jakob Bredahl-Kjaer is the man for you. The range is extremely broad and all the models and dioramas shown in the pictures can be customized or created from scratch. Jakob will fulfill all your wishes.
With his expertise, friendliness and impressive value for money, he has won over satisfied customers. A visit to his website is definitely worthwhile.
Below you will find some of his impressive models, which we would like to present with his kind permission.
Respect to the artists
We have great respect for the creative energy of these miniature designers. In our blog posts, we present their works and provide insights into the fascinating world of miniatures. Our photographer Robert Neuber has taken most of the pictures and allows you to dive into this world.
We would like to introduce some of these talented artists and their work in another article. After talking to the masters, a few hand-painted unique pieces are for sale.
November 04 represented a special day in 1862. Inventor Richard Jordan Gatling filed a patent that he believed would change war forever.
Richard Jordon Gatling
It occurred to me that if I could invent a machine gun which could by its rapidity of fire, enable one man to do as much battle duty as a hundred, that it would, to a large extent supersede the necessity of large armies, and consequently, exposure to battle and disease would be greatly diminished.[1]
— Richard Jordan Gatling
During the Civil War, Richard Jordan Gatling realized that diseases killed more soldiers than bullets. In 1861, he hatched the idea of developing a weapon that would increase a man's rate of fire a hundredfold.
It was the birth of the Gatling gun.
Richard Jordon Gatling, who was born in Hertford County, North Carolina on September 12, 1818, devoted himself to inventing at a young age.[2]
At the age of 21, he developed a screw propeller for steamships. Unfortunately, he did not know that a gentleman named John Ericsson patented such an invention already months earlier.[3]
Despite the setback, he remained true to his ingenuity and at the age of 36 developed machines to make farming easier. But his inventions alone could not finance his livelihood, so he worked in the County Clerk's office, among other jobs, and for a short time worked as a teacher. Later he also labored as a merchant.[4]
Gatling even earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1850, when he developed an increased interest in medicine. The reason given here is that he survived smallpox and thus began to study. However, he never practiced medicine, but continued to work as an inventor.[5]
From Seed Planter to Tool of War: The Birth of the Gatling Gun
As the American Civil War broke out, Gatling became increasingly involved with firearms and especially with perfecting them.[5]
During the war, a large part of the armament for infantry soldiers mainly consisted of muzzle-loading weapons. These weapons had a very slow rate of fire, as they had to be reloaded after each shot. In order to be able to fire faster in combat, the infantry formed lines so that shots could always be fired alternately per line set up.
Model 1855 percussion rifle with bayonet
Thus, many soldiers were necessary to dominate in battle, because this increased the firepower and thus the chance to win a battle. The infantry was supported by soldiers of artillery ("cannoneers") and cavalry on horseback.
Schlacht von Antietam 1862
This was the initial situation that formed the basis for Gatling's considerations, and he had to answer the question to himself, "How do I create more efficient firepower with fewer soldiers?"
Zeichnung der Gatling Gun von R.J. Gatling
His ideas became reality when Gatling developed the first Gatling gun in 1861 - during the first year of the war - based on a seed planter prototype of his earlier inventions.[3]
As early as 1862, he founded the Gatling Gun Company in Indianapolis, Indiana, to market his groundbreaking invention. He filed the patent for his Gatling gun on November 04, 1862.[6]
But the beginning was rough - a fire in a factory destroyed the first six weapons.[5]
But how did the Union Army react to a gun that was now capable of firing several hundred rounds per minute?
A weapon that was to make history
Gatling Gun in Fort Laramie Model 1862 Gatling Gun Type II
Beim anfänglichen Modell der Gatling-Gun aus 1862, wurde ein Verbund aus sechs Läufen, die im Kreis angeordnet waren, durch eine Kurbel in Rotation gebracht. Durch das Kurbeln lädt jeder Lauf eine einzelne Patrone aus dem oben angebrachten Magazin und feuert den Schuss ab, wenn eine bestimmte Position erreicht war. Die leere Hülse wurde unten links ausgeworfen und der Lauf konnte abkühlen, bis er durch die Rotation wieder die obere Position erreichte. Eine weitere Patrone wurde durch die Schwerkraft in den Lauf geladen und der Zyklus begann von vorn.[7]
The 1862 model thus achieved a rate of fire of about 200 rounds per minute. Later versions already achieved a rate of fire of about 400 rounds per minute.[8] With a crew of four, the final version of the Gatling Gun was taken into service.[5]
Although the Gatling gun originated during the Civil War, it was rarely used. Gatling was referred to as "Copperhead" by some parts of the population, but his connection to the Confederate government was never proven, even though his birthplace was in North Carolina. In fact, he also did not live in the South during the Civil War.[9][3]
It was not until 1866, a year after the end of the American Civil War, that the American government officially purchased Gatling guns.[3]
Before that, a total of only 13 were sold, 12 of which went to General Benjamin F. Butler, and one became the property of Admiral David Dixon Porter. Both belonged to the Union Army.[3]
Benjamin Franklin Butler – ca. 1870/1880David Dixon Porter – ca. 1860s
Therefore, today it is assumed that the Gatling gun was used very little during the American Civil War. However, it is easy to understand the horrors that the weapon left behind on the battlefield when it was used.
Getötete Soldaten in der Schlacht bei Gettysburg – Eine Gatling Gun fand hier keine Anwendung
This photo contains sensitive content that some people may find offensive or disturbing. Click to view.
The gun's true history was written years later, long after the American Civil War had ended. One of the decisive factors was a new discovery that was about to conquer the masses: electricity.
From inventor to seller
Samuel Colt
In 1870, Gatling sold his patents to Colt. However, he remained president of the Gatling Gun Company until its complete takeover by Colt in 1897.[3]
In Canada, the use of the Gatling gun is documented in 1885, at the time of the Northwest Rebellion. A soldier of the Connecticut National Guard used a privately purchased Gatling gun, together with the Canadian military against the Métis and indigenous peoples of Canada.[10]
In 1893, Gatling revolutionized his invention once again with an electric motor that provided an impressive rate of fire at 3,000 rounds per minute.[11]
The legacy of the Gatling gun
It was not only the USA or Canada that made use of the Gatling gun. There is evidence that the weapon was used against other indigenous peoples and groups, especially during European colonization, including the South African Zulu, nomadic Bedouins of the Middle East, or the Central Asian Turkmen - to name just a few.[10]
The hand-crank Gatling gun was finally declared obsolete by the US Army in 1911. But decades later, the electrically powered concept saw a rebirth in the M61 Vulcan, as well in the minigun.[5]
Einsatz einer modernen GAU-17/A minigun
Although Richard Jordan Gatling's original invention received relatively little attention during the American Civil War, he nevertheless laid a distinctive foundation for the further development of this type of weapon.
His original thought that his invention would greatly reduce the danger posed by combat can only be left uncommented upon today, 161 years after his patent was filed.
[1] Wahl, Paul; Toppel, Donald R. (1971). The Gatling Gun. Arco. ISBN 978-90-70039-49-3
[2] Stephenson, Frank (2003). Hertford County. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7385-1556-4
[3] Keller, Julia (2008). Mr Gatling’s Terrible Marvel: The Gun That Changed Everything and the Misunderstood Genius Who Invented It. Viking. pp. 294. ISBN 978-0-670-01894-9.
[4] “Richard Jordan Gatling”. Encyclopedia of World Biography. Gale. 2005.
[6] Richard J. Gatling, “Improvement in revolving battery-guns,” Archived 2017-01-20 at the Wayback Machine U.S. Patent No. 36,386 (issued: Nov. 4, 1862)
In the ever-evolving landscape of the Internet, change is the only constant. Today we say goodbye to a significant part of our online history by officially announcing the shutdown of our old website "www.two-rivers-privity.de.tl". Although it is a bittersweet moment, this decision marks a crucial step forward as we move into a new digital age. Since 2007, the website from a home page construction kit has accompanied us, but now it's time to part ways for good...
Why the website shutdown?
Our old website was the digital face of Two Rivers Privity for many years. It has witnessed our growth, development and countless milestones. However, with technological advancements and changing expectations on our part, as well as that of our readers, maintaining an outdated website is becoming increasingly difficult.
Even though this move separates a small piece of history from us, there are still some good reasons for closing the old Two Rivers Privity website:
Outdated technology:
Our old website was based on outdated technologies that were no longer sustainable in today's internet environment. This posed a potential risk to our users' data and experience. With our current website, security is a top priority.
Improved user-friendliness:
We are committed to providing the best possible experience for our readers. By getting rid of the old website, we can focus our resources on a modern, user-friendly platform that offers improved performance and functionality.
Optimized content:
Over the years, our content has grown significantly, and finding relevant information on the old website had become a challenge. With the new website, we can organize and present our content more effectively to enhance the experience for our readers.
Our three personal highlights
We were proud even then of what we still do today: To give the general public a realistic picture of the rough Wild West. Whether it was horseback riding, the public open day, or our Authentic Camps - everything was recorded on the old homepage.
It hurts us all the more when we now send this little piece of history "to the eternal hunting grounds".
However, we are happy to share a few of our greatest moments with you!
1. The first Authentic Camp 2010
From June 03 - 06, 2010, the first Authentic Camp was held on our premises. We had already spent the first three years there and named the area Beaver Creek Valley. Until today this has been one of our most unforgettable moments. We look back on the past days with much joy and are proud that today, in 2023, we can already look back on 13 years of authenticity in the Old West hobby!
Looking back on the camp, we wrote on the old website at the time:
Since our "Beaver Creek Valley" fills us with pride, we decided without further ado to bring this territory closer to as many people as possible. Therefore we invited like-minded people from near and far to our "1st Authentic camp" from June 3-6, 2010 in Unterbruck. Several guests followed this call and traveled to us from Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Dachau, Hamburg and Hohenstein. All of them enjoyed the cozy and rustic atmosphere on our property during these days. After the god of weather showed his best side from Friday on, he put cheerfulness and good mood into the minds of the people on Beaver Creek.
— Chet McCay in 2010
Here are a few pictures from our first authentic camp among friends:
2. The first open day in 2011
At the first open day in 2011, we decided to give the local population a closer look at what we are all about, which is Living History - history up close and hands-on. This went down very well with both young and old. We displayed an authentically decorated teepee, showed off our skills with the lasso, and even had a carriage for tours. Our little visitors could ride ponies while the big ones tried their hand at axe throwing.
Our summary at the time was:
We, the Two Rivers Privity and our hobbyist friends, really enjoyed this day and will consider when and how we will bring such a day back to Beaver Creek Valley.
— Chet McCay in 2011
And as you know, we opened the gates of Beaver Creek Valley a few more times afterwards and made the hearts of our visitors beat faster.
3. The first Irish Music Night 2013
If there's one thing that can bring us all to the same table, it's music. In our first Irish Music Night, we really kicked it up a notch! Musicians from different areas contributed to an unforgettable evening. The focus of the evening was mainly Irish folk, but Scottish music and classics of country music were also represented on this evening. A terrific evening, as we thought at the time:
Live and unplugged gaben unsere Musiker ihr Können zum Besten. Jeder der singen oder ein Instrument spielen konnte, stieg bei den bekannten Liedern mit ein, begleitete den Song und so verschafften wir manchem Lied eine unvergessliche “NOTE”!
— Chet McCay in 2013
It was difficult to limit ourselves to these three highlights among all the content! After all, we also had wonderful Christmas parties, great Thanksgiving celebrations and many other great events, such as a visit to the kindergarten in Speichersdorf or to befriended clubs, such as the Bavarian Rangers from Katzdorf!
What's next after the closure of the old Two Rivers Privity website?
Since 2019, our new Two Rivers Privity website design now exists and has been appreciated since then. All our visitors who still knew us under the address "two-rivers-privity.de.tl" were already redirected here, to the new site. So the old site still existed in parallel, but already at that time it had no relevant content anymore.
We have already been able to implement a number of things in the new environment, including our core feature for our readers: The Beaver Creek Pioneer.
The Beaver Creek Pioneer is the online magazine of Two Rivers Privity. But articles not only feature relevant information regarding our community of interest, such as historical events, open house and other events! We also share our knowledge of American history and the Wild West in exciting articles.
A sincere thank you
As we say goodbye to our old website, we would like to thank all of our loyal readers who have been with us along the way. Your support and feedback continues to be invaluable, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with valuable and interesting content on our new digital platform!
We know that change can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth and improvement.
So stay tuned as we embark on this exciting journey into the future of the Wild West and the Two Rivers Privity.
Thank you for being a part of our community, and we look forward to sharing the next chapter with you!
Bob Dalton always had ambitious plans. He claimed he would "beat anything Jesse James ever did - rob two banks at the same time in broad daylight." On October 5, 1892, the Dalton Gang put this daring plan into action. The goal was to rob C.M. Condon & Company's Bank and the First National Bank in Coffeyville, Kansas.
Bob was one of 12 siblings and led the Dalton Gang since 1891. Together with three of his brothers, he robbed banks, stagecoaches and trains, preferably in Kansas and Oklahoma, from that time on.
This ride, however, became his last.
The heated discussion between Bob and Emmett
Bob had planned the whole robbery, but Emmett was against it. He had attended school near Coffeyville in Robbins Corners and knew many people there. He feared that some of his friends might get hurt. Bob assured him, however, that there would be no shooting.
Everything should be over before anyone would notice what had happened.
Condon Bank, Coffeyville, Kansas, ca. 1890
The unexpected difficulties
Bob's plan was to have the gang tie their horses to a post behind the Condon Bank that was protected by brick walls. However, they had not visited the town in several years, and the hitching post had been removed during road work. Bob did not allow Emmett to check out the town in advance out of fear that he would be recognized. When they arrived, Bob had to act quickly and instead decided to hitch the horses in an alley across from the bank to the west, near the town jail. This alley is known today as Dalton Alley.
Coffeyville, Kansas, in ca. 1906
The tragic bank robbery
On the morning of October 5, the gang emerged from the alley on the Coffeyville square. A storekeeper cleaning the sidewalk noticed Bob, Emmett, and even Grat, who was wearing a fake mustache, and ran into his store. In closed formation, the five crossed Walnut Street from the alley to Condon Bank, holding Winchester rifles close to their legs. Meanwhile, news of the robbery spread quickly through the town:
Also, road work was being done at the time. One of the workers at the site recognized the gang and began shouting, "The Daltons are robbing the bank!"
The bloodshed
While Emmett and Bob entered the First National Bank and forced teller Thomas Ayres to open the safe containing gold and cash, an American Express agent opened fire with his revolver. Bob and Emmett returned fire. They went out the back door, taking both guns and sack bags with them, while grabbing two bank employees with them for protection.
The end of the Dalton Gang
While the Daltons were approaching the horses, Town Marshal Charles T. Connelly came through the livery stable into the alley and ran toward the square without the bandits behind him. Grat then shot him dead. John Kloehr, who was still in the barn, shot Grat shortly after he had spotted him. In the midst of the gunfire, Bob was hit in the head and heart and killed instantly. Powers attempted to get on his horse, but was also hit and killed by gunfire from the store as he tried to hoist Bob onto his horse.
Dalton Gang, memento mori 1892
The fate of the survivors
Emmet Dalton after the shootout
Emmett Dalton suffered 23 gunshot wounds but survived. Bill Dalton and Bill Doolin, who had stayed several miles away with extra horses to help the gang escape, later learned of their fate.
For a time, Bill Doolin and his associates worked under outlaw Henry Starr and hid about 75 miles northeast of Kingfisher, from where they made several raids. Doolin, Newcomb, and Pierce visited the Daltons' mother in Kingfisher to comfort her after the death of her sons.
Brothers Lit and Bill Dalton were also visiting their mother, and Doolin suggested they join his group to avenge their brothers.
Bill Dalton agreed and participated in several robberies, but Lit, declined. Henry Starr was arrested in 1893 and tried at Fort Smith.
Emmet Dalton's mug shot, after his arrest.
Emmett Dalton was sentenced to life in prison at the Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing, Kansas. After 14 years, he was pardoned and moved to Hollywood, California, where he spent his life as a real estate agent, author and actor.
He married Julia Johnson in 1908 and devoted himself to writing, among other things.
In 1931 he published the book "When the Daltons Rode" , which he wrote together with Jack Jungmeyer Sr. a journalist from Los Angeles. It was filmed in 1940 as a movie of the same name with Randolph Scott, Kay Francis and Brian Donlevy - Emmett Dalton was portrayed by Frank Albertson.
Dalton died in July 1937 at the age of 66. His widow died in 1943 at the age of 73. They are both buried in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.
The store - Old-West-Outfitter - of Wolfgang Oidtmann resumes business
Dear western enthusiast and reader of the Beaver Creek Pioneer,
in agreement with Mrs. Christina Oidtmann, the wife of the late Leather Maker Wolfgang Oidtmann, we would like to share some important information with you today:
Wolfgang Oidtmann's store, also known as Slim's leather workshop "Old West Outfitter", is still located in 40323 Düsseldorf, Aachener Straße 113, and is being continued by his wife.
In the usual style, various high-quality leather goods and jewelry are offered for sale in the store, including unique one-of-a-kind pieces handmade by Wolfgang Oidtmann. If you are interested in these extraordinary pieces, Mrs. Oidtmann will be happy to assist you personally.
She told us the following:
We continue to take orders for custom leatherwork of all kinds, be it holsters, belts, bags, biker accessories and more.
Our workshop service also offers leather repairs again.
The store is open for our customers from Thursday to Saturday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Of course, it is also possible to make an appointment as desired.
— Christina Oidtmann
You can reach Mrs. Oidtmann by phone under the number 0211 - 393879 or by cell phone under +49 171 380 82 66. Furthermore, there will be the possibility to contact her again by using the homepage: old-west-outfitter.de
Note: At the moment this page is unfortunately not accessible, but Mrs. Oidtmann has assured us that visits will be possible again soon!
We are extremely pleased that Mrs. Oidtmann is continuing the work of her dear departed husband and thus making an important contribution to the Old West scene. In this occasion, we would like to express our support and feel committed to share this happy news with you.
We wish Ms. Oidtmann and your team all the best, may the legacy of Slim's Old-West Outfitter continue for many years to come!
With warm regards, Chet McCay & Colton White - Beaver Creek Pioneer