Roundup: December 11, 2019
Our Speaker: Brian Dervin Dillon, Ph.D.
His Subject: Wyatt and Josie Earp: Fact, Fiction, and Myth
Brian Dervin Dillon, Ph.D., Past Sheriff of our Los Angeles Corral, just received his 8th consecutive Coke Wood Award from Westerners International for his historical publications, one of which (2015) was on Wyatt and his wife Josie Earp. Brian’s family has a distant connection with that of the famous lawman, and Brian’s younger brother and co-author has worked for 30 years in the cemetery in Colma, California, where Wyatt and Josie are buried.
Dozens of Hollywood movies and hundreds of hours of T.V. programs have been devoted to Wyatt Earp. Almost every Tinseltown leading man, over the past 70+ years, has portrayed the hero of the O.K. Corral shootout. Earp himself was an advisor to early Hollywood “horse operas,” and both William S. Hart and Tom Mix were pallbearers at his 1929 funeral. But what just about every last big or small screen portrayal of Wyatt Earp has in common is an almost complete absence of facts. With the recent revelation that the supposedly definitive biography of Josie is fraudulent, it seems that no aspect of the lawman’s life was left untouched by fictionalizers and mythologizers. This promises to be a fascinating program to end our year.
Roundup Synopsis
Taken From Branding Iron 297 Winter 2020.
The Los Angeles Corral’s very own Brian Dillon was the speaker for the December roundup. Brian regaled us with the truth, lies, and legends about Wyatt and Josie Earp. Wyatt Earp has been portrayed as a hero in various forms of media for many years. He is represented as a lawman who seeks justice first and foremost. This is mostly fiction though. Earp was a deputy sheriff and deputy marshal, but he was also a pimp, a gambler, and, when he was young, a horse thief. So how did Earp get his good reputation while hiding his negative side? Enter Ned Buntline, the pseudonym for a hack fiction writer named Edward Zane Carroll Judson.
Buntline never wrote about Wyatt Earp, but he did start the American obsession with the Wild West that inexorably led to Earp’s stardom. His first creation was Buffalo Bill. The famous Wild West Show started on a stage in New York and expanded to the giant spectacle with which we are all familiar. From there the mythologizing moved onto the big and small screens. Earp worked as a consultant on some of these movies adding an air of legitimacy to the lies being fed to the public.
With all of the twin six shooter twirling cowboys running around on screen and in books, people started to actually believe what was being sold to them—even those feats that violated common sense or the laws of physics. Reenactments and theme parks perpetuate the fictitious version of the Old West. Ever present among the movies, books, and especially TV shows was Wyatt Earp, the steadfast lawman, keeping the west safe for women and children everywhere in nightly reruns of his shootout at the O.K. Corral.
Josie Earp was not immune to telling lies about her husband and his exploits. After Wyatt’s death in 1929, she sold off various guns that she claimed belonged to him. She was also not safe from lies being spread about her. A photograph of a woman in a very sheer dress was said to be a photo of Josie taken in the 1880s. But the photo was originally taken in 1914 in New York when she was 53 years old and 2000 miles away. That didn’t stop it from being used on the cover of an entirely fake biography of Josie.
Legends can be good as entertainment but that good goes away when they are presented as fact. A man who did a lot of bad things in his life portraying himself as an upstanding lawman isn’t good. When it leads to various authors and filmmakers embellishing, not just that man’s life, but also the world he lived in, that can be dangerous. A case in point being the downright stupid way most movie and television cowboys handle their guns, which they treat like stage props rather than deadly weapons. It can lead to unsafe behavior at the best and death at the worst. Pistol twirling cowboys are fun to watch but they aren’t real. They should remain in the land of make believe and stay out of history books.
— Aaron Tate
Photos from the Roundup
Roundup: November 13, 2019
Rendezvous Photos
You can view an album of photos from last month’s rendezvous here.
Almansor Court – 700 S. Almansor, Alhambra, CA.
Social Hour: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Our Speaker: Stephen Gee
His Subject: Los Angeles City Hall: An American Icon
Stephen Gee is a writer and television producer based in Los Angeles. He is the author of several award-winning books on John Parkinson and noted structures in Los Angeles. His most recent work is the history of the Los Angeles City Hall. Mr. Gee, in addition to his books, wrote, directed and produced the awardwinning PBS documentary on John Parkinson. He is a graduate of City University of London and began his career as a newspaper reporter in Norfolk, England. He has lived in Los Angeles since 1995.
When it opened its doors in 1928, the new Los Angeles City Hall was the tallest building in the city and undeniably beloved by its citizens, and they had not even seen the interior. More than a half-million people lined the streets to celebrate the dedication of the new structure that symbolized Los Angeles’s transition from a growing western city to a world-class metropolis. The current building, the last in a series of city halls, is a symbol of the ambition of the people, and it is one of the most enduring and recognized landmarks in California. The Los Angeles City Historical Society has donated posters showing all the City Halls for our meeting.
Remember NOVEMBER IS HAT NIGHT at the Los Angeles Corral. Wear your best head gear and join the fun. You may be the big winner this year.
Posted by Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff
Future Los Angeles Corral Events
December 11, 2019
Brian Dillon on Wyatt and Josie Earp
January 8, 2020
To Be Announced
Dinner Fees, Reservations & Meal Choices
The Roundup Dinner Fee is $40 including ample, convenient and free parking. The dinner choices for this Roundup are beef, fish and vegetarian. The beef will be Kalbi top sirloin, grilled and topped with a sweet and spicy sauce. The chef has selected Atlantic salmon with toasted almonds and a cream sauce as the seafood entree. The vegetarian option this month is eggplant parmesan. Dessert will be Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream.
Please choose your entrée and make out your check for $40 to “Westerners, Los Angeles Corral,” or submit your payment online as EARLY AS YOU CAN but no later than one week before the Roundup date. Just log onto our website and go to the Members Only tab. Click on the Roundup Store option and follow the instructions. Walk-ins can be served, but entrée choices will be limited to what is on hand. The “late price” is now $45.00.
If you are paying by check, mail it to Ms. Therese Melbar, Registrar of Marks and Brands at 549 South Aldenville Avenue, Covina, CA 91723-2909. Late reservations or questions may be addressed to Therese via Email: tmelbar@cpp.edu or by telephone: (661) 343-9373.
Travel Assistance to Our Fellow Members
Please keep in mind that some of our members can no longer drive or are uncomfortable driving on the freeways at night. If such members live in your area, please get in touch to see if they would come with you to the Roundups. Call Michele Clark, our Sunshine Wrangler, at (626) 822-1522 if you need a ride.
Books and Art Pieces for Sale
Once again, you can buy books, art pieces and other ephemera donated to the Corral. You can order items on the lists below. Contact Brian Dillon via email at briandervindillon@gmail.com.
Updated List
To view the items included in this year’s auction, click here.
Contact Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff, at 13613 Barlin Avenue, Downey, CA 90242-5107 at annwshea@ca.rr.com or at (562) 408-6959 with any questions or news.
Rendezvous: Saturday, October 19, 2019
Location: 1763 Royal Oaks Drive North, Bradbury, CA
Time: 2:00 to 5:30 PM
Theme: A Stroll Down Memory Lane with the Old Folks at Home
Enjoy nine significant features at the Rendezvous this year!
- Visits with Good Friends
- Shopping for Old Books and Art
- Taking pictures with “Old Friends” – Vintage Cars
- Tours of Royal Oaks and Amy & Jim Macklin’s new home
- Enjoying an old-time buffet dinner by an award-winning Chef
- Singing old favorite tunes with TheBanjo Buddies
- Celebrate designation of Bill Warren as our 2019 Honored Guest and the Corral’s newest Honorary Member
- Valet parking provided just steps away
- You’ll be home by sundown! Or at least comin’ round the mountain!
Remember that the purpose of the Rendezvous is to raise money! Help the Los Angeles Corral build the resources for its historical educational outreach and for its new technological initiatives. If you cannot attend, at least make a donation.
The Rendezvous Fee is $50. Please make out your check for $50 to “Westerners, Los Angeles Corral,” or submit your payment online as EARLY AS YOU CAN but no later than one week before the Rendezvous date. Just log onto our website and go to the Members Only tab. Click on the Rendezvous Store option and follow the instructions.
If you are paying by check, mail it to Ms. Therese Melbar, Registrar of Marks and Brands at 549 South Aldenville Avenue, Covina, CA 91723-2909. Late reservations or questions may be addressed to Therese via Email: tmelbar@cpp.eduor by telephone: (661) 343-9373.
Posted by Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff
Future Los Angeles Corral Events
November 13, 2019
Roundup and Annual Hat Night
Stephen Gee on the Los Angeles City Hall
December 11, 2019
Roundup with Traditional Christmas Dessert
Cherries Jubilee and Installation of Trail Bosses for 2020
Travel Assistance to Our Fellow Members
Please keep in mind that some of our members can no longer drive or are uncomfortable driving on the freeways at night. If such members live in your area, please get in touch to see if they would come with you to the Roundups. Call Michele Clark, our Sunshine Wrangler, at (626) 822-1522 if you need a ride.
Books and Art Pieces for Sale (Updated List)
Once again, you can buy books, art pieces and other ephemera donated to the Corral. You can order items on the lists here. Contact Brian Dillon via email at briandervindillon@gmail.com. To view the items included in this year’s Book and Art Sale, click here.
Contact Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff, at 13613 Barlin Avenue, Downey, CA 90242-5107 at annwshea@ca.rr.com or at (562) 408-6959 with any questions or news.
Roundup: September 11, 2019
Almansor Court – 700 S. Almansor, Alhambra, CA.
Social Hour: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Our Speaker: Elizabeth Pomeroy
Her Subject: Glen Dawson, a Man of Many Interests
Elizabeth Pomeroy is a native Californian and has been active in the education field for many years as a teacher and administrator. She holds a Ph.D. in English from UCLA. Elizabeth founded her own publishing company, Many Moons Press, in 2000 and publishes books on Southern California. She is a member of the Los Angeles Corral of Westerners and the Huntington Corral in addition to numerous historical societies in the area.
Elizabeth will present an illustrated program on the life and accomplishments of Glen Dawson, who was a founder of the Los Angeles Corral in 1946, sheriff in 1959, and a dedicated member for many years. He was a man of books as well as an avid climber. The program will also trace the 105-year history of Dawson’s Book Shop, founded by his father.
Join us for what should be a notable evening with a program presented by one of our own members about an outstanding member of the Corral who is no longer with us, but is not forgotten.
Posted by Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff
Future Los Angeles Corral Events
October 19, 2019
Rendezvous at Royal Oaks
Home of Jim and Amy Macklin
November 13, 2019
Roundup and Annual Hat Night
Stephen Gee on the Los Angeles City Hall
Dinner Fees, Reservations & Meal Choices
The Roundup Dinner Fee is $40 including ample, convenient and free parking.
The dinner choices for this Roundup are beef, chicken and vegetarian. The beef will be roasted sliced top sirloin with a mushroom sauce. The chicken dish will be a delicious Pancetta Chicken breast topped with rosemary, garlic and pancetta. The vegetarian dinner will be an amazing penne pasta in a tomato basil sauce with flavorful carrots, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms and green beans. The dessert this month is the popular Chocolate Royale.
Please choose your entrée and make out your check for $40 to “Westerners, Los Angeles Corral,” or submit your payment online as EARLY AS YOU CAN but no later than one week before the Roundup date. Just log onto our website and go to the Members Only tab. Click on the Roundup Store option and follow the instructions. Walk-ins can be served, but entrée choices will be limited to what is on hand. The “late price” is now $45.00.
If you are paying by check, mail it to Ms. Therese Melbar, Registrar of Marks and Brands at 549 South Aldenville Avenue, Covina, CA 91723-2909. Late reservations or questions may be addressed to Therese via Email: tmelbar@cpp.edu or by telephone: (661) 343-9373.
Travel Assistance to Our Fellow Members
Please keep in mind that some of our members can no longer drive or are uncomfortable driving on the freeways at night. If such members live in your area, please get in touch to see if they would come with you to the Roundups. Call Michele Clark, our Sunshine Wrangler, at (626) 822-1522 if you need a ride.
Books and Art Pieces for Sale
Once again, you can buy books, art pieces and other ephemera donated to the Corral. You can order items on the lists below. Contact Brian Dillon via email at briandervindillon@gmail.com.
Updated List
To view the items included in this year’s auction, click here.
Contact Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff, at 13613 Barlin Avenue, Downey, CA 90242-5107 at annwshea@ca.rr.com or at (562) 408-6959 with any questions or news.
Roundup: August 14, 2019
Almansor Court – 700 S. Almansor, Alhambra, CA.
Social Hour: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Our Speaker: Dr. Abraham Hoffman
His Subject: Bernardo de Galvez, Defender of the Old Southwest
Abe Hoffman has been a member of the Corral since 1974 and has served as Branding Iron editor, Sheriff in 1997 and book review editor. He is the author of numerous books, including a volume on the Owens Valley-Los Angeles water controversy. Dr. Hoffman is an educator, award-winning author, and Living Legend of Westerners International.
Although the American Revolution doesn’t seem to be the usual Westerners topic, the fact is that Bernardo de Galvez spent his early years as an army officer chasing and fighting Apaches in the Southwest. His uncle, Jose de Galvez, played a major role in organizing the Serra-Portola expedition that established Alta California as a Spanish colony. Before the War for Independence began, Bernardo de Galvez served as governor of Louisiana and smuggled weapons, ammunition and supplies to the insurgent colonists. He also led expeditions to capture British forts in the Lower Mississippi Valley and at Pensacola. Galvez was long overlooked by historians, but the states of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida recognized his contributions to the war effort. In 2014 Galvez was named an Honorary American Citizen, only the eighth person to be so recognized by Congress. Join us on August 14for an informative program about a mainly forgotten figure in Western history.
Posted by Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff
Future Los Angeles Corral Events
September 10, 2019
Roundup
Elizabeth Pomeroy on Glen Dawson
October 19, 2019
Rendezvous at Royal Oaks
Home of Jim and Amy Macklin
Buckskin Bulletin
Click here for the June 2019 edition of the Buckskin Bulletin.
Dinner Fees, Reservations & Meal Choices
The Roundup Dinner Fee is $40 including ample, convenient and free parking. The dinner choices for this Roundup are beef, fish and vegetarian. The beef will be Kalbi prime top sirloin topped with a delicious sweet & spicy sauce. The fish dish will be baked salmon with toasted almonds & cream sauce. The vegetarian dinner will be stuffed zucchini. The dessert this month is a delicious seasonal favorite—strawberry shortcake.
Please choose your entrée and make out your check for $40 to “Westerners, Los Angeles Corral,” or submit your payment online as EARLY AS YOU CAN but no later than one week before the Roundup date. Just log onto our website and go to the Members Only tab. Click on the Roundup Store option and follow the instructions. Walk-ins can be served, but entrée choices will be limited to what is on hand. The “late price” is now $45.00.
If you are paying by check, mail it to Ms. Therese Melbar, Registrar of Marks and Brands at 549 South Aldenville Avenue, Covina, CA 91723-2909. Late reservations or questions may be addressed to Therese via Email: tmelbar@cpp.edu or by telephone: (661) 343-9373.
Travel Assistance to Our Fellow Members
Please keep in mind that some of our members can no longer drive or are uncomfortable driving on the freeways at night. If such members live in your area, please get in touch to see if they would come with you to the Roundups. Call Michele Clark, our Sunshine Wrangler, at (626) 822-1522 if you need a ride.
Books and Art Pieces for Sale
Once again, you can buy books, art pieces and other ephemera donated to the Corral. You can order items on the lists below. Contact Brian Dillon via email at briandervindillon@gmail.com.
Art
To view the items included in this year’s art auction, click here.
Books (Updated!)
To view the items included in this year’s book auction, click here.
Contact Ann Shea, Deputy Sheriff, at 13613 Barlin Avenue, Downey, CA 90242-5107 at annwshea@ca.rr.com or at (562) 408-6959 with any questions or news.
Los Angeles Corral of Westerners
Welcome to the online home of the Los Angeles Corral of Westerners. We invite you to browse our site, learn more about our organization, and even consider joining us.
