Roundup: January 8, 2020
Sheriff Ann Shea declares the January Roundup as E Clampus Vitus Night! Clampers are encouraged to wear ECV regalia.
Almansor Court – 700 S. Almansor, Alhambra, CA.
Social Hour: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
A .pdf of the Roundup Announcement can be downloaded here.
Our Speaker: Mark Mutz, Corral Member, Newspaper Publisher and member of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (Peter Lebec Chapter)
His Subject: Stories: The Myths, the Facts, and the Realities
Mark Mutz has always had an interest in history and events. As we go through life, we can begin to realize that the descriptions of many events in history are tainted in such a fashion as to make the subject of the events appear quite different than the actual circumstances.
Mark’s love of history and events started at an early age. He was born and raised in New England, where history was all around him. There were stories of Indian Wars, some of which occurred 140 years before the United States declared independence. One battle lead to a day of Thanksgiving being declared in 1637, following the Mystic Massacre during the Pequot War.
When walking through the woods, he occasionally came across stone walls in the middle of stands of Oak trees that were third or fourth growth. Other times, he found lone Chestnut trees and later realized that the oaks had replaced these mighty trees. He also remembers walking through a graveyard and finding a headstone marked for “A Soldier of the Revolution”.
Stories are all around us and the retelling can share the facts, portray the reality, or turn them into myths. While stationed in Fort Richardson, Alaska as an Infantryman, Mark also found an old cemetery for Russians, complete with little houses on each grave. When he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, there were more graves, but this time for Veterans of the Civil War.
One of the biggest problems in telling an accurate story is getting accurate information to base it on. For Mark, the art of storytelling involves presenting a topic in a space ranging from ¼ to two pages long that allows the reader to develop a complete picture in their mind when reading the Fence Post, a newspaper that Mark and spouse Dorothy own and publish monthly.
Come spend an evening with the Westerners, as we listen to storytelling presented by our newest Corresponding Member, Mark Mutz!
Future Los Angeles Corral Events
February 12, 2020
Randy King
Wild West Gunslingers: Short biographies of various gunmen, lawmen, feuds, and their outcomes.
March 11, 2020
Bruce Merritt
The Founding of the Society of Colonial Wars in Los Angeles in 1895.
Dinner Fees, Reservation Deadline & Meal Choices
Please make your reservations by Thursday, January 2nd, so that we can include your meal preferences when placing the food order for our event. This month, your meal selection is beef, chicken and vegetarian. The beef meal will be Top Sirloin grilled and slow roasted. The chicken option is Baked Garlic Chicken, lightly breaded, topped with garlic and parmesan cheese. The Vegetarian entrée is Vegetable Pad Thai, made from classic Pad Thai noodles with stir fry fresh vegetables and topped with scallions and peanuts. The dessert for January is Panna Cotta.
The Roundup Dinner Fee is unchanged for 2020 at $40 for those who register before the deadline. If registering online at www.lawesterners.org, the Roundup Store can be reached through the Members Only tab, and entering the password. Be sure to select your meal option, then pay using a PayPal account or by credit card.
If paying by check, please mail your meal selection and payment to: Mr. Aaron Tate, Registrar of Marks and Brands, 9768 via Roma, Burbank, CA 91504.
Questions or late reservations can be directed to Aaron Tate by calling or texting to (818) 804-9926, or email at airnbobo@gmail.com.
Early reservations are strongly recommended and preferred, as there will be only limited, or potentially no meals available for walk-ins. The cost for late registrations and walk-ins is $45.
Dues Renewal Reminder
As a reminder to all members, it’s time to renew your dues! If you have not already renewed your 2020 dues, please send in your payment or renew online as soon as possible. As per our Range Rules, Article VI, dues shall be paid yearly by February 15th. Members who have not renewed by this date will receive a notice from our Registrar of Marks and Brands.
The Dues Store is located under the Members Only tab at www.lawesterners.org. Use the same password to enter this members only section of our website and pay using a PayPal account or credit or debit card (through PayPal). If paying by check, please forward your payment to: Mr. Aaron Tate, 9768 via Roma, Burbank, CA 91504. With Brand Book 23 due out in February, and Brand Book 24 already in process, this is a wonderful time to be a Westerner! Your dues also help support our Fellowship program and pay for the Branding Iron, Special Keepsakes and Westerners International dues.
Visit our Corral at Live on the Green!
We will be tabling at the Live on Green! Festival at the Pasadena Convention Center on December 29-31. Volunteer to help us promote membership in the LA Corral or, at least, when you visit this outstanding free festival, stop by the Eubanks Equestrian Pavilion and visit our booth! Contact Jim Macklin to volunteer at (626) 305-2391 jhmacklincpa@gmail.com.
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.
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.
