Tag Archives: whiskey

Hays, Kansas – Edmond, Oklahoma

Posted on by kathousekelli70

It’s been a casual start to today and seeing as I have no car projects, it’s time for another little history lesson.

Hays was established in 1867, however prior to this, was located near the territories of Arapaho, Kiowa and Pawnee. It was claimed by France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became part of Kansas Territory in 1854.

Fort Fletcher was established by the US Army in 1865 (southeast of present day Hays) to protect stagecoaches traveling The Smoky Hills Trail.

In 1866, it’s name was changed in honor of the late Brig. Gen. Alexander Hays.

In 1867, with the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, Fort Hays was moved northwest to better serve the railroad.

Then there is more history about a town called Rome, Hays City being formed, Rome was abandoned after cholera outbreaks and so became Hays!

A frontier town, it had its fair share of violence infamous in the American Old West. Some 79 outlaws are said to be buried in Boot Hill north of town by 1885. Wild Bill Hicock served as sheriff for a brief stint in 1869.

Germans settled in Hays around 1886, having a great influence on the culture of the town.

We continued south to Wichita, which began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860’s. It was a cowtown and frequent stop for cattle being driven from Texas to Kansas railroads.

The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railways ran through her during its cowtown days and across the Arkansas River was the usual entertainment of brothels, saloons and lack of law enforcement. Wyatt Earp was one lawmen who at some point got Wichita back on the straight and narrow.

As early as the 1920’s and 30’s it also became known as ‘the air capital of the world’ becoming a US aircraft production hub.

So named after the Wichita people, the Keeper of the Plains monument is spectacular! We have been and visited this in person previously but here is a great sunset pic of it.

Check this out! The first ever Pizza Hut building!

Many fast food chains actually started in Wichita, Pizza Hut in 1958. The building is now located within University grounds.

We exited the I-35 to Wellington but we’re again disappointed the Chisholm Trail Museum is closed and with over an hour til opening time we had to continue on our way.

We continued to Edmond, formed during the April 22, 1889 Land Run. It was named after a Santa Fe railroad traveling freight agent. Well it was the name of the train depot was prior to the town being established but was adopted for the town name also.

The first public schoolhouse in the Oklahoma Territory was completed in August of 1889 and still stands as a historic monument on 2nd street.

The ‘Edmond Sun’ located down the street in the opposite corner is the states oldest continuing newspaper dating from July 18, 1889.

And so it is time for last catch ups, washing and packing before we head for Dallas and departure tomorrow.

Kat xo

Photo Credit:

Stagecoach Robbery by R A Davenport/Hip Postcard

Cowtown – Cowtowns Kansapedia – Kansas Historical Society

Pizza Hut building – Wikipedia

Edmond Schoolhouse – Edmond Historical Society

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Jack and I would like to wish all our family, extended families, cowboys and cowgirls near and far, a very Merry Christmas!

Cracker interjected and would also like to wish everyone a happy season of fun, drinks, love and family. It’s his last night for a while!

For those not near your loved ones, for those in hospital, our heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you.

Merry Christmas everyone! 🎄🎅🏻🥂

Love and hugs 😘

Kat xo

Thanksgiving And Chisholm Trail

Posted on by kathousekelli70

When an invitation was issued for Thanksgiving in Texas (after a great weekend with Texan friends) and a pending trip lining up perfectly with Thanksgiving yesterday, there was no better way than to combine both.

The Kendrick family and friends were a great bunch! Somewhat rowdy, drinks flowing, plenty of food – sounds like our family gatherings in Australia. Feeling right at home, thank you Anne, Fred, Niki, Amy, Lorin, Misty, Colin, Chris, Kelly, Kimberley, Elaine, Debbie and Gene for making us feel right at home.

 

With appetisers, huge turkeys and side dishes galore it was time for snoozing on the floor or couch in front of the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins game. Dessert followed before we left for Anne's place and watched the highlights of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

After a hearty breakfast this morning we headed back to Oklahoma via Bowie, Texas. As we stopped to take pictures of the big Bowie knife, police are helping wrangle a wayward steer across the top end of the park, without too much success it seemed. Was a funny sight, watching them run across the park!

 

Our actual intent for going this way instead of the I35 home was to go through Duncan, OK and visit the Chisholm Trail

I'm sure many a hardworking cowboy spent Thanksgiving somewhere in the Chisholm Trail corridor during the cattle drive era. Enduring long rides, vast open spaces of grasslands as they drove the cattle forward through Texas, Oklahoma and on in to Kansas perhaps the chuckwagon cooked up the odd turkey or two as a treat for them.

Not quite there, we made a short stop at Comanche to look at their Centennial Plaza. April 1, 1866, 1,800 longhorn cattle were driven through to the railhead of Kansas on the trail mapped out by Jesse Chisholm the previous year.

 

Over the coming years some 4,000,000 head of cattle moved over the Chisholm Trail (US Highway 81 corridor).

We arrived at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center in Duncan to a beautiful bronze statue of a cattle drive out front with a path laid out for 'The Beginning of Trail' following the trail through rivers, creeks, ranches from Brownsville, Texas through to Abilene, Kansas.

 

Into the Center we went into the Campfire Theatre, an animatronic introduction of Jesse Chisholm talking round a campfire with a cowhand named Tex.

 

Jesse Chisholm was a trader of furs, the first cattle drive followed his wagon wheel ruts to Abilene. From there it become a common route forged in history as cattle were driven from 1866 through 1875.

The Campfire was very well done but then we went into the main theatre for 'The Chisholm Trail Experience'.

An experience it was! Sight, sound, smell, feel! I kid you not, a great little short film – As the cottonwoods sway in the breeze, so too can you feel the breeze. As the rider comes through from behind, you can feel the hooves as he passes by. During the roundup, you can smell the dirt and whilst the cattle freak out and stampede during the storm, so too do you feel the thundering of hooves, the rain on your face and lightning effects!

The displays are exceptionally done and the two beautiful galleries house some significant pieces of artwork and sculptures. At present there is a special photograph exhibition 'American Farmer'. His works are gorgeous, he has definitely captured the character of each farmer.

 

Of course we visited the gift shop and then headed North to Kingfisher. Kingfisher is home to another Chisholm Trail Museum. There is one in Cleburne, Texas also.

CLOSED

Dang it! Trip out here another day during the next couple of weeks then.

Off the trail for now.

Kat xo

 

Gunfight In Dixie XVI

Posted on by kathousekelli70

Wednesday we lit out in the wee hours of the morning (did you like that description Ruby?) and headed for the state of Tennessee again. This time to Lakeland just outside of Memphis.

The Memphis Gunslingers are again hosting the South East Regional and Gunfight In Dixie. This is a great range, great facades with 11 permanent cowboy bays.

As with most of the middle states at present it has been raining and we are in for another boggy, damp and very cold match. They have done their best to ensure most stages are covered and have flooring or matting for decent footing. It's just the guncart areas – the rest of the range – that is very muddy and boggy, with no amount of hay seeming to soak up the water. We certainly thank them for their efforts!!

 

Thursday, Doily Gang ladies clinic, T-Bone Dooley's men's shooting clinic, with all proceeds as usual going to the SASS Scholarship Foundation raised another $344, putting the current total raised from clinics held around $10,000. A great effort and all the instructors sure do enjoy giving back by passing on tips to others.

Wild Bunch, Warm Up and speed events were held throughout the rest of the day.

Friday's opening ceremony commenced with their usual and outstanding recognition of veterans over this Armistice weekend. We thank you all for your service and to those currently serving in United States and Australia especially.

 

Jack and I were with a great posse and glad to be a part of Posse 3 with some amazing people. Cooncan, Bertie Winchester, Randy Saint Eagle (Posse leader), Tomstone John, Papa Dave, Whiskey Hays (Deputy Posse leader), Blackfish Kid, Riverview Rattler, Chica, Ginderella, Jailbreak Jake, Doc Hurd, Ethan Callahan, Doc Who, English Tom and Steelshot Scott.

My shotgun having worked the previous weekends match, warm up and side matches, decided to play up across the first two stages resulting in 2 unpleasant times. Jack had a few fumbles but why wouldn't you when the weather is barely above 32F/0C!

 

It was cold, toes are frozen, no amount of hand warmers in gloves, boxer shorts and socks seemed to keep anyone warm. Jackets, ear muffs, scarves, were all a requirement across the weekend.

 

There is no accounting for fun though. So it doesn't matter what was happening we had a blast. Not the best result but great match, great folks, great fun.

The shootout was held after the final 5 stages on Saturday. They drew our pairings and Shamrock Sadie and I were paired up for first run. We had fun, Shamrock ran out of shotgun shells, I thought she was giving up and coming for a hug when she pinched a shell and finished out our run! Great sportsmanship, great friend and good fun!

 

Oklahoma Dee took out the men's shootout and so we went head to head. No backing off, he had a slight hitch with rifle and I left one plate up to be reengaged. Down to the wire we were both on pistols same time and with only one shotgun shell left myself, I carefully loaded and he just got me! Lol! Was a great run, a gentleman I respect greatly.

 

The banquet Saturday night for awards was well put together. Tumbleweed was the MC under the guide of Match Director, Hot Lead Lefty assisted by Josie Grace Underfire with all the plaques, buckles etc. A fabulous job done by all. Thanks for asking me to help with costume contest!

There were 26 clean matches out of approx 190 shooters. A white longhorn pin and a towel were given for that. Congratulations to all winners, Regional Champions and placers in category!

Elderstatesman category – 1st and Regional Champion Purly, 2nd Max Payne, 3rd Jackaroo, 4th Knot Hardly Dunn

Lady Wrangler category – 1st Kathouse Kelli

Congratulations to SE Regional Champions, Sidekick and Dodge City Dixie. The overall champions for the match, Slick McClade and Dodge City Dixie!! Well done!

It was great to catch up with so many more wonderful cowboys and cowgirls we have come to know over the years.

 

To put a dampener on the evening, some idiots decided to break into a couple of vehicles in the car park. Taking leather rigs, saddle bags, ripping out a dash for a radio. Just wrong!! Grrrrr!

Thanks to all the hardworking folks of the Memphis Gunslingers, their assistants etc. Another fabulous match, Jack and I thank you.

Kat xo

 

It’s What You Do In Valley View

Posted on by kathousekelli70

As Jack and I left Lockhart yesterday and headed back to Oklahoma, we made a quick stop in a little place called Valley View, Texas – not far before you get to Gainesville.

I had seen a billboard advertising Rustic Ranch – home decor, furniture etc and has a cowboy bronc on it. So of course it has to be cowboy/western furniture and other goodies I think.

We headed off the exit to take a quick peek inside only to find the store was shut on a Monday. Dang it. They missed out on a sale as I spied their wares through the store window.

Across the tiny square (most old townships have a square where the original settlement was made and the centre usually holds the courthouse or park) we do however find ‘Whiskey Hollow‘ a small distillery!

Well you know Jack and I, who can resist happening across a tiny place like this and not going in to check out their distillery and a quick sample of their moonshine.

Generations have carried on this practice and currently four Beasley gents run it. It has been its current location, I thought he said, 4 years – maybe its 40. They have won gold medals for their Best Texas Bourbon!

We tried 4 shots for $5 (shared) – Firehouse – a cinnamon moonshine and mighty fine!, Texas Gold – one of their bourbon’s, Apple Pie – self explanatory, good moonshine, and last but not least Pirates Brew – an odd blackberry, aniseed moonshine – only way to describe it. Tasty and it was the winner to come back with us in a quart jar.

Valley View was also home to Captain Lee. And here we thought it was just our Okie friend’s alias here. Captain L. W. Lee and his wife Mary came from Missouri and settled in this area thus becoming Valley View from the grass prairie atop an outlook to a valley below.

Onwards from here and Jack looked for a stop in Gainesville. We have been through and stopped for coffee many a time here but have never taken in the Medal of Honor Park. A thoughtful well looked after memorial to vets from many campaigns.

Back on the road and we head into Purcell, Oklahoma to check out Butler Antiques which are housed in the old 1895 Love Hotel. Wow, what a collection of things they have! the ground floor and first floor refurbished original hotel rooms house so many antiques often coordinated in their rooms. Your eyes just don’t know where to look.

Picked up an old pair of spurs and a vintage postcard. Could have bought heaps more!

We spent a couple hours in Moore with Bois d’Arc and Tacky Jackie before finally arriving back to unpack and get ready to do it all again tomorrow!

Thats how we roll!

Kat xo

What’s In A Week

Posted on by kathousekelli70

That really depends on how much you can fit in now doesn't it?!

It's been full on as we prepare for selling and shipping but you can always find time for dining with friends, sewing, playing pool, shooting and much more.

Last Friday we were at Bricktown Brewery with Missouri Mae, Flat Top and Roy's Creek Dan, picking up gear, lunching and trying the local brews. Neon Sunshine, a Witbeir style beer from Stonecloud Brewing and Anthem Arjuna, a Belgian style wheat ale from Anthem Brewing Company – both Oklahoma brewed, proud and strong.

Absolutely love the atmosphere of this place and the decor – good ideas for our brew place later on! 😉

 

Saturday morning rolls around and Jack is trying to fix the kitchen tap, I come up with a brilliant idea to help get the thing apart (it's calcified from the water and isn't budging). Taking one exercise band – yes with eyes rolling, was not the smartest idea after the fact but you can see where this is going – wrap around said tap and pull as Jack taps with the hammer. Now at this point a tiny voice in my head is saying 'ease off with the strength sunshine' but before the conscious mind kicks in, off comes the tap, whacks me in the hand and so we have a hole requiring a couple of stitches. Enough said.

 

Sewing takes place, culling and a couple house showings in between we arrive at Wednesday.

Jack and I head to the range for some practice, things are pretty interesting with a hand taped up but we had a good morning.

 

Another house showing that evening so we head up to the pool hall, it's quite, the beer is cheap, the pizza good and 7 games later I'm up 4-3. A good night and back for a tot of moonshine and talk to my Rori boy.

 

Finish the sewing but can't show you this one yet. A drive by the dog at the vet's – he gets dressed up in all sorts of gear depending on the holiday or season and this time he is a spider! Fall is rolling in with the gorgeous changing of the leaves.

 

That's how we roll in a full week. Should have been at Branson this weekend but the weather here is glorious and I'm hearing it hasn't been that kind for the shooters there! All the best to those who attended.

Hope you're having a great weekend wherever you may be!

Kat xo

P.S. We did get the tap fixed! Lol!

 

The Regulators Reckoning

Posted on by kathousekelli70

The 2018 TN State Championship, hosted by the Wartrace Regulators went off with a bang!

We were blessed with perfect sunshine Friday first day of main match and an overcast pleasant Saturday for the second.

Ten stages with a good mix of movement, choice and action. We commend them again, on another great match!

The range of course was perfectly decorated with its potted 'Mum's', window treatments and little extras on the stage props. I could tell Dodge City Dixie had her hand in this with her sewing and embroidery skills making an appearance here and there.

We had a great posse, with our Posse Marshal's Reno Mustang and Dodge City Dixie, we filled it out with Bama Cowboy, Suttie, Pickpocket Kate, Buford Tanner, Marshal Rico, Scrub Oak Willie, Garnet Gal, Dirty Nerdy, Brada Tat Tat, Boben Weev, Miss Weev, Lacy V. Wildfire, Yellowstone, Dancin' Duelist, Potshot Parker, Jackaroo and myself.

Was a good time had by all, plenty of laughs, cheering, and jobs on the line were hard to find. That's when you know you have a great working posse. Great shooting with y'all! 🙂

The Bell Buckle Banquet Hall is a spectacular little hidden away gem – why we have not gone into Bell Buckle before is beyond me and now we have not had the opportunity to check out their famous cafe and little shops in a cowboy town sort of setting.

The Banquet hall was decked out with covered chairs, tables with cowboy decoration, lanterns with mini fairy lights, chandeliers, blue enamel plates and cups, has a stage for presentations and separate area for the dinner service. I was suitably impressed.

 

Three new Jedi Gunfighters were inducted – Waimea, Brada Tat Tat and Appalucy. Congratulations gunfighter shooting legends!

I won Best Dressed Cowgirl alongside Best Dressed Cowboy, Count Sandor.

 

There were 41 clean shooters for the match from 204 shooters.

 

Jack faired well, shooting the best match he has shot in a long time and he was clean!! He had some stiff competition at this match but his performance certainly proved him 1st place in Elderstatesman!! Congratulations Purly 2nd, Snake Oil George 3rd, Three Deuce Cowhand 4th and Max Payne 5th. C W Knight was the TN State Champion.

 

I placed 1st in Lady Wrangler with Pickpocket Kate 2nd. Congratulations Kate was nice to shoot with you on our posse.

 

This year's TN State overall champions are Blackfish Kid and Dodge City Dixie.

 

A huge congratulations to Mens Overall – Prestidgitator and Ladies Overall – Dodge City Dixie. Well played, great match this weekend Dixie, great to watch you shoot again, you deserved it!

 

Thank you Wartrace Regulators, we had a great weekend catching up with so many cowgirls and cowboys again.

Kat xo

Click on the link above to check scores and the club itself.

 

Chisholm Trail 2018

Posted on by kathousekelli70

What a sensational week!

We arrived in Millmerran (well actually Captains Mountain), QLD for a weeks worth of shooting, catching up with cowboys, cowgirls and partying.

Monday afternoon we headed down to check out the new ranges and see if we could assist in any way. Whilst Jack spent time down on the range, I unpacked, organised and commenced socialising.

The cabins are great and there are a heap of people arriving for camping. In to the tavern for dinner that evening with Chuck and Pearl Starr, meeting a new cowboy action shooter that has just moved to the area. We wished him all the best and hope they get to the range real soon.

Tuesday and Pearl and I headed to the office to assist Flipper where we could with getting packs finished and registering people as they came in. This followed with Butterscotch Schnapps into the ‘early’ evening and a very quick trip to bed.

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Had a blast with Clancy and Pearl Starr amongst others.

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Wednesday – Pat Garrett match began early followed up with the ‘Cowgirls with Calibres’ coaching clinic, held by myself, Clancy and Pearl Starr. With 20 lady shooters from juniors to the more mature, we spent the afternoon giving them some tips on technique, transitions and critiquing. Pearl, Clancy and I take the opportunity to thank all the ladies for attending and we hope you enjoyed the clinic and got much from it. We already have half the class full for next year’s one!

Thursday – Warm Up match followed by speed events and then the Flamingo Sista’s (not to be confused with Flamenco) came out for a visit. Mary-Lou La ChaCha (aka Mary-Lou June) and Mary-Lou LaBamba (aka Mary-Lou July) hit the camp stomping in their flamenco style with pink, pineapples, flamingo’s and all!

 

Friday – With a great kick off with the opening ceremony, Bill The Kid and Barb Wire were presented with gold watches for 20 years of service to Chisholm Trail. Their dedication across the years for assisting Virgil Earp and Alvira Sullivan Earp and now the friends of Chisholm has not gone unnoticed. We all appreciate the work and effort you have tirelessly given to all the shooters over the years.

The opening was completed with Corporal Argan and his bugle skills! He also gave us our early morning wake up calls with either the bugle or trumpet performances. You Sir, are a gem and we enjoyed it immensely! First day of main match is under way and 6 stages is a huge undertaking, finishing around 3.30pm.

Saturday – First thing this morning the LOCAS (Ladies of Cowboy Action Shooting) gather for a group photo and we think we have most everyone. 8.30am and its get moving to your assigned posse for the 2nd day of main match.

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Today we are on the “beach”! The new top 4 ranges are extremely hard going and the stages are full of movement, so it was somewhat survival of the fittest to get through these ones. We had perfect, warm weather for the entire match with just a light shower on the Monday evening. So no actual relief but what more could you want!!!! Would take a hot day any time over a rainy shoot day.

We had awesome posse’s 11 & 12 – Slap Happy, Henry Sharps, Jackhammer, Little Ditty, Bob Younger, Jim Younger, Pistol Dawn, Capt. J C Jackson and his wife Miss Kitty, Rooquero, Chic Chic Boom, Hoss Rustler, Marshal Jack Malone, Sidewinder, Kitty Pearl, Johnny Behan, Sam McGee, Deslaredo, Sambucca Kid, Lonestar, Amazed, Carter Moss, Mister Longcolt, Sassy Lilly, Dr Death, Buck n Bull, T Bone Trev, Deputy Dude, Weasel, DJ, Wonderinghans, Ugly, Halliday Kid, Jack and myself.

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Saturday evening was time for shindig. Almost all the cowboys and cowgirls in attendance for Chisholm Trail invitation/SSAA Australian Nationals were there for the evenings festivities. The first Cowgirl of Honor awards for LOCAS in Australia was held and then dancing, partying ensued with the announcement of the top 16 mens (Henry Sharps, Chuck, R C Shot, Deadwood Gunslinger, Mungo, Drop Bear, Bat Masterson, Bindi, Hoss Rustler, Trooper, Red Morgan, Frank James, John Slocum, Rooquero, Mad Dog Tannen (replaced by 1st alternate Ricochet aka Jackaroo), Painted Mohawk) and top 8 ladies (Clancy, Amazing Grace aka me, Pearl Starr, Lucky Strike Lass, Harley Quinn, Lil’ Backfire, Miss Chevious, Meggs).

Sunday – Shootout! The best of the best go head to head in the shootout and when all is said and done Henry Sharps finishes on top for the men and myself for the ladies. The beach does not offer any relief and we are digging in heaps. Pity I hadn’t shot like this the whole weekend!!!

The awards were had and Ricochet aka Jackaroo finished 2nd in Silver Senior. Congratulations to Painted Mohawk, 1st and 3rd, Pistol Peter. Jack was a Posse Deputy also and received a fantastic hip flask in memory of the shoot and for his assistance.

I finished 1st in Ladies Traditional Lever for Pat Garrett, 1st in Lady Wrangler, and won the shootout.  Congratulations to the other Pat Garrett ladies!

To my fellow Lady Wranglers, Lucky Strike Lass in 2nd place and in 3rd, Amazed. Pearl Starr, myself, Clancy and Lonesome Dove also received these fabulous wine glasses in recognition of our contribution to the sport and for that I would like to make a special thanks to Kat Balloo and Whiskey Rae.

I would say this would be my worst match in 3 years, however not one to let things get the better of me, it is time to regroup and get refocused. I accept with grace and honor.

To the overall top man Henry Sharps and top lady, Clancy, we congratulate you both on a superb job. Clanc, as I’ve said, the best cowgirl on the day showed up. You have worked hard to get back to top form, congratulations!

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Hope you all had a superb Chisholm Trail/SSAA Australian Nationals. There were many who were visiting for the very first time and I sincerely hope it was a match you could be proud of your performance. Jack and I look forward to seeing many again next year!

See you on the trail somewhere!

Cheers

Kat xo

Thanks to Still Memories Photography and to Susan Jacobs Photography for many, many great photos taken over the weekend for all the shooters! Your work is appreciated!

 

Laramie, WY Part 1

Posted on by kathousekelli70

On Wednesday, 4th, Jack took me to Laramie for my birthday. We hadn't been out here before so it was another new place for exploration.

As we travelled further North into Wyoming we made a stop at the Ames Monument.

President Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 but it was not until a few years later after slow progress of the Union Pacific, commissioning of Oakes Ames to head the railway project took place.

Oakes Ames was known for taking on difficult projects and he and his brother Oliver contributed significant funds for that time period to head the Transcontinental Railroad project.

The Ames Monument is a memorial to the brothers and was built near the highest point of elevation (8247 feet) on the Transcontinental Railroad in 1882.

 

It is known as the pyramid of the plains as its granite construction resembles the rocky outcrops in the background. It has two relief pieces resembling the brothers and is 60ft wide at the base, rising 60ft into the blue sky.

 

Travelling along the Lincoln Highway (US30 and I-80) we made a stop at the rest area and information centre. There is a memorial to Henry Bourne Joy, first president of the Lincoln Highway Association (1913) and president of the Packard Motor Car Company. He was called the father of the nation's modern highway system.

 

Here at the rest area is the memorial stone for Henry B. Joy and a monument commemorating Abraham Lincoln's 150th birthday. The bronze statue of Lincoln's head weighs 4,500 pounds and is 13.5ft tall sitting aloft its hollow granite base. It is situated at the highest point along the I-80 at its highest point of elevation 8640ft.

 

We headed on into Laramie and found the Historic Ivinson Mansion. We were met inside the garden gate by two young girls who directed us to the carriage house to organise tour tickets.

 

Kaydence and Alicia, both Grade 7 honour students (going into Grade 8) are among a number of students up to Grade 10 who through history lessons etc have learned or are learning the history of the Ivinson Mansion and all its wonders, antiques and stories. They then host the tours of the mansion.

So off we set with Kaydence and Alicia for our tour. The Mansion was owned by Edward Ivinson, a banker, he owned the First Interstate Bank and contributed to a hotel in the area. He and his wife Jane and adopted daughter(?) lived and entertained many in this gorgeous home.

 

It was one of the first to have electricity, indoor plumbing and heating.

After his wife died, Edward left the home and gave it up for a girls boarding house. The boarding house was used for girls from outlying ranch's. After the boarding house period it was left abandoned for a period of time and was later saved from being turned into a parking lot and restoration began.

Some pieces were stolen from the house and some have been returned, like the original front door knob fittings. Some window sections were missing or smashed and pieces have been recreated to complete the original appearance.

 

The entrance, floating staircase, rooms are absolutely stunning. The foyer and entry light fixtures are the only two original to the mansion. There is a section in the kitchen that shows the differing layers of wallpapers throughout the time and wallpapers have been recreated to fit to as far back as they could see a legible print on the walls.

 

In the drawing room the fireplace is original but the mantle is not. The fireplace and mantle in the dining room however, are original to the house. A few tiles were missing from the dining room one but spares were actually found in the basement.

 

The front parlour has a beautiful piece of furniture, a liquor cabinet handcrafted by John Hjorth. A Swedish architect and master wood carver he was prisoner #458 at the nearby Territorial Prison. Hjorth was imprisoned for forging a $25 check (cheque) and spent much of his time carving and making beautiful pieces of furniture with mythical creatures and detail. There are 17 pieces of his furniture on this first floor.

In the drawing room is a record player owned by Melville C Brown. Brown was mayor for a short period of time when outlaws ran rampant through the time. A group of vigilantes took over the lawless town with some outlaws joining the vigilantes to avoid being hung.

The library holds an original desk from the bank and was used during the boarding school period.

 

The dining room is exquisitely displayed with Jane Ivinsons dinner setting and original napkin rings that were gifted them with the Ivinson initials. I love the knife rests etc. Inside a special case is a cut crystal punch bowl set, said to be one of 12 owned by the Ivinson's.

 

The butlers pantry windows are original to the home as is the punch bowl and pitcher on top of the cabinet, a replica has been recreated so the others are not damaged.

 

The kitchen although without its original fire stove has original squeaking floorboards, clock work spice rack that locked down of a night time.

 

There is a dumb waiter in the hallway and was actually electric.

Upstairs you find the the dormitory room and maids room. She was very important to Jane and even had her own bathroom however, shared with visiting guests.

The Ivinson Mansion is an exquisite piece of restored history and was an enjoyable tour by two fine young ladies. A quick look inside the small school building and we headed off for lunch and the Territorial Prison.

Kat xo

 

Stampede At South River

Posted on by kathousekelli70

This year The South River Shootists hosted the 2018 SASS Georgia State Championship – Rooster Cogburn and the Lady.

The South River Gun Club in Covington, Georgia is a fabulous facility for multiple shooting sports, a club house and great amenities. It was nice to meet Len (president of the club) and Dun Gamblin' as they roamed the range during the weekend.

The cowboy range is spectacular. Tree lined berms, shade structures, umbrellas on unloading tables, shade over loading tables. The facades were all done with Rooster and Eula, throw in the odd horse, nitro box, wagon etc. Every range has fine gravel base and the paths down to the ranges are all asphalt making for a pleasant guncart expedition.

The weather cooperated (who'd have thought!?!?) and other than a fine misty shower or two it held out for the whole match!!

Thursday we shot 4 stages of Wild Bunch Posse'd with Cardboard Cowboy, Foxy Filly, Bo Dacious, Doc Kemm, Doc Who, Knot Hardly Dunn, Shamrock Sadie, Three Gun Lady, Silver Pistols, Slippery Stew, Doc Southerly, Kontankerous Tee, Rolan Kraps, and Schofield Twin. We then went our separate ways with Jack doing 6 stages of Black Powder while I spent the afternoon doing warm up stages. A big thank you to Reno Mustang and Dodge City Dixie for letting me rest my guns in your guncart!

 

That night Georgia Gypsy and Pale Ale Rider invited us into their home. Along with some other cowboy's and cowgirl's we enjoyed some great German food by Chef Gypsy. (she is an actual chef!) We thank you both for your fabulous hospitality.

Friday and we are into the main match with 6 stages today followed up with ice cream social, couples and team shoot. A great day, a few fumbles, a miss for each of us but tomorrow's another day as we say. Great Posse, everyone worked, some newer shooters as well – Jack and I, Shamrock Sadie, Knot Hardly Dunn, Double Tap, No Limit, Mt Zion Gypsie, Mt Zion Yellowboy, Maverick Fitzpatrick, Tucker T Fudpucker, Fancy Fillie, Buckshot Collins, Hambone Hannah, Doc Kemm, Doc Who, Dollar Down, Gatlin Glennie and Ranger Law.

 

Saturday comes around and we have the final 4 to do. With that out of the way we had lunch and headed down for the shoot off. An 'anyone can enter' shoot off, Shamrock Sadie and I decided to join the Open category ie: we shot wih the men and if we both hadn't fumbled with shotgun reloads we would have made it past our first rounds!

 

Good fun and it freed up the other ladies to enjoy a shootout. Congratulations to Sue Render and Red River Ray for winning the shootout!!

Back to the motel and it's time to get ready for the banquet and awards. The banquet was held at the Georgia International Horsepark in the Carriage Room. What a beautiful facility with a gorgeous rose garden, bridge, pond and a summer house/pergola – perfect for the LOCAS picture.

 

Had the opportunity to enter the costume contest this time wearing my silver and purple saloon outfit I won first place. Congratulations to all the other winners and spectacular costumes!

 

The banquet had a full service bar and staff attending to a beautiful buffet dinner. The food was amazing.

Into the awards and the match hosts certainly go all out with their awards, prize draws etc. Jack and I won the couples shoot. A buckle with a timber insert laser engraved with the logo etc.

Wild Bunch – I managed a clean match and was the only one who did. haa haa haa cracked me up! So a neat clean match pin, I won Ladies Traditional and Ladies Overall. Jack won Senior Modern, well done man!

 

Black Powder – Jack's rifle played up on the final stage of Wild Bunch which turned out to being a lost firing pin. He went to use the rifle on his first stage of the Black Powder match (thankfully rifle was first) and it wouldn't do anything. Believe it or not he found the pin up on the stage where he last shot for Wild Bunch too. As is the cowboy way, another shooter then says 'here, use mine, here is some ammo' and Jack is able to continue to shoot. Thank you Palmetto Traveller for loaning Jack your rifle. Jack placed 3rd in Senior.

Main Match – Jack finished a credible 2nd place in Senior category! Congratulations to Double Nickle 1st place, Mustang Dave 3rd place, Rooster Ray 4th place and Georgia State Champion and 5th place, Dungannon Gunner! Congrats gents.

 

I won Lady Wrangler with congratulations going to Georgia State Champion and 2nd Place Dixie Pistols, 3rd place Alchemist Belle, 4th place Cotton Tail, 5th place Pinky Pistols! Congrats ladies.

 

Congratulations to Georgia State overall men's Christian Mortician and Maggie Darlin' over all ladies. Christian Mortician and myself men's and ladies overall match champions!

 

The Top 20 also received a pin – for me, 14th overall.

Thank you again to all involved with the match, volunteers, sponsors to the match, etc. Stampede at South River was a great match and I would recommend it to anyone! It's a must do match!

Kat xo