Professional Documents
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Front Cover
N T
CALICO'S BOTTLE HOUSE
E N T S
Desert Staff
2 ORANGE COUNTY FAIR 1985 Desert Staff
4 THRU UTAH'S DIXIE-ZION
NATIONAL PARK Paul Richards
8 SWANSEA, GHOST OF THE
BUCKSKINS DW Grantham
20 A DESERT DWELLER—
THE TORTOISE Desert Staff
22 CALICO, QUEEN OF THE
SILVER CAMPS DW Grantham
30 THE QUARTZSITE POW WOW
1985 Desert Staff
35 THE MAN BEHIND THE MYTH—
GERONIMO William E Kelly
39 NEVADA'S VALLEY OF FIRE Cheryl Watson
43 THE LOST DUTCHMAN MINE
REVISITED - PART I I Dr. David Redd
46 THE DESERT BOOK SHOP Books f o r S a l e
Rear Cover HEDGEHOG CACTUS IN BLOOM DW Grantham
DESERT MAGAZINE (USPS 535230) i s published six times per year. Second
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a nice day.
Thru Utal^s
Zion National
Park
by Paul Richards
A Towering Monolith of Zbn
Our next trip through Utah's Dixie give us any factual information. But A portion of the area was set aside as
country took us east of St. George, we were able to definitely determine Mukuntuweap National Monument by
the county seat, and into the canyon that it is absolutely delicious. Bumble presidential order in 1909. Nine years
country known as Zion National berry jelly is also available. later, the Monument was enlarged
Park. Leaving downtown St. George, and its name changed to Zion
we entered the Interstate Highway Zion Canyon was first explored in National Monument. In 1919, by act
and proceeded north. In a few miles, 1858 by Nephi Johnson, a Mormon of Congress, its status was changed to
we exited the freeway and proceeded Pioneer. Three years later, in 1861, that of a national park. It has since
east across the Utah Hills Country. In Joseph Black led a group of settlers been enlarged in area.
the distance, a town appeared. It was into the valley and canyon, where
Hurricane, a neat appearing Southern they settled. Soon the walls of Zion Many of the features in Zion
Utah community and a junction witnessed the growing of crops and National Park have names with a
point for those heading to the south raising of cattle. In 1872, Major John religious signifance. The tradition of
to the North Rim of the Grand W. Powell visited the canyon and this style of naming was started by a
Canyon. In quick succession, we applied Indian names to some of the Methodist minister who visited the
passed through La Verkin (check the features, such as MUKUNTUWEAP to area in 1916. He was overwhelmed
local fruit stands), and a group of Zion Canyon and PARUNUWEAP to by the beauty of the canyons and
small communities such as Virgin and the East fork canyon of the Virgin immediatley started assigning names
Rockville. River. The local Indians, Paiutes, with a religious tone, such as the
refused to enter the canyon, and Great White Throne and the Three
Just before reaching the entrance to particularly the Narrows, as they
Zion National Park, we entered the Patriarchs. Thsi established a tradition
believed it was a place where evil that continues today. It is interesting
town of Springdale. In town, we spirits resided. This belief was most
found a place with the name Bumble to note that at one time Brigham
appreciated by the Mormon settlers Young, the great Mormon leader, told
Berry Inn. With a name like that, we as it eleminated the threat of Indian
had to stop. The speciality of the his settlers that this area was not
attack. Strangely enough, the canyon Zion (in the true religious meaning),
house is Bumble Berry Pie with ice was inhabitated by Indians hundreds
cream. The bumble berry is a secret so, for a while, the local residents
of years before this time. called it "Not Zion".
and we could not get the owner to
Zbn Canyon's Sandstone Cliffs
Checkerboard Mesa
Virgin River near the Narrows
smmmering Cliffs behind Springdale
by D. W. Grantham
Today, many of the desert areas of staked claims all over the area and The copper mining industry
the Great American Southwest are many prospect holes were dug. The suffered from several problems, that
considered barren, inhospitable, and advent of steamboat transportation of a fluctuating market price of the
uninhabitable. But not always. From on the Colorado River produd a metal, based on eastern markets, and
the 1850's through the years of the reduction in freight rates to the hostile Indians. Late in 1867, and
Great Depression, many of these processing center at San Francisco, early 1868, the industry was rocked
areas hummed with mining activity. California which made the district by both problems at once. Hostile
Fortunes were made, towns built, more attractive to Miners as Yavapai Indians raided the area,
which became islands of settlement transportation by horse drawn wagon stealing mules and provisions, and
clustered about the mines, railroads was very expensive and time killing isolated prospectors, while
c o n s t r u c t e d , and speculators consuming. It was said that the copper prices, once high due to
speculated. Isolated mining districts, richness of the ore from the Planet demands of the Civil War, fell, the
once advertised and promoted, burst mine, some assaying as high as 60% result being a near termination of
into the limelight, temporarily filling copper, left Ryland with a profit of work in the mines. Only the hardy
the columns of newspapers and $100 per ton. And this was after and experienced stayed, and only a
mining journals, then fading into the mining the ore, shipping it by wagon few claims continued to produce.
sunset as the high grade ore or to the Colorado River, loadig it on a Some 15 years later, a San Francisco
outcrops proved to be shallow or less steamboat, freightig it around Baja California firm, the Mathilda Mining
valuable than first imagined. Several California, and up to San Francisco, Company, erected a new water jacket
of these overpromoted, much and then smelting it. furnace and tried to smelt the Planet
publicized mining developments Mine ores locally. After a year of
occurred in the copper industry in Investors in the big cities unprofitable operations, the company
Arizona. One was at Ray, a purchased claims in the area, called it quits and abandoned their
development that went on to attain including the Planet Mine, organized project.
economic success with different stock companies, and one, the Grand
management. Another was at Central Mining Company, erected a
Swansea, in Western Arizona. For a Despite the cessation of most
smelter costing $100,000 at the activity, prospecting in the Bill
few moments, let us return to those Colorado River landing of Aubrey.
days of great excitement and mining Williams River country continued,
Peak activity occurred in 1867 when albeit on a lesser scale. In 1874,
activity, with a look at Swansea, its the Springfield, Grand Central, and
development and demise. Jackson McCrackin discovered a silver
Planet mines produced 1,156 tons of outcrop and named it the McCrackin
20% to 60% copper ore. A reported lode. There was a small rush to the
In the 1860's, there was a lot of 500 miners of various nationalities district. He named his camp Signal
activity in the area known as Empire worked in the mines of the district. and it soon became a supply center
Flats and the Bill Williams River. The Bill Williams Fork area was for prospectors in the area. Silver
Miners here had followed the path of pronounced the most profitable chlorides were mined there until
Richard Ryland, who discovered the copper center in the Western United 1879.
very rich Planet Mine in 1862. They States.
8
.
; — » > '•«
In 1886, John W. Johnson, a During the 1880's and 1890's, group. Because of the isolated
veteran desert prospector, left Signal copper mining in Arizona Territory location of the claims, Johnson
for a prospecting trip south of the grew from small isolated operations completed only the annual required
Bill Williams River. On March 28, to a large scale profitable business. assessment work on the claims for
1886, he and his two partners, John Undeveloped copper claims were the next 9 years.
H. West and Patrick Halpin selling for small fortunes. Many a
discovered an outcrop of silver-lead d o l l a r changed hands in the Then, in 1904, the Arizona and
ore to the west of a hill they called C l i f t o n - M o r e n c i , M i a m i , Globe, California Railroad, a subsidiary of
Black Butte. They quickly filed a Jerome, Ray, and Winkleman areas. the Santa Fe Railway, began
location notice on the "Ruby Silver" After years of searching for gold and construction of a line to run west
claim in the new Black Butte Mining silver, Johnson reconsidered the from Wickenburg to a crossing of the
District, which was to later become prospects of copper as a profitable Colorado River at Parker and a
the site f Swansea. The Ruby Silver metal and, in 1896, returned to the connection w i t h the Santa Fe
claim, like other copper mines in the mineral outcrops beneath Black mainline to Los Angeles. The
area, proved to have a rich but Butte. Along with two new partners, projected railroad would pass only 25
shallow layer of silver-lead ore over a James Rosborough and Henry Slicter, miles south of the Bill Williams Fork
deposit of copper. After digging he relocated the Silver Ruby claim as Mines and thus attracted prospectors,
down a few feet, Johnson and his the Copper Prince and filed other speculators, investors, promoters, and
partners' silver mine turned into a claims in the area. Since the partners many other persons to what was
copper mine and they abandoned it were from the camp of Signal, they called "the new copper country."
as (then) worthless. nicknamed their claims the Signal Johnson found promoters knocking
TOP: Swansea Mill under construction circa 1910
10
Greene. Mitchell also poured other
peoples money into various Mexican
mining ventures and schemes. Most of
these left the stockholders poorer and
Mitchell richer. In 1907, he had just
finished his latest venture, walking
away from the overpromoted,
g r e a t l y e x a g g e r a t e d , and
underdeveloped Mitchell Mining
Company of Mexico, with over
$200,000 of the stockholders money.
News of his unethical and unsound
investment tactics had yet to follow
him while his reputation as a
successful smelter man and creator of
great fortunes stayed with him.
Carrigan approached Mitchell and
asked for help. As he had no current
project, Mitchell was only too glad to
agree to help.
11
I
Residents and Employees at Swansea, 1910. Note the Electric Light on the pole.
the other could be built. A four mile warehouses, mining facilities, an Oscar Fanyau was elected a vice
water line was to be constructed electric plant, water works, saloons, president of the Clara Company,
from the Bill Williams River to the and even a motion picture house. replacing T.J. Carrigan, who moved
new town of Swansea, named after Mitchell built a large two story to Venice, California and invested in
Mitchell's birthplace. More work on house, hotel, and office on a knoll Southern Californian real estate.
the shafts had to be done. And the within sight of the mine. He even had
company needed an inexpensive palm trees brought in and planted With this newly received infusion
method of transportation to get its around his home. of funds, Mitchell managed to
ore to market, thus a railroad was complete the new railroad. On
required. Unable to interest the Santa In December of 1909, a group of February 23, 1910, the first train
Fe in constructing one from Bouse, the French shareowners, led by Oscar arrived in Swansea, carrying none
the company undertook to construct Fanyau arrived in Swansea. They other than George Mitchell and his
its own, a twenty-one mile line; The were treated to a tour of the f a m i l y . An adobe depot was
Arizona and Swansea Railroad. uncompleted mining works, the town constructed in Swansea. The railroad
and the incomplete railroad. During was to run on an intermittent basis
During the year of 1909, Swansea the tour, Mitchell pressed for more for 20 or so years, according to the
was a busy place. Workers were busy money to finish what had been fortunes of the mine. An electric
b u i l d i n g stores, boarding houses, started. He got it. To repay a debt, railway connected the railroad with
the mines.
12
On May 2, 1910, Harry Mitchell coupled with reckless stock selling $60,000 reverberatory furnace was
(brother of George) lit the fires and and the foolish construction of installed and smelter capacity
blew-in the smelter furnace. After surface works (smelter, etc.) before increased to 1,000 tons. A new ore
pouring out the first copper, George the development of enough ore to body was tapped and a new system
Mitchell sent a wire to Los Angeles keep them busy." of mining was started, called slicing
and the investors in Europe that and caving. The ore averaged 3.5%
read: "Started furnace this morning Periodic operations continued until copper sulphide. A new shaft, the
without a hitch and everything there were no funds left with which number 7, was sunk.
running smoothly. Turning out matte to pay the miners. Repeated attempts
at the rate of fifty tons per to obtain additional funds from the During 1913, copper prices began
twenty-four hours." The basis of this E u r o p e a n investors were not to drop and reached 13 cents at the
claim is unknown, but one must successful. Mitchell negotiated with end of the year. Profits soon became
wonder if this was the rated capacity Fanyau and his associates about losses, bills were not paid, and the
of the smelter or someone's fantasy. buying him out. During these new c o m p a n y e n d e d up in
Swansea was immediately proclaimed negotiations, the miners at the Clara bankruptcy. Oscar M. Souden was
as the "fifth" center of copper Consolidated filed a lien for wages appointed as receiver. His task was
production in Arizona, with only due them. The company was brought complicated by the beginning of what
Douglas, Jerome, Globe, and into bankruptcy proceedings and all w o u l d become World War I.
Clifton-Morenci having a greater activity at the mine stopped. At Communications were cut off with
production capacity. Swansea, miners were given $25 ($50 the European stockholders and many
to married men) and free railroad of them killed during the hostilities.
However, the winds of change were transportation to Bouse. Mining Oscar Fanyau was one of those
operations ground to an immediate killed.
in the offing. In September of 1910,
halt. It appeared that mining at
Swansea was visited by a geologist
Swansea was history. Souden granted a lease on the
from the United States Geological
Service. He was sent there to compile There was still to be life in mines to a Judge W.J. Thomas of Los
a report on this fabulous mining Swansea, however. Oscar Fanyau and Angeles, California. Unfortunately,
district. He inspected the mine, mill, his associates sent some engineers Judge Thomas died before he could
and did observe a large body of over to see what the possibilities of begin work on the mine. His
copper sulphides, assaying about 4.5% reopening the mine were. Together superintendent, Ernest C. Lane,
on the average. The huge smelter was with the Schutte brothers of operated the mines for the Judge's
impressive. But the mine equipment, Amsterdam, they put together a estate. There was a crew of 50 who
small gasoline and steam powered syndicate to reopen the Clara worked to produce about 4,000 tons
hoists, and the shallowness of the Consolidated. Their new company, of ore per month. The richer ore was
shafts left him without favorable The Swansea Consolidated Gold and separated and sent to custom
comment. In short, he believed that Copper Mining Company, traded its smelters. By the time the lease
too much money had been spent shares for those of the bankrupt expired, Lane had mined nearly a
building a smelter and not enough on Clara and paid off $280,000 of the million dollars worth of copper.
opening the mines. His observations debt of the Clara. A Paris engineer, T h e receiver, Souden, was
proved out when the smelter sat idle Camille Clerc was sent over to act as impressed. He kept Lane in charge at
or operated at less than half of its superintendent of the new operation. Swansea and in four months saw
capacity during most of its existence. Swansea was again active. $215,000 worth of ore shipped to
the smelter. Lane made the mistake
The production costs at the Clara R e g r e t f u l l y , t h e Swansea of asking for funds to sink another
were about 15 cents per pound. The Consolidated followed the pattern shaft. The receiver, even though he
only problem was that copper was established by Mitchell and his Clara was making money, denied the
selling at 12 cents per pound, or a Consolidated in increasing the request and asked for bids for a lease
loss of 3 cents per pound. And there capacity of the smelter without a of the mines. Much to his surprise, he
was a severe lack of ore on the similar increase in the ore production received several, including ones from
ground to supply the smelter. The facilities and going into debt. A the Guggenheims, Phelps-Dodge and
Clara C.G. & C.M.C. and George general rise in the price of copper to Senator Clark of the United Verde.
Mitchell were sinking fast and he 16 cents per pound in 1912 enabled All had anticipated the need for
knew it. The lack of ore production, the Swansea Consolidated to make a copper for the war and realized the
machinery " b r e a k d o w n s " and profit for 1912 and 1913, when they potential for profit.
announcements of ore discoveries produced around one million pounds
without ore production soon were of copper worth approximately
seen as mere excuses for more serious Souden entered into a ten year
$160,000. lease with Senator Clark for a
problems. In one of the mining
handbooks, Swansea was described as reported $5,000,000 (unfortunately
S w a n s e a ' s population grew, to be paid only from profits), plus
"an example of enthusiasm run wild, reaching an estimated 1,000. A new the installation of a 1,000 foot deep
13
shaft and payment of all remaining
debts of the Swansea Consolidated. A
new company, the Swansea Lease,
Inc. was formed to operate the mine.
Ernest Lane was retained as
superintendent. During the next
several years, the mining company
managed to ship from 300 to 400
tons of ore daily to smelters at
Humboldt, Sasco (near Tucson) and
Clarkdale.
16
SWANSEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Ernest C. Lane returned to attempt
8WA.N8EA COPPER MlNK
YUMA COCOTT to reopen the Swansea mines several
BOUSE. ARIZONA. times between 1926 and his passing
(at Swansea) in 1943, with varying
December 1, 1943
degrees of success. The American
Smeltin& Refining Company also
Mr. J. 5. Coupal, Director received a lease on the property in
Department cf Mineral Resources
413 Home Builders Bldg. 1929 and rebuilt much of the camp,
Phoenix, Arizona a new office, and the concentrator,
Dear Mr. Ccupal: just in time for the depression to
cause its closing and failure. After
Your letter of November 25 received regarding the waiting and further attempts at
deferment information you requested. During the past
month we have been doing some underground drilling, '"e reopening the mine, the company
put up four drill holes totaling 240 feet. In each of quit in 1937 and took along with
these holes we drilled thru an ore body indicating a
thickness of from 15 to 20 feet thick. During the past them much of the machinery, the
two weeks we have been working two shifts developing railroad and equipment. The Arizona
this ore body. iYe have completed a 25 foot x-cut and
elao a 25 foot raise to the ore. Ve are'now x-cutting and Swansea as the railroad was
the ore body in preparation for stopeing. '"e are called, applied for abandonment a
encountering considerable ore of shipping grade, and total of 5 times and applied for a
should be able tc ship «t least two cars of 5;s copper
orH per week =s soon as we get the ore body opened up withdrawal of its request for
a little more. Te will stock pile any of the low«r abandonment four times, an Arizona
grade material which v.-e will have to handle.
record.
"7e are emplovin^ six men •,t the present ti~e, and
hope to be ?ble to find two more sea within the near
future. After the death of Ernest C. Lane,
Sr., in 1943, his son, Ernest Lane, Jr.
During cne paat month we have been shipping at the
rate of one car per week. This ore <l»3 averaged o-gi attempted to keep the mine going,
copper. ",'e have been delayed in shipping during the past using the knowledge gained from his
few days as we are having trouble in retting our ore father, but this attempt was not
hauled. Though '.ve hope to over come this delav within
the next few days. successful in the long run. He did
operate the mine for a period of time
There are two ore bodies of fair grade ™hlch can be
opened up with a minimum of development work. Also the and was very knowledgable about the
extension of the ore body we nave JUSE opened up can oe mine. His position at Swansea was
reached onftlo-er level by drifting apprexiirauelv oO threatened for a time by the draft of
feet. Ve will h»v« a better line on this ore as seen ?.9
a iic:j,9 r.ore tvorK .i c.on.6 or. i" JLZ »iCV4. ~'.~-:?"! '"?,"---' World War II, but he was given a
several small hi~h oracle veins wnich I wouxd like CO co deferment. In 1940, the late John
some work on. However, we will not h"ve time to do this
T
>v?rk until a later do1"e. Hilton, a regular contributor to
D E S E R T MAGAZINE, visited
Several d°ys afro I received a deferment form from Swansea and wrote an article about
Eeadouarters Ninth Service Command, Office of Commanding
General, Fort Douglas, Utah. I am completing this i'orm his visit, which was published in our
and will return it within the next day or 50. As my 60 January 1941 issue.
dpy deferment from the Xrmj expires on Jan. 5, 1944.
e V7
Q
hills, loaded down with passengers
bound for the bright lights and
excitement of Bouse.
C.C. Dr. E. Payne Palmer
20
. '" %%
21
CALICO, Queen of
by D. W. Grantham
Frank Mecham was grubstaked by but were too late to stake a claim onj
Sheriff King of San Bernardino the big red vein.
County. He took his uncle, Doc Tom Warden put up an irregular*
Yager and 2 o f Sheriff King's parallelogram monument that later
Deputies, Tom Warden and Hues led to the great mining law calse of-*''
Thomas along as partners. Together, John Doe versus the Waterloo Mining
they left for Grapevine Station. They Company. They named their claim***
left there intending to explore the the Silver King Mine, after Sheriff - •
mountains to the east. His father had King, who had grubstaked them.
told him of a vein of red material in They collected three samples of ore,
the "Calico Hills" north of Fish which assayed at $1.00, $2.00, and
Ponds Station. $8.00 per TON, based on silver at
$ 1 . 2 9 per O U N C E , hardly
They found the vein described by encouraging results.
his father and all got busy putting up
l o c a t i o n monuments. Strangely, The low assay values discouraged
within the hour, other parties arrived, them from doing development work
23
The School House
24 Entrance to the Maggie Mine, Calico's Gloryhole
A building on Main Street before restoration
25
on their claim. Hues Thomas agreed
to return to the claim, but Frank
Mecham was working on drilling a
well (his regular profession) and
could not return. He asked his
brother Charles to go in his place. So
Thomas and Mecham rode up to the
claim, arriving at what they referred
to as the low point. There they
rested and pondered what to do next.
Cemetary at Calico
27
CAFE &
ICE CREAM PARLOR BASKET SHOP
SPICE SHOP
BOTTLE SHOP
MYSTERY SHACK
PRINT / STOR
, SHOP/ /
' LIL'S
SALOON
PHOTO SALON
{ C A L I C O ^ ff
LANE'S ODESSA R.R.
^GENERAL STORE
LANE
f HOUSE
/ NEEDLEP
SHOOTING
GALLERYi
CALICO
HOUSE
RESTAURANT ,. ' -V /
GRANNYS - LEATHER
^ CAMPGROUND
CALICO
CRAFTS
To the rear of the Main Street Calico was said to have between and the miners moved away because
businesses and early residences were 3,000 and 4,000 residents in the mid the price of silver dropped lower and
other houses, pearched at the very 1880's. There were several big mines lower u n t i l it was no longer
brink of the canyon, so close did and many smaller ones. The big profitable to mine. Silver plunged
people crowd to utilize the little level producers were the Silver King, the from $1.31 to around 60 cents per
land available. As the town grew Occidental, the Oriental, Bismark, ounce. Only jewelry rock could be
more and more people located farther Odessa, Waterloo, and Red Jacket. mined at that price, and the days of
out even spilling over onto the flat Over $80 million in silver bullion was jewelry rock at Calico were long
between the original townsite and shipped from the Calico District, with gone. Calico, today, has the
Calico Dry Lake. Others built cabins the Silver King having the lions share, distinction of having sizable silver ore
and leanto's in other canyons estimated at $10 million. reserves, but the cost of processing
surrounding Calico. The Bismark would exceed what the metal could
Mine was three miles away and had a Calico's decline, unlike that of be sold for.
small p o p u l a t i o n center, called many mining camps, did not come
Bismark, but to 9 out of 10 people because the ore bodies were Calico in legend has become
Calico was their home. depleated. Rattier the mills closed another Panamint City to many, but
28
the Calico of the 1880's was a law the move to wreck Chinatown
and order city. It was a community literally melted under the rain of
of hard working miners, merchants, loose iron.
and families. There were plenty of Water Witching
Calico was remarkable for its No Water . . . No Charge
legends of shootings, but only a few
durability. After silver mining had Also, u/e Dowse
can be verified, probably less than for Minerals and Oil
occurred in Los Angeles during the become unprofitable, many of its
same period. True, there were saloons miners kept going with borax. Upper
and open gambling, dance halls and Calico, or Borate, was the nation's CHARLES W
girls, but such is the case everywhere principal borax source in the 1890's. SHAW
in the West of the miners. The camp even boasted railroad
(619) 262-2260
service.
1205 46th St., San Diego, CA 92102
For a number of years before
Calico, the town, was named, the When the borax operations were
district was known as the Calico Hills moved to Death Valley, Calico began
due to the mottled coloring of the to slumber in the desert sun. Several
CLASSIFIED ADS
soil and rocks. There are a number of of the smaller mines were worked on
variations of how the town came to a limited basis. But Calico was never
be named Calico. It was at a deserted. For a time, the Lanes lived
traditional town meeting that it is there. The Cokes worked on a limited WESTERN 8 Latin Americana
said to have been chosen. The names restoration project. Then, in the early Send $1.00 for rare book
of Buena Vista, Calico, Silver Gulch, 1950's, Walter Knott, of Knotts cata logue.
and Silver Canyon were suggested. Berry Farm fame of Buena Park, Jane Zwisohn
purchased the townsite. He drew up 524 Solano Drive NE
One of the participants, a Mr. Albuquerque, New Mex.
Delameter, took it upon himself to plans to restore Calico to her former 87108
write out an application for a post glory. The town was to again live,
office and insert the name of the with stores, displays, exhibits, rides,
requested office as Calico. His request and all necessary mining town
activity. MAGAZINES FOR SALE:
was approved and Calico got a Post Desert, Treasure, Western
Office. This restoration activity continued rare back issues f o r sale.
for some years. The partially rebuilt Send want l i s t t o :
townsite was then donated to the Harold Moody
A group of fun loving miners lived Box 803
in a cave between Main Street and County of San Bernardino for use as Project C i t y , Cal. 9607°
the Silver King Mine. They dubbed a living history park. Unfortunately,
their lodgings the Hyena Hotel and in the County has not appreciably
their more playful moments would restored any additional buildings or
meet the stagecoach from Daggett sites. But the town does survive as an
w i t h a wheelbarrow, calling out operating unit of the county parks.
" H y e n a Hotel, finest lodgings in Most buildings are open with
Calico." businesses operating therein. Some of
the attractions at Calico are a rock
Across the little canyon east of shop, various artisans, numerous
Main Street was Chinatown. It was e a t e r i e s , a saloon, o l d time
said to have had as many as 40 melodrama, general store, a mine
residents. The resourceful orientals tour, cable car ride, a minature train
soon became tired of descending and ride, some displays, and the usual
ascending the steep canyon sides to souvenir shops. Perhaps the greatest
reach Main Street, so they built a attraction that Calico offers is the
bridge. Yung Hen was the "Mayor of beauty of the site itself. Even today,
C h i n a t o w n . " The Chinese ran one can observe the multi-hued colors
laundries and restaurants and did of the Calico Hills. A visit to Calico
domestic work. There is a story, is a worthwhile experience.
undocumented, that in 1887 one of
the Chinese was a bit too lucky in a To visit this mining camp of
gambling parlor to suit the owner yesteryear, drive north on Interstate
who started a movement to clean out 15, past Barstow to the Ghost Town
Chinatown. As a gang of liquor Offramp. Proceed north to the park.
inspired roughs advanced over the There is a $2.00 charge for parking '85 ORANGE COUNTY FAIR
bridge, Yung Hen rallied the Chinese and admission t o the town is Orange County Fairgrounds* Costa Mesa*July 12-21
who showered the advancing roughs included. Rides, shows, and tours are
w i t h flatirons. A second charge extra, but cost only 50 cents to a
brought a second flatiron barrage and dollar each. Calico is a good place to
take the family for a picnic and tour.
29
The
Quartzsite
Powr Wow
1985
Some of the Tailgater's at Quartzsite
The nineteenth annual Quartzsite local group fromed to work for the Growth was inevitable for the Pow
(Arizona) Pow Wow was held from improvement of Quartzsite and to Wow. The 1974 show saw an
February 7th through the 11th this promote the endless possibilities of attendence estimated at 200,000, not
year. For those who might not be residence and recreation in the area. bad for a small town on the Arizona
acquainted with the Pow Wow, this is This first show was held in the 'old desert, several hours drive from any
the giant, grandaddy of all rock school' building. It contained 8 large center of population. The tenth
hound, mineral collectors, antique displays inside the building and no show, in 1976, saw attendence grow
accumulators, and swap meeter more than 20 "tailgaters" swapping to 700,000. By now, the Pow Wow
shows. Actually, the Pow Wow has and selling rocks, gems, jewelry, and was becoming the rock hound event
grown from one show into at least minerals around the school building. in the West and maybe east. In many
three large separate areas of selling Attendence was estimated at 1,000 ways, the 1984 show set the record.
and swapping, with numerous small and the show considered a success. According to different sources,
c e n t e r s of dealing scattered attendence for the entire run of the
throughout the town. These larger Over the next few years, the Pow show was estimated at anywhere
shows/areas are the Pow Wow, Tyson Wow grew. A temporary set-back from 1,500,000 to 2,000,000. Every
Wells, and Main Event. occured in October 1969 when the trailer park and campground in
QIA building burned. However, this Quartzsite was filled. The Bureau of
The first Pow Wow was held from did not stop progress. The 1970 Pow Land Management (BLM) offered free
February 9th through the 13th of Wow was held in a make-shift parking spaces for recreational
1967 The idea seemed like a good building and attendence was good. vehicles and trailers.
one - to hold a rock and gem show in Most visitors to the 1970 show agree The 1985 show saw a most unique
the heart of Arizona rock hound there were a lot of attendees but combination of attractions and
country. The show would be most seem to remember the big Bar- weather. Perhaps 1985 will live on in
s p o n s o r e d by the Quartzsite B-Que of beef—some 3,000 pounds history as the year of unusual
Improvement Association (QIA), a were consumed by visitors. weather-- it managed to rain, snow,
30
freeze, and lastly, fog engulfed the
valley. But then again, this is not too
unusual when one considers that
snow caused a cancellation of
off-road desert races in Parker,
Arizona and blocked the road for a
time in Rice, California. DESERT
MAGAZINE'S automotive mechanic
and his wife, Rich and MaryAnn Hill,
of Hill Automotive in Yucca Valley,
California, came over for a visit and
reported that there was 4 inches of
snow on the ground there. Even with
these obstacles, and a conflict with
the dealers show in Tucson, the 1985
show was well attended. The usual
traffic jam was not as severe, with
only a half hour required to reach
"four corners", the junction of the
frontage road with the highway to
Parker and Yuma.
7.ARIZONA "PHOENIX
•
•
. . - . . •
32
Shoppers at Tyson Wells Arizona Windchimes and Souvenirs
33
and is buried in the cemetary in DESERT MAGAZINE was proud
Quartzsite In 1935, the state of to be a participant in the 1985
A r i z o n a honored him w i t h a shows. We set up a booth near the
m e m o r i a l , a pyramid shaped Pow Wow, and spent several days,
monument topped with a camel wandering from dealer to dealer,
This, and his gravesite may be visited shopping for good buys and unique the best or most unique pieces first.
today, just north of the frontage items. Our first stop was at Howard For the serious shopper, it would
road, and west of Highway 95. The Armstrong's Main Event. Here we take 2 days just to shop this area.
site is well marked. found several acres of swap meeters Surrounding the Pow Wow are several
with everything from antiques to additional areas of tailgaters, traders,
The Quartzsite area abounds in bottles to gold mining equipment. On and dealers. At four corners, there
opportunities for the rock hound the west side of the Main Event, we was a large Recreational Vehicle
Many o f these sites have been found a large assortment of gemand Show, including several $250,000
published in previous issues of mineral dealers. It would take a rigs.
DESERT MAGAZINE. The Crystal person a day or two just to visit all
Hill area south of town has been a the dealers at the Main Event. I am
Both of these sites were visited prior
good source for quartz crystals for guilty of buying more than I could
to the opening of the Pow Wow.
many years. Limonite cubes may also carry. The Main Event will certainly
They open at least a week before the
be found in the area. On the road to be on our list for next year. Howard
Pow Wow to enable visitors to shop
Armstrong, the owner, informed us
Plomosa, jasper, agate, and hematite all the dealers during their visit. The
that a number of improvements will
may be found. And along the old Pow Wow was crowded as usual.
be made by next year. These include
highway to Phoenix, Route 60, are Acres and acres of dealers, tailgaters,
a fully stocked, grocery store, a
sites f o r Geodes, Apache Tears, and traders, all showing their wares.
restaurant, showers, with real hot and
q u a r t z crystals, pink marble, The Pow Wow is the only show in
cold running water, and a larger
chryscolla, gold bearing quartz, and Quartzsite that has a display of rocks,
swapping area.
azurite. gems, and minerals that are not for
sale. This display is located in the
On the way to Quartzsite from South of Quartzsite is Tyson Wells. QIA building, with a number of
Southern California, you will pass the This selling area has around 500 dealers also located therein and
Wiley Well District. Even though this dealers, o f f e r i n g antiques and around the building. They also had
area has been worked for many years, anything the rockhound could desire. some nice displays of opal.
discoveries are still possible. There are We found large displays of collectable
several areas where agate, jasper, opal, bottles and some of the best All in all, the show was really a
geodes, and minerals may be found. amethyst The opal from the Royal fantastic trip, despite the weather.
This may be a good time to revisit Peacock mines was just fantastic. We Next year, we will plan to spend at
the area as the State of California is must come back here, too. least a week in Quartzsite. The next
seriously discussing building a state The QIA building also had some of show will be held from February 5th
detention facility in the area and if the more expensive displays of through the 9th of 1986, with both
that occurs, parts of this area may be custom made jewelry. Here, it is a the Main Event and Tyson Wells
fenced off. contest to arrive early and purchase shows opening about a week before.
34
The Man Behind t h e Myth
G E R O N I M O
by William E. Kelley
A g r o u p of s m a l l boys, But delving back into his life, we watched with envy the older boys
copper-skinned and naked, crept find him following the normal strutting around smoking their first
among the trees and rocks. Suddenly pursuits of the Apache life—until that cigarette, for that meant they had
one threw himself on the ground. fateftil day in 1858. gone out alone and killed big game.
With loud whoops the others ran to Not until he had accomplished that
him and the first one to reach and Born in No-doyohn Canyon, feat would he be allowed to smoke.
touch him yelled "coupe". Again and Arizona, in June, 1829, he was a But that day would soon come. And
again they repeated this and each member of the Be-don-ko-be band, when it did there would be no laughs
time the same boy would reach the which made its home around the and jeers at him for his awkwardness,
"victim" first. waters of the Gila River. His name he thought with satisfaction. Hadn't
was Goya-thele. The name Geronimo he been secretly practicing the fine
Finally the rest of the boys gave up was given to him by the Mexicans. art of rolling the tobacco in oak leaf
in disgust, saying to the victor, "We wrappers for days?
stop. You get all the scalps." As a baby he hung in his cradle at
his mother's back. As he grew older, The least of little Goya-thele's and
"Sure, me great warrior," the lad his mother taught him the legends of his playmate's worries was clothing.
boasted with a grin. Great Warrior! his people. She taught him to pray to It was something to do without
Did he have visions of the future? the Great Spirit for wisdom and whenever possible, which usually
Did he know that some day his name strength. And when he was big meant all summer. Even in winter
would chill the heart of many a brave enough he was sent into the fields to very little was worn. Being more
man?Did he know what destiny held help break the ground for the modest, the women wore a skirt,
for him?' planting of winter food. In the fall consisting of a piece of cotton cloth
the beans, corn, melons, and fastened about the waist and
Geronimo-Apache war chief! Most pumpkins were harvested and stored extending to the knees. The men
historians have drawn a word picture away in caves to be used when wore breech cloth and moccasins. In
of this great Indian fighter showing needed. the winter they added a shirt.
him only as a ruthless and cruel
savage, waging relentless war upon But the task he really liked was to When Geronimo was small his
any and all whites. cut and cure the wild tobacco. He father died. His body was arrayed in
35
the village and was gone several days.
When he returned he had more than
I enough ponies to pay for the hand of
the Indian girl.
•H
When they arrived at their own "Again we have weapons. Again we not long before they were assembled
village, Geronimo burned the wickiup have upplies. Are you ready to take on the Mexican border. Their families
and all the possessions of his beloved the warpath against the Mexicans? were hidden in the nearby mountains.
Alope and the little ones. Then he There they would wait for their
burned the things belonging to his All were ready and eager. warriors to join them.
mother. Such was the custom. Never Geronimo was elected to seek aid
again was he content with the quiet from the other tribes. In making his Traveling on foot, each tribesman
life, and never did he forget his vow appeal to them he said: carried enough food for three days.
of vengeance. "I will fight in the front of battle. They marched an average of 15 hours
My loved ones were all killed there, a day, stopping only to eat.
It was almost one year later that and I too, will die if need be." Geronimo acted as guide. He
Chief Mangus Colorado called a followed the river courses and
council of the warriors, saying: Three tribes responded, and it was mountain ranges which afforded
concealment from enemy eyes.
37
Arriving at their destination they the other. Troops were sent out to informed the officer they felt they
made camp-and waited. Early the capture Geronimo and his band. The could not surrender under the terms
next morning scouts reported two w i l y warrior disbanded and the offered-which meant giving up their
companies of cavalry and two of soldiers could find no hostile camp. whole Southwest to a race of
infantry were approaching the camp. intruders.
Watching closely as they drew near, Once it appeared that a peaceful
Geronimo recognized the cavalry as settlement with the Indians was But Gatewood was a diplomat. He
those the women had told him about to be consummated. Then played his trump-card, and that was
attacked their camp. When he Mangus Colorado was murdered by the news that the great bulk of the
informed the chieftains of this, he soldiers. He had gone voluntarily in Mimbreno and Chiricahua Indians,
was told he could direct the battle response to a request from white including relatives of Geronimo, who
because he had suffered more than soldiers to talk peace. He went alone had remained peaceful on the
any of the others. This was a great to their camp near Pinos Altos, New reservation near Fort Apache, already
honor and he was determined to Mexico. They placed him under arrest had been rounded up and sent to
exact payment in full. and that night, charging that he had Florida.
attempted to escape, shot him to
Despatching part of the braves to death. Years later General Miles This was a severe blow to the
attack the rear, he led the charge wrote, "Mangus Colorado was years war-chief. He called his band together
with a fury that took him into the ago foully murdered after he had for another discussion, finally telling
midst of shouting, screaming men of surrendered." Gatewood he would give him his final
slashing swords and gunfire. For two decision the next morning. Keeping
hours the battle raged, and when it This trickery gave added incentive his word, he met him and announced
was over not a Mexican trooper was to Geronimo and his band to resume he would meet Miles, on condition
alive. Then over the bloody field rang their war against the whites. There that Gatewood accompany them.
the high-pitched, spine-chilling cry of followed another long period of Also that he and his men should be
Geronimo, the Apache war-cry. fighting, raiding, killing, with both a l l o w e d t o keep their arms,
the American and Mexican troops. Gatewood agreed. The following
And there, still covered with the morning the entire band started for
blood of his enemies, hot with the Eventually, Geronimo realized he Skeleton canyon, reaching there in 11
joy of victory, Geronimo was made a was waging a losing battle. At this days.
war chief of the Apaches. opportune time, a message arrived at
his Sonora camp with word that
The others were now satisfied, General Miles wanted to talk with Here General Miles greeted
they felt they had repaid in full the him. He was willing, but he did not G e r o n i m o w i t h these words,
killing of their people. But not so know Miles and was distrustful. To "Geronimo, i f you will agree to this
Geronimo. Peaceful pursuits were not allay his fears, Miles dispatched Lt. treaty all will be well. I will build
for him. From then on he waged Charles B. Gatewood to Sonora to you a house. I will give you cattle,
constant and relentless war upon any talk to him. horses, and farming tools. In the
and all Mexicans. Gathering a few winter I will give you blankets and
warriors, sometimes only two or Lt. Gatewood was well-known to clothing so that you will not suffer
three, they attacked villages and Geronimo and his band. More from the cold."
farms, raiding and killing. important, they had great respect and
admiration for him. For several years Geronimo nodded agreement. A
These raids were not always he had been "headman" on the large stone was placed on a blanket
confined to Mexicans, and when reservation, administering their before them and the general said,
white settlers in Arizona territory affairs. He understood their nature "Until this stone crumbles to dust, so
began t o suffer, the U.S. army and their customs, and he talked long will our treaty last."
appeared on the scene. their language.
Then he swept away a spot of
Chief Cochise was prevailed upon Geronimo greeted the lieutenant ground clear with his hand saying,
to hold a conference with the warmly and listened attentively when "Your past deeds shall be wiped out
military in Apache pass. The young he delivered Miles' message, which like this and you will start a new
army officer in charge accused him of was a demand for surrender. Upon life."
stealing cattle and attempted to arrest being asked for advice, Lt. Gatewood
him. Cochise cut his way through the told him his wisest course would be And as the old Indian fighter
tent wall and escaped, but his fellow to surrender. nodded his head in silent agreement,
chiefs were captured.
the ghost of a little copper-skinned
A council was called and the lad whispered proudly:
After that, there followed a period I n d i a n s d i s c u s s e d i t among "Sure, me great warrior."
of treaties made and broken by both themselves. Feeling against the
Indians and whites, neither trusting proposal ran high, so Geronimo
38
NEVADA•S
VALLEY OF
FIRE
by Cheryl Watson
Some 28,000 years ago, before the the early 1920's, an executive from renegade Indian whose tiny stature
name Las Vegas became synonymous the Automobile Club of Southern and quick scurrying movements
with glamourous resorts, gaming,and California (AAA) got his first glimpse earned him the nickname "Mouse"
lavish entertainment, prehistoric man of the valley as the mornig sun by his tribe.
was chasing the now extinct great drenched the steep pinnacles of red
ground sloth across the then sandstone. The vivid sight caused him
somewhat tropical Vegas Valley. to remark that the "valley was on Mouse utilized nature's hidden
fire." This impromptu description water storage tanks as a hideaway
These primal humans, their history struck a responsive chord with park a f t e r m u r d e r i n g two white
only partially known to modern officials who promptly renamed the prospectors while they were camped
archaeologists, reached the Vegas park "Valley of Fire". overnight near the Colorado River.
Valley after crossing over to the The Indian outlaw reportedly used
American continent from Siberia. But So vivid is the coloration of the his secret cove on numerous
each year many of the millions of many unusual cliffs and canyons, occasions to avoid meeting up with a
visitors to Las Vegas roam over the their weird shapes sculptured by roving posse during the late 1800's.
same ancient ground, but after a centuries of wind erosion, that the
much less arduous trip, usually in park has become a must for both Another unusual sight is "Elephant
their air conditioned automobile. This a m a t e u r and professional Rock." This massive formation,
place is the area now preserved as the photographers, those interested in carved by centuries of wind resembles
Valley of Fire State Park. western archaeology, nature lovers a behemoth elephant of the kind that
who make short hiking trips over roamed the earth millions of years
Within the park's 18,000 colorful numerous foot trails left by past ago.
acres are hundreds of clearly visible civilizations, or just the casual tourist
petroglyphs- ancient Indian rock who wants to see first hand the site Visitors to the Valley of Fire State
writings and signs-and fantastically of Las Vegas' prehistoric pioneers. Park always marvel at the Indian sigh
shaped rock formations in a spectrum writing areas, and the most prominate
of brilliant hues that continually One of the most popular visitor of these is Atlatl Rock. The word
change from deep purples to bright attraction, liberally steeped in "atlatl," pronounced at - ul - at - ul
reds as the desert sun passes over the western lore, is Mouse's Tank. This is Aztec in origin and means "spear
valley. secluded section is neither a tank in thrower." The petroglyphs in and
the usual sense nor is it inhabitated around Atlatl Rock are reported to
For many years the area was by mice. The "tank" is actually two be the most ancient ever discovered
known simply as "Red Rock". But in stone water pockets discovered by a in the West.
39
ATLATL ROCK
40
One of the BEE HIVE ROCKS
41
ELEPHANT ROCK
In the last issue, we read about the The Lost Dutchman Mine Saga was it is a place where shadows lengthen
lost gold mines of the Peralta Family largely forgotten until the time of the eerily at dusk, where compass
that many believe still remain lost to Great Depression. But this is directions are undependable, and
this day. Over the years this story, apparently the time that the legend where a man or group may easily
and many variations thereof, have was given a new life. However, that become lost or prey to ambush or
been told, retold, published and new life, for those who looked the elements. It is both a beautiful
republished, fabricated, rearranged, b e y o n d the sensational news and terrifying place.
and generally supplemented, headlines of the day, was for the lost
usually with a dash of imagination or Peralta Mine or mines. Adolph Ruth was an employee of the
a little "spice" added to make the Federal Government in Washington,
story more interesting. The gentleman for whom we owe D. C. He was a father to two sons,
this revival was named Adolph Ruth. Earl and Erwin, again, both employed
It is this spicing or fabricating effect Mr. Ruth came to the Superstitions by the federal government. It was
that makes stories and research on from the eastern part of the United Erwin who was to get involved with
the Lost Dutchman Mine difficult. States. Consider for a moment, an the Peralta story. Somewhere around
Very quickly one will reach the point easterner, but not an inexperienced 1913, Erwin Ruth was sent to Texas
where it is almost impossible to tell one, entering the Superstitions for to work as an inspector for cattle
where facts leave off and fantasy the first time. Those of us who have imported into the United States from
begins. As with most lost mine been there know what they can do to Mexico. While stationed there, some
stories, the imagination is given a a person. The outer reaches of the Mexican friends told him about two
license to run absolutely wild. After mountains resemble to a degree the gold mines in the United States that
all, a lost mine is, until found, just a outer walls of a mideval fortress. were formerly operated by Mexican
figment of ones imagination, and Towering over the desert, as if to citizens. One of these was alleged to
there is nothing illegal, taxable, or ward off attack from any invader, the be in the mountains of Southern
fattening in having a very vivid long, slow curve of the range captures California's desert, near the area
imagination. an d holds secure within itself known as Anza-Borrego, the other in
hundreds of square miles of tortured, Arizona. The Arizona mine, though
After the death of Dutch Jacob, a inhospitable land. The inner area, owned for at least three generations
number of searches were made for his accessible from the south and east by the Peralta family (and very rich
mine, mostly inspired or organized by (only) and then only by the canyons in gold) had been worked at rare
Julia Thomas and her remembrances which here and there penetrate the intervals in the old days because of
of what the Dutchman said on his fortress' ramparts, cast a most the threat of attack by hostile
deathbed. Whether these stories are forbidding vista. Apache Indians. And since the
fact or the memory of a dying man transfer of that area to the United
suffering from a loss of reason will States by Mexico through the Gasden
never be known. Thomas does admit This is a country of soft pudding like Purchase, it was no longer legal for
that the Dutchman gave her a map to stone thrown up in the volcanic Mexican citizens to mine there- or so
his lost mine and she believed that upheavals of prehistoric times, then they believed. Now long since
the path led into the Superstition gashed and carved into fantastic abandoned, the mine would belong to
Mountains. But one must consider shapes by torrential rains, resulting in the person who would find and
that Thomas was not familiar with a maze of draws, passes, and canyons reopen it. A Peralta relative gave
the mountains surrounding the little which crisscross and interlock in a Erwin Ruth a map to the mines.
town of Phoenix and could have pattern of wild confusion. Mostly
mistaken the Superstitions for the bare of vegetation except for On his return to Washington, D. C,
Bradshaws, for example. And the mesquite, greasewood, and the Erwin Ruth turned the stories and
Dutchman was known to have mined cottonwood trees that grow on map of the mines over to his father.
and prospected in the Bradshaws in certain of the canyon floors, almost Later, they both made a search for
the mid 1860's. waterless except for the rainy season, the California mine in the mountains
of San Diego and Imperial Counties.
43
While on this futile search, Adolph for to determine that Ruth had not bones was a silver surgical plate. In
Ruth suffered a severe leg injury. Mr. been at his camp for at least the past the pockets of the trousers were
Ruth fell from a ledge and broke one 24 hours. And apparently he had left, some t r i n k e t s that belonged to
of his legs. The break was bbad and wearing only his light shoes, in a A d o l p h Ruth, and in the coat
required the insertion of a silver plate country that literally eats boots. pockets were papers in his (Ruth's)
on his leg to hold it together. This handwriting, but NO Mexican map or
accident laimed him for life and it On the remote chance that Ruth was documents were found there or at his
became his habit to use a cane when nearby, possibly injured, in some spot camp site.
walking. that they had overlooked or not
checked, the two searchers shouted There was a memo book in which
For years thereafter, Adolph Ruth, Ruth's name repeatedly and fired there had been noted in ink, most
who had fallen victim to the lure of their guns. As there was no response, carefully and tantalizingly, what one
lost mines, planned and dreamed. But the two returned to the ranch and can only presume to be aguide to the
he could not be discouraged. For his notified the Sheriffs of both Pinal location of the lost mine. " I t lies
exploration of the Arizona site, he and Maricopa counties. The next within an imaginary circle whose
would have to cope with several morning a search was begun by the diameter is not more than five miles
severe handicaps, his age and deputies and volunteers. and whose center is marked by the
lameness. And then there was the Weaver Needle, about 2500 feet high,
summer heat, lack of water, and the Many search parties coombed the among a confusion of lesser peaks
r o u g h , barren, and uncharted mountains that summer, and into fall, and mountainous masses of basaltic
wilderness. all attempting to solve the mystery of rock."
Ruth's disappearance. Mrs. Ruth
In May of 1931, Ruth left his offerred a reward, but no one came "The first gorge on the south side
Washington D.C. job and went west f o r w a r d . Erwin Ruth came to from the west end of the range-they
by automobile. He hd planned this Phoenix and spent some weeks found a monumented trail which led
adventure for a long time and was directing searches. However, it was them northward over a lofty ridge,
prepared. Accompanying him was a six long months before the fate of thence downward past Sombrero
c a r e f u l l y selected assortment of Adolph Ruth became known. butte, into a long canyon running
supplies, including digging tools, a north, and finally to a very deep
pair of boots, and light shoes for use The discovery of Ruth's fate (and a tributary canyon, very rocks, and
in camp. brutal one at that) was the result of a densely wooded with a continuous
search condued by the Phoenix thicket of scrub oak "
Upon arriving in the area, Adolph n e w s p a p e r , The ARIZONA
Ruth was directed to the Bark REPUBLIC. Early in December 1931, The writing was broken off at this
Ranch. There he attempted to hire the paper sent a well equipped point, but written below were these
someone to pack him into the search expedition into the Superstitions to words " VENI, V1DI, VIC1," along
area. The owner, Mr. W. A. Barkley seek the missing man. In the thick with a pencil notation, " about 200
told him that it would be several brush overlooking West Boulder feet across from cave." These words
days before he could help him, as he Canyon, about one hundred feet are Julius Caesars famous words I
had cattle to round up and deliver. above the canyon floor, one of the came, I saw, I conquered. What does
Besides Mr. Barkley, there were two dogs of the search party came upon a it mean?Did Ruth find a lost mine?
prospectors and several cowhands skull—to which pieces of flesh were Or were these just words of
present at the ranch. still attached. The skull was later encouragement? These questions,
identified as belonging to Adolph along with those pertaining to the
A d o l p h Ruth told them of his Ruth. And that was not all. The skull murder, will never, officially be
mission, and in Barkley's absence, had two unnatural holes in it. The answered. Along with this tragedy
hired the prospectors to take him skull was sent to the National came the rumors, sensational
into the Superstitions. That was on Museum where it was examined. headlines, and speculation. Wasn't it
June 14, 1931. The day afterward, These holes were bullet holes, they likely that the mine Ruth sought was
Barkley returned to his ranch and replied. And from a gun fired as such in reality the famous Lost
was told of Ruth's departure. Barkley an angle that the victim could not
Dutchman? It could very well be. A
have possibly fired the shot himself.
story developed that the Dutchman
was upset at something and rode, at It was from a large caliber weapon, a
had murdered his partner. Blood on
.44 or .45.
once, to the Ruth camp, taking one the gold?The newspapers and writers
of his cowhands with him. He had a had a field day with the possiblilites.
hunch, he was to say later. Then in January 1932, Barkley and a T h i s , along w i t h subsequent
Maricopa Deputy Sheriff made yet disappearances and murders, led to
Upon arrival, they found Adolph another discovery. At a considerable the development of a gold mine of
Ruth's bed and campsite, but also, distance (3/4 mile) from the spot lost mine and horror stories.
strangely, his boots were there. There where the skull was found, they
was no sign of Ruth, however. It located a dismembered skeleton, the NEXT: The Dutchman himself
took the experienced Barkley and his i d e n i t y of which was easy to
cowhand only a matter of minutes determine. Among the scattered
44
Great Way to Save Coming in the next issue of DESERT:
An invitation to rockhounds
to visit a gold mine and
take samples
"JhteSL
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NEVADA GHOST TOWNS AND MINING CAMPS TURQUOISE, GEM OF THE CENTURIES
by Stanley W. Paher. Covering all of Nevada's 17 Large size, beautiful color photographs. One
counties, the author has documented 575 mining of the best books on this colorful stone. 7.95
camps, many of which have been erased from the
earth. The book contains the greatest and most CENTRAL ARIZONA GHOST TOWNS
complete collection of historic photographs of Contains many listings of ghost towns and
Nevada ever published. Large 9 x 12 size, 700 mining camps of Central Arizona including
photographs. Hardbound. 30.00 Prescott, Congress, The Bradshaw Mountains
and more. Hardbound. 4.95
LOST MINES OF THE GREAT SOUTHWEST
by John D. Mitchell. The first of Mitchell's lost WHERE TO FIND GOLD IN THE DESERT
mine books is now available again. Reproduced by James Klein. Discusses areas of Calif. &
from the original and contains 54 articles based Arizona where gold can be found, how to
on accounts from people Mitchell interviewed. prospect, pan, stake a claim. Paper. 4.95
He spent his entire adult life investigating reports
and legends of lost mines and treasures of the TREASURE HUNTERS GHOST TOWN GUIDES
Southwest. $10.00
by Theron Fox. Each booklet contains listings
GHOSTS OF THE GLORY TRAIL by Nell of ghost towns and a map of the state in the
Murbarger. A pioneer of the ghost town 1880's.
explorers and writers, she wrote many articles Nevada 1.95
for DESERT MAGAZINE. This is a fast- Utah 1.95
moving chronicle of personal interviews of Eastern Calif. 1.95
old-timers who are no longer here to tell THE STERLING LEGEND by E. Conatser
their tales. 12.95 A book about the famous Lost Dutchman
Mine of Arizona. Contains much informal
COLORADO RIVER GHOST TOWNS
tion, photos, map. Paper. 4.95
Lists and briefly tells about numerous
ghost towns adn mining camps along
and near the Colorado River.
Hardbound. 9.95
Desert Magazine Book Shop
A Gift of Books Will Be Remembered Long After
the Occasion is Forgotten.
SOUTHWESTERN ARIZONA GHOST TOWNS j Name
I Address .
Lists and briefly relates the story of many ghost Cirv _State_
towns and mining camps of the Southwestern I enclose $_ _(check. money order or charge)
part of Arizona. Paper, Large size. 2.95 MY CHARGE Q 2r! Q ^5F"
INSIDE DEATH VALLEY by C. Gebhardt Credit Card No. I
The book on Death Valley, its resources, Expiration Date i MasterCharge i
wildlife, flora, geography, etc. A must for Month /Year I Interbank No. I
any visitor to the valley. 5.95
Signature
ARIZONA OFF THE BEATEN PATH (charge not valid unless signed)
by T. Heatwole. Contains numerous trips
to little known or out of the way places
in Arizona. She spent years going to each
location. Paper. 5.00
paperback, 48 pages, $2.95. cleark In the even! of a debv evceedniR rwo weeks vou wii! be
tin order; eueedinR SJO 0(1 I oiled Parcel Service is used notified as 10 its cause
requiring a deliver* address and NOT a box number California residents please add nQ.. sales m Prices are
•II orders shipped m padded containers or canons *dd Mjhieci 10 change and supplies limitd 10 available stock