Just Returned From Tombstone

[Kevin Hogge]

My wife and I returned home from Tombstone a few hours ago. We've spent a lot of time there in the past few years and like any town, historic or not, things change. All of us here, who hold Tombstone as a special place for remembering the past, have seen and discussed the changes, both good and not so good, but, we adjust and move on. I'm starting to believe the "Town To Tough To Die" has either lost its way or just doesn't care anymore. I don't mean to be unfair since I don't know what the Planning Commission or City Fathers have in mind, but I know what I see.

The dirt on Allen Street has been gone for a while now, there were good reasons for doing something different, but nothings been done. They just scrapped it away and left it at that, it looks terrible.

Nellie Cashman's was a good restaurant that offered a real 1880's atmosphere; that's gone.

I know Six-Gun City wasn't authentic; but for the tourist it was a fun place to see a few old west shootouts and get a feel for the era; its not coming back.

The lot where Virgil Earp's house stood has been vacant since it burned. Not to say it should never be used again, but it would have been nice if use of that land included some attempt to improve upon the town's theme with a building that added to the atmosphere or general mood of an old west town.The one they built certainly does not. 

Pete Spence' house looks like the entrance to a carnival or some side show at the county fair. What is that all about?? To stand on that corner and gain any historical perspective is certainly gone. 

And lets not forget the new Harley Davidson shop that's coming to Allen Street!! The tee shirt shops aren't bad enough now the Harley shop will truly add an old west flair. The tourist will surly get lost in the 1880's with that addition. 

I know..I know the argument; it private property. No one's a bigger advocate for private property than I am. But I'm just afraid Tombstone will be lost soon if the historic pride of the town continues to slumber.

 

[William E. Shaw]

Lions Club or any 'local ordinance' cannot pre-empt Arizona guns laws.

ARS 13-3108. Firearms regulated by state; state preemption; violation; classification; definition

A. Except as provided in subsection F of this section, a political subdivision of this state shall not enact any ordinance, rule or tax relating to the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, purchase, acquisition, gift, devise, storage, licensing, registration, discharge or use of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components or related accessories in this state.

D. A political subdivision of this state shall not enact any rule or ordinance that relates to firearms and is more prohibitive than or that has a penalty that is greater than any state law penalty. A political subdivision's rule or ordinance that relates to firearms and that is inconsistent with or more restrictive than state law, whether enacted before or after the effective date of the amendment to this section, is null and void.'

All establishments which sell alcohol for consumption on premises in AZ may ban weapons (if posted).  Concealed carry is legal in those establishments not posted (usually hotels and restaurants) which serve alcohol but the bearer may not legally consume while under arms. There was a time only a few years ago in AZ where you could hand your gun or gunbelt to the barkeep and get it back when you left. This practice is nearly non-existant now.

 

Your info relates to 'performing groups'... not the public.'

To: Participating Old West/Gunfight & Entertainment Group

Hello from Sunny Arizona!

We, the Tombstone Lions Club, are getting ready for another exciting Wyatt Days and we would

like you to be a part of this year’s fun. The smell of gunpowder is in the air and we are

requesting your group answer this letter as soon as possible to be a part of our annual celebration.

Wyatt Earp Days’ 2011

will be held Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 28, 29 and 30. We

feel that a first come first served approach is best for everyone. The sooner we hear from you

and your group, the better your chances are of getting your desired time slot for entertainment on

historic Allen Street. Entertainment skits will start every 15 minutes beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 28th, 2011.

Just complete the enclosed document for your desired entertainment slot for entertainment on

Allen Street and return it to the name and address listed at the top of that document.

PLEASE

FURNISH THE NUMBER OF CAST MEMBERS WHO WILL BE PERFORMING

DURING THE WEEKEND FOR CAST PARTICIPATION BADGES.

You group is cordially invited to a

Cowboy Reception/Social on Sunday, May 29, to be held at

Vigilante Hall, 22 W ALLEN ST.

DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 P.M. For planning purposes, we

will need to know the exact number of cast member of cast members who will be attending the

Reception/Social.

To maintain current mailing, telephone, E-Mail and Website information regarding your group,

please return the

Change of Address document with any changes in these areas regarding your

group to Pat Kelly at the address or E-Mail listed on the document.

GROUP LEADERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO SHARE THIS VITAL

INFORMATIONWITH THEIR CAST MEMBERS!

All participating groups and their members will be required to sign-in and have their

weapons and ammunition checked by 9:00 a.m. at the Helldorado Inc. Office, located at

125 S. 4

th Street in the Old Bank Building just South of the Tombstone Chamber of

Commerce, on Saturday or Sunday, or on the day your group performs. Each member of

your group will have all of their weapons and ammunition checked to ensure they are safe

to fire and functioning properly prior to performing.

ALL PRIMERS MUST BE REMOVED AND/OR DRILLED OUT FROM ALL SHELLS

CARRIED IN GUN BELTS. NO LIVE AMMUNITION WILL BE PERMITTED TO BE

CARRIED ON ALLEN STREET.

THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS!

[Stan H]

Keep in mind just a few years back, here in the Black Hills, a spectator was shot by a "reenactor" that was supposed to only carry blanks.

 

 

[Dieter]

Thank you Vito. We are thinking of going down Saturday. Not sure about dressing up since all our stuff is packed away but will try. I'll leave the guns at home. I'm sure I won't be wearing baggy shorts and sandals. ;-)

Have a good time.

[Dieter]

Vito,

We just got back from Wyatt Earp Days. 7 hrs round trip but it was fun. We did dress up and I had my old S&W .32 in my brace holder. Forgot about it at the Crystal Palace for dinner but buttoned my vest and no hassles. We didn't go into any stores this trip. I had to take my spurs off about half way down the stairs at the "It's the real thing" silver mine. We met Wyatt Earp again and talked about seeing him in Apache Junction when he will do his show here. All in all a good day. Hope you have as much fun tomorrow.

[William E. Shaw]

As far as the 'signage':

" You ignore the "no weapons" signs when you enter the establishments showing these signs?"

Quote: "I had my old S&W .32 in my brace holder. Forgot about it at the Crystal Palace for dinner but buttoned my vest and no hassles." 

LMAO! You didn't leave and park it someplace when you realized you were wearing it? You must not carry normally or you'd always be aware of being heeled before entering in a place that sells booze. Hypocrite. 

[Jolene Little]

This breaks my heart for I am not a big fan of change!  I like to believe that there are still a few spots where you can step back in time and visit history without modern intervention!

[John Olexa]

Agree 100% with you Jolene