Deadwood Free Press Vol.
2 Issue 14
Vol. 2 Issue 14 April 24, 1878
Orphanage Children Run Amok,
Leading Schoolteacher and Decent
Children into Danger
Artist’s rendition of the misadventure at the mine, featuring Mrs. Westland, Mr. Patrick Yedmore and the
terrified children.
Deadwood Council to Discuss Laws, Vacancies
The Deadwood Town Council is sched-
uled to meet 1 p.m. Sunday, May 3, in
Town Hall, to discuss establishment of a
code of law for the community and ....
once again ... discuss how to have a full
brace of council members.
As it stands now, Deadwood is governed
by penalties up to judges and crimes as
interpreted by lawmen who bring the laws
of different communities with them. Town
Attorney Addison Leigh has drafted a
code of law and penalties that the council
is expected to consider. She can supply
copies upon request.
“I strongly support the establishment of
laws so that criminals may know what full
measure of penalty will fall upon them.
Presumably they will then choose to go to
other communities to commit their das-
tardly deeds,” said Town Councilman Neil
Streeter.
Streeter said he strongly opposed a pro-
posal, however, to make slander and libel
a crime.
“It might be incredibly personally satis-
fying to throw every newspaperman and
newspaperwoman into jail, but it would
end free public discussion,” Streeter said.
“People in America should have full free-
dom to say what they want.”
“As we all should, I ask myself, ‘What
would Harold Leonard do?” and it’s clearly
demand freedom in America, and not sup-
press discussion.”
Meanwhile, among the perennial issues
that dogs the council is the task of keeping
An innocent tour of the town’s mining
business, led by new schoolteacher and war
veteran widow Mrs. Anna Westland (see
related article in this issue), ended with
near disaster when one of the undisciplined
orphans apparently ran into the mines, set-
ting off a series of unfortunate events.
In a brave effort to stop the girl, one
Eloisa Checchinato, Mrs. Westland
hobbled her aging body into the mines as
another orphan, one Olivia Mocha, ran
screaming deeper into the darkness.
Disaster followed as these two orphans
were difficult to follow, the former due to
the darkness of her orphanage uniform,
the latter due to the shading of her skin,
which well matched the colors inside the
mines.
The first two orphans were then followed
by yet another orphan, one Jadzia DeCuir,
who has apparently been allowed to dye her
hairs with a purplish tint. Another orphan,
Eloisa’s brother, also named Eloisa, had
been reported as showing up for school in
long johns. He had been sent back to the
orphanage to change by Mrs. Westland
and therefore was not present to be lost in
the mines or surely would have been.
Brave children from good homes, such
as Jonathon Shinn (child of miner widow
Shinn), CarrieAnne Kuhr (daughter of
long time citizen and businesswoman Mrs.
Dio Kuhr) and Nellie Little Boots (ward of
business owner Miss Darcy Hancroft) and
Sid Denja (son of local lawman Guru Denja)
attempted to rescue their classmates, only
to become lost themselves. (Also among
the lost children were Indian Dwane Hun-
niton and Celestial Emilin Nakamori.)
its ranks full. The pressures of a town on
the frontier and the need to sustain basic
needs has always limited the pool of vol-
unteers.
So has death. Deputy Mayor Starbuck
Shippe’s passing has created a vacancy on
the council. Ditto the resignation of Dr.
Keli Randt, who is wisely emphasizing care
of her patients over the time taken in end-
less political discussions. Thus the council
has two vacancies to consider.
For those of you who have lost track,
the council now consists of Mayor Clay
Kungler, Clerk Coodnank Thibedeau,
Treasurer Neil Streeter, and at large mem-
bers Miss Grey Bedlam and Mrs. Darcy
Hancroft.
It is likely the council will appoint people
April 24, 1878
Miner Patrick Yedmore stumbled upon
Mrs. Westland and some of the children
she had located, and accompanied them to
safety, while little Miss Duhr resourcefully
ran to town to find help, followed by the
Indian boy.
Several citizens, including the ever pres-
ent and heroic Judge Rod Eun, as well as
local businessman Ernst Osterham accom-
panied by his constant companion, Phoe-
nix owner Miss Astolat Dufaux, came to
the rescue of the remainder of the children.
All of the children were returned to their
respective homes with the exception of the
orphans, who were returned to the orphan-
age. Miss Jem claimed she was under con-
trol of the orphans, but young Eloisa was
seen in the streets for some time with her
brother, rolling in the dirt.
Conversation among the rescuers ensued,
with questions concerning the appropriate-
ness of unaccompanied tours for children
by Mrs. Westland. The newspaper would
respectfully submit that further questions
need to be raised as to the running of the
orphanage in the absence of orphanage
headmistress, Miss Marrant Vita. Per-
haps the person currently in charge of the
orphans is not able to contain the wildness
of said children who are not fit to be turned
over into our fine school.
Citizens are urged to consider also the
appropriateness of mixing orphans and
non-white children in schoolrooms with
children who are destined to go somewhere
in the world. It may be too much to expect
of any teacher. Perhaps the town might
consider hiring a lesser teacher for school-
ing these children elsewhere.
By A Citizen
to the vacant positions rather than wait for
the next election. The next set of council
elections is in July, with a filing deadline
of July 1. Those whose seats are up for
election include Streeter, Kungler and Thi-
bedeau.
1
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 14
Letters to the Editor
Editor,
As spring passes to summer, what will
city fathers bring to our town as entertain-
ment and balm to the spirit? May I suggest
... I know of no place where you can study
human nature to more advantage than a
country fair?
The sharper, the attorney, the miner,
or barmaid congregate there. The young
fellow who has a sweetheart goes and takes
her, and the one who has none goes to find
one. Girls who have lovers promenade qui-
etly in a state of bliss, and those who have
none are to the fore, as the scotch say, to
secure one.
Of all the sights at the Fair, the Fair
itself, is the greatest sight to see. There
are cakes and candies, apples and cider, ice
cold lemonade and raspberry syrup. There
are chickens, horses, cattle, wild men from
Africa and all kinds of devices, good, bad
and indifferent, to make money. Nothing
can compare the excitement for the com-
pany and the wealth it brings to business.
A fair of some kind sir, is needed.
A Citizen
Deadwood
Editor and Publisher
Neil Streeter
Associate Publisher
Lola Kanto
Reporters
Addison Leigh
Contributing Writer
Adam Kelly
D.A. Kuhr
Typesetter
S. Morigi
2
Editor,
The passing snows of winter have
revealed a veritable pig sty. Scavengers
Editorial
Wild Bill Died for
take flight!
On Lee Street alone I have collected two
cooking pans, three hammers, a broken
Deadwood, and We’re
pick-axe, coffee tins, and a sock. Don’t
bother attempting to recover your lost Damn Grateful
items citizens, they are mine now. Perhaps
that will teach you to be less careless – but I was recently accused to my face of
I doubt it. exploiting the memory of Wild Bill Hickok
Timothy Jonesberg by organizing Wild Bill days. It was fur-
Deadwood ther accused that it was ghastly of the
town to charge vendors a $10 fee to license
the use of his name and face for sale during
Editor Wild Bill Days.
I write my concerns to you sir, crime is Nonsense.
again out of control. I take my life in my Since when has a good person not been
hand by writing to you. I am a small busi- able to keep giving upon their death?
ness owner. Last week I was visited by a Do we refuse to use the name ‘Lincoln’
group of thugs disguised as business men. because the president who bore it is now
They demanded money in exchange for in his reward?
our peace. The meaning of who I needed Have we accused churches and pastors
protection from. of exploiting Jesus because he died after
Sir, I am getting on in years and though his preaching?
I have never been a yellow, I’m ashamed Do we say, ‘Be silent upon the Word of
to admit I paid the man. I have little, just God, respect poor Jesus in his grave?’
me and a small family, but what I do have Have we burned copied of the New Tes-
I need to keep. tament because it is about the life of a dead
I can’t go to the law, maybe this will help fellow?
warn the people around town better than I No, of course not. A great man’s benefits
was. Please don’t publish my name. continue upon his death. In death, he keeps
Anonymous on giving.
Deadwood The effect of Wild Bill Days upon Dead-
wood will be to bring visitors and money
who would not otherwise have come.
Let me quote from some newspapers that
I have written to ... the New York Post
April 14 issue. This is the best example of
publicity we have received, and yet typi-
cal:
“We read with interest that Easterners
are invited to Deadwood, Wyoming, for
Wild Bill Days, a celebration of the town’s
hero and a national hero of great stature,
in mid-May. This civilized town in the
Black Hills will be easy to reach thanks to
two years of settlement and those who have
come before and marked the path.
“Deadwood Free Press Editor Neil
Streeter writes to tell us that Hickok, famed
Indian Scout and defender of women’s
virtue, has a scenic grave worth visiting
and many townspeople still telling tales of
the man and his amazing acts of target-
shooting and defense of the innocent. Wild
Bill Days will allow Easterners to enjoy
the excitement of the fabled West but then
allow them to travel home.
“Streeter, formerly of the New York
Express many years ago and thus a cred-
ible man, writes that the town is safe and
April 24, 1878
yet exciting, with many rustics and people
of all colorful language abounding. He
says there is no Indian threat and little
crime. He reports there are also many
single women, some of who ran out of
cloth before being able to entirely finish
the upper parts of their dresses, who are
forlorn about it. They would like good
company and men who know how to put
them in a good position.”
The Post continues ...
“Among the entertainments will be
dancing, exhibitions of gunplay, and
spectacular theatrical representations in
the spirit of shows by Ned Buntline and
Buffalo Bill that bring the death of Wild
Bill and the Western Frontier to life. In
such visitors will learn how God’s plan to
spread Christianity into Heathen lands has
not only converted natives but also claimed
the Earth’s most lovely and richest lands
for Americans.
“In addition, to our astonishment, we
learn that visitors will also see the place
where the Saint Mary Magdalene and
Jesus Christ himself appeared to one soiled
dove, Jeni Trefusis, to lift her from a life
of sin and to a life of Salvation and Good
Works. We are not familiar with this story,
and are eager to learn more. Apparently
Miss Trefusis died a martyr’s death, but
mementos of her life remain. There are
rumors of miraculous cures.
“Streeter corresponds that if the Black
Hills are good enough for Mary Magdelene
and Jesus, they are surely a place worth
visiting for Easterners wishing to capture
the excitement of the Frontier World.
“Travel arrangements may be made
through correspondence of the Deadwood
chamber care of the offices of the Dead-
wood Free Press.”
I would challenge any citizen of Dead-
wood to telegraph the Post and try to get
this many inches of favorable columns into
their newspaper. You can’t buy publicity
like this.
So thank you for dying in Deadwood,
Wild Bill. We would rather you were alive,
but are grateful for your sacrifice. Your life
and death teach lessons. We shall all learn
from your tale and profit from it.
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 14
Council considers law
buildings, other business, at
last meeting
The following, with some apology, are
minutes from the last town council meet-
ing, March 28
MEMBERS PRESENT: Poohneil
Streeter, Claytanic Kungler, Coodnank
Thibedeau, Dr. Keli Randt (for the Call
to Order and Welcome, along with apolo-
gies for a need to cut her stay short), and
Starbuck Shippe.
CITIZENS AND GUESTS PRESENT:
Ibram Ansar (for a short time, but was
called away by duty to attend to a Bank
Robbery in a neighboring town), Karen
Hawksby and baby Louise, Addison Leigh,
Rod Eun, Traci Munster, Darcy Hancroft,
Cameo Caplini, Addison Leigh, and various
others may have come and went depending
on their interest in the meeting, or misbe-
havior of children and various and sundry
other reasons.
I.Call to Order: Council Chairman/
Illustrious Mayor and somewhat inebri-
ated Clay Kungler called the meeting to
order at 12:09 p.m.
II.Welcome Guests and Sad News: Kun-
gler announced the sad news that newly
elected Councilman, Harold Leonard,
had been tragically killed in a stagecoach
accident in Cheyenne. Taken completely
by surprise, the Council and Citizens
prayed for the deliverance of his soul to
his Almighty Maker and recalled what a
fine man and valued Council Member he
would have been. In the spirit of the fine
Mr. Leonard, Kungler expressed that he
would have wanted the council to press on
with business. Condolences were expressed
for his family, and his untimely death was
drunk to by a number of the Council, and
audience members as well.
Miss Darcy Hancroft, who had former-
Prominent Woman Vows to Educate Children
Whether They Or Town Want It or Not
The Deadwood Spring term is up and
running this week under the supervision
of maverick teacher and widow, Mrs. Adri-
anna Westland. Maverick, because Mrs.
Westland seems to have taken on the job as
a volunteer with little counsel from Dead-
wood’s Town Council – though she claims
to have applied in some fashion.
Her decision to turn Teacher began a
few weeks back after witnessing several
children nearly fall to their deaths after
climbing unsafe scaffolding on a Main
Street building project.
“I was horrified to see what mischief
these youngsters got off to for want of
useful supervision, after a night of tossing
and turning – I resolved to correct the
situation at once no matter what the cost!
After that, I turned right over and slept
like an infant the rest of the night,” the
good matron explained.
Mrs. Westland seems determined to cor-
rect the wrongs of Deadwood: “You really
can’t start too soon on the path to morality
and knowledge.”
ly expressed an interest in being on the
Town Council, confirmed that she was still,
indeed, interested in a position. Kungler
called for a nomination and vote on the
election of Hancroft to fill the vacancy left
on the Council by Leonard. Hancroft was
elected by a unanimous vote.
III.Swearing In: Kungler swore in the
newly elected Town Council members, Star-
buck Shippe and Darcy Hancroft, and they
were welcomed to the Council by all.
IV.Old Business: Streeter brought up
the fact that he had received a very criti-
cal letter at the paper regarding the fact
that no action had been taken on the pack-
age of laws that the Town Attorney had
presented. Kungler informed the Council
that the item had been placed on a future
Agenda and to be thinking of same.
V.New Business:
1. Kungler introduced a proposal by
Sheriff Ansar regarding a sizeable expan-
sion to the jail. All Council and audience
members received a copy of the proposal.
(See Addendum A.)
After a short perusal of the proposal,
Kungler opened the floor for discussion.
Pros and cons of the proposal were dis-
cussed extensively, including ways to
pay for it, and the possible immeasurable
benefits the City could receive. A spirited
discussion ensued.
Streeter moved that a special committee
be formed to report back to the Council on
the costs of expanding the jail, implement-
ing a new Sheriff Bram Tax to pay for
it, and a system of fines and forfeitures
upon criminals to repay the tax. Hancroft
seconded the motion. Vote was called with
all but one member voting against it, and
the motion passed.
There will be no dilly dallying with
modern ideas and new fangled treatises in
this classroom. Mrs. Westland is a strict
traditionalist. “My students will learn
the basics first, reading, writing and
April 24, 1878
Shippe and Streeter both volunteered to
serve on the committee, with Thibedeau
declining to serve on it. Some further dis-
cussion continued regarding the proposal
and Lawmen’s Hall.
2.Kungler introduced a request from
Charleston Capra for the Council’s
approval to remove a tree in front of her
store on town land. Miss Capra agreed
to assume all costs for the removal of the
tree. Streeter moved that Miss Capra’s
request be granted. Hancroft seconded the
motion. One vote was recorded against the
motion, but a majority vote of Aye passed
the motion.
VI.Presentation of Minutes: The min-
utes of the previous meeting, having been
published in the paper were considered
accepted and entered into the record.
VII.Presentation of Treasurer’s Report:
Streeter was unable to report on the Town
Council Treasury due to an unexpected
short illness, but the Council felt assured
that nothing was amiss, and the report
remained the same as the last meeting.
Adjournment:
With no further “official business” to
discuss and tempers running high, Kun-
gler banging his gavel repeatedly on the
desk allowed Streeter to somewhat drows-
ily move that the meeting adjourn, and
Thibedeau seconded the motion. Motion
carried unanimously, and the meeting was
closed at 1:20 p.m.
Next regular Town Council Meeting to
be announced
Coodnank Thibedeau, Clerk
(Writing assistance provided by Mrs.
Cookie Portocarrero, special notes pro-
vided by Clay Kungler.)
arithmetic,” espoused the animated Mrs.
Westland, “rounded out with six weeks
course in history, civil government, physi-
cal education and life skills.
‘Strong minds, strong lungs, and nice
manners – knowledge is nothing without
moral compass as guide, ignorance is no
excuse.”
School will be in session each Thursday
at 6 p.m. – students should take care not
to be late as Mrs. Anna assures me the
hand of discipline will fall hard on those
who attempt to test her.
Though Mrs. Westland speaks sternly at
times, Mrs. Westland truly does care for
the education and future of Deadwood’s
children. “You know, my husband Mr.
Westland passed a year ago this month,”
she said in closing, “rather than muddle
in sorrow, this opportunity to return to
the occupation of my youth and pass on
the values and knowledge so dear to Mr.
Westland is the best way I can think of to
honor his memory.”
By Our Correspondent
3
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 14
Dance the Night
Away at The
Phoenix
Saturday Night
Romance, Good
Cheer
Deadwood residents get the red carpet
treatment on Saturdays with the intro-
duction of the Phoenix Hotel & Theatre’s
weekly Saturday evening dinner & danc-
ing event, beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday,
April 25.
Deadwood residents are invited to enjoy
a gourmet dinner, cooked by the hotel’s
talented chef, Mrs. Tilda Gravois, who will
be debuting her new spring menu on this
evening.
Musical entertainment will be provided
during dinner and for dancing later in the
evening. Both singles and couples are wel-
come to attend.
Hotel co-owners Miss Astolat Dufaux
and Mrs. Cyn Shippe say launching this
event is a tribute to deputy mayor Starbuck
Shippe, who was killed three weeks ago by
an unknown assailant.
“Starbuck loved dancing. It was, in fact,
his idea to have a weekly social event like
this,” Miss Dufaux said. “He wanted to
create an opportunity on the weekends
for Deadwood residents to socialize in an
elegant, family friendly setting.”
“We also see it as a chance for the eligible
bachelors in town to get acquainted with
some of Deadwood’s lovely ladies,” -- some
of whom also work on the hotel’s staff, Mrs
Shippe added.
For those who are unable to it make for
dinner at 4 p.m., dancing will continue
throughout the evening.
Classifieds
Spring Planting Supplies
The Black Hills General Store
Hoes and Rakes
Shovels and fertilizer
All manner of seeds for
Watermelon
Cucumber
Peppers
Lettuces
Radish
Beans
Seed Potatos
The Earth is bountiful
He who hestitates is lost
Stop by now!
RIP Red Rover
Up in the happy hunting ground
Ol’ Red has gone to rest
Nevermore to chase his squirrel
Or steal eggs from that nest
No more to bark a woof or yap
When neighbors come to call,
He’ll not be there to guard our cow
Or hunt deer in the fall.
I wish I had not shot so fast,
And filled him full of lead.
I might have hit him in the butt
Instead of in the head.
Spring
The Birds are back, the grass is riz
I wonder where the birdies is?
4
April 24, 1878
Wild Bill Days: May 15-17
Let’s show out of towners the best of the town and welcome
their wallets
Businesspeople are encouraged to roll
out their welcome mats and spruce up their
product stocks in preparation for May
15-17 in Deadwood. Thousands of visitors
are expected to learn more about the life
of famed hero Wild Bill Hickok.
The Deadwood Town Council is spon-
soring the event, to welcome visitors to
see the territory and either spend their
money and leave or else invest in the town
as capitalists. “This is, after all, the future
Chicago of the West,” said Town Council-
man and Town Treasurer Neil Streeter,
one of the organizers.
Among the activities planned are:
Theatrical presentations about the life
and heroism and death of Wild Bill, as
well as the trial and hanging of the villain
Jack McCall who shot him in the back in
Deadwood two years ago,
A Wild Bill Hickok lookalike contest,
A Wild Bill Hickok poetry contest,
A picnic at the grave of the great man
Exhibitions and contests of gunplay and
the use of iron, and
A card tournament in honor of Wild
Bill’s last moments, heroicallly playing
poker.
Mrs. September Blaisdale Kungler has
also worked to procure a modern shoot-
ing gallery that will entertain both future
gunslingers as well as adults. appeared on the hills surrounding town to are not interested in the story of Wild Bill.
In addition, Streeter hopes a new book the Black Rose, Miss Jeni Trefusis, to share We want to show Deadwood has a dead
about another legend of the West, the how even prostitutes such as they could hero who can meet any need, and people
Black Rose of the Black Hills, will be out find Salvation. should come here to learn about them and
by the festival. Streeter has recounted “Her story of conversion is deeply buy commemoratives,” Streeter said.
how the Blessed Mary Magdalene Herself moving, and should appeal to people who
COURT OF DEADWOOD, DAKOTA TERRITORIES
In re the Name Change of: Charleston Capra Slade
Look it’s poor little one eyed Gunner-
No. cz18780415
Ate all the birds that died last summer PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE
COMES NOW Charleston Capra Slade and petitions the above-
Enjoy yourselves entitled Court for an Order changing her name to Charleston
Capra and shows the Court as follows:
Wednesday Nights
at the Bella Union Theater 1. Petitioner was born on the 12th day of July, 1845 in Dorchester
and Saloon County, State of South Carolina; is a resident of Deadwood,
Faro, Refreshments, Dakota Territories; and is a citizen/legal resident of the United
music and dancing States of America.
Ladies and Gents,
stop in for a fast game 2. Petitioner was carried the name of Slade as part of an arranged
and a free taste of this weeks marriage. Petitioner suffered great abuses during the marriage
featured drink; which ended with the death of Julian Slade on the 9th day of
Cinnamon Spiced Whiskey Punch! March, 1878:
“I wish to change my name so that I do not have to be reminded
daily of the man who killed my unborn child and who tried to kill
me. I feel I have suffered enough at his hand and should not be
forced to carry his name as a life sentence. Please consider my
Missing petition in earnest.”
3. This petition is not made to avoid creditors or for any illegal
or fraudulent purpose, but for the bona fide purpose or changing
One John Henry Holliday, a dentist, Petitioner’s name to the name by which she has been and prefers
visits the newspaper office to ask if anyone his/her name to be referred.
has seen the whereabouts of one known
affectionately and in jest as Big Nose Kate WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays that his/her name be changed
to which he has acquaintance and who may by Order of this Court from:
have wintered here.
He fears she may have Charleston Capra Slade to Charleston Capra and that the latter be
lost his address in Fort in place of the former.
Griffin. She is seen
here in younger years.
Inquiries and informa-
Charleston Capra Slade
Petitioner
tion to the newspaper
office please.
Deadwood Free Press Vol. 2 Issue 14 April 24, 1878

Special OOC Section

Deadwood Second Annual Academy Awards

April 18th, 2009
The Deadwood Academy Awards is a month-long roleplay

extravanganza held every March honoring the creative

spirit of our roleplayers. This sim-wide event culminates

in a splendid awards ceremony where roleplayers are

honored with the much coveted Deadwoodie Award.

Deadwood’s finest
showed up in their best
The awards ceremony, held at the Dakota
formal wear.
Playhouse and hosted by Caed Aldwych, was
attended by the who’s who of Deadwood.

Among the big winners

of the night: CarrieAnne
Dubrovna, Elizabeth
Vita, Claytanic Kungler,
Charleston Capra, Astolat
Dufaux, Baird Bravin,
Addison Leigh, Cyn
Bonetto, Cameo Capalini,
and Jeni Trefusis.

Presenters and audience alike

sizzled in their gowns and suits.