Dalton Raid - Coffeyville

[Guns Garrett]

To All,
Every year the City of Coffeyville, Kansas, holds a festival to commemorate the Defenders of the city during the raid of the Dalton Brothers Gang of October 5, 1892.  They attempted to rob two banks simultaneously, but resulted in 4 of the 5 gang members dead, and 4 dead citizens including the town Marshall.  The surviving robber, Emmet Dalton, suffered 21 gunshot wounds, and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.  He was later paroled, after serving 15 years.

This year, Dalton Defender Days will be held 2-3 October.  I am on the committee this year, and I am posting this to extend an invitation to all out there who would wish to observe or participate as townspeople in the reenactments, which will be held on Saturday, Oct 3rd.  Many of the actual characters in the raid are currently cast, but we always welcome "extras" who wish to participate.  One group of reenactors who have been very active the past couple years are the Ricochet Riders of Longview, MO.  We would welcome all who wish to participate as "townies", portraying men, women, and children doing business on a fall morning in 1892.  We will have a limited supply of 5-in-1 and 12-gauge blank ammunition for those who could assist in "defending" the town.  Open carry will be allowed in the city Plaza, all weapons are subject to a safety inspection, and NO live ammo is allowed to be carried on your person.

An informational website from last year' festival can be seen here:  http://www.coffeyvillechamber.org/Dalton-Defenders-Days-37951.asp  As activites and events are organized and scheduled during this summer, the site will be updated (or a new one made).  We are hoping to grow our little show into one of greater prominence.

As an NCOWS member, I feel I must provide the following disclaimer:  The action cannot be put on for public performance as it actually happened, as most of the actual events took place behind buildings, or in narrow alleys.  We perform the action in the city Plaza, where the public has a good view, in front of the original Condon Bank.  Most of the reenactors are not CAS shooters, and only do this as a hobby once a year, so don't expect 100% authenticity  The website cited above shows a photo of Nick, ("Bob Dalton") wearing a shotgun slide, and using an H&R "Topper" shotgun (the Dalton Gang only used Winchesters, they never used their handguns).  Some paricipants are Civil War reenactors, and use cap&ball revolvers.  So, someone expecting an authentic, exact reenactment may be disappointed, but it is a good show.  Marshall H and Marshall'ette attended a few years ago, and enjoyed it.  Dakota and Sunny Livsay ("Chronicle of the Old West"  http://chronicleoftheoldwest.com/) and the Wild West History Association (formerly NOLA/WOLA  http://www.wildwesthistory.org/) were treated to a special performance last July, and were very impressed.  The History Channel produced a special several years ago, hosted by Bill Kurtis (originally from this area), that was fillmed on-site, and was an actual recreation.

Anyone interested or wanting more info can PM/email me, or email the Chamber of Commerce at:  information@coffeyville.com
I have some ideas I'm mulling over, but don't want to post, as it may create expectations that won't pan out.  If nothing else, this would be a great recruiment opportunity for NCOWS.

Thanks, and I hope to see some of you this October.

Dave Vanderpool