Djjd 2013 by Kate Noet

Defeat of Jesse James Days Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013

INSIDE Northfield’s Chip DeMann and Hayes Scriven of the Northfield Historical Society helped “Shot All To Hell” author Mark Lee Gardner with the research needed to write one of the most historically accurate accounts of the great Northfield raid.

Northfield News

PAGE 2

Northfield News DJJD

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The Defeat of

Jesse James Days

2013

September 4th - 8th

Living History! Fast Action! Great Entertainment! Fun for the Whole Family! Graveside Memorial Service Honoring Joseph Lee Heywood and Nicolaus Gustavson

Jesse James Bike Tour P.R.C.A. Professional Rodeo Rodeo Dance Carnival Bingo on Bridge Square Western Style Steak Fry Antique Tractor Pull & Exhibit Classic Car Show Kiddie Parade

Bank Raid Re-Enactments

Paul Spring 10am after Kiddie Parade in front of KYMN

Friday, 6:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 11:00 a.m. • 1:00 p.m. • 3:00 p.m. • 5:00 p.m. Sunday, 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

Sneaky Pete’s Garden Tractor Pull

ASL interpreted: Friday 6:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. Spanish interpreted: Friday 7:00 p.m.

Grand Parade

Bingo & Concessions • Everyday on Bridge Square

Live Music in the Entertainment Center Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (Button Event)

These are only a handful of the many exciting events planned for this year’s celebration. Pick up a brochure at the information booth for a complete listing of events, see www.djjd.org or call the Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-658-2548

Jesse James 15K Run & 5K Non Competitive Walk/Run Arts & Crafts/Fine Arts Shows VAUDEVESQUE Soapbox Derby James Gang Mounted Shooting

S e e w e b s i t e fo r m o re d e t a i l s w w w. d j j d . o rg The Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee reserves the right to reschedule, postpone or cancel any event without notice. Copyright ©2013. Defeat of Jesse James Days Committee, Inc., a non-profit organization. “Button Event” means you must have a 2013 Defeat of Jesse James Days Button, plus admission if applicable to enter event. Children age 5 and under admitted FREE with button.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Northfield News DJJD

PAGE 3

Locals help latest book on ‘Northfield Raid’ come to life By JERRY SMITH

About the author

Mark Lee Gardner is the author of “To Hell on a Fast Horse,” about Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. He has written a broad range of books and articles, focusing on the American West.

jcsmith@northfieldnews.com

hose who watch the Defeat of Jesse James Days raid reeanctments each year usually do so for the entertainment value and to gain a little historical context to the events that put Northfield on the map back in 1876. For author Mark Lee Gardner, who recently released a book called “Shot All To Hell: Jesse James, the Northfield Raid, and the Wi ld West’s Greatest Escape,” watching the raid helped Gardner him put things in context and to see things in real time, which helped him write arguably one of the most historically accurate books on the fateful event that took place on Sept. 7, 1876. “It’s not very often you can see what you are writing about in 3D,” said Gardner, the Colorado author who spent weeks in Northfield researching the book. “When there is a reenactment, you get a feel for space of the event. I had these images in my head when I was writing, which was very helpful.” Also critical to Gardner was the help he received from Dundas resident Chip DeMann, one of the most notable experts on the sub-

DJJD book signing

Mark Lee Gardner, author of “Shot All To Hell” about the Northfield raid, said that actually seeing a reenactment helped him write a factually accurate book. (News file photo)

ject. Gardner said DeMann’s help was invaluable when it came to writing an historical account of the events leading up to the raid, the raid itself and the manhunt that followed. “Chip DeMann of Dundas, Minnesota, has not only studied the raid for decades, but he has been an integral part of the painstakingly accurate raid reeanctments held each September during Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days,” Gardner wrote in the acknowledgements at the end of the book. “Chip shared with me his considerable research and

thoughts on the raid.” But more than that, Gardner believes that DeMann’s insistence that he look at the research with an open mind helped him not only stay true to the historical facts, but also to tell “one heck of a story.” “Chip challenged me to look critically at the available evidence and to question old interpretations,” said Gardner, who started the book project in 2010 and spent about three weeks in Northfield doing research. “He challenged me to come up with my own conclusions.”

See Book on 11A

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What: As part of Defeat of Jesse James Days, author Mark Lee Gardner will be signing his book “Shot All To Hell.” When: 6:30 p.m. on Thursday (Sept. 5) Where: Northfield Historical Society, 408 Division St. Presentation: Gardner said he would be talking about the project, how he went about the research and why he wanted to write about the great Northfield Raid.

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PAGE 4

Northfield News DJJD

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

A humble leader

The Emily Schmitz file Family: Husband Peter, son Bill and daughter Martha Education: B.S. from College of Education at University of Minnesota Hobbies: Sewing, reading, gardening Reason for volunteering: “It’s a way to meet very interesting people and do some good in the community.” Favorite thing about Northfield: “There is a great diversity [in the community] that makes for a good mix.”

Heywood Award winner Emily Schmitz uses skills and leadership for good By ERIN O’NEILL

eoneill@northfieldnews.com

rom serving on hospital boards and building committees to encouraging people to participate in democracy or to make pajamas, when it comes to volunteering in Northfield, Emily

Schmitz has done it all. “People are going to think I have A.D.D. or something,” Schmitz joked of her wide range of volunteer interests. But instead of questioning her desire to be involved in all different kinds of organizations in the community, she was named the 2013 recipient of the

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Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award – a prestigious and long-standing award in the Northfield community. “The award is given to a person who has justified their dedication to Northfield, like Joseph Lee Heywood,” said Jeanne Schnobrich, who heads the committee that selects one recipient each year. “He gave his life for this town.” While Schmitz hasn’t needed to go that far to show her commitment to the people of Northfield, her years of service and volunteering make quite a statement. When Schmitz moved to town 46 years ago, she started helping keep the books in her husband’s law office part-time, while raising her two children.

If You Go Emily Schmitz, the 2013 recipient of the Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award, tries her hand at horseback riding during the sponsor appreciation hog roast last month. (Jerry Smith/Northfield News)

But with some free time on Schmitz joined Northfield’s her hands and an innate desire League of Women Voters. to learn, it wasn’t long before “It was the first thing I joined when we moved to town,” said Schmitz. “We went door-to-door asking businessmen to support the league and I thought there’s got to be a better way to do this.” Schmitz suggested the league start mailing out letters instead – a decision that saved time, brought in a wealth of donations and caught the attention of the state board. Before she knew it, she had a seat on the state board, representing the league across all of Minnesota. But this wasn’t the only time she would become a leader among volunteers. Coming from a family of lawyers, Schmitz thought it would be interesting to explore other realms of business and volunteered to serve on the Northfield Hospital Board. “While the material was at times overwhelming, we had such an extremely competent staff,” said Schmitz. “It was definitely challenging, but fun.” Though board members are only required to serve a

See LEADER on 5A

What: 2013 Joseph Lee Heywood Award Banquet When: 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) on Wednesday (Sept. 4) Where: Northfield Ballroom (Hwy. 3 North) Tickets: Prepaid reservations

Past Joseph Lee Heywood award winners Al Quie (1983) Robert Shumway (1984) Bernie Hughes (1985) Curt Oleson (1986) Karl Rolvaag (1987) Paul Johnson (1988) John Machacek (1989) Wayne Eddy (1990) Ken Grism (1991) Don McRae (1992) Jean & Orv Perman (1993) Dan Freeman (1994) Sanford “Sam” Haugen (1995) Dorothy Schilling (1996) Shirley Nelson (1997) Don Lindberg (1998) Mary Lou Street (1999) Jerry Skluzacek (2000) James Sawyer (2001)

See WINNERS on 5A

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Northfield News DJJD

PAGE 5

Leader: Schmitz volunteers for good of community From Page 4A three-year term, Schmitz stuck around for nine years, continually learning more and more about a very complex medical system. After years of dedication and commitment to really getting a handle on the material, she became board chair during a critical time for the Northfield Hospital. “I was the board chair the year we built the hospital,” said Schmitz. “That was pretty exciting.” Schmitz stepped down as chair in 2000 and, after serving in two very complex and intellectual positions, decided to connect with

another interest of hers: sewing. After hearing about the Christmas Sharing Program and two very dedicated ladies sewing pajamas for children who might not be getting too many presents each December 25, Schmitz wanted to get involved. She offered to take over the pajama-making program and once again brought it to a whole new level. In her first year as coordinator back in 2006, a group of volunteers made about 700 pairs of pajamas for kids in town. Last year, the group made 1,400. “She has been absolutely instrumental to the pajama program,” said Schnobrich.

Winners: Past Heywood Award recipients

But when Schmitz thinks back on her legacy of volunteering in the Northfield community, the enormity of her impact eludes her. “I grew up in a family that had a warped sense of humor and my dad always used to say, ‘you were always just too dumb to know that you couldn’t do it,’” said Schmitz. This continual “misjudgment” has benefited the Northfield community for decades and earned Schmitz the title of the newest recipient of the Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award. Reach reporter Erin O’Neill at 645-1115, or follow her on Twitter. com @reporterONeill.

From Page 5A

Emily Schmitz was all smiles when she was announced as the 2013 Joseph Lee Heywood Distinguished Service Award last month at the Northfield Senior Center. (Northfield News file photo)

Marv Grundhoefer (2002) Wil Brosz (2003) Orrin DeLong(2004) Gene Finger (2005) Don Pavek (2006) Chip DeMann (2007) Scott Richardson (2008) Maggie Lee (2009) Will Healy ( 2010) Brett Reese (2011) Molly Woehrlin (2012)

We were there for the first defeat of Jesse James day. The defeat of Jesse James is a story known around the world. On that fateful day in 1876, a notorious gang of outlaws fell to the heroism of the citizens of Northfield. As we enjoy the reenactment of the raid, let’s remember to honor those brave townspeople who made history. Jesse James and his outlaw gang were stopped here, but the town that defeated them has continued to grow and prosper. We’re proud of our history, and proud to be Northfield’s bank of choice.

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PAGE 6

Northfield News DJJD

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

the players

A 7-MINUTE GUN FIGHT It lasted just seven minutes, but the brief and deadly gun battle outside First National Bank in Northfield had a resounding effect on a young community, and became an indelible part of local history. What happened on Sept. 7, 1876, and who was involved? the gang Jesse James — Jesse later became the face and leader of the gang, but at the time of the raid, he answered to his older brother and Cole J. James Younger. Jesse would survive until his assassination in 1882. Frank James — Along with Cole Younger, Frank James served as a part of Quantrill’s Confederate raiders during the Civil War. Older than F. James Jesse, Frank led the gang along with Cole Younger. Thomas “Cole” Younger — The oldest of the brothers, Cole was one of the two leaders of the gang. He and Frank completed much of the gang’s strategic planning.

T. Younger

James Younger — Captured by the Union Army while riding with Quantrill’s raiders during the Civil War, James was kept in poor condition in a Union prison. He was the middle brother in the Younger family.

in the street A.R. Manning — A hardware merchant, A.R. Manning moved to Northfield in 1856 and was a volunteer with the fire department.

Northfield News reenactment file photo

Bob Younger — Possibly the youngest member of the gang, Bob Younger’s age prevented him from serving during the Civil War.

the wrong place at the wrong time. J.S. Allen — Allen was a prominent businessman in Northfield and the owner of a hardware store in downtown Northfield. Manning

Nicholas Gustavson — A Scandinavian immigrant, Gustavson had the misfortune of being in

H.M. Wheeler — A medical student back in Northfield visiting his father’s drug store, Wheeler was caught up in the gun battle.

B. Younger

Clell Miller — The son of a respectable family, Clell was temporarily buried in Northfield after his death in the raid, until medical students exhumed his body. Charlie Pitts — Charlie concealed his real name, Samuel Wells, during his criminal career. He was a family man, with a wife and young child at the time of the raid. Bill Chadwell — Chadwell was also married with a child. His connection to a St. Paul family may have factored in on the gang’s decision to conduct a raid in Minnesota.

Northfield News reenactment file photo

bank employees Joseph Lee Heywood — Described as quiet and cultured, Heywood was the acting cashier on the day the James-Younger gang assaulted the bank.

tional Bank for three years at the time of the raid.

Heywood

A.E. Bunker — Educated in Minnesota, but born on the East Coast, A.E. Bunker had worked at First Na-

F.J. Wilcox — The only bank employee uninjured after the Bunker robbery, Wilcox’ testimony about the violence inside the bank would later help convict several of the gang members.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Northfield News DJJD

PAGE 7

the shootout A. Just after 2 p.m. on Sept. 7, 1876, Charlie Pitts, Bob Younger and Frank James cross what was then known as the Mill Square (now Bridge Square) and dismount in front of First National Bank. Around the same time, Cole Younger and Clell Miller ride up

Division Street from the south. Tasked with securing the gang’s primary escape route, Jesse James, Bill Chadwell and Jim Younger hang back at the Iron Bridge over the Cannon River.

B. Pitts, Bob Younger and Frank James enter the bank. Inside are bank employees A.E. Bunker, Joseph Heywood and F.J. Wilcox. The robbers quickly subdue Heywood and the others. Outside, Northfielder J.S. Allen attempts to follow the

C. Cole Younger and Miller, hearing the cry, begin shooting to clear the street near the bank. Almost immediately, they mortally wound Nicholas Gustavson. The three men stationed near the bridge ride into Bridge Square, attempting to scare residents off the streets.

IRO

RID

D. Hearing the gunfire and shouting outside, the robbers inside the bank step up their efforts, but are stopped cold by Heywood and the others, who refuse to open the safe. The situation begins to unravel when Bunker escapes through a back door. On his way out, he is shot in the right shoulder by Pitts. Their desperation rising, the robbers decide to make a quick exit. Just before leaving, Frank James fatally shoots Heywood.

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E. Across the street, H.M. Wheeler takes up a position in an upper-story window of the Dampier House Hotel and begins pouring fire into the robbers with an old army carbine. Allen, who made it back to his store, begins arming residents with rifles.

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gang members into the bank. He is barred by Cole Younger and Miller. Realizing what’s happening, he flees down the street, yelling “Get your guns, boys, they’re robbing the bank!”

F. Another hardware merchant, A.R. Manning, takes up a gun and runs to the corner of Division Street and Bridge Square. His first shot kills a horse. Taking aim with his second shot, he wounds Cole Younger. The third shot Manning fires instantly kills Chadwell. G. At the same time, Wheeler begins fire from the hotel window. The first shot flies true, hitting and killing Miller. The whole gang, now outside, begins to mount their horses, except Bob Younger, who exchanges gunfire with Manning. During the firefight, Wheeler shoots Bob Younger in the elbow. H. With the rest of the gang either dead or now on horseback, Bob Younger jumps astride a horse also ridden by Cole Younger. Defeated, the robbers flee south down Division Street. Four of the six are captured or killed near Madelia on Sept. 21. The James brothers successfully retreat to Missouri. Photos courtesy Rice County and Northfield Historical Societies, National Archives. Map from the book, ‘Faithful Unto Death,” by John Koblas

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Northfield News DJJD

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Historic rifle used to help thwart Northfield raid in 1876 on display By JERRY SMITH

jcsmith@northfieldnews.com

orthfielders and tourists alike have heard the story of how Henry Wheeler grabbed his rifle and started shooting at the James-Younger Gang to thwart the attempted robbery of the First National Bank. This summer, the Northfield Historical Society has had on display that rifle — a .50 caliber Smith carbine — on loan from owners Gerry Groenewold and Connie Triplett. The display opened in June and will run through Sept. 30. “This is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen,” said Hayes Scriven, NHS executive director. “It’s one of the most important artifacts we’ve had on display here. We have so many artifacts from the JamesYounger Gang members, but little that represents the town’s defense of the failed 1876 raid.” Scriven said that he, Groenewold and Triplett have a mutual friend of the museum, which is how the arti-

facts ended up on display at the historical society. “They were very willing to work with us to get these remarkable artifacts on display here,” Scriven said. “They were aware of what they had because they knew members of the Wheeler family.” Groenewold and Triplett are from the same area of North Dakota that Wheeler and his family lived. “We care greatly about historic preservation,” Groenewold said. “Over the years our collecting interests have focused on artifacts having verifiable historic significance. Accordingly, we feel an obligation to allow the public to see these artifacts and learn from the stories they tell.” Along with the rifle, NHS will be displaying the Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver that Wheeler carried in his back pocket after the family of Clell Miller threatened his life, since he had shot and killed Miller during the raid. A gold pocket watch the First National Bank presented to Wheeler for his efforts in defending the bank also

will be on display. “All of the artifacts are in good condition and will be a great addition to our bank raid exhibit this summer,” said Cathy Osterman, NHS curator. When asked about the feedback about the Wheeler exhibit, Scriven said it has all been positive. “People are very impressed,” he said. “It’s another way to display the history that has been such a big part of Northfield. These are very important artifacts.”

Hayes Scriven, executive director of the Northfield Historical Society, places the .50 caliber Smith carbine used by Henry Wheeler to defend the First National Bank of Northfield during the 1876 raid in the display case for an exhibit that opened Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of the Northfield Historical Society)

Additional find

The museum also will display some items relating to Wheeler from their collection that have not previously been displayed, including an unpublished photo of Wheeler recently discovered by Ariel Butler, manager of the Northfield History Collaborative Project. The image seems to be of Wheeler around the age when he was attending Carleton College. Scriven says he was speechless when Butler first showed

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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

NORTHFIELD NEWS DJJD

PAGE 9

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Northfield News DJJD

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

defeat of jesse james days schedule Editor’s note: The schedule of Thursday, Sept. 5 events is printed with permission • Golf Tournament – 2 p.m. from the Defeat of Jesse James Days Shot Gun Start AT Northfield organization. Golf Club (BUTTON EVENT) • E nt e r t a i n m e nt C e n ter “Townie Night” – 5 p.m.Wednesday, Sept. 4 • Joseph Lee Heywood and 12:30 a.m. on 5th & Water Street Nicolaus Gustavson Graveside – 8 p.m.-12:00 a.m. ... 8th Memorial Service – Noon at the Street Band w/Chad Johnson Northfield Cemetery, South Di- (BUTTON EVENT) vision across from High School • Giddy-Up Horse races – • Ja m e s - You n g e r g a n g Registration 5 p.m. at Premier mounted shooting exhibition Bank 5th & Washington (BUT– 6 p.m. at Jesse James Arena. TON EVENT) Admission $2; Under 3 free. • Vaudervesue – 7 p.m. at 5:00 p.m. Horseback rides prior Northfield Arts Guild Theater ... to event by Turning Leaf Saddle Tickets $10, info@northfieldartsClub (free will donation) guild.org • Joseph Lee Heywood Dis• Carnival – 5 p.m. at Highway tinguished Service Award Ban- 3 & 5th Street ... 6-10 p.m. “Wrist quet – 6:30 p.m. (doors open Band Night.” See www.djjd.org for 5:00 p.m.) Northfield Ballroom, ticket sale locations Highway 3 North ... Prepaid Res• Pedal Tractor Pull – 5:30 p.m. ervations (BUTTON EVENT) Between 4th & 5th Streets on Di... $125 Pin Drawing, Auction vision of Defeat of Jesse James Days • Book signing and presenCollector Buttons Numbers 1 tation by Mark Gardner: “New through 5 Insights on the Northfield Raid.” From 6:30-8 p.m. at the North-

The Defeat of Jesse James Days Rodeo has been one of the highlights of the celebration. This year, the rodeo is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 6), and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 7) at the rodeo grounds on Highway 3. (News file photo)

field Historical Society, 408 Divi- 8 p.m. at Northfield Arena, Highsion St. way 3 South ... Homemade Crafts/ • Bingo on Bridge Square – Free Drawings/Concessions 6 p.m.-Midnight • Entertainment Center – 4 p.m.-1 a.m. ... 5th & Water Friday, Sept. 6 Streets (BUTTON EVENT) • Ambassador/James Gang – 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. ... “Lost School Visits – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Highway” (BUTTON EVENT) • Arts & Crafts Show – 9 a.m.• Western Style Steak Fry Northfield Cannon Valley Lions – 5-8 p.m. at Jesse James Arena, Highway 3 South • Carnival – 5 p.m. at Highway 3 & 5th Street • Bingo on Bridge Square – 6 p.m.-Midnight • Vaudervesue – 7 p.m. at Northfield Arts Guild Theater ... Tickets $10, info@northfieldartsguild.org • P.R.C.A. Professional Rodeo – 8 p.m. ... Miss Rodeo Minnesota pageant crowning ... Jesse James Arena, Highway 3 South. Reserved: $14; General Admission: Adult $12, Child $8 (ages 4-12), Under 3 Free • Square Dance – 8-10:30 p.m. on Division between 4th & 5th Streets • Rodeo Dance – 10 p.m.Midnight at Jesse James Arena, Highway 3 South, Admission Free, Live Music Saturday, Sept. 7 • Jesse James Bike Tour starts Northfield at Northfield Middle School – Registration, 6:30 a.m. More info www.JesseJamesBikeTour.org • Soap Box Derby – Registration 8:30 a.m., Race begins 10:00 a.m. ... 3rd & Orchad St.

(Longfellow School). More info, allison.watkins@ci.northfield. mn.us • Defeat of Jesse James Days Car Show Sundowner Car Club – 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Riverside Park ... Admission: $2, 15 and under free with paid adult (BUTTON EVENT) • Craft Show – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central Park, 4th & Winona Streets • Arts & Crafts Show – 9 a.m.6 p.m. at Northfield Arena, Highway 3 South ... HomemadeCrafts/ Free Drawings/Concessions • Kiddie Parade – 9:30 a.m. on 6th & Division Streets • Entertainment following parade – Paul Spring at 10 a.m. at 200 Division Street (In front of KYMN Radio) • Northfield Arts Guild riverfront arts festival – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Cannon River Walkway • Carnival – 11 a.m. at Highway 3 & 5th Street • Northfield Dance Academy performance – 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. on Division Street • Bingo on Bridge Square – Noon-Midnight • Entertainment Center – Noon-1 a.m. 5th & Water Streets – Prize Drawings 2, 3 & 4 p.m. (BUTTON EVENT) – 2-4 p.m. ... Musical Entertainment (BUTTON EVENT) – 5-8 p.m. ... Musical Entertainment (BUTTON EVENT) – 8:45 p.m.-12:45 a.m. ... “Sweet Siren” (BUTTON EVENT) • Vintage baseball – 1 p.m.

Northfield Silverstars vs. St. Croix Base Ball Club (1870 Rules), 7th St. E. (Old Memorial Field) • P.R.C.A. Professional Rodeo – 2 p.m. at Jesse James Arena, Highway 3 South ... General Admission: Adult $12, Child $8 (ages 4-12), Under 3 Free • Vaudervesue – 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. at Northfield Arts Guild Theater ... Tickets $10, info@ northfieldartsguild.org • Western Style Steak Fry Northfield Cannon Valley Lions – 5-8 p.m. at Jesse James Arena, Highway 3 South • Sneaky Pete’s garden tractor pull – 6-9:30 p.m. on Division Street (BUTTON EVENT) ... Participant Registration 4:30 p.m., Off Lawn $10, Other $15 • P.R.C.A. Professional Rodeo 8:00 p.m. Jesse James Arena, “Tough Enough To Wear Pink” Night ... A fundraiser for Northfield Hospital’s Breast Cancer Center, wear pink, donate and show your support ... Highway 3 South. Reserved: $14; General Admission: Adult $12, Child $8 (ages 4-12), Under 3 Free

Sunday, Sept. 8 • Jesse James 5K & 15K runs at National Guard Armory – Registration: 6:30-7:30 a.m. (run begins at 8 a.m.) • Antique tractor pull – Registration at 7 a.m., Tractor Pull at 9 a.m. ... Jeese James Arena, Hwy 3 South (BUTTON EVENT) • VFW breakfast – 7:3011 a.m. ... Children under 10 $4, Adults $8 • Northfield Dance Academy performance – 11:55 a.m.on Division Street • Royalty Reception – 10 a.m. at Northfield High School • Craft Show – 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Central Park, 4th & Winona Streets • Carnival – Noon-6 p.m. ... Highway 3 & 5th Street • Bingo on Bridge Square – Noon-8 p.m. • Entertainment Center – Noon-6 p.m. on 5th & Water Streets ... DJ Linda Jean, Prize Drawings and Special Appearance after the Grand Parade by the “Minnesota Pipes & Drums” • Grand Parade – 2 p.m. on Division Street

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Northfield News DJJD

PAGE 11

Book: Locals help make ‘Shot All To Hell’ an accurate account of raid and a ‘good read’ From Page 3A

Getting it right

After reading the book, DeMann proclaimed it a great success. In his opinion, he believes Gardner got the events of that day and the details of the manhunt to follow right. “Mark did a nice job,” said DeMann, who believes he has interesting and accurate insight into the Jame-Younger gang because he has been leading a similar gang for 43 years. “This is probably the first scholarly piece that just covers the Northfield bank raid. The nice thing about this book is he did an excellent job of getting the facts right.” What DeMann said he liked most about Gardner’s account was his attention to detail. One example was whether or not the bank had a time lock on the vault. In many other books and pieces written about the robbery attempt, there was no time lock. DeMann believes one was installed weeks

prior to that day and Gardner “got that right.” “That’s always been confusing to writers,” Demann said. “In my research, Clell Miller had an article from the Rice County Journal about the improvements made to the bank.” But the historians didn’t see eye-to-eye on every detail. Gardner writes that there were two shots fired inside the bank other than the shot by Frank James that killed Joseph Lee Heywood. DeMann disagrees, saying there were just two total shots fired. “We know there were two shots [through eyewitness accounts],” DeMann said. “There was actually only one shot other than the one that killed Heywood.” Hayes Scriven, executive director of Northfield Historical Society, sides with DeMann on the controversial shots within the bank. He bases his opinion on the affidavit by F.J. Wilcox, the only bank employee uninjured during the robbery. Wilcox’s testimony

about the violence inside the bank would later help convict several of the gang members. “[Gardner’s version] is definitely an interesting twist on it,” Scriven said. “It shows eyewitness accounts aren’t always the same.” Defending what he wrote in “Shot All To Hell,” Gardner said that it made a lot of sense to him that his version was right based on newspaper accounts and his research of gunfights at close range. “Sometimes they miss,” he said. “There was something about the account (two shots) that just made sense to me.” Scriven said the differing accounts give the historical society more research to do on the raid. “We need to go about proving he was right or wrong now,” Scriven said.

“About 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon as we J.L. Heywood, A.L. Bunker and I who were employed in the bank, were busy about our work, I was startled by the sound of some confusion and a rush from the door; and on

Both DeMann and Scriven paid Gardner’s book the ultimate compliment, saying not only that it was factually accurate, but an ex-

research Gardner did for the book. “Because every town had a little newspaper, I was able to find accounts of the time. I had accounts from the robbers themselves,” Gardner said. “This was the biggest story since the Civil War and would remain that for several decades. There was a huge gun battle in the street. It certainly wasn’t hard to make it exciting.” Reach Managing Editor Jerry Smith at 645-1136, or follow him on Twitter.com @NewsNorthfield

A Great Place to Call Home Traditional values, progressive spirit.

glancing up was something more than startled by the presence of three men, with pistols in their hands, who called out “Throw up your hands, we going to rob the bank.” “As the counter at the teller’s window was only a low open one, they at once sprang over into the back. They then made us get down on our knees with hands up, asserting that they had 40 men outside and it was no use to resist. The demand was at once made for the cashier and

that the vault be opened. I think they did not see Mr. Heywood when they first came in, as he was sitting at one side at a desk with a high front which would partially conceal him. He arose at once; however, and was promptly ordered to his knees with hands up. The three who came in were Bob Younger, Pitts and as I believe, Frank James. It was very evident that hey had been drinking as the smell of liquor was very strong.”

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Koblas archived at the Northfield Historical Society and many others in Northfield. Saying that he is a historian first and writer next, Gardner said he wanted the book to be a good read, but also give a scholarly account of the events. He was able to do both, he said, because the story was so good to begin with and there were so many eyewitness accounts published in papers right after the fateful day and for years after. One need only look at the 38 pages of notes at the end of the book to know the amount of

A good read

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT F.J. Wilcox, an employee of the First National Bank in Northfield gave the following account in the Northfield News of the moment the JamesYounger gang members entered the bank:

cellent read to boot. Both agreed that it is one of the best, if not the best, book written about the raid. DeMann said it is the first “really good” book on the raid itself, while Scriven said it was the easiest read. “Mark knew enough to ask the right questions,” DeMann said. “I was impressed that he took the time and came in with an open mind and an open palette.” Gardner said that he never would have been able to be so historically accurate if not for the help of DeMann, Scriven, the notes of “Faithful Unto Death” author Jack

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PAGE 12

NORTHFIELD NEWS DJJD

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Save the Northﬁeld Depot group offers Event specific QR codes to help DJJD chance to have photo taken with DJJD raider festival-goers navigate annual celebration By JERRY SMITH

parties to have their photos taken. Raid reenactments are scheduled for 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 6); 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 7); 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 8). “We’re grateful for the gang’s involvement in this,” Vincent said. “We’re on the second leg of our journey and this will help us get closer to raising the funds we need.” The Northfield Depot was the last of five that were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The plan is to refurbish the historic depot and move it across the street as part of the proposed transit hub project at the Q-block, behind the Quarterback Club.

jcsmith@northfieldnews.com

Lynn Vincent, co-chair of the Save the Northfield Depot organization, has high hopes that enough money will be raised to someday refurbish and move the historic downtown train depot and put it to use again. With $100,000 already raised for the project, the organization has now set about raising the next $100,000 of the total $293,000 needed. One way they hope to get a boost is by having a fundraiser event during the Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration, which runs Sept. 4-8. Save the Northfield Depot — a non-profit formed to preserve the 1888 building that used to be the first stop for people coming into town by train near the railroad crossing at West Third Street — is

offering a chance to have a photo taken with one of the Northfield raiders taking part in the bank raid reenactment. For $20, Vincent said folks can pose with one or more raiders in front of the historic First National Bank and receive a Polaroid shot adhered to an antique backing. “They’ll get a vintage photo and they won’t have to wait since we’re taking it with an antique Polaroid camera,” Vincent said. Vincent said that one or more raiders will be available for photos immediately after each raid reenReach Managing Editor Jerry actment and will be there for as Smith at 645-1136, or follow him long as it takes for all interested on Twitter.com @NewsNorthfield

Wheeler: Historic rifle, watch on display From Page 8A him the photo. “That was one of those moments when you first see an item and you can’t believe what you’ve just found,” Scriven said. “We weren’t looking for that specifically, but we were quite excited when Ariel found it.” Also on display will be the actual glass plate negative taken by Ira Sumner of the dead Clell Miller and Bill Chadwell that was donated to NHS in 2009 by Benjamin Nystuen, a Colorado resident who grew up in Northfield. Scriven believes the negative to be the first photo taken of the dead raiders. “This is a great display of some really important historical

IF YOU GO What: The Northfield Historical Society will display the .50 caliber rifle Henry Wheeler used to defend the First National Bank of Northfield during

DJJD map link

Defeat of Jesse James Days webmaster Tim Freeland has created event specific QR codes to help festival-goers. The QR codes will be on a laminated poster with instructions on where to get the readers for all types of phones and various marked QR codes, like capture to see the DJJD. org main site, the events page, weather forecast, band information and DJJD events times, rodeo times and raid reenactment times.

a DOUBLE ONION RINGS (Recipe No. 16)

DOUBLE CHEESE BUTTERBURGER

(Recipe No. 3)

Also in the Henry Wheeler exhibit is a gold watch the Northfielder received for his part in defending the bank during the 1876 raid. (Photo courtesy of the Northfield Historical Society)

MAKE YOURS A

Reach Managing Editor Jerry artifacts,” Scriven said. “We are fortunate to have these pieces on Smith at 645-1136, or follow him on Twitter.com @NewsNorthfield display.”

the attempted robbery by the James-Younger Gang in 1876. When: Through Sept. 30 Where: Northfield Historical Society, 408 Division St., Northfield

Museum hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1–6 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children (6–12)

Come on in to your local Culver’s restaurant: Come on in to your local Culver’s restaurant:

Culver’s of Northfield Culver’s of (City) 960 Hwy. 3S 123 XYZ Street City, State ZIP Norhfield, Minnesota (123) 456-7890 507-645-7700