…I, too, can be found staring into space, especially sitting in front of my stubborn computer. And that is precisely what is taking place in the photo above. It shows what has been my resting bitch face, if you will, for many a-moon.
I have sat down to write to you on Patreon and my website several times over the months. There’s much to say, yet I have found it difficult to find any words. While that may be the case, I must report I’ve been busy to be sure! Merely incapable of telling you about it.
In September had a productive week-long research trip to Cañon City, Colorado. I purchased photograph usage rights, copies of Sanborn Insurance maps of the town from the mid-1880s, explored the town, and perhaps may have discovered the site where Milton and Tony Preston’s variety theater stood. And, in fact, it may still be standing!
I’ve dug up more research books. They involve people Milton knew (how well it isn’t known). Two include Dave Rudabaugh and John Henry Holliday (yes, Doc). The Rudabaugh book was hard to track down and was a copy I could barely afford.
Over the last few weeks, I have been poring over more Sanborn maps. These being of Albuquerque. Unfortunately, so far, the earliest ones I can find are from 1891. That’s nearly a decade after the events that led to Milton’s execution and eight years after that. However, I believe I have tracked down the area where he had hanged. Sadly, the building no longer exists. Had it still, I may have been able to find, or guess, where Sheriff Armijo would likely have corralled off to serve as the execution yard and perhaps very near the spot where Milton’s gallows stood.
Sanborn Insurance Maps
The same thing goes for New Town (modern downtown). I do not believe any of the old buildings from 1881 or 1883 survive to this day. At least the ones concerning Milton or his friends, such as Elwood Maden. As always, I’m still looking into it. The Sanborn maps have been helpful, although they are from said later date.
Plans are in the works for my trips to Arkansas and Texas (the last two remaining trips!). I hope to complete both before the end of 2019. However, I have learned not to place too much emphasis on arbitrary time frames.
The only thing that may stand in my way of completing both is if I save up and purchase a new computer first. I am thinking of going to the Dark Side, the route of a MacBook this time. They are not cheap. The cost of one is comparable, if not higher, than one of my long research trips.
After all this, I hope to find a quiet place where little distraction exists to seriously begin putting everything together and focus on the writing process. I have little idea where that will be, but I am considering Madrid, New Mexico. It is a tiny town of 200, about an hour away. Close enough to run to Santa Fe or Albuquerque to take care of stuff (shop or drive Uber for a few hours for extra cash). Yet far enough away to avoid the everyday distractions of city life.
I love it there. Jokingly I describe Madrid as ugly, like an English Bulldog, because they are both cute and ugly simultaneously.
I guess I managed to string a few words together after all! But it’s nothing like I intended the other times. Perhaps I will soon post some worthwhile content, enticing you with interesting info on Milton Yarberry and leaving you wanting more.
Thank you for your time and patronage. I hope to gain more Patrons to help me along with this journey.
David
Featured photo: 300 block, Main St Cañon City, Colorado. Facing South.
https://www.patreon.com/Mavrikakis
Food Health October 12, 2021
My boyfriend bookmarked this link and I came here accidentally. Thanks a lot with this post! Really a good read. I dont have a lot of time right now to create a lot of my blathering opinions,(my lil girl needs attention, lol), however when I return tomorrow evening, I will explain in depth why I really dig with this article.