The Historic Archer House became the Gang's headquarters while in Northfield. The conference began with registration and a social gathering Thursday evening, September 12. Members enjoyed an evening of reviewing the many exhibits and greeting old friends.
Friday September 13 officially kicked off the annual conference with a welcome by Chris Metzke, President of the Northfield Historical Society, to an audience of nearly 100. President N. David Smith presided over the annual business meeting. 1996-97 Officers-elect include David Smith, National President, Wilbur Zink, National Vice President, Gieselle Fest, National Secretary-Treasurer. Standard business reports were presented and approved by the membership.
The business meeting was followed by walking tours of historic Northfield directed by local citizens, with a detailed explanation of the bank robbery attempt in the restored First National Bank. After lunch, program speakers alternated in bringing exciting and informative discussions. Joan Daniels spoke on the "Stillwater Prison", Rex Macbeth on "The Magnificent Seven", Danny Shackelford on "The James-Younger Gang in the Civil War", and Keith Bartz and Sue Delong on "Joseph Lee Heywood". Wilbur Zink chaired an interesting Younger Family discussion at the Northfield Fine Arts building. Sharon Younger spoke on her family connection to Frank Wilcox, a teller in the Northfield Bank at the time of the robbery, and her husband's family the Youngers! Tom and Frank Younger brought the organization up to date with their program about the "Gang on the Internet".
All lined the street in Northfield at 6:00 PM in front of the bank to review a special, historically accurate reenactment of the ill-fated bank robbery attempt on September 7, 1876. Gang members Clell Miller, Billy Stiles, and bank cashier Joseph Heywood were all killed in the affair. Jesse and Frank James, Bob, Jim and Cole Younger and Charlie Pitts managed to escape.
The educational and fun filled day ended with a wonderful barbecue provided by Northfield citizens around a campfire along the banks of the Canon River. An excellent group of guitarists provided entertainment for a beautiful Minnesota fall evening.
Saturday morning, busses departed the Archer House for a tour of the outlaw escape trail under the direction of Historian Rex Macbeth. The tour followed the gang's escape route, and Rex Macbeth and Marie Gery pointed out incidences that occurred as the James and Younger brother and Charlie Pitts ran from the posse. Arriving at the small community of LaSalle, we were treated to a rustic lunch. Following lunch the tour continued to the banks of the Watonwan River, site of the final gun battle and capture.
Rex and several reenactors arranged a presentation in minute detail of the original capture at the exact location. This was the first time such a reenactment had ever bee performed there, and it was a truly an historical event. The dead Charlie Pitts and badly wounded Younger brothers were taken captive, loaded into a wagon by the posse, and taken to Medelia.
The "Gang" traveled to Medelia where they were hosted at the Historical Museum. Everyone was impressed at the presentation and hospitality.
A crowd assembled along the street in front of the original jail site to wait for the posse to arrive. The event was narrated as the Younger's last day of freedom was reenacted. Not only had Northfield welcomed the gang with open arms, Medelia citizens were also extremely hospitable. Here the tour ended and we returned to Northfield after a very full day.
Annual Banquet
The Annual Awards Banquet was held at the beautiful Northfield Golf Club. Cocktails on the patio, live music from a 10 piece orchestra and a wonderful meal created a perfect evening. The annual Perry awards and other citations were presented.
Judge James Ross , Jesse James' great grandson, provided a most interesting program. During his remarks, he sincerely thanked the citizens of Northfield for not killing his great grandfather! The evening ended with Rex Macbeth's exciting presentation, which continues to be a tradition at every gang conference.
President David Smith announced that our 1997 Conference is being planned for Bowling Green, Kentucky or the Tennessee region.
Thank you for visiting the James - Younger Gang home page.
For information regarding membership and activities in our orginization, please contact Marcia Smith at nottabadvue@earthlink.net.
For historical and geneological information, please contact Donna Rose and Wilma Hillman.