The Dalton Family Adventures

PART 1 - MARSHALS, MINERS, MERCHANTS, MINISTERS, AND OUTLAWS CHAPTER ONE Frank Dalton ventured out to Colorado lured by gold and untold fortune in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The specific town of interest was originally Central City, Colorado. However, by chance, or fate might be a better word, the town of residence for Frank was the small and lesser-known town of Black Hawk, Colorado. It was just a short walk, a 1 mile hike down the canyon, from Central City. Frank panned many of the creeks in the area that first year. Panning for gold was a very physically demanding art. The kneeling position required to do it caused muscle pain in the back, arms, and legs and would after a short while demand standing up. In the afternoons after a particularly successful day, Frank quit early and walked to the Gilpin Hotel in Black Hawk. During the last 2 weeks, he had spent some of the summer nights sleeping out on the ground. Usually the colder nights were spent in a cabin up the canyon half way between Central City and Black Hawk. Three other men owned the cabin and room was made on the floor for a night inside away from the cold. Frank met the men shortly after his arrival. Frank was walking down the canyon from the north past the smelter stamping mill. The long dark copper-colored buildings of the operation made the largest one structure in the area. He had panned for 2 weeks and today He carried the results of his panning of gold dust in his pack. He had panned from his favorite areas, and it had been a great 2 weeks. Frank was tired and walked slowly into the smelter assay office and cashed in his dust. “Not bad, not bad at all,” said the assayer. Frank folded the bills and pushed them into the front pocket of his pants, tipped his hat to the assayer, and walked out. He was now smiling as he walked and visualized his final destination: 111 Main Street, the Gilpin Hotel. The Gilpin Hotel was where occasionally he would treat himself to a good meal, a bath, and a good night’s sleep in a real bed. That was very rare; but a good meal with a few great cups of coffee was always a fitting reward for 2 weeks of work well done. He was at the east end of the smelter which was parallel to the Main Street of the town. Gregory Street was the first street of the town, which was the street that went all the way up to Central City. It was named after the man who was responsible for the original discovery of gold in the area. He walked up Gregory Street until he was parallel with Main Street in Black Hawk. He then walked east across the street to 101 Main Street. Frank had been watching a man walk slowly down Gregory Street past Crooks Saloon, one of the first saloons open for business in the area. They had a sign in the window proclaiming, “The First.” They had good food, but it was occasionally frequented with the wild and unruly sort, and Frank was craving some peace and quiet. The man stopped on the opposite corner from Frank and was standing looking down the street. You never knew who anyone was just from his or her appearance or where anyone might be traveling. The hat he wore and his clothes were of a style Frank had seen in a Kansas City store window, although now they looked dirty, soiled, and dusty. The man looked very tired, completely physically spent, as if he needed to rest before he took another step. Frank walked up and introduced himself extending his hand to greet the man. The man smiled, took Frank’s hand, then started moving his face up and down slowly as he moved his hand in the same up and down rhythm. “Howard French, Kansas City, Kansas.” he said. “Pleasure to meet you,” said Frank. “I live about 120 miles south of Kansas City, Missouri. It’s a small town called Lamar, Missouri.” Frank still slowly shaking the man’s hand said, “I am going down to the Gilpin Hotel, there on the right, to have a cup of coffee and a good meal. You are welcome to join me. In fact, sir, I insist! The meal is on me.” “No, no, I don’t expect that. I am a stranger--you don’t owe me a thing.” “Well, the Good Lord says to share and help those who may be in need. With all due respect, sir, you look like you could use a good meal. I would really enjoy the company--allow me,” said Frank. “Will you join me for a good meal?” When Frank released the man’s hand, it fell slowly to his side. With a wide smile Frank said, “I have a relative named Dan French who says, “We shouldn’t eat alone if we can possibly help it. Dan has a brother named Jim who I am sure would also agree. It’s good to have company during a meal, allowing for good conversation.” “Well, thank you, young man. I will join you. I could certainly use a cup of coffee and a good meal. I am feeling right famished,” said Howard, with a half smile and nod of his head. He had a smile and a way about him that made you feel good to be around him.