Only in Florida would this writer drive close to three hundred miles to go to a Badge and Patch Show. The trip, up hill all the way, was well worth the chill of the Winter Air.
The gang checked into a Best Western around 3:00PM. We located the Elks Club and then enjoyed a good old home style cooking meal and a drink (maybe a couple) to warm up the weary old bones.
The next morning we rose early to set up our "Jersey" exhibit and be ready for 9:00AM Showtime.
Set up was fairly easy because of my ladies who served as my deputies during the show. They had major guard duty during the day and also got the nice blue and gold table clothes set just right.
The exhibit include badges from "Cities" in NJ, Badges from "Newark", Badges from NJ Probation" as well as a great piece of history - A gun and sterling silver badge that belonged to US Marshall Horace "Will" Loomis. The Marshal thwarted a train robbery in 1896.
On the table was a news clipping from the New York Times detailing this major robbery attempt. The Times reported: "Loomis drew his revolver and fired several shots;" ... "One ....dropped dead with a bullet through his brain;" ... "The dead outlaw was recognized as Cole Young, a noted desperado and leader of the gang."
Even in 1896 the NY Times got the robbery story wrong. The facts are that Loomis killed the outlaw with a shotgun ( I wish it were the hand gun in my collection). Four other outlaws, members of the "High Five Gang" escaped.
A number of attendees were interested in the history attached to this gun and badge which is prominently displayed on a wall in my home. It is the only badge that I have that is from the Old West.
The day ended just before 3:00PM. During the day an Atlantic City (NJ) badge was picked up from another collector. It has been added to the collection of badges from New Jersey Cities. This acquisition made the trip well worthwhile.
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