Life in the Old West

Why does Billy the Kid generate such fascination, passionate feeling?

Old Hoppy — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 19:13:36 +0000

Of all the outlaws and lawmen, villains and heroes, few generate such passionate feelings and fascination as Billy the Kid. Why do you suppose that's the case?

Was it because the Kid was a rowdy young gunslinger with a chip on his shoulder and fire in his eyes?

Billy the Kid washing dishes? Different image for famous desperado

Old Hoppy — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:00:48 +0000

Billy the Kid washing dishes? Really? That certainly provides a different image of the Kid from that of the famous desperado of popular Western history, film, and TV lore.

In fact, I ran onto at least two sources that spoke of the Kid doing such routine, common labor to make his way as a teenager-young man in a tough world.

Well assembled bedroll helps you when traveling light

Old Hoppy — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:57:43 +0000

Back in the days of the Old West, a cowboy's bedroll was much different than we imagine as overnight travelers, hikers, or campers today. Today's bedroll generally means a hastily thrown together and rolled up sleeping bag, perhaps with a pillow and additional blankets tossed in, maybe even including a good change of underwear and one day's outerwear. We strap all this together and shove it into the trunk of the car, or if we're real outdoors adventurers, onto a bicycle, motorcycle, or horse.

Horse riding boots or cowboy boots — find great deals on eBay!

Old Hoppy — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:22:38 +0000

Whether you call them horse riding boots or cowboy boots, you'll always find great bargains on a huge selection at eBay. As the world's largest auction site, eBay offers western wear, cowboy clothing and apparel, horse riding boots, and horse saddles and tack, and other horse gear of every kind.

Soapy Smith added flair to Denver’s gambling scene in 1880s

Old Hoppy — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 20:46:47 +0000

(IMPORTANT EDITOR'S NOTE: Shortly after I posted this article to the website, I received a comment from Jeff Smith, the great-grandson of Soapy Smith, and a gentleman who graciously corrected some of the misinformation I had picked up about his great grandfather and passed along below. I urge you to read Jeff's comment on this post -- located at the end of the article -- for his corrections and clarifications. I also encourage you to learn more about Soapy Smith from Jeff Smith's website, "Alias Soapy Smith," and Jeff's blog, "Soapy Smith's Soap Box." But be warned: The information on that website and that blog is "addictive," so give yourself lots of time to go there a look around. Heck, if I were you, I'd be sure to bookmark both sites in your browser so you can return there often!)

Six-Gun Egg Fryer makes fun Western gift for cooks

Old Hoppy — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:48:11 +0000

In the interest of adding a little fun to this site from time to time, I offer you a fun gift for Western dads on Father's Day or any other day: The Six-Gun Egg Fryer from a really fun merchant partner of ours, the clever folks at Stupid.com. (Just click on that link or keep reading and scroll down on this page for a picture of this simple, Western-style egg cooker.)