Tombstone (Postcard History)

Title: Tombstone by Jane Eppinga, Postcard History series
Author: Chuck Parsons
Publisher: Wild West History Association Journal
Date: 6/3/2011

Tombstone by Jane Eppinga, Postcard History series, (Arcadia Publishing, 2010), 127 pp. softcover $21.99
Deltiology is the correct name for postcard collecting, the third largest collectables hobby in the world, behind coin and stamp collecting. That information is included in the Introduction of Jane Eppinga's book that highlights many of the historic postcards of Tombstone, Arizona.
This book is part of Arcadia's Postcard History Series, which is similar to their Images of America Series. This book features over 175 postcards and many of the vintage variety.
While this book does not specifically focus on the history of the town, there are captions under the postcards that offer a brief history what is depicted. For the most part, Eppinga wisely lets the postcards speak for themselves.
The book is divided into five chapters. The first three chapters are about early Tombstone, Boothill Cemetery, and the famed streets of the town. The last two chapters are dedicated to two well-known postcard photographers and some of their postcards.
Since postcards are an informative way to glimpse into the past, I'm sure you'll be looking through the wonderful images again and again. I know I will.
Alan Blanchette
Garza County, Texas by Linda Puckett and the Garza County Historical Museum (Arcadia Publishing Company, 2010), 127pp., soft cover, $21.99
Linda Puckett is one of the increasing numbers of WWHA members to author a pictorial history for the highly successful "Images of America" series from Arcadia. This book fulfills our expectations, in that it covers the history of Garza County in the Texas Panhandle in pictorial format.
Garza County was formed from Bexar County in 1876, one year after Quanah Parker led his Quahadi clan to Fort Sill and reservation life. Since then its history has been relatively peaceful, in part because of its small population. The first census recorded a mere 36 people. By 1900 the number had "grown" to 180 souls. Charles W. Post of Post cereal fame made the county what it has become. He envisioned a model town, brought in the railroad, and created industries. His dream came true and Post today is the county seat.
Garza County museum director Linda Puckett focuses on the positive aspects of the county's history, although not all citizens were as concerned with virtue as founder Post was. The county's first court was not held until 1907, "somewhere out on the prairie." Plans for a temporary courthouse were approved in 1908. By 1922 voters chose to erect a new courthouse and jail, costing $81,000. This was after the incident wherein Ranger Captain John R. Hughes was called in to deal with acts of mob violence.
Puckett has gathered 200 photographs that cover the county's history from the earliest image to events of 2010.

In the 1800s, Tombstone was a rowdy silver-mining camp and the scene of a famous gunfight that enhanced its wicked reputation, and when the rich silver mines were tapped out, Tombstone managed to survive and lived up to its motto, “The Town Too Tough to Die.” Original.