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Welcome to the town of Marrow Bone Springs!
Looking midway down First Street to Main Street. The 2 story building at the end is the New McGee's Restaurant and Boarding House. Photo taken November 1997. Many changes have occurred since then.
And here are some of those changes: a new section of buildings known as "the strip mall" next to McGee's which include a barber shop, bank, new doctor's office and doc's upstairs living quarters. April 1999.
For the public, THE GUNFIGHTERS present quality entertainment, as 25 years of experience has proven laughs and talent are appreciated more by a live audience in these circumstances than "stunts" or attempted recreations of actual gunbattles.
BUT -- THE GUNFIGHTERS are no slouches on the Living History front either!
For instance, Benton took part for years in Texas Revolution era reenactments and living history events, portraying at various times Travis, Fannin and Bonham. He is also a veteran Napoleonic wars reenactor and is the chosen commander of a world wide association in North America, Britain, Europe and Australia, of similar units of the British Army of the era.
Again looking down First to Main Street this time from farther down First. The Gem Saloon is on the right, followed by the Dixie Bunk House. On the left is Doc Croaker's Office and then the two story Gunsmith's shop and residence. Even with the panoramic lens many buildings are still not seen. November 1997.
Every now and then, the boys mosey down to the growing boom town of Marrow Bone Springs for a whole weekend of Old West living history. MBS is the creation of our good friend and sidekick Doctor (G.P.) Mike Enger. "Doc" decided a few years back to buy some land south of Fort Worth, Texas and build upon it an authentic western town. MBS has grown just like an old time town -- it began humbly with some tent shacks, and soon a permanent saloon and general store appeared, a bunk house, an eatery, then private residences formed and new streets were added. A beautiful Victorian style boarding house and restaurant was built followed by another saloon. A Marshal's office and jail, and bank and post office have been added. A new hotel and bigger saloon are planned. Most of the buildings are erected and paid for by individuals or groups on their spare time. These are real functioning buildings, by the way, not just false fronts and facades.
This time looking from across Main to down First Street. On the left where the passle of people are now stands the new Marshal's Office and Jail. From the point this photo was taken in 1997, today is the strip of connected buildings on this side of Main across the front of our view. Across the street, the tent shack is the site for a new hotel/saloon. Most of the buildings on First Street are not visible in this shot. On the right is the famed Empty Pocket Saloon. November, 1997.
And here is the new Marshal's Office and Jail! Two - count 'em, two, real cells in the Jail. No waiting! April 1999.
Doc, while owning the property insists like a true Victorian gentleman, on the town "members" running the show, he only having ultimate say on matters concerning authenticity and safety concerning the buildings and the participation of town "members" if needs be. Doc is an expert western historian and has built a wonderful dream to share with friends.
The recently elected new Mayor of MBS, "Bloody Bill" Coffee on the left, though since becoming Mayor he has dropped the "Bloody" sobriquet. Along with some town "residents" of MBS.
About 5 times a year MBS comes to life. It is set off from the beaten track and thus has no "modern" distractions. Most importantly it is not open to the public! MBS is a 24 hour a day, Friday through Sunday, full immersion living history experience.
A sunny, though chilly, & quiet (so far) afternoon at the Empty Pocket Saloon. Attached to the right is Keller's Dry Goods and General Store. At the far right can be seen part of the Livery Stable. To the far left the sign of the Pocket's competition - The Gem - can be seen. The wagon load of lumber in the foreground was for new buildings going up. November 1997.
Participants are issued a random amount of town "money" to live off for the weekend. A participant may try to buy one of the businesses or work for one. He could also try to "rob" one if he is desperate, greedy or fool hardy enough. Or one might try to increase one's poke at a gaming table -- at the Empty Pocket Saloon the sign boasts, "We Pay and We Pay Big!" Cheaters are not tolerated, for long anyway, and along with most who attempt robbery as a way of life, end up six feet under. That's right! If one's character is "killed", then he is dead and gone for the rest of the weekend and the participant has to go off and come back as someone else -- starting all over. Most seasoned participants accordingly bring several changes of clothing for different characters!
A closer view of the Empty Pocket with a good amount of folks hanging around! November 1997.
Though the town has a detailed set of rules to go by, the basics, in order, are: SAFETY. AUTHENTICITY. HAVE FUN.
Click here to see more of Marrow Bone Springs!
Return to The Gunfighters' Main Street
The Hotel:
Stage Depot (list of stops).The Parlour.
Judge's Courthouse (The Old West Show Competition).
Marshal's Office (links).
Town Hall. (web awards)
Saloon. (testimonials)
Library (historical information).
Train Station (web rings).
