I recently started a historical novella (you’ll probably be hearing more about that sometime in the near future). It’s been a while since I’ve written in a time period not modern day, and I’ve forgotten that there’s a lot of research involved. I can’t get through a single scene, sometimes not a single page, without having to stop and fact-check or look up a name, place, thing.
I decided to put a fictional saloon/restaurant establishment in my story and call it the Yellow Songbird, loosely basing it on a real life place called the Bird Cage Theater in Tombstone, Arizona. Well, of course, this required I get online and Google the theater. I’ve visited Tombstone in the past, but that was over twenty years ago, and my memory isn’t reliable. Needless to say, I learned a lot of interesting tidbits about this colorful landmark, and I thought it would be fun to share my findings with you.
To start with, there are 120 bullet holes in the walls, give or take. Real bullet holes. From when people shot at each other. I don’t want to imagine how many patrons died there or who did the shooting. Then again, maybe I do. Could be good fodder for a future story.
The Bird Cage originally opened in December of 1881 – a combination theater, saloon, gambling hall and brothel. It’s reputed to have hosted the longest poker game ever played (lasting over eight years) where participants had to buy in for $1000 – Diamond Jim Brady, Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp were among those who sat at the famous table. Some of eclectic acts to have performed there are Mademoiselle De Granville, the woman with the iron jaw who specialized in picking up heavy objects with her teeth, the Irish comic duo of Burns and Trayers, and opera singer Carrie Delmar. One magician claimed he could catch bullets with his teeth. Perhaps he’s responsible for some of those 120 bullet holes in the walls!
Known as a rough and tumble place, it has a less than pristine history. Wyatt Earp, the deputy marshal during the Bird Cage’s 13 years of operation, was said to have engaged in a torrid affair with one of the establishment’s soiled doves. Supposedly, 26 miners and cowboys died in bar fights and shootouts. A woman even had her heart carved out of her chest — by another woman who was jealous of her. Yikes! For those who believe in spirts, the Bird Cage has a number of confirmed ghosts, and some of them are not very friendly.
When the mines closed, and the economy in Tombstone tanked, people left to find work elsewhere. Like a lot of the town’s businesses, the Bird Cage closed its doors and shuttered its windows. Eventually, the Bird Cage was reopened intermittently to celebrate Helldorado, an annual celebration marking Tombstone’s founding. Then, in 1934, it was leased as a coffee shop. Eventually, the Bird Cage became a museum and very popular local attraction visited by thousands of tourists every year.
I don’t think I’ll make my fictional Yellow Songbird saloon/restaurant quite as colorful as Tombstone’s the Bird Cage. Or as dangerous. But I like the idea of an opera singer, and I suppose there’ll have to be one or two bar fights. Just none that end quite so horrifically ?
Cathy McDavid has been penning Westerns for Harlequin since 2005. With over 55 titles in print and 1.6 million-plus books sold, Cathy is also a member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America’s Honor Roll. This “almost” Arizona native and mother of grown twins is married to her own real-life sweetheart. After leaving the corporate world seven years ago, she now spends her days penning stories about good looking cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give the cowboys a run for their money. It a tough job, but she’s willing to make the sacrifice.
Thanks for the great post. I shall add The Bird Cage to my list of places to see.
It’s been many years, but I remember loving Old Tombstone.
I love finding historic buildings like this, Cathy. They fill me with so much inspiration as I imagine what it must have been like to be there 150 years ago. In reality, I probably would have avoided that place had I lived at that time, but the history lover in me finds it fascinating. Your Yellow Songbird is sure to be richer for your research. 🙂
Thanks, Karen. Writing this post made me want to go back and visit Old Tombstone again 🙂
Good morning, I enjoyed reading your post, it is so very informative and so interesting! I have never been to Tombstone ,Arizona, but I do on the highway I go on to go visit my brother in Calif. we pass right by the entrance to it. It sounds so very interesting. Your book sounds like a great read and I love the name of your fictional saloon/restaurant establishment the Yellow Songbird. I will have to find your book as it sounds like a really good read. Have a great day and a great weekend.
Thanks so much, Alicia. I’ll be sure to let everyone know when the book comes out (this holiday season) 🙂
Sounds like it had quite the storied past and makes a fascinating inspiration for your book’s saloon.
I really can’t imagine living in a town during those dasterdly times 🙂
welcome today. oh but this is interesting. thanks for sharing this information.
Thanks for stopping by, Lori!
A super story of Tombstone. While working in Arizona, out of Kingman, we visited Oatman, Arizona. It was a very interesting place, even with a herd of burros who walked the streets, seeking out people with food, such as carrots. In Oatman there is a hotel where Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spent their honeymoon. We visited it and saw their room. There is some very interesting history out west. We always enjoyed our trips in those areas. Your book sounds like something I will want to read.
I very recently clipped an article about Oatman and stuck it in my story idea file. I find the idea of burros roaming free though town just so charming 🙂
Oh, wow! What a colorful place that was!! Interesting, too!
I know, Trudy. What a history!
A long time ago my college class visited Tombstone. At that time, we got to go inside the Bird Cage and it was a neat experience. One could just imagine the tinny piano music playing, the dancers on stage and the smoke in the air. One can no longer go inside.
Tombstone is a very quaint town to visit. They have kept it mostly like it was in the early days of mining in the area.
What a great experience, Joye. I would have loved to been on the tour with you 🙂
I live in Sierra Vista, AZ which is only 20 miles away from Tombstone. Very interesting town to visit, enjoy seeing the gunfight and all the shops.
Oh, wow! I have a cousin who lives in Sierra Vista! Small world.
Thank you for the information on Tombstone. We were in Tombstone about 2 years ago. We were just passing through and after reading what is available in town, we missed quite a bit. We did visit the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park and parked our RV there. We walked around town a bit and had lunch at Big Nose Kate’s Saloon. I wish now we had more time to spend and knew what else was there. We may be back out that way this Fall. We have a relative who lives in Tucson and we try to swing down to visit her when we are out West. I’ll know now what to see and to check on neighboring Bisbee.
What a great visit. Your description of your trip really makes me want to go back for a visit 🙂
It’s been too long; I don’t recall if AZ was part of our drive from MD to CA when my husband changed jobs in 1982. However, all those names of towns in AZ bring to mind the novels of Tony and Anne Hillerman and J.A. Jance’ novels featuring Sheriff Joanna Brady.
I’ve read all those authors and enjoyed their books very much! Also met Anne Hillerman and J.A. Jance some years ago at writing events. Both lovely and talented ladies 🙂
It is always fun to hear the stories of the past and how they connect with today. What a wonderful post. The Bird Cage reminds me of The Longbranch Saloon in Dodge City. They once had a show where the Revered Taylor of the Kansas United Dry forces was dragged up on the state by some of the cast playing Temperance workers and used as an example of how drink destroys lives. Reverend Taylor loved it and played along.
I’m gong to have to look up The Longbranch Salloon. Thanks for sharing!
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