THE SAGA OF REDINGTON SPUR
Many years ago a rail spur was run to a “silver mine” near Easton, Pennsylvania. After the mine played
out, the owners let it be known that they were considering developing a stockyard for receiving and
shipping cattle and needed a little help in starting the venture. Along came Tin Ear and Ragweed and
offered to help. After a few years of problem solving, the venture was started. Along the way, they were
joined by some other local folks including Loose Change, one half of the nefarious Change Brothers
team, who proved to be a major ass…et of the venture though he had to be watched. The location
proved to be ideal with the Redington rail spur running to the old mine and the very close proximity to
the barge line and the confluence of the Lehigh, and Delaware Rivers at Easton.
Much help was needed, and a notice was sent to all those interested. It was amazing how many
Cowpokes had moved back East after trying their hand at cow punching, gambling and gun fighting out
west. Most were from Wolcher Gulch in Topton, Guthsville, Hamburg and points further west. Another
large group arrived from back east in New Jersey. Several had worked cattle drives in Texas, Florida,
New Mexico and other far flung places. A stock company was formed with the non-assuming name of
The Greenhorn Cattle Company. Soon the town of Redington Spur sprung up, and people started to
move in.
The first establishment was Loose Change’s Saloon and Gaming Emporium. Loose Change was helped
by his brother, No Change, except on Saturday when No Change was not allowed out. Ruger Ron
opened a General Store where you could find everything from peaches in a can (what will they think of
next?) to a new six gun. Tin Ear had spent years runnin’ telegraph lines and decided to try his hand with
the new invention called the telephone. So far he ran a line to Wolcher Gulch. It worked fine but Rusty
Pipes in Wolcher Gulch was afraid of the new invention and did not want to use it. He was certain that
only the devil could make the thing talk. Barley Pop Bill and Timberland Renegade opened a
Blacksmith shop where they began making all sorts of steel do-dads. Mustang Megs was busy keeping
Ruger Ron’s store supplied with Mustang Nuts, a local treat. Ragweed, Lady Seven and Two Dancin’
Guns decided that the town needed a bank. Between them they had enough funds to open the Stock
Yard Bank. To keep law and order, Black Rock was asked to be the Sheriff. He said that he would
consider the position, although he really wanted to be a professor. The town of Redington Spur was
booming, but so were the six-guns.
The feed lots were full of long horns that just arrived from out west, and the bank was full of cash to pay
the trail riders. Lady Seven, Ragweed and Two Dancin’ Guns were attending to bank business when the
door burst open and in came four masked hombres and announced their intention to relieve the bank of
all the cash. They had heard of the Stock Yard Bank and figured that as it was run by women that it
would be easy pickings. All the ladies were dressed in the latest city fashions that just arrived from New
York and did not look like they could defend the bank. Looking up, a surprised Ragweed recognized
the danger and muttered “Oh s--t”. This so shocked the desperadoes that all the ladies were able to
retrieve their six-guns from under their dresses and open fire. The first volley saw three of the gun men
fall to the floor, and the other two ran out the back door to the Saloon.
Loose Change was behind the bar, and Black Rock was seated at a table enjoying a cigar. He was trying
to make up his mind if he should accept the job as Sheriff or follow his dream of becoming a professor.
Hot on the trail of the robbers was Lady Seven who, when the desperadoes rushed through the swinging
saloon door, let loose a quick shot from her six-gun. The slug just missed its intended target and clipped
off the end of Black Rock’s ten cent cigar. Black Rock is usually slow to rile but the loss of his cigar
snapped him out of his thoughts, and he tipped the table over and dove for cover. He did not know
what to fear most -- the robbers' six-guns or another shot from Lady Seven. He drew his six-gun and from
the cover of the turned over table fired two quick shots ending the robbers' career forever. Looking at the
scene from behind the bar, Loose Change said “oh Black Rock, look what you did!” Now, I will have to
clean up this mess……… To be continued!
EASTON GREENHORN EXPRESS March 15, 08
Well, the first drive of 2008 is now behind us. The weather held out, and no cattle
was lost in the snow and ice. Heck, even the cowboys and cowgirls did good. Tin Ear got himself a new
horseless contraption to haul things around so all activities went well. It is sort of funny to see a big
cowpoke riding around in a little surrey with a roof on it. No one knows what Tin Ear did with the
fringe around the surrey! Probably gave it to Ragweed for her new dress. And with Tin Ear doing the
chores of hauling the materials around to the five campsites, no one got run over by pulling that other
wagon around by hand.
The cook got sick on the food that he was making so Ragweed jumped in and took over those duties.
Fresh brewed coffee and cookies from the town baker were the fuel to get started for the day. Ragweed
kept busy tending the fires and stirring the chili all morning long. After the festivities, there was chili for
all who wanted it.
Loose Change was there to ramrod the work events and provide guidance to all the cowpokes and
cowpokettes! His never ending desire to do the best was evident once again. Loose Change brought a
little tiny green sodbuster with him for the one campsite stage. I think he was called a Leprechaun. That
little dude was so fast that very few could hit him with their shootin' irons. The singing at the fourth
stage would bring a tear to a glass eye! Then the strongbox of gold was found, and the third campsite
was filled with those blarney snakes to shoot-up. Ya know that the wee-little folks of Ireland see those
snakes because of two much grog. Well, somehow Loose Change got several of these green tubes for the
cowpokes to see if they could move them along the ground.
Boomer tried to sell more stuff from his store by dressing like a big Irish Leprechaun. Oh, if Mother
McCrea could have seen that site!
Well, as the sun set over the Greenhorn Ranch, all went back to their bunkhouse with fond memories of
yet another day at the ranch.
Till we hear the Ghost Riders in the Sky and know that the Great Spirit in the Sky is watching over us,
God Bless and Good Night. Rev. John Moley
EASTON GREENHORN EXPRESS April 19, 08
Well, another successful shoot has been completed. Loose Change started with a big laugh that scared
the fish in the river. His work to set the stages with help from Tinear and the other cowboys laid the
groundwork for a good event. Sunshine was abundant.
BUT, the evil demented twisted mind just couldn’t let well enough alone. One stage had you shooting
from a bathtub. Well if you could have seen those cowpokes getting into and out of that tub…..only
Sitting Bull could have had such pleasure seeing the pain and agony on their faces. The water in the tub
was never changed and by the days end even the buffalo would not go near that watering hole!!
Loose Change brought some of his brother’s clothes to sell. It was said that he was really good to do this
for his brother for only a meager commission. Loose Change’s replied “What commission….This is all
my $$$$”!
All the cowboys and cowgirls did a good job of helping each other through the hard times at the shoot.
But paying someone a compliment is hard to do!
There stood Stumpy, ready to shoot. What a sight. His revolvers are about 1/3 as long as his total body
height. First shot was to be with a rifle at a single small diameter pole. Well ole Stumpy hit that pole just
about dead on! Heck, the buffalo hunters would have been proud of his achievement. I told him nice
shot….he replied well with so much water (sweat) running down his face he really could not see the
pole!!
There were two posses for these days shooting skills. The posse led by the person who wrote the script
for the stages were so cornfuzed! He would tell them the sequence of shooting, but he was facing the
shooters. His left, as he pointed, was the shooters right. Shoot with what firearm? Number 3 and 4
chicken are where? Then he would say loudly, “don’t you people understand”?
At the days end a great time was had by all. There were 12 shooters who had never shot The Easton
Greenhorn’s Ponderosa, two new shooters and several people coming to see what this is all about. Some
of the observers brought their children and wives. Really nice to see a little blonde hair girl there with
her dad wearing her Confederate Kepie hat and David Clark ear muffs.
Until the next event on 17 May 2008, Till we hear the Ghost Riders in the Sky and know that the Great
Spirit in the Sky is watching over us, God Bless and Good Night.
Rev. John Moley
P.S. The Cowboys built America, and we preserve their effort
 | |  | |  |
EASTON GREENHORN EXPRESS June 7, 08
Well, once again the start of the day’s activities was a bit shaky until Loose Change (LC) arrived at the
shooting fields at the EF&G’s Easton Greenhorns encampment. Then it got (*@*$%$!!!). But in the true
spirit of gamesmanship, the Cowboys chipped in to get the right stuff in the right place. It is a wonderful
thing that Tin Ear made so much money at the Faro table that he had his surrey there to haul items to-
and-fro!As usual, LC was spewing out direction for the stage scenarios. The helping cowboys had set up
the stage as LC had given them the written directions. Then the Constable stepped back and counted by
raising fingers as LC changed just about everything. Good thing that the Constable only had ten fingers!
One Cowpoke stepped off the distances at the one campsite and told LC the distances. LC’s response
was, I had my eye on you, and your step was not 3 feet per step. So LC moved the shooting position
back even further. In a moment of sheer stupidity, I asked LC if optical sights could be used since we
were back such a distance. Due to loving women and small children that may read this communication, I
will not write the response!
The fields were covered with creepy critters; there were snakes-buffalo-Villain Cowboys wearing black
hats and shirts-a duck shooting area-a horse to ride and shoot from, and a thing that looked like two oar
paddles connected together and swinging when you shot either top or bottom and a round thing that
looked like the boiling sun itself! When it came time for Ragweed to mount and dismount the horse,
Loose Change (LC) was there to give aid and…..OK OK I won’t discuss his possible ulterior motive!
Funny though, he only helped Ragweed!!
Ragweed rides again!! Yepper Pards, she demolished another shotgun. Ragweed pumps those rifles and
shotguns so fast that the actions start to glow and then parts break or just plain meltdown! But Tin Ear
stepped up and gave her his shotgun while he was putting parts back on his sidearm!
Grub at the chuck wagon was really good. A local peasant woman brought Bar-B-Que sandwiches,
things called potato chips and some chilled drinks that were really ice cold. At the 19 July 2008
Roundup... possibly Buffalo sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions…YUM -YUM)
As the shooting continued, the air really heated up and it took its toll on the cowboys. The shooting
generated so much heat that water was the mainstay of surviving the day’s competition. But the heat did
not affect LC from spewing out commands, and the other cowpokes from doing a good job.
Now Tin Ear and Ragweed are making a trip to the great Northeast territory for a rendezvous. They have
something that looks like two or three trees split down the middle and wagon wheels with axles put
under it. They pull this with their black stallion Yukon! They have a purple and white thing called a
FORD that needs to go with them. I believe that the purple color is due to poor circulation in the
contraption! I guess that this condition means that the old critter could not make the trip unless it was on
the rolling litter!
From the Easton Greenhorn Cowboys comes our deepest sympathy to the Yoders on the passing of Mad
Tanner’s father. Shaky Sally and Mad Tanner are an important part of the cowboy community, and we
send our condolences to them.
If you get a copy of this Camp Gazette from the Easton Greenhorns, read it and come out for the good
times. Just wear eye and ear protection and watch the activities. Who knows, you may want to join in on
the fun.
REMEMBER to check the Easton Greenhorns website www.eastoncowboys.net for schedules and other
important club details.
Until the next event on 19 July 2008 … Til we hear the Ghost Riders in the Sky and know that the Great
Spirit in the Sky is watching over us,
God Bless and Good Night. Rev. John Moley
P.S. The Cowboys built America, and we preserve their efforts.
Well, once again the start of the day’s activities was a bit shaky until Loose Change (LC) arrived at the
shooting fields at the EF&G’s Easton Greenhorns encampment. Then it got (*@*$%$!!!). But in the true
spirit of gamesmanship, the Cowboys chipped in to get the right stuff in the right place. It is a wonderful
thing that Tin Ear made so much money at the Faro table that he had his surrey there to haul items to-
and-fro!As usual, LC was spewing out direction for the stage scenarios. The helping cowboys had set up
the stage as LC had given them the written directions. Then the Constable stepped back and counted by
raising fingers as LC changed just about everything. Good thing that the Constable only had ten fingers!
One Cowpoke stepped off the distances at the one campsite and told LC the distances. LC’s response
was, I had my eye on you, and your step was not 3 feet per step. So LC moved the shooting position
back even further. In a moment of sheer stupidity, I asked LC if optical sights could be used since we
were back such a distance. Due to loving women and small children that may read this communication, I
will not write the response!
The fields were covered with creepy critters; there were snakes-buffalo-Villain Cowboys wearing black
hats and shirts-a duck shooting area-a horse to ride and shoot from, and a thing that looked like two oar
paddles connected together and swinging when you shot either top or bottom and a round thing that
looked like the boiling sun itself! When it came time for Ragweed to mount and dismount the horse,
Loose Change (LC) was there to give aid and…..OK OK I won’t discuss his possible ulterior motive!
Funny though, he only helped Ragweed!!
Ragweed rides again!! Yepper Pards, she demolished another shotgun. Ragweed pumps those rifles and
shotguns so fast that the actions start to glow and then parts break or just plain meltdown! But Tin Ear
stepped up and gave her his shotgun while he was putting parts back on his sidearm!
Grub at the chuck wagon was really good. A local peasant woman brought Bar-B-Que sandwiches,
things called potato chips and some chilled drinks that were really ice cold. At the 19 July 2008
Roundup... possibly Buffalo sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions…YUM -YUM)
As the shooting continued, the air really heated up and it took its toll on the cowboys. The shooting
generated so much heat that water was the mainstay of surviving the day’s competition. But the heat did
not affect LC from spewing out commands, and the other cowpokes from doing a good job.
Now Tin Ear and Ragweed are making a trip to the great Northeast territory for a rendezvous. They have
something that looks like two or three trees split down the middle and wagon wheels with axles put
under it. They pull this with their black stallion Yukon! They have a purple and white thing called a
FORD that needs to go with them. I believe that the purple color is due to poor circulation in the
contraption! I guess that this condition means that the old critter could not make the trip unless it was on
the rolling litter!
From the Easton Greenhorn Cowboys comes our deepest sympathy to the Yoders on the passing of Mad
Tanner’s father. Shaky Sally and Mad Tanner are an important part of the cowboy community, and we
send our condolences to them.
If you get a copy of this Camp Gazette from the Easton Greenhorns, read it and come out for the good
times. Just wear eye and ear protection and watch the activities. Who knows, you may want to join in on
the fun.
REMEMBER to check the Easton Greenhorns website www.eastoncowboys.net for schedules and other
important club details.
Until the next event on 19 July 2008 … Til we hear the Ghost Riders in the Sky and know that the Great
Spirit in the Sky is watching over us,
God Bless and Good Night. Rev. John Moley
P.S. The Cowboys built America, and we preserve their efforts.