By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Rescuing a “partner from the hanging gallows” is Aunt Hada Nuff (Jane Price of Abita Springs, La.). The “gallows scene” was just one of the featured competitions. — Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

April 20, 2006 - If you’re old enough to remember the television western series “Gunsmoke,” then stepping inside the little “town” of the same name, built on the Brune Ranch just outside of Columbus, is alot like stepping back in time to the mid-1800s, with buildings, costumes and smoking guns! 

This recreated “Gunsmoke” is the site of a gathering for old-time western fun and competition. Often the scene is filled with people wearing period costumes are members of the Texas Historical Shootist Society (THSS) or visitors to the site.

According to records, the group was organized in Houston in 1989 with an original membership of around 16. By 1990, the membership had increased to about 48 members, and the popularity of the group has continued to grow throughout the years.

Bar-keeper Temple Houston (Richard Keeling of Spring, with back to mirror) has a serious conversation with bar patron Post Mark (Scott Post of Liberty Hill) in the watering hole located at “Gunsmoke.” Figuring the conversation could turn to a shoot-out, several gather to watch, including Kettleman (Jeff Deskins of Cedar Park, back to doorway). — Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

While some shooting groups are restricted to a membership of men, the THSS invites women and older children to become participants and members. Each member must “adopt” a character name, and wear the gun and attire from the 1860 to 1899 era, although the only requirement to shoot … concerning attire … is the shooter must wear a hat and boots with his or her clothing. Many of the women who attend the functions are dressed as cowgirls, prairie women, farmers’ wives, saloon gals or fancy Victorian ladies. The men can be seen in anything from jeans, chaps and vests to fancy suits from the era.

Doyle Thorn of Bay City, or “Catfish Doyle,” as he is known in Gunsmoke, serves as president of the THSS. “People come from all over the nation, and we’ve even had people from Norway,” explained Thorn.

Probably the most important “draw” (so to speak) is the cowboy “western” action shooting. Once all the members and shooters arrive for the event, 10 posses that are organized.

This year was the 15th annual Trailhead celebration, and Thorn said that they have had as many as 315 attendees, over the years, with over 200 shooters participating in the numerous “stages” that are set up with different scenarios.

Each scenario presents an “individual little storyline,” complete with props. Each comes with its own set of instructions for the shooters who are scored on accuracy and time. Each miss counts off points for the shooter.

The different stages included a Cowboy Camp; the Wagon; Boot Hill; the Gallows; the Outhouse; Fort Flinn and the Long Branch Saloon and Hotel and Three Finger Mine, among others.

Above: Taking time out for a fun pose are (back row, from left) Red River Kid (Jeff Abbott), Baby Doe (Pat Ballenger), Jacokie Jack (Charlie Smith), (front row, from left) Mike Martin (sales manager for Marlin who’s sponsored the event for 12 years), and U.S. Deputy Marshall Mamie Fossett (Carla Boyn).  — Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

At the Gallows stage, participants must “save” a hanging dummy and hold on to him while firing live ammunition at stationary targets, in order to earn points. This stage includes carrying the shotgun shells in a pocket and loading the gun while holding on to the “body.”

The guns must be either a single action cartridge or cap’n’ball revolvers, designed prior to 1896, and smokeless or black powder is permitted. Holsters are used for the pistols. Rifles used must be lever or pump action, tubular fed with exposed hammer or a carbine of .25 caliber or larger with open sites. Only lead ammo is permitted.

Shotguns include “side-by-side,” typical for the era, with no automatic ejectors and with or without external hammers or a pump shotgun with an exposed hammer.

“Safety comes first” is the mantra of the entire competition and fun shooting, and anyone on the firing line must wear ear and eye protection.

While the Trailhead celebration is the largest for the year, the group gathers at Gunsmoke on the third Sunday of each month, except for the March affair. There is a Cowboy Church Service before the shooting begins at 7:20 a.m., each month. Another month that offers a “special” shooting is in August when shooters enjoy Hawaiian dress, but must wear a hat and boots.

For a special step back into time, those interested in joining the THSS or just going for a fun family outing are always welcome, noted Thorn.

 For more information: www.thss.org.