header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
September 18
1962 - Articles of incorporation filed for Golden State Memorial Hospital on Lyons Avenue [story]
Golden State Hospital


Think you’re old school? Think again. I usually get a chuckle when I read a Facebook page about “Old School SCV.” It is like a couple of younger generations are just discovering the old places and parts of the Santa Clarita Valley. What they look at as strange or unusual is really some old part of a building or maybe a road that seems to have no beginning and suddenly ends as if it was never there. I thought I was “old school,” too.

Whatever they discover, it always seems to be a creepy or haunted place of some mystery. I’ve got to admit, I did the same when I lived in Castaic and later after the family moved to Pico Canyon, aka Mentryville. The old buildings and dark canyon walls were fascinating but always a little scary.

Having come from an era of black-and-white TV, I knew the gunfights only wounded – or at least, we never saw any blood. Gene Autry and Roy Rogers’ TV shows never showed blood. Neither did other Western movies and shows, unless the person shot was just wounded and was one of the good guys. “Doc” would patch them up with their arm in a sling, and they would get the bad guy using the other hand to draw the gun and shoot.

This was my “old school” experience, and I knew it was true.

When I read of someone 30 years younger than me telling about how long they’ve been going to the Saugus Café, I realize I’ve been eating at that café since I was a little over a year old. Just to let you know, I celebrated my 70th birthday in January. The Saugus Café was very “old school” by the time I had my first meal there.

“Gunsmoke” was supposed to be set in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s, but Dennis Weaver and James Arness are walking the streets of Melody Ranch in clothes and gun belts that didn’t come along until the 1920s.

The “Wild West” that I know of was from movies and TV. I could watch many of them being filmed right over at Melody Ranch in Placerita Canyon. I was certain Matt Dillon, Rowdy Yates, Hoss and Little Joe represented what the Old West looked like. The guns, horses, saddles and entire costumes showed just what it was like in authentic “old school” times.

Years passed, and I was in the Navy and got married, too. Had two sons who have been married for may years and blessed me with four grandchildren. I thought I knew all about the West. Heck, I could ride a horse pretty well, and I had a cowboy hat and a pair of cowboy boots.

I loved the illusion I learned at a very early age.

Then I moved to Tombstone, Arizona. I found out my “old school” was actually not.

My idea of how folks dressed and how their guns were carried was all wrong. It would have been great around 1920 or so, but in Tombstone, everything is in the 1880s.

You know the low-slung gunbelts and holsters. They are called a “buscadero rig.” Came along about 1920 as a way for Western lawmen to carry guns. Of course, Hollywood thought it looked good, so from that time on, all cowboys had buscadero belts and holsters. Even “Two Gun Bill” Hart wore a low-slung or buscadero rig.

Look at those old movies and TV shows. Not only did they have a “modern” gunbelt; they also had pants that had belt loops and a belt. Yes, another 1920 invention that isn’t really old school. I should mention they often showed what looked like zippers in the front of the pants. They didn’t come along until at least 1891. Buttons were the preferred method of closure until, wait for it … the 1920s.

Looking at the much older or pre-1920 flicks, we see the proper belts and dress most times. It appears that as movies became more popular, modern dress was adopted. I thought Levi Strauss pants had zippers and belt loops. So much for my “old school” education.

The writer and a fellow Tombstone gadabout are dressed in authentic, 1880s-style duds.

I had to go back in time.

I set out getting an authentic 1880s outfit. Black Western boots, pants with a button fly, and no exterior pockets. Suspenders to keep them from falling off. There is a shirt without a full collar. I have a detached collar that uses a stud to keep it on. On top of that, I can put on a tie or cravat. A rather heavy vest and a long frock coat complete my dress.

My hat is one that looks like what you see the Earp brothers wear in the 1993 film, “Tombstone.” I have a gun belt that keeps my gun at my waist and it is what is called a cross-draw type. My weapon of choice is a .45 caliber or long Colt, reproduction Regulator. It was made popular in the 1870s. Yes, it is real. I like how it shoots. Yes, I carry it on the street. I am in Arizona.

I also carry a walking stick when I’m out on the street entertaining the tourists. Lots of fun. Oh, I also wear a reproduction Tombstone Marshal badge.

So, I wasn’t as “old school” as I thought. I had to learn and adapt to “real” old school. At least the heavy vest and frock coat have pockets. Well, the pants do, too, but they are well hidden. That means I have a place to carry my “old school” personal telegraph – my cell phone.

The younger generations are learning like I did. Hope they never stop.

 

Darryl Manzer grew up in the Pico Canyon oil town of Mentryville in the 1960s and attended Hart High School. After a career in the U.S. Navy he returned to live in the Santa Clarita Valley for a spell. Darryl has traveled far and finally landed near the town “too tough to die,” Tombstone, Arizona, calling it home for the past two years with the exception of summers camp-hosting at Refugio State Beach near Goleta. His older commentaries are archived at DManzer.com; his newer commentaries can be accessed [here]. Watch his walking tour of Mentryville [here].

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

1 Comment

  1. jim says:

    Hey Darryl!,

    Long time no see since you sifted off to the southeast of here. I miss the meets at Crazy Otto’s off Santiago Rd.

    That outfit looks good on you in the pics. I don’t remember if you’re a righty or a lefty, but I sure hope that cane in your picture has at least a one-shot capacity…

    It’s good to know that you are well and enjoying life in the deep southwest.

    Jim Van Sickle

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Friday, Sep 13, 2024
As a father of three, I understand firsthand the importance of guiding our children through open communication and keeping them engaged in extracurricular activities and sports to foster their growth.
Thursday, Sep 12, 2024
You may have noticed that things look a little different around our city. Maybe you noticed the motion sensor lights at our parks, or the solar panels being installed in city parking lots.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
California State  Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) is urging residents to prepare an emergency evacuation plan as the Line Fire, Bridge Fire and several other wildfires continue to pose a serious threat to High Desert and foothill communities.
Wednesday, Sep 11, 2024
As we approach the November 2024 elections, the importance of informed voting cannot be overstated. The choices we make at the ballot box will shape the future of our city, state and nation. Yet, in an era where soundbites often substitute for substantive discussion, how can voters truly grasp the complexities of the issues at hand?
Friday, Sep 6, 2024
As scorching triple-digit temperatures engulf Los Angeles County throughout the weekend and excessive heat warnings have been issued for many communities in Los Angeles County’s Fifth District, I urge residents to do their part to lessen the threat of wildfires.
Thursday, Sep 5, 2024
After being part of the Parks and Recreation Commission in the early 90s and spending nearly 30 years on the City Council, my life has been dedicated to creating a community where residents and businesses feel welcomed and safe here in Santa Clarita.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The Counties of Los Angeles and San Bernardino today announced the opening of multiple joint Local Assistance Centers to assist residents impacted by the Bridge and Line Fires.
L.A., San Bernardino Counties to Open Joint Local Assistance Centers for Residents Impacted by Bridge and Line Fires
Valencia Gynecology Associates, owned by longtime Santa Clarita Valley OB-GYN physician Don Nishiguchi, MD, has joined the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital network. 
Valencia Gynecology Assoc. Joins Henry Mayo Network
JCI Santa Clarita is proud to announce the upcoming Veteran’s Resource Fair, scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 at William S. Hart Park. 
Sept. 21: JCI Invites All Veterans to Upcoming Resource Fair
A "friendies" field tournament  is being  hosted by the Saugus Instrumental Music program, with support from Valencia High, later this month. 
Sept. 21: All Valley Showcase Comes to Valencia High
Public, member-supported 88.5 FM The SoCal Sound, Southern California’s leading Triple-A (adult album alternative) format radio station has announced the lineup for its inaugural “Year-End Bash” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Dec. 7: CSUN Owned 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound Announces “Year End Bash” Lineup featuring Ben Gibbard
The Master's University cross-country teams continued their successful 2024 campaigns with strong finishes at the BIOLA Invitational on Friday, Sept. 13 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, Calif.
TMU Women Win, Men Place Second at XC Invitational
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
Sheriff’s Department Announces New Law Enforcement Gang Policy
The biology department at California State University, Northridge has stayed committed to promoting STEM research carried out by K-12 students and teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
CSUN Student Research Journal Celebrates 28 Years of Inspiring Scientific Imagination
Did you know the SCVEDC has an interactive, online tool that provides themed virtual tours of the amazing features the community has to offer? 
Take a Virtual Tour of the Santa Clarita Valley
California Institute of the Arts alum and visionary filmmaker Tim Burton (Film/Video 1979) was honored with the 2,788th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
CalArts Alum Tim Burton Receives Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
1962 - Articles of incorporation filed for Golden State Memorial Hospital on Lyons Avenue [story]
Golden State Hospital
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center welcomes back Jim Curry for an evening concert celebrating the music of John Denver on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Bella Vida.
Oct. 5: SCV Senior Center Welcomes Jim Curry ‘Take Me Home’
As part of the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency's ongoing commitment to ensuring local groundwater quality and reliability, the SCV Water recently began construction on a new treatment facility to remove perchlorate and volatile organic compounds at Well 205 in Valencia.
SCV Water Begins New Water Treatment Project in Valencia
Get ready to set sail at the Pirates SENSES Block Party, presented by the city of Santa Clarita, Thursday, Sept 19 from 7-10 p.m. on main street in Old Town Newhall.
Sept. 19: SENSES Pirate Block Party
No. 21 College of the Canyons football team knocked off No. 5 Fullerton College 29-13 on Saturday night behind a stifling defensive effort and five field goals from Luis Rodriguez.
No. 21 Canyons Knocks Off No. 5 Fullerton 29-13
Six of the seven Foothill League Varsity football teams begin league play Friday night, Sept. 20.
Foothill League Football Begins for SCV Teams
The California Institute of the Arts will present the "NAACP Santa Clarita Masquerade Ball", Friday, Oct. 4, 7-11 p.m. at 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia, CA 91355.
Oct. 4: NAACP Santa Clarita Masquerade Ball at Cal Arts
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating two human cases of a rare parasitic infection, Baylisascaris procyonis, also known as raccoon roundworm.
Public Health Investigating Disease Spread from Animals to Humans
1879 - First official Newhall School building erected near Walnut & Ninth streets [story]
First Newhall School
The city of Santa Clarita is hosting Make A Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 26 and is looking for enthusiastic residents to volunteer for various projects that benefit local nonprofits, as well as the city.
Oct. 26: Volunteers Needed for Make a Difference Day
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and PathPoint announced the graduation of Aiden Land and Andrew Mendence from the Project SEARCH internship program.
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, PathPoint Celebrate Grad Interns
The William S. Hart Union High School District has announced upcoming community information meetings about Learning Post Academy Independent Study School, Thursday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 19.
Sept. 18-19: Learning Post Academy Online Information Meetings
The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Wednesday, Sept. 18, 5 p.m. in open session to interview and appoint a new trustee for Area 5.
Sept. 18: COC Board to Interview, Appoint Area 5 Trustee
The city of Santa Clarita wants to remind residents that volunteer registration is open for the 29th Annual River Rally Cleanup and Environmental Expo scheduled for next Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the William S. Hart Pony Baseball and Softball Complex, 23780 Auto Center Drive, Santa Clarita, CA 91355.
Sept. 20: Last Chance to Register for the River Rally
SCVNews.com