Killing at Poplar Grove

[Jerry B.]

Gunshot nickel horn with story purchased from Bill Shawver (age 90+) in 2009. Jerry Blais

On October 31st, 1909, in the Best Chance Saloon at Poplar Grove, Montana, Hank Calverson was killed by a single gunshot fired by Billie Milner. To the local population Milner was known as "Blind Billie" because of the thick eyeglasses he wore. On that evening, Blind Billie was involved in a game of faro and was in a foul disposition from a combination of gambling losses and too much drink. After one losing hand, he demanded that the bartender quiet the gramophone. When that wasn't done immediately, Blind Billie fired his revolver at the talking machine. The single shot passed through the horn and fatally stuck Hank Calverson. Milner claimed that the death was unintentional but he was tried for murder. A week prior to the shooting, Milner and Calverson were seen arguing. The argument was over a local dancer and working girl named Tillie Parker. Hank Calverson had a reputation with the local entertaining ladies and was affectionately known as "Handsome Hank". The prosecution made passionate claims that the killing was motivated by jealous rage. The jury was not convinced and Blind Billie Milner was acquitted. He soon left Poplar Grove and was not seen again.

[Jerry B.]

I forgot to mention that I paid $75 for the horn only and the story. I would have passed on the horn if it had been shot while the owner was cleaning his deer rifle. It wouldn't have been nearly as interesting. Jerry

[gramophone78]

Jerry, I will sell you a horn that was once owned by a little old lady from Passadena!!!! .I will let you have it for 50.00

[Jerry B.]

I'll take it!

[JohnM]

Back about 1970, I bought an Edison 'Home' Model E at a farm auction outside of Elizabethtown, Kentucky for $52. It had a nice approximately .38-caliber hole about 8 o'clock in one panel of the No. 10 cygnet horn. No story though.

[alang]

Nice horn and great story Jerry. Thanks for sharing.
Andreas

[Couch Potato]

Often what the picture is of is only part of the interest. I really like the cabinet you have that phonograph sitting on!

[Jerry B.]

Thanks, the cabinet is the matching cabinet for a BI and it must have been made by/for Columbia. On the inside of the door, there's a Columbia decal. Jerry