January 19, 2019

January 19, 2019

Eighty-Five years ago, in 1934, the US was in the midst of a Prohibition-induced crime spree. The list of colorful characters included Bonnie and Clyde and Machine Gun Kelly. Public Enemy Number 1 was John Dillinger. After a string of Midwest bank robberies, the Dillinger gang was ready to lay low (and probably get out of cold Chicago). They came to Tucson and stayed a night at Hotel Congress. Unfortunately the hotel had a fire and the gang overpaid two firemen to retrieve their bags heavy with cash and guns. That lead to suspicions and within a few days the local cops captured each member. Surprisingly without a shot fired.

This event put the tiny Old West town of Tucson on the national map. It is celebrated every year with Dillinger Days. With Aimee out of town visiting her mom, I saw this as an opportunity to check out the event. Hotel Congress sits next to the train tracks and today is surrounded by vintage cars. The local Model A Club is here in-force and lots of people are dressed in period costumes. Both the fire and police departments have exhibits including two of Dillinger’s confiscated Tommy Guns.

The reenactment turns out to be an hour-long show that includes the historical run-up, a Chicago bank robbery, and several ‘what if’ shootout scenarios to enliven the action. It is all humorous and very cute and well worth a few hours time.