Frank James: Hero or Hoodlum?

January 13, 2011

Platte, Clay, and Jackson counties are the heart of activity for the legendary James gang and the area served by Mid-Continent Public Library. So, it seems only fittin' that Frank James will drop the Dearborn Branch and tell his story. A reenactor and storyteller will be here Monday evening, January 31st, at 7 p.m. to talk about Frank James' early life, the Civil War, and his outlaw days.

The James gang seems to be a subject of endless fascination. A search of Mid-Continent's catalog lists over one hundred documents and books that relate to the James. Our catalog also lists some items at the Jackson County Historical Society. The catalog says that the Historical Society has an 1881 wanted poster for the James, among other things. On the Historical Society website, they have the neatest quote from award winning author, David McCullough. Speaking of Jackson County and the Kansas City area, he wrote: "I can't think of another piece of landscape of similar size where so many things have happened that have been of significance in the story of America." Thinking of all the historical events that have happened just in the Library district, isn't that so true.

The Dearborn Branch of Mid-Continent Public Library has a small collection of books on the James. We also have a number of books on the Kansas City area, Missouri, Platte County, and the Civil War. Checking out some of these items might be just the thing to brighten otherwise cold gloomy days.

Howard B.
Dearborn Branch