Jesse James reenactor on reliving the gang's defeat
You know the story well if you live in Northfield: September, 7, 1876. Eight members of the outlaw gang known as the "James-Younger Gang" entered the city with designs to rob the First National Bank.
Three went inside, two guarded the door, and three waited by a bridge nearby.
But the cashier, Joseph Heywood, stood his ground, saying he couldn't unlock the vault. Outside, residents grew suspicious and the lookouts got spooked. A gun fight ensued.
Chip DeMann has re-enacted the ensuing gunfight hundreds of times, and he'll do it again this weekend as part of the Defeat of Jesse James Days festival in Northfield.
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He joined All Things Considered host Tom Crann on the phone on this anniversary of the raid.
Showtimes this weekend:
- Friday, Sept. 10: 6 p.m. and 7 p.m .
- Saturday, Sept. 11: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. & 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 12: 11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.