The Astonishing Clayton Family

[jack_babalon]

Muir Glacier, Al (1902)
~Photo Andrews, C L

This is one of the few remaining photos left of The Astonishing Clayton Family", a "turn-of-the-century" team of archaeological adventurers from the renowned Miskatonic University, this photo was taken during a dig in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Consisting of (from left to right):

Reginald Clayton, a former student of the mystic G.I. Gurdjieff and rumored to have been a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn).

His brother, Doctor Wayne Clayton, the legendary polymath - archaeologist, anthropologist, explorer, mountain climber and founder of the Miskatonic Fencing Society.

Nathaniel Clayton, Wayne's son and frequent stowaway on many of the Clayton's escapades, Nathaniel was the sole survivor of the families last adventure (see "The Shadow from the Precipice of Forever") and later went on to serve in the 35th Infantry Division during World War One where Nathaniel was awarded the Citation Star for his heroism during the Battle of Meuse-Argonne.

Peter "Mustang Pete" Wilburton, met with the family after his tour in the 1st United States Volunteer Cavalry Regiment as one of "Roosevelt's Rough Riders". Mustang Pete was the last of the old school cowboys, who claimed to have learned to shoot from Annie Oakley and how to ride from none other than William "Buffalo Bill" Cody. Whether this was true or not remains unsubstantiated, but what is known is that Mustang Pete frequently rescued the Clayton Brothers from many a "tight spot" and was later inducted into the family as "Uncle Pete".

Well actually....

I found this shot on VINTAGE PHOTO, one of my favorite LJ communities. I followed the links over to the University of Oregon which states "Silhouettes of three men in hats and a child in snow-filled landscape standing in front of a monumental snowman sculpture. The snowman has a head with eyes, nose and mouth, modeled hair and mustache, two arms and legs, and an oval body. The snowman is approximately four times the size of a man".

Comments

[efire360.livejournal.com]

Boy howdy, your colossal snowman reminds me of Big Tex.

That's him getting his head on in 1952.

[jackbabalon23.livejournal.com]

He reminds me of the neon cowboy you used to see in those old photos of Las Vegas.

I'd like to think that one day, after society collapses, there will be post apocalyptic savages who worship Big Tex!

Thanks for the smile:)

[efire360.livejournal.com]

No problem! You let me know any time you need a smile or a beer for that matter.

[ltmurnau.livejournal.com]

As usual, I like your version of reality better.

[jackbabalon23.livejournal.com]

Well I appreciate that. I often find that the problem with the world is a profound lack of Science Heroes and Pulp Adventurers.

[ltmurnau.livejournal.com]

Most of the world has no imagination whatsoever. Witness the wonderful box-office flop that was Buckaroo Banzai.

[weishaupt.livejournal.com]

Not to mention tommy-gun wielding gorillas.

[weishaupt.livejournal.com]

I liked them better when they were the Astonishing Clayton Family.

[jackbabalon23.livejournal.com]

Me too