By Laura Stebbins, Carnegie Library Museum
Everyone loves a good crime story. What about a crime story with links to Perry?
In July 1933 the notorious Barrow Gang was involved in a shootout with a posse at the old Dexfield Amusement Park outside Dexter. Gang members Buck and Blanche Barrow were captured, and the mortally wounded Buck was brought to the Kings Daughters Hospital in Perry where he died after five days.
This story is on view through May 31 at the Carnegie Library Museum, 1123 Willis Ave. in Perry. The exhibit features relics from Bonnie and Clyde and a number of photos from their story, with a particular focus on Buck and Blanche Barrow. Several other crime related artifacts are also on display.
Noted Dallas County historian Rod Stanley will deliver a free lecture on this notable event in Perry history at the Carnegie on Sunday, May 3 at 1 p.m.
After delving into Perry’s Barrow Gang past, visitors to the Carnegie can plunge into summer by bringing the family to the third annual Kids’ Fest on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at both the Perry Public Library and the Carnegie Library Museum.
The brain child of volunteer John Glass, Kids’ Fest has grown in attendance every year, and we anticipate the trend continuing this year. The full schedule of events will be published later this spring, but exciting new events include the Blank Park Zoo, a caricaturist, and a magician.
Returning this year are the ever popular reptiles from Forest Park Museum, face painting, Plinko and arts and crafts. Stay tuned—more fun activities are being added!
Kids’ Fest is fun completely free, with the exception of Plinko which is 25 cents per game. Considering what face painting or any of these other events would cost at another venue, it is truly a bargain not to be missed.
The Carnegie Library Museum is grateful to local businesses, grant providers, the City of Perry, the Perry-Area Chamber and all the volunteers who make this event possible.
While our post-Kids’ Fest summer exhibition schedule is yet to be determined, our fall lineup is already taking shape. In September the Carnegie is partnering with the Museum of Danish America in Elk Horn, Iowa, and will display their travelling exhibit, Jens Jensen: Celebrating the Native Prairie.
Stay tuned for multiple prairie-related events being planned during and around this special exhibit.
There’s always something going on at the Carnegie Library Museum. Come explore Perry’s Barrow Gang history now through May 31, hear a lecture on the topic on May 3 at 1 p.m. and bring the family to Kids’ Fest on Saturday, June 6.
Regular hours at the Carnegie are Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Admission is free although we gladly accept donations.
We welcome you as guests and also invite you to become involved as volunteers either for a specific event or on an ongoing basis. See you at the Carnegie!
Other Nearby Barrow Gang Points of Interest:
- Historical Marker (courtesy of the Perry Historical Preservation Commission) outside the Perry Lutheran Home, 2323 Willis Ave., the location of the old King’s Daughters Hospital where Buck Barrow died
- Historical Marker at the location of the old Dexfield Park/Barrow Gang shootout. The marker is north of Dexter on Dexfield Road at the South Raccoon River.
- Barrow Gang artifacts and photos at the Dexter Museum, 719 Marshall St. in Dexter. Open Sundays 1-3 p.m., May 3-Oct. 25.
