| Matrix Theatre 7657 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90046 (323) 852-1445 info@salemktheatreco.org |
In an editorial "Crush The Monster", The Idaho Daily
Statesman states "the situation is one that...calls for
immediate and systematic cauterization...and the
premises thoroughly cleaned and disinfected..."
Statesman states "the situation is one that...calls for
immediate and systematic cauterization...and the
premises thoroughly cleaned and disinfected..."
On October 31, 1955, in Boise, Idaho, Ralph Cooper,
33, a shoe repairman, and Charles Gordon, 27, a dock
worker were arrested for "lewd and lascivious conduct
with minor children under the ages of 16." Benny
Cassel, 51, a clothing store clerk, was also arrested for
"infamous crimes against nature."
Boise's City Council suppressed the story from
appearing in the press for two days.
33, a shoe repairman, and Charles Gordon, 27, a dock
worker were arrested for "lewd and lascivious conduct
with minor children under the ages of 16." Benny
Cassel, 51, a clothing store clerk, was also arrested for
"infamous crimes against nature."
Boise's City Council suppressed the story from
appearing in the press for two days.
On November 14, 1955, Joe Moore, the popular Vice
President of the Idaho First National Bank is accused by
William H. Baker, 17, of forcing him into sexual relations.
Another teenager, 15, corroborates Baker's accusation, and
Moore, a devoted husband and father, is arrested on felony
charges of "committing an infamous crime against nature".
President of the Idaho First National Bank is accused by
William H. Baker, 17, of forcing him into sexual relations.
Another teenager, 15, corroborates Baker's accusation, and
Moore, a devoted husband and father, is arrested on felony
charges of "committing an infamous crime against nature".
December 2, 1955, Charles Herbert Gordon
pleads guilty to lewd and lascivious conduct. He is
sentenced to 15 years in the state penitentiary.
A week later, his half-brother is also sentenced to
15 years.
pleads guilty to lewd and lascivious conduct. He is
sentenced to 15 years in the state penitentiary.
A week later, his half-brother is also sentenced to
15 years.
Hundreds of men are named as suspected homosexuals
by local civic organizations (mothers' groups are at the
forefront) and interrogated by Bill Fairchild.
Nearly 1500 men are questioned. The arrests mount.
by local civic organizations (mothers' groups are at the
forefront) and interrogated by Bill Fairchild.
Nearly 1500 men are questioned. The arrests mount.
Dr. Jack Butler and wife Marjorie visit her family in Boise
during Thanksgiving. Dr. Butler has spent three years
studying sexual deviancy in Europe. A few weeks later,
he is appointed as acting director of the Division of
Mental Health.
Dr. Butler requests permission from the parents of the
high school boys purportedly involved. Only 35 boys are
allowed to speak with Dr. Butler.
After interviewing the boys, Dr. Butler learns that the
"hard core of kids supposedly seduced by homosexuals
was actually made up of tough gang members...They
may have been only 15, 16 and 17, but they were much
too developed to be considered children...they were fully
aware of what they were doing."
during Thanksgiving. Dr. Butler has spent three years
studying sexual deviancy in Europe. A few weeks later,
he is appointed as acting director of the Division of
Mental Health.
Dr. Butler requests permission from the parents of the
high school boys purportedly involved. Only 35 boys are
allowed to speak with Dr. Butler.
After interviewing the boys, Dr. Butler learns that the
"hard core of kids supposedly seduced by homosexuals
was actually made up of tough gang members...They
may have been only 15, 16 and 17, but they were much
too developed to be considered children...they were fully
aware of what they were doing."
| click image to enlarge |
| click image to enlarge |
| click images to enlarge |
| click images to enlarge |
| click image to enlarge |
In an effort to appease the public outcry, county
prosecutor Blaine Evans vigorously argues for a harsh
sentence for repeat sex offender, Ralph Cooper.
Cooper is sentenced to life imprisonment in the state
penitentiary.
prosecutor Blaine Evans vigorously argues for a harsh
sentence for repeat sex offender, Ralph Cooper.
Cooper is sentenced to life imprisonment in the state
penitentiary.
| BEHIND BOISE, USA |
Local newspapers report that several
more men and at least ten -- and as
many as 100 -- boys are involved.
The peaceful, church-going community
erupted into hysteria, as people began
naming suspected homosexuals.
more men and at least ten -- and as
many as 100 -- boys are involved.
The peaceful, church-going community
erupted into hysteria, as people began
naming suspected homosexuals.
But on November 2, 1955, the story broke.
| click image to enlarge |
At the instigation of senior City
Councilman, Harold T. "Buck"
Jones, a private investigator --
former FBI agent Bill Fairchild -- is
hired to interrogate homosexuals,
many of whom are married and
have children.
More arrests are made.
Councilman, Harold T. "Buck"
Jones, a private investigator --
former FBI agent Bill Fairchild -- is
hired to interrogate homosexuals,
many of whom are married and
have children.
More arrests are made.