What You Haven't Heard About Wildman
Dent Myers opens up about his past, his shop and his controversial reputation.
Dent "Wildman" Myers shuffles through the narrow corridors of his shop, his bare feet sliding over dusty floorboards. Determined steps guide him past Civil War-era weapons, canteens, bullets, books and belt buckles, an amalgamation of historic relics.
But Myers' Civil War Surplus and Herb Shop is more widely known for other merchandise: white supremacy literature, Nazi memorabilia, white-power posters, and a Ku Klux Klan uniform, noose included.
Myers, 79, opened the shop nearly 40 years ago with $175 and a few savings bonds. He has attracted media attention for years. The Southern Poverty Law Center writes of the store and its "racist wares." Christopher Dickey, whose father wrote the novel Deliverance, describes Myers as "a self-caricaturing bigot."
Perhaps it's the pointed mustache and long, unkempt beard, the pale blue eyes, or the AMT Clone .45s holstered on each hip, but it all seems to add to the "Wildman" myth. To some observers, Myers easily fits the mold of a common stereotype: the gun-toting Southern racist. For others, he's anything but common.
A Sharecropper's Son
Perched on a stool in the back of the shop, Myers speaks in a steady Southern drawl, his words accented by spurts of wit and self-deprecating humor.
Born in White County in 1931 during the Great Depression, Myers was the eldest son of white sharecroppers.
"Everybody's younger than I am," he says. "Me and dirt's kinda old. Or dirt and I, I should say, to be grammatically correct."
His childhood largely consisted of "chopping cotton, hoeing corn, pulling fodder, bringing in stove wood and sweeping the yard," he says.
Myers says he has handled guns since he was a child. A supporter of a 1982 ordinance that requires all Kennesaw homeowners to own a firearm, he wears a T-shirt printed with the slogan "It's the law in Kennesaw."
He doesn't hunt or shoot recreationally, he says. He just likes guns.
When he was a young boy, his parents would let him play with the disassembled parts of the family shotgun. The weapon was the family's prized possession. It kept the hawks away from the chickens and occasionally killed a squirrel or two for dinner, a meal Myers likens to chicken stew.
"Now, opossum is another deal," he says with a smile.
While Myers is well known around town for his affinity for guns, lesser known is his passion for books. The store is stacked with them; combined with the books in his personal and research libraries, Myers' collection numbers in the thousands.
He credits his father for his early interest in reading.
"I became involved, or inclined, to set up a studious regime because my pappy, before I was even walking good, he used to go to this man that had a set of Child's Books of Knowledge," he says.
"He would get one a week and carry me on his back and bring it home and sit there and read it to me."
The family moved around, living in both Florida and Georgia. Myers ended up in Marietta while working at Davison-Paxon for a few years.
"You know, when I was a kid, my folks sent me abroad," Myers says, "and I was so young I didn't know what to do with her."
He laughs, explaining that's a joke from his stand-up comedy days.
"I had my own entire repertoire," he says. "I had just got started good, getting a little reputation spread around, when Uncle Sam decided it wasn't funny and wanted to put me in the Army."
Disillusioned and Distrustful
Myers says he was drafted in 1951 to serve in the Korean War.
"I was all gung-ho, and they'd play 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' and my eyes'd cloud up, and I was really a patriot, I guess," Myers says.
"I believed in my country, but after I saw what was happening, it kind of disillusioned me considerably. So then I got to thinkin' the United States had been a big bully ever since it been in existence."
Myers harbors a large distrust for the government. Pearl Harbor, the Oklahoma City bombing and 9/11 were all setups, he says.
He compares the current efforts of the Tea Party to those of the John Birch Society. Myers was chapter leader from Smyrna to Acworth during the 1950s.
"They didn't call us racist because it wasn't a term then," he says. "They called us little old ladies in tennis shoes."
Lester Maddox's Friend
Myers reminisces about his long friendship with Lester Maddox, who gained notoriety for refusing to integrate his Pickrick Restaurant during the civil rights movement. Maddox went on to win the Georgia governorship on a platform of segregation.
But Maddox hired more black people into government positions than any governor before him, and he ordered state troopers to desist from using "boy" and the N-word.
"Lester Maddox is about the only good governor we have ever had," Myers says.
Maddox used to drop by the shop about once a week, he says. Several photographs of the two men are displayed throughout the shop. Myers keeps original menus from the Pickrick Restaurant, and a portrait of Virginia Maddox hangs on the wall.
Like Maddox, Myers has been tagged a racist but says he doesn't mind what people call him.
"My full name is Racist Redneck Bigot Honky. That's also when I'm half-full," he jokes.
"Racism," he says, "is a knee-jerk word. It's utilized to death, and it's not really of any consequence."
Klan Memorabilia
About the contents of his store, Myers says: "People come, and they got tunnel vision. They don't want to see anything historic. They only wanna see one item, like the Klan uniform."
Myers says Klan collectibles and black memorabilia are among the more sought-after products in the antique market. "Now ain't that ironic?"
While Myers' shop has attracted visitors from as far away as Madagascar, Kennesaw officials neither endorse the shop as an attraction nor denounce it as a scourge.
"Dent Myers is a Kennesaw resident and business owner in good standing," Mayor Mark Mathews says. "I may not agree with his views personally, but I respect his right to conduct his business as he sees fit."
Mathews says he does not frequent the shop.
The shop's notable relics include a rare LeMat pistol from the 1860s, supposedly owned by Western desperado Wild Bill Longley. It's functional, but Myers won't shoot it. "It's like putting your granddaddy back to work after he retires."
He also has an 1807 Springfield rifle and a 1790s British saber from the War of 1812. All the shop's weapons date back to at least 1890. Myers leaves more modern weaponry to the gun shows and pawnshops.
Civil War View
A Civil War canteen with a bullet hole hangs high on the wall. The shot probably hit the soldier in the kidney, Myers says. It's one of the few items in the shop that aren't for sale.
It's also one of the few remaining artifacts Myers excavated himself. In a stint of metal-detecting, Myers dug numerous relics from the ground. The whole area was a Confederate campground.
Those early excavations cemented his interest in the Civil War and later inspired him to open the shop, he says.
Myers joined a Civil War re-enactment group in 1961, enjoying the sense of history and camaraderie. He started in the 1st Georgia Volunteers, Ramsey Division; when he retired three decades later, he commanded the whole Georgia division.
Myers shuffles toward one of the counters in the back and sorts through the dusty piles before pulling out a plaque awarded to him for his years of Civil War re-enactment. He uncovers other personal treasures, including a small stack of hand-drawn comics and several poems. Myers happens to be an artist and a published poet.
His book of poems, Life Is Half Death, was published in the 1950s. In the poem "Butterfly," Myers writes: "Your dying sweeps of Godly gilded wing caught my eye/The upturned feet-toward the world in defiance of oncoming death/as if to fend it away with a kick of your velvety shoe."
A Local Locomotive
Myers peruses the pages of a large blue binder. He reads off awards and certificates granted to him over the years from various organizations, including the town historical society and business association.
"These were given to me by Kennesaw, back before they got so prissy," he says.
Myers was instrumental in bringing the famous locomotive The General to Kennesaw. He spent so much time bidding for it at the General Assembly that he nearly lost his job at Lockheed, he says.
"We would never even have that engine if it hadn't been for Dent Myers," says Harper Harris, lead interpreter at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, where The General is on display.
"Dent is Dent," Harris says. "He's a smart, smart man. And he's always been a good friend to me."
In another of his many lives, Myers was involved in the local film scene. He says he worked on more than 30 films, organizing, furnishing props and even making a few cameos. He worked with Brock Peters and Kenny Rogers and collaborated with Johnny Cash on Ridin' the Rails.
"Yah, I was pretty active during my heydays. So you know I wasn't always a bad guy," Myers says, dropping his Southern accent and enunciating the last three words in a mock-sinister voice.
His Shop to the End
Now Myers is happy simply tending to his shop. He works seven days a week and hardly takes a vacation, save maybe half a day for Christmas when people insist he join them for dinner.
When Myers is not at the shop, he's home doing research. He owns a television but only turns it on when he goes to bed. The noise helps him sleep, although he does enjoy The Vampire Diaries.
Myers has no children and has lived alone since his dog and constant companion, Bear Demon, was hit by a truck. "He was a huge, huge chow," Myers says. "I mean, a dog. These little old things I don't consider dogs. More like navel fuzz."
He compares the state of his house to that of his shop. He tries to clean up every once in a while, but he leaves the cobwebs alone because he doesn't like to disturb the spiders.
Myers says he'll run the shop until "Mama Nature" takes him down. He suspects the city will be glad to see him gone.
But he has no complaints.
"I often wonder if anybody's been as fortunate as I am," he says. "I always wondered about that."
Does "Wildman" reflect badly on Kennesaw?
Tell us in the comments.
Anonymous
5:55 pm on Sunday, April 10, 2011
This article still hasn't had me gain any respect for him. It just makes me see more how stuck in the past he is. It's a shame, really, that someone could be so blind. I myself am an African-American who has lived in Kennesaw for over 20 years now, and Wildman still manages to make me feel unwelcome in my own home.
John Adamzola
8:09 am on Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Are you kidding me? Get over it dude. You are the one who is blind. He's accomplished more in his life than most ever will, and you find one thing you don't like and get hung up on it. Who's stuck on what? I guarantee you he lives a happy life, do you?
Tammy
3:38 pm on Tuesday, June 7, 2011
No one can MAKE you feel any way.
Bill
5:39 pm on Tuesday, June 7, 2011
This article has been around for 18 months in various publications. Time to spike it.
Gaetana Pipia
6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Thanks for your comment, Bill. I wrote this particular article when Kennesaw Patch first launched last November. Dent Myers has been a well-known figure in Kennesaw for decades and has been the focus of media attention before. However, this article was meant to be a more in-depth profile that perhaps revealed some little known facts, not only about his shop, but his personal life and history. In any case, I'm interested in hearing from you and others about the following: Does Wildman reflect badly on Kennesaw, or has he simply been misunderstood? Where do Myers and his shop fit into Kennesaw's history? Or are you just plain tired of hearing about him?
Mason Foley
9:33 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
I don't believe he's misunderstood. I think it's fairly evident where he stands.
Bill
12:12 pm on Friday, June 10, 2011
Ms Pipia wrote in part: " has he simply been misunderstood?"
==========================================
I believe that if you had approached him 20-30 years ago for your interview he would have run you off and also wanted you deported as an illegal. You caught him in his old age and he is mellowed a lot.
I see him around and about Kennesaw, at Huddle House and My Country Kitchen for lunchs. I just ignore him, as do most others.
He commented in your article something to the effect that he was regarded as an embarassment and that the City would be pleased when he died, I'm sure that is correct and that isn't limited just to City officials. The sooner he goes away, the sooner we can start missing him.
Keef
3:49 pm on Friday, June 10, 2011
He's the reason why downtown Kennesaw is a wasteland. Who in their right mind would want to open a business close to this lunatic?
Chris
11:44 pm on Saturday, May 11, 2013
Wow, I guess ignorance is bliss for you huh?
Terri
9:55 am on Sunday, June 12, 2011
Very interesting article. Whether you think he is a fool or just an eccentric oldster he is part of the history of Kennesaw!
James Swift
3:33 pm on Thursday, August 4, 2011
For those of you that are interested in more information about Myers' shop, here's a link to a video tour of Wildman's Civil War Surplus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWGv2wIZyys
Bill
4:03 pm on Thursday, August 4, 2011
"For those of you that are interested"
====================================
I gave it a try but a few seconds into it I just gave up on it.
A little bit of the guy goes a long way. I do still see him around town at a few of the restaurants where I have my lunch, I guess that is enough without watching a video also.
Joe Bozeman
3:23 pm on Sunday, August 7, 2011
My family has been in Kennesaw since the 1830's and I have know Dent Myers since the the late 1950's. I am sick and tired of hearing him being bashed by people. He has a business license, operates a legal business, exercises his right of free speech, pays taxes, and exercises his right to carry firearms. To my knowledge he has never harmed anyone and years back was a very positive voice in Kennesaw. I can understand why Dent has dropped out of the mainstream in Kennesaw. Like myself, he has seen a small town taken over by outsiders who want to rewrite our history and be politically correct in every thing they do, And to the gentleman who referred the downtown section to a wasteland and blamed it on Dent, wake up please. He has not hurt any business in Kennesaw. The Foster Chiropractic Practice rents space from Dent. The Whistle Stop Cafe left downtown because after the fire new code regulations applied to the building. Both the cafe and the car lot are gone because an investment group bought them and then the economy went south, not because of Dent Myers. The three story building next to his shop is owned by a local man and has been condemned. That is why it's vacant not because of Dent. The Trackside Grill has expanded and is doing great in spite of being located near that "lunatic". The Harmony House grew out of their old space and now have moved into a larger facility still close to Dent's shop, And to you Bill, I like your Confederate Flag on your Patch profile.
Keef
9:43 pm on Sunday, August 7, 2011
My family has been here in Kennesaw since the early 21st century.
Perhaps Mr. Myers wouldn't be "bashed" if he weren't an unrepentant mouthpiece for racial bigotry.
And I'm sure it's coincidental that My. Myer's shop is immediately surrounded by a condemned building, and abandoned storefront, and a vacant lot. That's hardly the hallmark of a vibrant downtown.
Kennesaw has virtually unlimited potential for growth. It's too bad that behavior and attitudes like those of Mr. Myers are still considered acceptable by some folks.
Bill
12:33 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
The various buildings/lots mentioned by Mr. Bozeman are all an eyesore and ALL should be demolished. Those little lots by themselves are worthless, if they could be put together under a single owner then the prospects of putting up something on that block are great.
I suggest that the City of Kennesaw should use 'eminent domain' to acquire all those properties. 2 of the 3 owners would probably be pleased to unload the lots. The City could either sell the lots as one package, put up something themselves (ie: Office spaces) or put in a temporary park until a decision is made as to what should be done with that block.
Maybe the Mayor or Councilmen read Patch and could comment on what the City might be able to do with those little properties, but something must be done as it looks like the start of a Chicago slum.
Joe Bozeman
7:08 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Bill and Keef,
I think you gentlemen should do some homework and find out who owns the properties that you refer to as a wastand and slums. I know the facts and the plans. Do a little research and post your findings. I think you might be in for a shock.
Joe Bozeman
Bill
7:29 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
"I think you gentlemen should do some homework"
=========================================
I took at face value your information since you made various statements in your Aug th post (ie: "The three story building next to his shop is owned by a local man and has been condemned").
I don't know who actually owns the property and it is not relevant to my comments, which was to the effect that those lots make downtown kennesaw look like a slum unless of course it is already owned by the City of Kennesaw.
I stand by my comments.
Joe Bozeman
7:55 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
It's the economy, not Dent Myers that is holding back the development of downtown Kennesaw. And NO the city does not own these properties. I cannot believe that you support eminent domain. You commented that big brother could not tell you where to cross the railroad tracks and now suggest that government should take over downtown Kennesaw. I hope I get the opportunity to meet you someday. Maybe I will see you at lunch someday. Dent and I have lunch with each other about once a month. I don't have a beard, long hair, or carry pistols, so I won't embarrass you.
Joe Bozeman
10:41 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
Bill,
I might add that the buildings that you believe should be torn down are under the protection of the Kennesaw Historical Preservation Commission, an arm of the City of Kennesaw. By City Law, they can't be torn down. I would also like to ask you about the Confederate Flag that is show flying in your profile pictures. Was that flag in your yard? If so, how did it make your neighbors feel to see this "Symbol Of Racism" flying in the breeze. It would appear to me that someone who despises Dent Myers so strongly would not want anything to do with a Confederate Flag. You might be interested to know that at one time there was a "Wildwomans " shop in downtown Kennesaw. It was run by a female friend of Dents across the street where what is now a city parking lot. My family owns three properties in the block that you and Keef refer to. Two on Lewis Street and one on J. O. Stephenson. We keep them up nicely and pay some pretty healthy tax bills on them. If you folks want a fight on your hands, keep talking eminent domain. But, if you would like to contribute to help pay the taxes on this "worthless" property, feel free to contribute.
The tax assessments do not support your opinion of "worthless".
Joe Bozeman
Bill
11:46 am on Monday, August 8, 2011
someone who despises Dent Myers
=============================
I suggest you remove your post. You show your ignorance by attributing such stupidity to anything I have written.
Joe Bozeman
12:02 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Bill,
NO SIR, I will not remove my post. And please don't remove yours. I have a very thick skin and am not imtidatex by being called ignorant and stupid.
Joe Bozeman
Joe Bozeman
12:05 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Sorry, intimated . I will admit I am a poor typeset
Bill
12:37 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
That's OK Joe, we know who you are:
A classic CureZone troll is trying to make us believe that he is a genuine skeptic with no hidden agenda. He is divisive and argumentative with need-to-be-right attitude, "searching for the truth", flaming discussion, and sometimes insulting people or provoking people to insult him. Troll is usually an expert in reusing the same words of its opponents and in turning it against them.
Joe Bozeman
3:04 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Bill,
I am so sorry you had to revert to insults and name calling. Anyway, I thought a troll lived undrer a bridge. I am dropping this subject, but if you post anything else that I disagree with you will certainly hear from me.
Joe Bozeman
Bill
3:12 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
I've flagged as 'inappropirate' 2 of your posts, hopefully the Admin will remove them and perhaps you also.
Joe Bozeman
3:20 pm on Monday, August 8, 2011
Bill,
Somehow that does not surprise me. Freedom of speech is a two way street. Seems to me my comments made the kitchen a little to hot ffor you.
Joe Bozeman
Keef
12:41 pm on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Joe: you claim that "It's the economy, not Dent Myers that is holding back the development of downtown Kennesaw."
You also claim that "The Trackside Grill has expanded and is doing great in spite of being located near that 'lunatic.'"
Ok, the Trackside has expanded, but the buildings directly adjacent to Mr. Myers' Emporium o' Crazy remain abandoned. I'll be the first to admit that correlation does not always imply causation, but it's quite a coincidence, no?
I just know that if I owned "three properties in the block" where Mr. Myers' shop is, I'd be steamed that he was bringing down my property values. And if I was in the market to open a new business, I wouldn't look at downtown Kennesaw as long as Mr. Myers' store was there. That place is a losing proposition.
Joe Bozeman
1:54 pm on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Keef,
I guess when you refer to the"Emporium o' Crazy", you are referring to Dent's store. If you are referring to the "Wooten" Building, where the Whistle Stop Cafe was and The "Lewis Building' the three story building. please let me explain why they are vacant. The Whistle Stop caught on fire a couple of years ago. The inside was damaged severely. In order to reopen as a restaurant, it would have to brought up to the present code requirements. The tenant and the property owner could not agree on the repairs, so the Whistle Stop moved into a strip mall. The three story building also caught on fire many years ago and was condemned. The owner would sell this building, but I understand the asking price is very high. As far as our three properties, we have never had a problem renting them for businesses so far. Two of them have just been vacated by the Harmony House which moved right up the street because of their growth. Sure, our property has lost value, but it's because of the economy and not Dent Myers. The two properties that the Harmony House vacated might be vacant for a few months, but is will be because of repairs being done and some tree work, NOT BECAUSE OF DENT MYERS.
Sincerely yours,
Joe Bozeman
Keef
5:48 am on Wednesday, August 10, 2011
"I guess when you refer to the 'Emporium o' Crazy,' you are referring to Dent's store." You are correct. Emporium o' Crazy. I think that's a pretty accurate assessment.
Despite your arguments, I remain unconvinced. It's difficult to believe that a store, which deals in Klan memorabilia, run by an unrepentant bigot, has had no negative impact on Kennesaw's downtown. Especially when his business sits in the middle of a block filled with abandoned storefronts.
What is truly baffling is that whenever his impact on downtown is discussed, there's often a rush to defend him - "Dent is Dent" to quote the article. Well, Dent may be Dent, but his attitudes and behavior - as represented in his store - are unacceptable is this day and age. They're a throwback to an ugly time. Kennesaw deserves better than that.
Joe Bozeman
10:35 am on Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Bill and Keef,
I think we have just about worn this one out. If you gentlemen would like to discuss further, please email me at jboz807349@aol.com. I think probably the people on patch have become tired of our postings. I would like to add that if you play the video that James Swift posted and read the comment listed on this video you will find the posting very interesting. I have met James before and I am sure he did not mean for this comment to be visible on patch.
Ms. W
11:39 am on Friday, August 12, 2011
It has been interesting read the various comments on the Myers article. Mr. Bozeman, I admire your passion and stance to defend your friend of many years; however, I would have to agree with the other respondents, Bill and Keef. Mr. Myers is stuck in a past that should not be remembered. His store represents a past that was not equal, extremely mean, arrogant, and evil. There is nothing glamorous or admirable about the KKK. There's nothing positive and Godly about a noose that once killed many families, inclusive of children. Yes he has a right to have a business, freedom of speech, etc., but I do not agree with it. Mr. Myers is maintaining a past that no one should be proud of. I don't care how you were raised or what was instilled in you, no "HUMAN BEING" should have been killed or mistreated based on the color of their skin. Now I know you may be thinkin that I am getting off into history, but that is exactly what Mr. Myers' store represents. What healthy, equal, welcoming, and friendly business is going to want to reside next to "Wild Man's?" For example, I am an upstanding sought after business with an upstanding clientel and of all the places I am going to sit my hard earned business next to Wild Man's so my clients can feel awkward??? Think about that...yes the Whistlestop burned down and other businesses left due to an economic downturn, but others are opting not to come. Who want to sit next to Mr. Myers or across from a park with confederate flags?
Steve
8:35 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011
Ms. W,
it seems you have forgotten a very important lesson based upon your statement "Mr. Myers is stuck in a past that should not be remembered. "
"Notable Quotations from George Santayana
'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.'
"Life of Reason," Reason in Common Sense, Scribner's, 1905, page 284"
Mrs Lyon
5:23 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011
I will sit next to Mr Myers and the Confederate Flag, right along with thousands of others people from all other the world.
Folks tend to see what they want to see, think what they want to think, assume what they want to assume; regardless. It is very sad to see so much "hate and distain" coming from all the "Mr. Myers/Wildman Haters"....ironic is it not?
Keef
11:26 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011
I'm a big fan of that Santayana quote, but you're not using it right. Mr. Myers and his defenders (Good evening Mrs. Lyon...) seem to be remembering the past from one narrow, outdated, wholly discredited perspective.
If we're going to remember a past when attitudes and behaviors like those of Mr. Myers were widely accepted, we should also remember how they impacted people who may not share your ideals, values, culture, and ethnicity.
There may be "thousands of other people from all other the world" who accept Mr. Myers worldview, but there are plenty more who see it for the absurd and archaic example of intolerance that it is.
Steve
10:46 am on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Keef,
perhaps it was the late time of the evening that had you confused but I was the one referencing George Santayana and the reference was perfectly in context in regards to Ms W's statement.
I don't think anyone can refute the fact that Mr Myers establishment has many instances of US historical fact represented (love them or hate them) and to refer to Mr Myers and his establishment as a whole with "Mr. Myers is stuck in a past that should not be remembered. His store represents a past that was not equal, extremely mean, arrogant, and evil." represents perfect context for "that Santayana quote".
Mrs Lyon
8:34 am on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Thank you Mr. Keef for reinforcing my point.
Bill
11:11 am on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Several days ago I flagged several comments to see if they could be deleted, nothing happened. This morning I emailed Ms Pippa to suggest that the comments on this thread be locked. A robot reply was returned that she was on maternity leave. So obviously no monitoring has been going on here. It is past time to shut down this comments thread as it is getting out of hand troll wise, seems the person to contact is now: donnalynnoct@aol.com Hopefully she will take the matter in hand.
Michael Jacobs
11:39 am on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Hi, Bill: I'm Gaetana's boss. We don't usually shut down the comments on articles. The comments would have to veer far off the topic of the article, and in this case, I think the arguments get to the heart of the article: What if anything does Wildman's store say about Kennesaw? Some of the comments have been too personal, and it's always a judgment call about whether those individual comments go too far and violate our terms of service. I hate to delete comments if I can avoid it, so my editors and I give people as much leeway as we can. As for the flagging, that brings the comments to our attention but does not result in automatic removal unless many people flag a comment. But I will keep a close eye on this thread from now on.
Joe Bozeman
10:02 am on Sunday, August 14, 2011
Facts are facts and opinions are only opinions. Opinions are like brains, we all have one but use them in different ways. My comments on this article are all facts and I challenge anyone to dispute what I have commented on with facts. Possibly I got personal about Bill's Confederate Flag posted in his pictures, but i honestly don't think so. I would hate to think that the patch editors would delete a factual comment because someone flagged it inappropriate. Come on Bill, you said "Big Brother" had too much power in an article about the railroad crossing but now you want the Patch editors to delete my comments. You can't have it both ways, my friend.
Joe Bozeman
Joe Bozeman
Mrs Lyon
10:14 am on Sunday, August 14, 2011
Good morning Kennesaw Patch Posters and thank you Mr. Jacobs for your reply.
We (all people) have the opportunity to benifit from your posting as a reminder of what a healthy dose of common sense and rational thinking/speaking looks like.
Ms. W
8:17 am on Monday, August 15, 2011
I will not harp on this post much longer, in fact, this will be my last comment. I still stand by my previous comments. If you're not a part of the culture, you can't truly understand my comments regarding the history that resides in Mr. Myers' store. Perhaps you think that KKK material and confederate flags are great and relatable, I do not. Perhaps you think that capturing history which encompassed killing men, women, and children because of their race great and relatable, I do not. Perhaps you think that historic items which represent how a line was drawn between ethnic groups for no apparent reason is great and relatable, I do not. If you would like to place your business next to one that represents a past which deserves absolutely no attention, then please feel free to do so. I am very certain that there are "still" many of you who wouldn't mind and think that Mr. Myers' store is great and relatable, I do not. I will agree to disagree and note that everyone has their own opinion, this one is mine and no one can change it. Good day~!
Mrs Lyon
12:00 pm on Monday, August 15, 2011
And I thank you too Ms. W for further reinforcing and strengthening my point of August 12th. Nice communicating with you and have a great day too.
Joe Bozeman
5:08 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
I was "out and about" in Kennesaw yesterday. Evidently, the postings on patch are read by quite a number of people. My day started at the Kennesaw Historical Commission, then the Kennesaw Public Works Facility, then the Huddle House, the Southern Museum, the Depot and several businesses, including Wildman's Shop.. Two people saw my comments on Patch and praised me for telling the facts about Dent Myers. These people were not elected officials or city employees. They were downtown business owners. And no they were not Dent Myers or anyone who works there. They knew they were my comments because I use my first and last name when posting comments. It seems to me that many people don't see Dent Myers as a problem in Kennesaw and understand the real reason the downtown area is a "wasteland" it's the economy, not Dent Myers.
Bill
6:56 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
"Two people saw my comments on Patch and praised me"
To start your own cult you will need more than 2 people to praise you. Do you read these submissions before hitting 'submit'?
Michael Jacobs
7:09 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Come on, guys, let's keep the comments about Wildman, Kennesaw, the economy, etc., and not about one another.
Bill
7:18 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Yeah, but a cheap shot is a terrible thing to waste.
Anyone who pops off about how people are praising them needs a reality check.
It is really time to lock the thread before people get any more involved in this topic.
Steve
9:00 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Mr Jacobs, I would submit that personal insults and "cheap shots" are comments that should be considered as inappropriate and removed. They provide no benefit to current discussions.
Joe Bozeman
4:49 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Good morning Kennesaw. I certainly hope the above comments are not deleted. They are destined to be classics.
Joe Bozeman
10:37 am on Thursday, August 18, 2011
I am the recipient of the "cheap shot and the personal insults", please do not delete them from the posts. When I was young, I was a pretty good athlete. I received many blocks in the back, and fast balls thrown up around my head. Even though sometime these were painful, I considered it an honor to receipt a cheap shot. It showed me that the opposing player was out of fair options to deal with me. This is a little off the subject but I believe this comment has merit,
Joe Bozeman
Steve
7:07 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
I see your point Mr Bozeman, I withdraw my comment to Mr Jacobs, these will probably be destined as classics.
Mrs Lyon
12:08 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Mr. Bozeman, Thank you for sharing the feedback you received about Dent Myers-goes to show there are at least 6 sane and rational folks around here.
Bill
12:58 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Since I haven't been in his place I don't know if the info from this 07 Reuters article is correct. Someone once said that 'any publicity is good publicity' this and similar articles seem to make that untrue at least as applied to Kennesaw:
"Dent "Wildman" Myers, 76, styles himself as a keeper of the flame when it comes to Kennesaw's gun ordinance. His downtown shop contains a cornucopia of artifacts, including old uniforms and dozens of flags of the Confederacy that fought the Union in part in defense of slavery in the Civil War. At the back is a Ku Klux Klan outfit with a noose and a hood.
There also are posters praising defenders of the white race, White Power CDs and a sign that reads: "No Dogs Allowed, No Negroes, No Mexicans." Someone had crossed out the first part of the sign and added "Dogs Allowed."
Myers said he wanted to protect the values that made the town and the South distinct from other parts of the United States."
"http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/04/18/us-usa-crime-shooting-town-idUSN1719257620070418
Steve
7:28 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Congratulations Bill, you have found and referenced an article that includes Dent Myers and what a great tourist attraction Kennesaw is..
Seems like Mr Myers may well not be the great embarrassment to Kennesaw you are implying.
Mrs Lyon
2:26 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Why is that Bill~because that article and similar articles has only brought an additional few thousand visitors to Wildman's/Kennesaw?
Downtown Kennesaw could benefit greatly if it had a public restroom, a local tourist transport service(not talking about general taxi services) and downtown (reasonable rated) B&B accomodations for those visitors.
Bill
3:00 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Why would anyone want to start a business in 'downtown' Kennesaw? It is just to off the beaten track.
If you are going to all the expense to open a business you will put it on Cobb Parkway where you can get more traffic to your storet.
There are lots of vacant stores in the various strip malls and you can get open and going as soon as your business license is approved. What can you find in 'downtown' Kennesaw? Old clapped out buildings and the negative impact you get from Meyers store.
You would have to be nuts to open a business downtown when you can open up one on what is probably the 2nd busiest highway in Cobb, has modern up to date store fronts for rent and good access to potential customers. That section around Meyers store is about as attractive as a Chicago slum and it will probably stay that way for the next 10 years.
Mrs Lyon
3:48 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
With all due respect Mr. Bill~seems like you would be much happier if you transplanted yourself away from Kennesaw to that bigger and better place.
Bill
4:57 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
At least we know where Mrs Lyon on is coming from: "It is very sad to see so much "hate and distain" coming from all the "Mr. Myers/Wildman Haters"
I'm sure you would be much happier if you and Mr. Meyers could go back to that 'better place', say 1850s Georgia where you could drink mint julips and watch all the darkies singing in the fields and your picking cotton.
Yeah, 'old times there were not forgotton'.
Steve
7:46 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Yes it is crystal clear where where Mrs Lyon is coming from, she is saddened by the hate mongering occurring in the above posts.
Thank you so much Bill for stating the obvious.
Mrs Lyon
8:47 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Mr. Bill, you don't have a clue and have no idea where I am coming from; for if you did, you surely would not be posting such immature and assinine comments. I truely feel sorry for you.
Joe Bozeman
12:44 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011
I had quite an experience yesterday. While it is the opinion of some that Kennesaw is a "wasteland" and Dent Myers shop is running all the business out of town. I suggest that you visit the Trackside Grill. Yesterday at lunch, I had to park at the depot parking lot and walk through the tunnel. Both the Trackside parking lot and the depot's were totally full. I got the last empty space. This fine restaurant is locally owned and is booming in spite of being a stones throw from Wildmans and located in a "Chicago Slum". Statements have been made here that a person would be crazy to start a business in downtown Kennesaw. Well just ask the owner of the Trackside, he has expanded and doing great. Is he crazy or a good businessman? Bill, you spoke of all the wonderful store fronts vacant on 41, like the vacant spaces in downtown, it's the economy not Dent Myers, Dent Myers is a long way from 41. Bill, I welcome another cheap shot. I can hardly wait to hear from you. You sir, light up my life with your comments. Look away, Look away, Look away DIXIELAND.
Joe Bozeman
Mason Foley
6:08 pm on Monday, August 22, 2011
Anyone who is desiring for the comments to be deleted, doesn't really understand how discussion works. Well-reasoned and rational people know which comments are worthwhile and which ones should be dismissed. Let the readers be the judge of what is worthy and what is not based on the merits and construction of the replies. While people may not believe their intent is clear because they want to hide behind obfuscation and subterfuge, it's not terribly difficult to sort that out and thus rate in their own minds what contributes to a better understanding of the topic at hand and what does not.
Joe Bozeman
3:30 pm on Thursday, August 25, 2011
Mason,
Very well said. I was at the Trackside Grill again today. Same as last week, business is booming despite being located in a "wasteland" and a "Chicago Slum". I am not one to believe the quote, " If you will build it, they will come", but I truly believe that if you offer a good product and work hard to market it, THEY WILL COME!
Steven Turner
1:49 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
I grew up in Kennesaw thinking Dent Myers was a racist bigot, only because I formed an opinion of him based on what other people had told me about him. I never stepped foot in his store in the 20+ years I had attended middle, high school, moved away for college, moved back and worked for years. Then one day, I did.
Mr. Myers talked to me for quite a bit. He had a very interesting collection of firearms. He was not the crazy hateful bigot I had envisioned him to be. He was very soft spoken, quiet and respectful. I brought up a subject to him that was personal, how my grandfather had passed away a few years earlier, and how I knew his grandfather was a soldier in the Civil War from Kentucky. My great great grandfather fought at Resaca and the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain.
Then Dent Myers did something for me I will never forget. He glanced around his shop and told me to stay put. He quickly walked over to a large stack of books, peered intensely, then took one out. He asked me for my great great grandfather's name - he then flipped through the book, stopped at a page, and showed me the historical records of not just my great great grandfather, but all his brothers who enlisted as well.
This man, who was doing this for me, was not a hateful bigot. He was a historian, at least, for the hour or so he enlightened me.
Joe Bozeman
3:18 pm on Saturday, April 7, 2012
Steven,
Thanks for posting this. Dent Myers is one of the kindest people I know.
Save Kennesaw
1:43 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Dent Myers is a good man. I moved to Acworth (aka crackworth as Dents calls it) back in 04. I just recently visited his store. I enjoyed all of the historical and novelty items in his shop. I didnt have enough time to look at everything, but plan to go back and buy a few books. I could probably find the books at Barnes and Noble, but would rather support a local business. I enjoyed talking with Dent, he's a down to earth guy. What you see is what you get, and the guy is fun to talk with. We need more folks like Dent Myers.
Save Kennesaw
1:49 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
I agree with you Joe. Most of the people attacking him have probably never met him. It's funny how some of these so called open minded people are quick to attack and judge the ones they dont agree with. Like it or not, Dent will always be a notable figure in Kennesaw's history.
Save Kennesaw
2:01 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
If you want to see a bunch of hostile racist aggressors, then go to any 'hood ghetto in this state. In Cobb Co, go down to Franklin Road and witness how blacks treat Asian or Hispanic store owners. Disrespect, aggression, threatening behavior, robbery, bigotry. I see it all the time. Trust me, Dent isnt the one to worry about.
swampmedic89
4:10 pm on Thursday, April 12, 2012
Save Kennesaw: You are very right about that.
Show Some Respect
11:07 pm on Saturday, April 14, 2012
@ Georgia Historian - Your comments sound like a shakedown to me. Also, I'd be careful accusing Dent Myers of being a thief, we have some strict laws concerning libel and slander. What proof do you have that he is a thief? I guarantee that a subpoena would motivate you to retract such a glib and reckless comment.
Joe Bozeman
8:06 am on Sunday, April 15, 2012
It is my opinion that Patch should investigate the comment made by Georgia Historian and bring legal action against the person making such a slanderous comment.
Nick Negoescu
9:38 pm on Monday, June 4, 2012
I've known Dent for over 40 years. He doesn't misrepresent himself. His intelligent wit brought the General home, and caused quite a number of movie studios to seek him out when making civil war movies. His collection of Civil War history and artifacts is unmatched. If a university ever decides to purchase just the book library from Dent, or his estate, it would be worth millions. Do I agree with everything Dent does and says? NO! But half of the time I disagree with the things I've said and I've done. Dent's greatest redeeming feature is that what you see and what you hear is the real Dent. He doesn't hid. Oh, he may toy with your intelligence, but past that he is real. I know most of us haven't been around straight forward people, especially with politics being what it is these days, but when you meet a person who is what he says he is, and does what he says he'll do, you've met a real person. Not someone hiding behind a dozen characters. Dent is a real person. And if you want an enjoyable afternoon, talking with someone quite different, who will challenge your intelligence, trying to keep up with his conversation, go to Dent's shop and spend some time talking with him.
Don Dozier
8:04 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Try on the noose, see if the hood fits. I don`t think so.
We lost. Lee is 0-1.
Don Dozier
8:11 am on Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Hey, I hear John Rocker may be interested in opening a shop next door.
Maybe a Nazi shop. It will be good for Kennesaw, it`s just a history thing ya know.
Barry Rahmy
11:31 am on Saturday, October 6, 2012
I'm visiting from Connecticut and after touring the museum I noticed the "store" across the street and was intrigued by its ramshackle appearance. My fascination turned to shock as I got closer and noticed the hateful sentiments displayed on the crude signs and bumper stickers visible from the street. I knew right away that I found the place to buy a "gun law" t-shirt for a disbelieving, gun-owning friend. In the course of the transaction I spent a few minutes talking with Mr. Myers and found what many people on this board have shared: he's distinctive, the .45s on his hips are odd and scary, and he's a gentle, erudite soul. I would have welcomed talking to him more but the atmosphere of hate speech and bigotry was too offensive to stay. Yes, "Dent is Dent," but I'm damn sure he hates African-Americans and other ethnic groups and that's a tough thing to have as a civic symbol, Kennesaw, there's just no way to celebrate that. But you're stuck with him, he's probably more sad than harmful, and while I wish him no harm I think you will be better off when he's no longer on your Main Street peddling t-shirts and bigotry to tourists like me.
Moni Buchanon-Moody
11:16 pm on Wednesday, November 14, 2012
This "dent" character is a joke. What he is seemingly in need of is mental health care or some serious loving. I'd love to see a flash mob of African-Americans, Latinos, etc to enter his store giving him the biggest group hug ever. I'm an African-American who resides in Kennesaw (orginally from NY) & as I pass this flea trap of a so called store, I must say, I don't feel I'm missing out on anything special. His entire thought process, belief system, etc. is not educational nor intimidating. It's just, well both pathetic & hysterical at the very same time.
Steve
1:05 pm on Sunday, December 16, 2012
So, Moni here passes Dents store and has no indication of every going in or meeting Dent in person. How do you feel you have the right to judge someone's thought process or belief system from what you have heard??
Typical closed minded individual who forms an opinion from what they have heard and not experienced themselves.
Mason Foley
11:09 am on Monday, December 17, 2012
Using that logic, history books are pointless.
Steve
4:45 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
Not sure if Mason's reply is to me or not but if it is, Huh.....
History books are based on verified facts and events, Moni's comments seem to be based entirely on here say, with no factual basis at all.
Jackie
10:23 pm on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I was in Kennesaw in the spring of 2011 and enjoyed my visit to the store immensly. Even brought home a Confederate flag for my husband - which we have in our living room. Very entertaining gentleman. And he has done a lot in his life. My husband grew up in the south...backwood of Georgia and north Florida and he is very proud of his southern heritage...good and bad. Its too bad people want to hide the "bad" in history or try to change it. Would definately visit the store again if I ever make it back to Georgia.
Nick Negoescu
1:13 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I have known Dent Myers for over 30 years. I am black and Jewish and I have found that Dent is like most other intelligent human beings. If you treat him with the respect any of us deserves, he will treat you the same way. Most people are smart enough to stay out of a lion's den, especially if the lion happens to be hungry. But if the lion is fed, and content, as long as you don't start poking him, he is generally tolerant.
So many people have beat up and down on Dent, because of his personal views. That is a right we can exercise in this country. But just imagine if someone came into your home and began criticizing everything about you, your life, your life style. After awhile you'd be a little cranky too.
It's like the tv. If you don't like what they're saying change the channel or turn it off.
One thing we must remember. All the yearly robberies we had here in Kennesaw before the ordinance was passed. After it was passed, almost ZERO. That was Dent.
The General (train locomotive) is here. That was Dent. The community is a safe haven now. That was Dent. The movies and the re-enactments. That was Dent.
So if you don't like Dent, pass by his store.
But if you ever need to know something about the civil war, you'd better talk to Dent.
I believe the greatest tragedy is that the book knowledge and head knowledge that Dent possesses, that will be lost when he passes from this world. His book collection alone is immense. Dent has visited almost every battle site.