Group Photo of Hartranft and his Staff

[RJNorton]

(01-16-2013 06:36 PM)John E. Wrote:  We know for a fact that Gardner was issued a pass to the Arsenal grounds on July 5 - two days before the execution. The general assumption was that he used that day to scout for ideal locations to take photos and set up his equipment.

Kudos to Barry, John, and Betty for all the work you folks do. I never thought twice about that photo - I always just assumed it was taken July 7. This is fascinating.

I was wondering about the time frame when the verdicts became public knowledge. When were they first announced in the newspapers? I think they were sealed on or about June 30. Would Gardner have known on July 5 that the executions would be July 7? Who issued the pass to Gardner for July 5? I think I once read that the prisoners could actually hear the construction of the gallows. Is there a date for that? I think they learned their fate on July 6. Was it Johnson who set July 7? Would Gardner have known that on July 5? Could he have been given an "early tip" on what would ensue?

I guess I am basically asking "who knew what?" and "when did they know it?"