Faded Glory: Dusty Roads Of An FBI Era

This photo of Clyde Tolson, Mr. Hoover's #2 Man, is believed to be circa the 1930's. Some retired Agents do believe that if you look at the "still" photos or the moving video of the late 30's firearms training that's here on this site, Tolson is probably identified as the Agent doing the fast draw shooting in the light colored suit. But, see what you think.

This photo, currently at the Library of Congress, reveals a very young J. Edgar Hoover in 1924 when he became Director of the Bureau Of Investigation, later renamed the FBI.

NOTICE: You can click on each photo and click again to enlarge it. J. Edgar Hoover Posing with Special Agents Original caption: Photograph, taken July 17, 1939, during the annual conference of Special Agents in Charge and Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the FBI. Left to right, first row: D.M. Ladd, W.G. Bannister, D. Brantley, E.J. Connelley, H. Nathan, J. Edgar Hoover, E.A. Tamm, H.H. Clegg, R.C. Coulter, B.F. Fitzsimmons, E.E. Conroy, R.C. Hendon, R.C. Vogel, E.R. Davis. Second row: H.D. Harris, W.S. Devereaux, S.K. McKee, M.E. Gurnea, J.C. Newman, E.P. Guianne, J.S. Bugas, W.V. McLaughlin, W.H.D. Lester, W.Hanni, E.J. Gebben, S.J. Tracy, J.D. Swanson, J.D. Reynolds. Third row: N.J.L. Pieper, P.E. Foxworth, A.P. Kitchin, J.E. Egan, W.R. Glavin, Q. Tamm, Guy Hottel, H.B. Fletcher, B.E. Sackett, W.L. Listeman, C.W. Stein, R.C. Suran, E.J. Wynn, R.J. Untreiner. Fourth row:L.B. Nichols, L. Richmond, E. Richmond, E. Scheidt, A. Rosen, R.

(Click to enlarge) This photo is of one of the Agents from the 1930's video mentioned practicing the "quick draw." We believe this is probably Clyde Tolson, circa 1937 or so. Go to the "navigation" area for more info on this video.

Again, from the 30's Firearms video here's a group of Agents waiting to depart for firearms practice and doning the famous "straw boater" hat.

(click or double click photos to enlarge them) This photo of SA Dan Sullivan and Dillinger at the morgue is widely circulated however this photo was supplied by Sullivan's grandson, Mike Sullivan. SA Sullivan was responsible for the inventory that night of the Dillinger body belongings and SA Sullivan is shown in a dark suit, white straw hat, with hands on his hip. The Agent at Dillinger's feet area, and partially cut off, is probably SA Clarence Hurt.

(Click any photo several times to enlarge it) This photo in the upper left has made its rounds in the research community. This particular page is taken from a 1954 article about Paul Hansen and others in the FBI retired Agents Society Magazine, "The Grapevine." (Disregard the two photos on the right side page.) Over the years, possibly due to an identity error by newspapers of the day, the Agent in the white hat (upper left) has been identified as SA Ralph Colvin. It's now clear from this article that this Agent is SA Paul Hansen (sometimes seen elsewhere as Hanson.) In December, 1933, a shootout occurred in Shawnee, OK between gangster, Wilbur Underhill and FBI (DOI) Agents and local authorities. The Underhill shootout and the activities of the gang are depicted in Ron Morgan's "The Tri State Terror" found at bookstores. In the photo, standing from left to right are: SA Hansen, Det. Clarence Hurt, SA Kelly Dederick. Kneeling left to right are: SAC Ralph Colvin (now identified independently from photos belonging to SA George Franklin) and Det. "Jelly" Bryce in black hat with Thompson. One year later, Dets. Bryce and Hurt would join the FBI (DOI) and become legendary figures.

(click or double click to enlarge each photo) This is a second photo, compliments of writer/historian Rick Mattix, showing Agents at the window of the home at Shawnee, OK. Left to right would be: Det. "Jelly Bryce", SAC Ralph Colvin; Det. Clarence Hurt and SA Paul Hansen. Hurt as some know would become a legendary shooter within the FBI a year later when he and Bryce joined, having been Oklahoma lawmen. Also joining with them was Jerry Campbell from the same department. Clarence Hurt would later participate in the killing of John Dillinger, (along with SA's Charles Winstead and Herman Hollis), the arrest of Alvin Karpis, and more. His son, Jack, as of 2005, was still alive. Check the "Biography" section of the navigation area for more on these and other men.

A collage of photos of the men of the Dillinger Squad at Chicago, FBI was created in 1990 by now retired Special Agent, Steve Markardt, relative to an article he was writing. Steve was employed at FBI Headquarters at the time. This particular copy was donated by retired Special Agent, Jeff Moss. These photos were taken from the actual personnel files of the men.

This picture is taken from the firearms videos we found. Being able to shoot accurately from a moving vehicle was prominent in early FBI training. You can get free copies of this video, and others. Just look for the "link" in the navigation area. These are a classic!

Donated by his son George E., this photo is that of his father, George H. Franklin, "sky writing" with a 1928A1 Thompson during a public demonstration in the late '40s. The pistol worn is one presented him by Mr. J. P. Weyerhaeuser in gratitude for his part in the successful release of his son, kidnap victim George Weyerhaeuser, in 1935.

This photo is compliments of collector, Dave Ballantyne. SA Campbell was at the Dillinger shootout and other infamous scenes such as the Ma Barker killing in Florida.

(click to enlarge) 1954 photo donated by George E. Franklin depicting left to right: His father, George H. Franklin, George E. (sitting); "Kelse" Presley, Sheriff, McKinley County, NM. "Kelse" is the officer who tracked down and arrested the man who killed FBI Agent Truett Rowe; and SAC, Albuquerque (in plaid) Delf A. "Jelly Bryce" a long time friend of the Franklin family.

You can click the images various times to enlarge them. This is a 1959 photo of retired Agent, Charles Winstead. This photo was provided by Mr. Gene Moser whose father was a Bureau of Indian Affairs Agent, and knew Winstead well after he left the Bureau.