Photo by Donovan Durband
It was 78 years ago this month when Tucson’s Police Department captured the nation’s Public Enemy #1, John Dillinger. The tip came from the Tucson Fire Department, after firefighters were given cash by members of Dillinger’s gang to retrieve a rather heavy bag from their Hotel Congress room when the building caught on fire.
Without firing a shot, TPD brought national attention to the sleepy Old Pueblo, a locale the gang figured was too podunk to recognize the notorious bank robbers.
To commemorate the arrests, Hotel Congress hosts Dillinger Days on Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21. Friday night features a 1930s speakeasy party in the hotel’s club, lobby and Copper Hall.
Era dress is encouraged for the fundraiser, with proceeds going to the Greater Tucson Fire Foundation’s efforts to restore the 1923 American LaFrance Fire Engine – the very engine that responded to the Hotel Congress fire on January 22, 1934. Attendees can expect to enjoy big band tunes from Kings of Pleasure and music from Duo Vibrato, a premium whiskey tasting and an exhibit of 1930s memorabilia.
Saturday’s family-friendly festival includes re-enactments of the Dillinger gang’s Tucson exploits, lectures, games, live music, tours and a vintage car show.
Screenings of the “Hot Pion” documentary, which details the tragic 1970 fire at the Pioneer Hotel, take place both Friday and Saturday.
Friday’s bash runs from 7 p.m.-10 p.m., $10; Saturday’s free fiesta is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Details at HotelCongress.com, information on Greater Tucson Fire Foundation is at TucsonFireFoundation.com.
