Edward Beale (Stanley Lachman) always has a book with him as he travels through the southwest for the US Army in the years before the Civil War. Beale's love of books is a critical fact a companion mentions early in the episode.
When Beale reads about the extensive use of camels in other arid parts of the world, he is intrigued and believes camels could benefit the Army. Not only can they go without water for as long as two weeks due to a four-chambered stomach, but some can carry nearly half a ton (and were carrying over 700 pounds in the episode).
Not surprisingly, Beale has trouble getting Congress to approve such a fabulous idea-perhaps because he isn't backed by a big lobby with lots of money. Beale is persistent, nonetheless. He contacts expert handlers from the other side of the world and gets continued support from Jefferson Davis, who is not yet an enemy.
When the experiment finally gets approved and underway, Beale keeps a careful and objective journal detailing feats that amaze even him. The camels do much more than any other animal could have done.
But war breaks out and the Army decreases its use of camels. The President also declines Beale's offer to serve the Union in war, citing the need for Beale to stay in California where the threat of secession is perceived to be high.
Fortunately, though, Beale has a supportive wife who agrees he and his son should keep some of the camels. Others are sold to circuses and mining operations. Some remain at Army posts and some are turned loose in the desert. But their legacy is firmly established.
This episode struck a unique chord with me because my uncle owned camels many years ago before he was murdered in an attempted robbery. He trained quarter horses in Tennessee, but also owned a variety of other animals. The camels were especially important during the Christmas season because they made appearances in nativity scenes and parades, etc. In a variety of places.
So, the episode was special to me, but I would've enjoyed it even without the wonderful connection. If you like Death Valley Days, you'll most likely enjoy it, too!
When Beale reads about the extensive use of camels in other arid parts of the world, he is intrigued and believes camels could benefit the Army. Not only can they go without water for as long as two weeks due to a four-chambered stomach, but some can carry nearly half a ton (and were carrying over 700 pounds in the episode).
Not surprisingly, Beale has trouble getting Congress to approve such a fabulous idea-perhaps because he isn't backed by a big lobby with lots of money. Beale is persistent, nonetheless. He contacts expert handlers from the other side of the world and gets continued support from Jefferson Davis, who is not yet an enemy.
When the experiment finally gets approved and underway, Beale keeps a careful and objective journal detailing feats that amaze even him. The camels do much more than any other animal could have done.
But war breaks out and the Army decreases its use of camels. The President also declines Beale's offer to serve the Union in war, citing the need for Beale to stay in California where the threat of secession is perceived to be high.
Fortunately, though, Beale has a supportive wife who agrees he and his son should keep some of the camels. Others are sold to circuses and mining operations. Some remain at Army posts and some are turned loose in the desert. But their legacy is firmly established.
This episode struck a unique chord with me because my uncle owned camels many years ago before he was murdered in an attempted robbery. He trained quarter horses in Tennessee, but also owned a variety of other animals. The camels were especially important during the Christmas season because they made appearances in nativity scenes and parades, etc. In a variety of places.
So, the episode was special to me, but I would've enjoyed it even without the wonderful connection. If you like Death Valley Days, you'll most likely enjoy it, too!
