John S. Payne, the notorious One Arm Bandit, was born to a rancher in the oil rich town of Shidler, Oklahoma on April 19, 1953.  On June 12, 1973, while tearing a house down for his dad and thinking the electricity had been shut off, John climbed an electric pole to cut some wires.  7,200 volts of electricity ran through his entire body for an unbearable 10 seconds. John remembers the electrocution clearly.  He tried to release his grip, but could not.  Despite the massive electrocution, he survived, but the doctors had to take his arm. Despite his injuries, today he is known as Rancher, Saloon Owner, Gambler, Wild Cattle catcher, and Professional Rodeo Entertainer!

Location:

Journey Downtown
308 Main St.
Vacaville, CA 95688

 DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Contact Info:

Peña Adobe Historical Society
(707) 447-0518

The World Premiere of “John Payne, The One Arm Bandit,” a documentary about the life of Payne, now a famous horseman who has performed at countless rodeos around the globe, will be at Journey Downtown, 308 Main St., in downtown Vacaville at 5:00pm.  Join us for some western fun and learn about this rodeo legend!