Jim Blodgett

The Life and Legend of Turkey Pete Jim Blodgett

Ever since Paul Eitner was a young boy in Germany, he dreamed of one day meeting a real cowboy and possibly becoming one himself. Paul's dream continued to grow, and it stayed with him as his family immigrated to New Jersey, eventually carrying him far west to Miles City, Montana. When Paul went west searching for his beloved cowboys, he found much more than he bargained for, including trouble.

One fateful day, unrequited love led to tragedy, and that tragedy landed Paul in Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, Montana. Prison bars would have spelled the end of the adventure for any normal man, but Deer Lodge would instead be only the start of many more for Paul.

Over the course of forty-nine years and twelve different prison wardens, Paul's misadventures led to many new names: Shorty; Pete Eitner; the Champ; and, above all, Turkey Pete. From rabbits to turkeys, boxing to breakouts, and riots to riches, Paul's colorful story became an integral part of the history of the Montana State Prison itself.

Paul may have been small in stature, but the memories he left behind, not to mention billions of dollars in checks, made him a legend larger than the Rocky Mountains.