An epic train chase is turning 100 — and Buster Keaton fans are celebrating

A woman walks her dog near a mural depicting Buster Keaton from his 1926 film, The General, in Cottage Grove, Ore. Fans gathered in the town to celebrate the film's centennial with a conference, a look-alike contest, a 1920s costume party and tours of film locations. Krista Rossow for NPR hide caption

The South wasn't in a laughing mood after the Civil War, so silent film star and comedian Buster Keaton went west. To make a film based on a real wartime train chase, he ended up in Cottage Grove, Ore.

This past weekend, about 80 Keaton fans gathered in the small rural city to celebrate Keaton's move, which led to his critically-acclaimed film, The General . They wore porkpie or straw hats, discussed favorite scenes, and learned how to do the Charleston as the Eugene-based band The Fat Dandelions played 1920s jazz through the evening.

Buster Keaton Conference attendees Joy Blatchford (from left) dances with her son Aden Blatchford, while Katrina Nguyen dances with her husband Khoi Nguyen at a 1920s themed dance in Cottage Grove, Ore. Krista Rossow for NPR hide caption

Buster Keaton keyrings and other souvenirs on display at the conference. Krista Rossow for NPR hide caption

They call themselves "Damfinos." (Whenever Keaton was hit up for an answer he didn't readily have, he'd say "damfino" — as in, "damned if I know.")

"I wasn't even aware that people across the country would know where Cottage Grove was, but they did," said Lloyd Williams, smiling. He's the former president of the Cottage Grove Historical Society and lead organizer for the centennial celebration of The General.

Khoi Nguyen does an impression while competing as a Buster Keaton look-alike. Krista Rossow for NPR hide caption