Will Rogers – Oklahoma’s Native Son

Will Rogers’ famous tag line: “I never met a man I didn’t like.”

William Penn Adair Rogers was born on his family’s ranch in Oolagah, Oklahoma on November 4, 1879. He was the youngest of eight children. Both of his parents were of Cherokee descent.

As a youth, Will worked cattle on the family ranch. He learned to ride and lasso from a young age and grew highly skilled at roping. He even earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for throwing three lassos at once. One went around a horse's neck, another circled around a rider, and the third flew under the horse, looping all four legs together. That must have been a sight to see.

“Everything is funny, as long as it's happening
to somebody else.” W.R.

Though Will attended several schools, he dropped out in tenth grade to become a cowboy. He traveled to South Africa with Texas Jack's Wild West Show, where he played "The Cherokee Kid" and did roping tricks. Then he traveled to Australia and New Zealand with the Wirth Brothers Circus. He returned to the United States in 1904, where he did trick roping at the World Fairs in St. Louis and New York City. He continued his career in entertainment, touring vaudeville circuits in America, Canada and Europe from 1905-1915.

Will married Betty Blake on November 1908. They had four children: Will Jr., Mary, Jim and Fred. Betty was a loving and supportive wife to Will until his death.

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” W.R.

During his years in the vaudeville circuits, as well as his time with Ziegfeld Follies, Will's act evolved from the exhibition of his lasso skills to the development of his own unique style of humorous monologues. Will had always regretted quitting school, and enjoyed talking to people and reading. These two interests became the basis for his humor, which focused on intelligent and amusing observations about people, life, the country, and the government in simple language that his audience could understand. Before long, audiences hankered for Will's humor more than his roping feats.

In 1918, Will began acting in silent films, including Laughing Bill Hyde (1918) and The Ropin' Fool (1921). When "talkies" came in, Will Rogers became a national star. His “talkie” film credits include such titles as They Had to See Paris (1929) and State Fair (1934). His humble way of talking and country roots appealed to audiences. Throughout his career, Will starred in 71 films and several Broadway productions. In 1934, he was voted the most popular male actor in Hollywood.

“Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over
 if you just sit there.” W.R.

Will's career soon moved beyond the realm of show business. He wrote 4,000 syndicated columns and six books and became a prominent radio broadcaster and political commentator. He called politics "the best show in the world" and described Congress as the "national joke factory." His folksy humor and honest, intelligent observations about the government and America earned the respect of the nation.

Eventually, Will roped in some nominations of his own. He declined a nomination to be governor of Oklahoma but he did become honorary mayor of Beverly Hills in 1925. For the 1928 election, Life magazine formed the Anti Bunk Party, in the hope that their nominee for the Presidency of the United States would not talk "bunk," as other politicians did. Will's no-nonsense spin on the political "show" made him the obvious candidate for the spoof campaign. Will promised that he would resign if he won. He wrote his observations on the election in Life and became one of the country's foremost opinion leaders. As a result of his status as a nationally beloved figure and powerful political pundit, Will also had the good fortune to meet many world leaders. He was a guest at the White House and a friend of Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin Roosevelt

“Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress people they don't like.” W.R.

Will's life was cut short at the age of 55 in 1935. He planned a vacation with aviator Wiley Post, flying to Alaska with some stops along the way. Will had already flown all over the world as a reporter, visiting London, Manchuria, Java, Egypt, South America, Japan, Moscow and destinations all over America. The ill-fated flight to Alaska, however, took the life of America's most beloved celebrity. Tragically, on August 15, 1935, Will and Wiley's flight crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska, taking both of their lives. Will's untimely death shocked and saddened the nation. Initially, Will was buried in Los Angeles. However, his wife Betty built the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma, which was dedicated in 1938 by President Franklin Roosevelt. In 1944, Will's body and the body of his son Fred, who died at the age of two, were moved to rest there. Betty died that same year, and rests beside her husband and son.

Will Rogers and Wiley Post

Will Rogers' political writings and sayings continue to remain relevant to politics today, and his wit and humor continue to endear him to audiences everywhere. Let me close with a word of advice from Will Rogers: “Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.”

The Prodigal's Shotgun Wedding

A prodigal’s hope for a happy homecoming is derailed.

Clay left home after his brother’s death—a death for which he was responsible. After years away he’s finally returning, hoping for reconciliation with his father. But when the stagecoach he’s riding in wrecks and he is injured, he finds himself in a fight for survival.

Jolie is fleeing a nightmare situation. She desperately hopes becoming a mail-order bride doesn’t land her in a worse place. When the stage crashes and she spends the night alone with a wounded man, she wonders if her intended will still want her. If he doesn’t, what will she do? She has no money and nowhere to go.

On sale for 99 cents. Free Kindle Unlimited.

Vickie McDonough is the CBA, EPCA & Amazon best-selling author of 50 books and novellas. Vickie grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead, she married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie’s books have won numerous awards including the Booksellers Best and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice awards. When she’s not writing, Vickie enjoys reading, doing stained-glass projects, gardening, watching movies, and traveling. To learn more about Vickie’s books or to sign up for her newsletter, visit her website: www.vickiemcdonough.com

Buffalo Bill Vaudeville

By Tiffany Amber Stockton

Last month, I shared about the anniversary of the opening of the first public library in the United States. If you missed that post, you can read it here: http://www.hhhistory.com/2018/04/first-public-library-in-united-states.html.

Returning back to a more western setting...I've always loved cowboys, horses, and the "wild west." I've also always loved the idea of the state fairs, and I featured a snippet of both in my story for the Blue Ribbon Brides collection, Front Paige Love, only that one featured Doc Carver and his traveling stunt show with diving horses, which had its height during the late 1920's and Depression-era in the US.

* * * * *

From Real Life to Vaudeville Performance!

The year is 1883, and the month is May. Just 125 years ago. The inspiration began a few years earlier, though. William F. Cody was a real-life buffalo hunter, U.S. Army scout, and guide. In 1869, author Ned Buntline wrote a "dime novel" about Cody called Buffalo Bill, the King of Border Men, after the two met on a train from California to Nebraska. In December 1872, Buntline’s novel turned into a theatrical production and launched Cody's career in live performances.

Poster showing Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Congress
of Rough Riders of the World, c. 1898.

After traveling and performing with notable names like Wild Bill Hickok and Texas Jack in the Buffalo Bill Connection, Cody opened "Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show" on May 19, 1883 at Omaha, Nebraska. His partner that first season was a dentist and exhibition shooter, Dr. W.F. Carver. Cody and Carver took the show, subtitled “Rocky Mountain and Prairie Exhibition,” across the country to popular acclaim and favorable reviews, launching a genre of outdoor entertainment that thrived for three decades.

The birth of the Wild West as a successful genre was mostly a product of personality, dramatic acumen, and good timing. The golden age of outdoor shows began in the 1880s, and with his theatre experience, Buffalo Bill was already skilled in the use of the press and publicity. His fame and credibility as a westerner lent star appeal and a certain level of authenticity. Cody definitely gave the show a dramatic narrative structure. But it was the show's publicist, John Burke, who utilized innovating techniques at the time, such as celebrity endorsements, press kits, publicity stunts, op-ed articles, billboards, and product licensing, that contributed to the success and popularity of the show.

Features such as the Pony Express, the wagon train, or the attack on the stagecoach recreated specific and well-known events. Spectacles such as “cowboy fun” or the showcasing of American Indian life usually served as a prelude to a dramatic event, such as a battle scene. Skill acts such as sharp shooting (with pistol and rifle), wing shooting (with shotgun), roping, and riding not only showcased star performers, the show’s narration linked those skills to survival in the frontier West.

Sitting Bull and Buffalo Bill (1885)

An orator boomed the script to the audience from an elevated platform in the arena. The circus band backed the action taking place in the arena with appropriate mood-setting music. The same skits and music later were easily adapted to film and television "Westerns." I'm sure I'm not the only one who has viewed some of those earlier westerns and considered them grossly exaggerated or quite "campy" in their presentations. (grins)

Some famous names came out of performing in Buffalo Bill's shows, or other similar ones at the time. Names like Will Rogers, Bill Picket, Buck Taylor, Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, Texas Rose, Chief Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and Geronimo.

The logistics of the show were formidable. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West carried as many as five hundred cast and staff members, including twenty-five cowboys, a dozen cowgirls, and one hundred Indian men, women, and children. They all were fed three hot meals a day, cooked on twenty-foot-long ranges. The show generated its own electricity and staffed its own fire department. Performers lived in wall tents during long stands or slept in railroad sleeping cars when the show moved daily. Expenses were as high as $4,000 per day. That's equivalent to over $100,000 today!!

Circus great James A. Bailey, of Barnum & Bailey, joined Cody and Salsbury in 1895 and revolutionized their travel arrangements. The show was loaded onto two trains totaling fifty or more cars. Strings of flat cars could be linked together with ramps for loading wagons from the back forward. Besides performers and staff, the trains transported hundreds of show and draft horses and as many as thirty buffalo. The show carried grandstand seating for twenty thousand spectators along with the acres of canvas necessary to cover them. The arena itself remained open to the elements. Advance staff traveled ahead of the show to procure licenses and arrange for the ten to fifteen acres required for the show lot, preferably close to the railroad; to buy the tons of flour, meat, coffee, and other necessities; and to publicize and advertise.

In 1899, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West covered over 11,000 miles in 200 days giving 341 performances in 132 cities and towns across the United States. Most places featured a parade and two 2-hour performances. Then the whole show would be struck, loaded, and moved overnight to the next town. I remember being impressed by traveling carnivals as a little girl, admiring how quickly they would arrive in town, set up, entertain, then tear down and be gone! Buffalo Bill's show even makes these carnivals pale in comparison.

By far, the most lasting legacy of the Wild West shows is the depiction of romance and conquest, based on real people and events created and disseminated across boundaries of race, class, and geography. Western shows generated interest for Western entertainment. This is still evidenced in western films, modern rodeos, and circuses, still employing the same events and skills as cowboys did in Wild West shows. I don't know about you, but give me a good book or movie set in the "wild west," and I'm entertained for hours!

* * * * *

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Have you ever been to a rodeo? Ever participated in one?

* If you lived during the time Buffalo Bill's shows were touring, what part would you want to see the most? Why?

* If you were to be *part* of a wild west show, what role would you love to fulfill?

* What did you like most about today's post?

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those childhood skills to become an author and speaker who works in the health & wellness and personal development industry, helping others become their best from the inside out. She is also an educational consultant with Usborne Books.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children and Nova, their Shiba Inu mix, in Colorado. She has sold twenty (21) books so far and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, and LinkedIn.

Will Rogers – Oklahoma’s Native Son

By Vickie McDonough

Will Rogers’ famous tag line: “I never met a man I didn’t like.”

William Penn Adair Rogers was born on his family’s ranch in Oologah, Oklahoma on November 4, 1879. He was the youngest of eight children. Both of his parents were of Cherokee descent. 

As a youth, Will worked cattle on the family ranch. He learned to ride and lasso from a young age and grew highly skilled at roping. He even earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for throwing three lassos at once. One went around a horse's neck, another circled around a rider, and the third flew under the horse, looping all four legs together. That must have been a sight to see.

“Everything is funny, as long as it's happening to somebody else.”

Though Will attended several schools, he dropped out in tenth grade to become a cowboy. He traveled to South Africa with Texas Jack's Wild West Show, where he played "The Cherokee Kid" and did roping tricks. Then he traveled to Australia and New Zealand with the Wirth Brothers Circus. He returned to the United States in 1904, where he did trick roping at the World's Fairs in St. Louis and New York City. He continued his career in entertainment, touring vaudeville circuits in America, Canada and Europe from 1905-1915. 

Will married Betty Blake on November 1908. They had four children: Will Jr., Mary, Jim and Fred. Betty was a loving and supportive wife to Will until his death.

“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.”

During his years in the vaudeville circuits, as well as his time with Ziegfeld Follies, Will's act evolved from the exhibition of his lasso skills to the development of his own unique style of humorous monologues. Will had always regretted quitting school, and enjoyed talking to people and reading. These two interests became the basis for his humor, which focused on intelligent and amusing observations about people, life, the country and the government in simple language that his audience could understand. Before long, audiences hankered for Will's humor more than his roping feats.

In 1918, Will began acting in silent films, including Laughing Bill Hyde (1918) and The Ropin' Fool (1921). When "talkies" came in, Will Rogers became a national star. His “talkie” film credits include such titles as They Had to See Paris (1929) and State Fair (1934). His humble way of talking and country roots appealed to audiences. Throughout his career, Will starred in 71 films and several Broadway productions. In 1934, he was voted the most popular male actor in Hollywood.

“Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.”

Will's career soon moved beyond the realm of show business. He wrote 4,000 syndicated columns and six books, and became a prominent radio broadcaster and political commentator. He called politics "the best show in the world" and described Congress as the "national joke factory." His folksy humor and honest, intelligent observations about the government and America earned the respect of the nation. 

Eventually, Will roped in some nominations of his own. He declined a nomination to be governor of Oklahoma but he did become honorary mayor of Beverly Hills in 1925. For the 1928 election, Life magazine formed the Anti Bunk Party, in the hope that their nominee for the Presidency of the United States would not talk "bunk," as other politicians did. Will's no-nonsense spin on the political "show" made him the obvious candidate for the spoof campaign. Will promised that he would resign if he won. He wrote his observations on the election in Life and became one of the country's foremost opinion leaders. As a result of his status as a nationally beloved figure and powerful political pundit, Will also had the good fortune to meet many world leaders. He was a guest at the White House and a friend of Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Franklin Roosevelt

“Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want to impress people they don't like.”

Will's life was cut short at the age of 55 in 1935. He planned a vacation with aviator Wiley Post, flying to Alaska with some stops along the way. Will had already flown all over the world as a reporter, visiting London, Manchuria, Java, Egypt, South America, Japan, Moscow and destinations all over America. The ill-fated flight to Alaska, however, took the life of America's most beloved celebrity. Tragically, on August 15, 1935, Will and Wiley's flight crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska, taking both of their lives. Will's untimely death shocked and saddened the nation. Initially, Will was buried in Los Angeles. However, his wife Betty built the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma, which was dedicated in 1938 by President Franklin Roosevelt. In 1944, Will's body and the body of his son Fred, who died at the age of two, were moved to rest there. Betty died that same year, and rests beside her husband and son.

Will Rogers' political writings and sayings continue to remain relevant to politics today, and his wit and humor continue to endear him to audiences everywhere. Let me close with a word of advice from Will Rogers: “Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.”

Click here to see a video of Will's fancy roping: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pmGcmgvwqY

Bestselling author Vickie McDonough grew up wanting to marry a rancher, but instead married a computer geek who is scared of horses. She now lives out her dreams penning fictional romance stories about ranchers, cowboys, lawmen, and others living in the Old West. Vickie is an award-winning author of 37 published books and novellas. Her novels include the fun and feisty Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, and End of the Trail, which was the OWFI 2013 Best Fiction Novel winner. Whispers on the Prairie was a Romantic Times Recommended Inspirational Book for July 2013. Song of the Prairie won the 2015 Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Her latest series, Land Rush Dreams, focuses on the Oklahoma land runs.

Just released! 12 Brides of Summer #4 

Love Is Buzzing in the Good Old Summertime! Spend the sunny days of summer relaxing with an ice cold glass of lemonade and revel in the dreams of twelve brides who are a bit surprised by how the men of their dreams come into their lives. Journey to the Old West, stay on the prairie, and visit quaint small towns. . .without leaving the comfort of your own front porch!

First National Women's Air Race

Hello from Carla Stewart!

The Roaring Twenties saw many new innovations and interests across America. Aviation was quickly gaining the attention of the public as a novelty that was here to stay and would change the way people traveled forever. Women, too, were coming into their own during that decade and were as fascinated with flight as much as their male counterparts, although they weren't as widely accepted. They were even scoffed at by many who felt they weren't capable and should remain at home where women belonged. 

Many women, though, were determined and took to the skies in endless competitions for altitude, endurance, and speed records. Early in 1929 there were 75 licensed women pilots in the US, and they had become better acquainted through various competitions. Elizabeth McQueen of the National Women's Aeronautical Association proposed having a National Women's Air Derby similar to the one where men competed. She met with Cliff Harrison in May who was instrumental in founding the race. The National Exchange Club, along with the Cleveland Air Races, organized and sponsored the event that took place in August of 1929. 

To qualify, the women had to be licensed, have 100 hours of solo flying experience, 25 hours of which had to be in cross-country flight. Twenty women, including Amelia Earhart, accepted the challenge and gathered in Santa Monica, CA for a race that would last nine days with 17 stops and culminate in Cleveland, OH. There were two classes. One for heavyweight planes; another for the lighter weight ones. 

Some of the female aviators who competed in the first women’s transcontinental air derby which began in Santa Monica on August 18, 1929. Amelia Earhart is fourth from the right. Louise Thaden, who won the race, is fifth from the right. Photo courtesy of Saint Louis University Libraries.

A large and festive crowd, including many notable Hollywood stars, gathered for the start of the race which was a gunshot in Cleveland transmitted by radio to Clover Field in Santa Monica. Will Rogers was on hand as a reporter and quipped that since he'd seen so many pilots powdering their noses, the race ought to be called the Powder Puff Derby. It was a name that stuck. 

Starting shot of the Women's Air Race - from http://www.air-racing-history.com/

Will Rogers - dubbed the race the Powder Puff Derby - Photo credit: Wiki Commons

The first leg of the the race was short, only to San Bernardino, but trouble was already brewing that first night when oil was discovered in the gas tanks of two planes. Sabotage was suspected but the next day the race continued. Other acts of presumed sabotage occurred early in the race. The wires between the wings of one entrant's plane broke and it was discovered acid had been poured on them. Another pilot's plane malfunctioned and garbage was found in the carburetor. Some thought an investigation was in order, but the women who by now had developed a strong bond, refused. Led by the colorful and passionate contestant Pancho Barnes, they banded together. If someone was trying to sabotage the race, it would likely be stopped, and the saboteurs would win. All the women agreed they wanted to continue.

Pancho Barnes - Photo Credit: Wiki Commons

Amelia Earhart - Photo Credit: Air and Space Museum. Smithsonian Institute

Banquets were held each evening at the the over-night stops. The women jokingly said they were on the "rubber chicken" circuit because of the unwavering menu. Dressed in flight gear by day, the women donned evening gowns each evening to greet and promote women's aviation on their trek across the country.  

Blanche Noyes, one of the women in the 1929 race. Photo credit: The Cleveland Memory Project

At the Phoenix stop, one woman was unaccounted for. Marvel Crosson, a cheerful young aviatrix from Alaska who'd quickly become a favorite of the other women, never arrived. The next day her plane was discovered crashed in the mountains of Arizona. Marvel didn't survive. 

Marvel Crosson

It was a sobering moment for the women who were more determined than ever to finish. 

In El Paso, Texas, the race was temporarily halted due to stormy weather, and the women enjoyed a much-welcomed relaxing evening in the cantinas just across the border in Mexico. While they were there, though, oil magnate, Mr. Halliburton called for the race to stop. ""Women have conclusively proven they cannot fly. Women have been dependent on men for guidance for so long, when they are put to their own resources, they are handicapped." 

The women and the organizers were outraged and sent out a quick rebuttal. "We officially thumb out noses at Mr. Halliburton." The race continued, but not without mishaps. Pancho Barnes crashed her plane, the damage irreparable. One women had to drop out when she came down with typhoid fever. Another got lost and landed in a cow pasture somewhere in Oklahoma. She gained her bearings and continued.   

Ruth Nichols, one of the race contenders. Photo credit: Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institute

Their efforts were not going unnoticed. 20,000 people met them in Ft. Worth and swarmed the field to get a glimpse of these brave women. By the time they reached Cleveland, a mob had gathered to greet and congratulate the women. Louise Thaden, flying in a heavyweight Travel Air was declared the winner and a shawl of roses placed on her shoulders. Phoebe Omlie won in the lightweight class. That evening more than 5000 people attended a celebratory banquet in a hangar in Cleveland. Some of the world's top aviators and politicians heralded the women for a great race. It was a new era in aeronautical history. Women had taken their place beside men, proven their skills, and demonstrated courage. 

Louise Thaden, Gladys O’Connell and Ruth Nichols, pioneer female aviators during the first women’s transcontinental air derby in 1929. Thaden won the race. Photo courtesy of Saint Louis University Libraries.

The first National Women's Air Race at a glance: 

• Dubbed the "Powder Puff Derby" by Will Rogers
• Twenty entrants 
• Course from Santa Monica, CA to Cleveland, OH - a 2800 mile race
• 17 stops in 9 days
• One fatality - Marvel Crosson of Alaska
• Fourteen women finished race
• Winners: Louis Thaden (heavyweight class) and Phoebe Omlie (lightweight)
• $8000 in total prizes 

By November of 1929, there were 117 licensed women pilots in the US. All were invited to an organizational meeting for the promotion of women in aviation. 99 women attended and became charter members of "The Ninety-Nines". They are still active today. 

I included the National Women's Air Race in my most recent release A Flying Affair. Weaving historical facts into fiction has become a passion that has proved to be both challenging and exhilarating. For more information about the Women's Air Race, I recommend you watch Heather A Taylor's award-winning documentary Breaking Through The Clouds. 

Blue Skies! 

Carla Stewart is the award-winning author of six novels. With a passion for times gone by, it is her desire to take readers back to that warm, familiar place in their hearts called “home.” Her 2014 release, The Hatmaker's Heart, was a finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award and the Selah Award. Her newest release is A Flying Affair. Daredevil Mittie Humphreys navigates her heart as well as the skies in this beguiling adventure of grit and determination during the rollicking Roaring Twenties. Learn more about Carla at www.carlastewart.com