The Billboard 1923-09-29: Vol 35 Iss 5 (1923-09-29)

a ae, Sr reget: ee The Bi liboard SEPTEMBER 29, 1928 THE CORRAL By ROWDY WADDY Guy Weadick has “Lord Renfrew” next-door neighbor these days. alien “On our way to the Pendleton contest,” read the postcard—Hugh and Mabel Strickland and Red Sublette and ‘Spark Plug’, California Frank is really going to try to ive them more of a rodeo than an exbibition at Burlington and Brockton. The trouble is that at the fairs they actually want more of a show than a contest. Hafley, however, is quite a showman also. Two unsigned communications were received last week, one from Arkansas and the other from Colorado, As stated many times in this column, no data contained in letters of this kind can be given out to the readers, W. H. (Bill) Rice, writing under date of September 16, from Fountain City, Wis., says: “Emerson and myself are confronted with quite a quandary here. Getting the boats down the river is some problem, as it is lower than it has been for fifty years.’’ One of the hands at the Okmulgee Roundup very kind'y sent Rowdy, daily, comment on the event. Would like to publish the names of the winners, but as the good-intentioned contributor sent only newspaper clippings (which were badly mixed up in data) a fellow can’t get definite *“head-or-tail’’ to ’em. Letters are coming in regarding Wild West. We would like to publish all, but make them Short as possible. Don’t knock. Ask all the questions you like. When you send in news, send in FACTS, Sign your name and addreas, Name will not be published if requested not to do so. We want NEWS. But the letters must be to the point. As evidence supporting Rowdy Waddy’s prediction during several years, that without some sort of an association to back them up, the terms Rodeos and Roundups, etc., would soon be of but show and not contest caliber—evyen some free act combinations at fairs this season are biled as ‘‘Rodeo'’ and ‘*Roundup”, with no actual contests attached. Prince E'mer, with the Tom Atkinson Circus on the Coast, advised that Mr. Atkinson had signed up two cowboys to appear with Tuck Beesley in the concert, they being Buck Wilson (better known as Buck Daley), fancy .and trick roper and bronk rider, and m. (Bill) Stump, roper and bulldogger. He added that it is a six months’ contract. The Christian Science Monitor’s opinion of the rodeo is expressed in the following editorial in a recent issue: “Congratulations to Governor Baxter of Maine for the protest against a rodeo exhibition advertised to be held Y., which he sent recently to the Governor of that State. These exhibitions are relics of barbarism. They depend for their suc cess upon brutalities committed upon helpless animals. They should be forbidden by law in every , State. They no good, but much rm, The Ralph Emerson-Bill Rice world’s tour, which will carry a vivid and living notion ot our Wild West to many foreign countries, will, of course, be a show and not in any sense a rodeo or an ethnological exhibition, but for all that it will not be devoid of substantial educational yalues. It will prove of reel service, too, in correcting many of the false impressions the pictures have created. What a queer notion of America the native —say of Java—will have after several years’ diet on American films, followed by @ visit of a real Wild West show. In a letter from Earl W. Kurtze, booking agent, of Indianapolis, Ind., he calls attention to a ‘report’ in connection with an article on the fair at Canton, O., which appeared in the September 15 issue. This item stated that the “Texas Rangers” had appeared there as a free attraction, and there was opportunity to assume from the reading of it that the act was a disappointment. In reference to Milt Hinkle’s free act combination, billed as ‘'Texas Rangers’’, Mr. Kurtze wrote: “‘This act did not play Canton, but was in Painesville, O., the week of the Canton fair. This act is under the manageEament of the Earl! W. Kurtze Amusement Co.”’ From one of the concert folks, with the Al G. Barnes Animal Circus: “Our ¢oncert is going over nicely. Kid Eagan recently came over from the Walter L. Main Circus—and, by the way, A MIGHTY FINE SPECIMEN The above photograph is that of the largest of the two buffaloes carried by the Milt Hinkle free attraction combination, for about two months past playing fairs in the Central States. A Billboard man a few weeks ago ‘‘snapped”’ Milt’s two buffaloes on the Carthage (0.) fair grounds. The one herewith pictured is a closeup of the “big fellow’’—and he really IS big, ‘ ‘ in Syracuse, N. there's going to be a roping contest between Eagan and Frank Gusky (‘‘Little Lizzie’’), finding out who can jump thru a loop the longest. at St. Louis. Katherine Thompson does trick riding and pickups, Jack Cavanaugh novelty and fancy rope spinning and horse catches, Lee Ford bronk riding and pickups, Frank Gusky trick riding and roping, Kid Eagan trick roping and “Rube’’, and Agnes Larson does pickups and rides for roping.’’ Philip Ashton Rollins, in a recent issue of The New York Sun-Globe, declares that while the dictatorship of the barons of the cattle ranges has passed, the old Wild West still exists—but in isolated spots—in pockets widely separated. He admits that its boundaries have disappaaees and that its area has dwindled sadly, ut points out that its spirit lives abundant and that its types are as real as ever. He thinks its traditions and ideals will pecpetante it for many generations to come, or he avers ‘‘The Pilgrim Fathers still stalk the streets in the towns of Massachusetts,”’ pe to how long he merely remarks: ‘‘Quien sabe?’ An article in last issue relative to a letter from Joseph C. Miller being confined in St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Mo., taking treatment for a broken leg received on the ranch in June was probably not read by many of the Wild West folks, it appearing in another department of the paper, because of its being received too late for the Corral page. It stated that owing to Mr, Miller’s injury not responding to treatment, it might be that Miller Brothers’ plans regarding the again launching of their Real Wild West next spring would have to undergo some changes. (It was on page 11, last issue.) Mr. Miller's host of friends will wish him a speedy recovery. Rodeo and Cowboy Contests seem to be a resurrected idea for special outdoor event attrac ons, It seems to have taken a lot of the “‘wise’’ showmen a long time to have figured out that “Wild West” is NOT dead, There are a FEW showmen who have been advocating the Wild West Contest business for annual cowboy contest. Us folks think it is a good one. So do thousands of visitors from all over the world who have witnessed it, We have many good local boys who compete here each year. We also have had what is supposed to be the topnotchers from other contests, but the people in this Northwest coun try realize that there are many other places that have good contests also. We would like to see some sort of an association that would embrace all such contests, so that something definite and final could be done to authentically state who is who in the various sections of the country, and at the same time make some arrangement wheredy world's championships could be decided.” Mrs. R. A. Guiley sent in some notes on the Roundup staged at Fort Smith, Ark., September 14, 15 and 16—Directed by Jack Wilmot and R, M,. Collins, the Roundup proved a success, despite @ drizzling rain on two of the days. Gontestants came from various parts of the country. Among them were: Walter Fargo, Leo Bain, Bob Anderson, Rufus Rollin, George Elliott, Wilson Frazier, Eb Frazier, Jim McDanieis, John Robinson and Webb Jay, who were the biggest winners in the roping and steer and bronk riding. The winners on the average were Bob Anderson, John Robinson and Jim McDaniels. J. B. Smith, the well-known clown, kept the audience in an uproar of laughter during the performances. Ed, Johnson acted as time-keeper. Mr. Wilmot has made many friends in Fort Smith and has arranged for another Roundup here in the early spring. All the contestants were checked up, paid off and there was a clean slate all around, by 9 p.m., September 16. Wilmot was well supported by prominent business men of the city. Again we say that there is immediate need for a real honest organization in the cowboy contest field. Which brings us back to the statements The Billboard has been making for some seasons ast. That a real honest organization be ormed to settle where district and State championships shall be awarded, as well as the best way to decide the final grand championships in cowboy sports of the United States. Let's get that settled before we start in to call Famous Jimmie (lion) kissing Walter Beckwith before being placed in the car for shipment Key West to New York. ‘ quite a few years now. It seems as tho thew were right. The Billboard has been carrying on a campaign boosting this end of the amusement business for the past ten years. We have at all times stood for the BEST INTHRESTS of Wild West, WE are still FOR it. With the death in Delaware, week before last, of John Stout. a ninety-six-year-old veteran and former Indian scout, there passed one of the only two survivors of a battle practically unparalleled in American hisfory for its tragedy—that of the Little Big Horn, where General George A, Custer and his entire command of five troops of the “Fighting Seventh” Cavalry fell beneath the bullets and tomakhawks of the Sioux. Stout, who saved himself by hiding in a dead bnffalo, is authentically credited with having been with Custer at the massacre, from which, it was believed for years, only a single friendly red scout had escaped. The red scout died some twenty years ago, and it was at that time the fact that Stout bad also been in the battle came out and was later established. R. C. (Jack) Carlisle wrote Rowdy Waddy, September 14, that the Rodeo held in connection with the fair at Syracuse, N. Y., was probably the biggest and best attraction ever at that event, (Incidentally, an artic'e in The Syracuse Herald, September 11, gave Leonard Stroud, Mayme Stroud, Bea Kirnan, Hank Grinnell, Dan Dix and the Carlisles special mention on thelr work at the fair, so Rowdy noted by an “‘exchange’’.) The Carlisles did their various roping and other acts, Jack added the llowing notes in his letter: Zest time steer wrestling was mide by Jack Brown-—-%4 flat: other times heing, Clarence Burgey, 251-9; Vick Hannon, 391-2: Bud Timmon, over a minute Burgey wrestled a steer from the running board of an auto—1:54 flat. Ca!f roping—lIeonard Stroud, 27: Jack Brown, 2714: Clarence Burgey, no time; Hank Gernell, 291-5. He stated that the Carlisies’ next week's engagement would be the fair at Allentown, Pa. Addison Harper. of Portland. Ore. writes: “Tl am glad to see that your paper is still standing up for some sensible way in which cowboy competitions can be placed upon a regular sporting hasis, one that will be recognized. Out this way at Pendleton we have an them world’s championship events—considering that Canada, Mexico, Australia and various South American countries have folks who ride bucking horses, etc., and they come under the heading of World-Championship Contestants. After all is said and done, the more of these contests that are held and held properly the better for contestants and promoters alike, but —again we repeat—until such time as a legitimate association is formed, honestly functioning for the best interests of the game, no one is taking tile assertion of any national or international ‘‘champion’’ or any promoter or management seriously Let's have an ASSOCIATION and HAVE IT QUICK! “Why it it that the rules at Prescott, Ariz., end Pendleton, Ore., are entirely different in the bronk riding, and yet beth advertise World's Championship titles? Which has the right? What was the first cowboy contest to be held in New York, and when? Was it & real contest or show? Were there any trick riding and ropin contests, or were the people in that event patd a wage? Were there any noted cowboys there from outside Wild West shows? (1 mean before the Rodeo held in Madison Square Garden in 1922. I have never seen a real cowboy contest, but get prize Jists and programs from all of them that I can find listed in The Billboard, I am interested in this sport, and, of course, know many of the contestants by name on'y. If you will answer this in The Corral I will appreciate it. Success to your paper and all the Wild West boys and girls.--JAMES TOUBGHY, Oswego, N. Y."’ (Replying to your questions, would say that Prescott and Pendleton, either one, have just a® much right to bill their contest as World-Champion events as anyone. There is nothing in the form of an association that binds the different contests together, as in base. ball, horse racing, ete No various leagues, no clubs ag it were The first cowboy contest to ever be staged Last was held pat Sheepshead Bay Speedway, August 16, 1916, New York City. It was not a show, but a real contest. The largest gathering of all-round cowboy experts ever gathered in the East attended Yes, there were trick riders and ropers, many of them considered the best in the U. 8., competing for cash prizes no salaries—both men and ladies, There were steer roping, bulldogging, bucking horses with saddle and bareback, stage-conch races, relay end Roman races, Indians and Indian races, They had the most prominent contest people from the country and Canada competi had several Wild West show celebrities in = petition. They also had several ‘‘movie’’ stars famed in Western pictures in a special movingpicture-day competition. It was called “The Stampede"’, and was a wonderful contest, but it is said the New Yorkers who financed it did not live up to their agreements and only paid $35,000 of the $50,000 advertised in cash purses It was managed and produced for the New York i sng ba Weadick, the manager and producer of The Stampede held at Calgary, ° ada.—ROWDY WADDY.,) we sitivaaaa IN THE GOOD OLD VARIETY DAYS By BARRY GRAY (Fourth and final installment) . reminded of an incident that occurred in the early days of the Keith & Batcheller Museum, Boston, It was customary at that time to give ‘“‘string’’ or ‘‘continuous shows" in the Museum Theater and oftentimes country visitors would pay. their little old dime, enter the Curfo Hall, look around a bit and then zo into the theater, where they would “‘anchor”’ for the afternoon, sometimes bringing their lunches with them and eating as they enjoyed the show. One day, at about the noon hour, when the usual number of lunchers were enjoying their ‘snacks’ and show at the same time, a wellknown comedian who was on the bill entered for his turn, carrying his lunch basket, the contents of which he proceeded to unload and eat as he cracked jokes with the audience. This little bit of “impromptu” business instantly ‘“‘caught on’? with the audience, and one old fellow went up the aisle to the stage and said: ‘‘Here’s a pickle to eat with yer lunch.” At the Vine Street Museum, Cincinnati, a well-known black-face trio became nearly disrupted one time by a practical joke perpetrated op one of the trio. Friday nights at the Museum were devoted to amateurs, and on this particular Friday night there chanced to be a very attractive young Iady amateur on the bill, who claimed the attention of the leading member of the trio. After the show she joined him for a round of the music halls “over the Rhine’. The next day the plot was hatched and every detail of it worked out to perfection. When Jack rolled around next day at 1 p.m. for the first show he was informed that the big brother of the girl was seeking him for an interview. At first Jack paid little heed to the matter, but ‘ust before the gates were opened to let the first into the theater the house officer came backstage and stated that a big whale of a fellow was trying to break thru and get back to the stage, claiming that one of the actors had been out with his sister the previous night. Jack nearly collapsed, but the trio went on with their act, which came to a quick finale when Jack noticed a man arguing with one of the house attaches up the aisle. He rushed to the “wash-up sink’ and had the cork quickly removed from his face and was ready to hike for Indianapolis, the following week's stand of the trio, when the gang let out a yell and “the beans spilled’’ that it was a frameup. Who remembers Maxmillian? A prince of good fellows and a clever comedian. Always in for a good joke. One time at the old Clark Street Museum, Chicago, Max came on the stage, greeted the pianist, Frank Haynes, with his usual ‘‘Hello, Frank." Then, advancing to the footlights, he exclaimed: “I just saw Middleton going up the alley with a scuttle—looking for Kohl.’ Of course, a big laugh, and when Max opened his salary envelope, Sunday night, it contained $10 less than usual and a note which said: ‘‘Ten dollars charged up to you for coal.” The amount, however, was refunded him by the house mapager as the last show ended, The biecest renovating the Ninth and Arch, Philadelphia, ever had, was one time when Oid Zip, Bernum'’s “What Is It?", cleaned it out. It came about In this way: There was @ burlesque stock company there at the time, headed by. Fred Vice and Manage Hopkins. Norman Jefferies, the press agent, borrowed Zip from the Curio Hall and induced bim to play on important role in the burlesque. ‘'Salome’’ was the burlesque, and Zip, enveloped in a ‘‘basket-horse’’, was intrusted with the very important part of galloping in and, in front of King Herod, brandishing a big ‘‘prop cutlass’’, and, in his unique way, proclaiming that ‘‘the mighty King’s army is ready for action."’ It was the last the evening and Ike Block, the manager, to erente a little amusement, adjusted the basket horse on Zip hind end front, so that when Zip made his entrance, looking more ridiculous than usual, @ loud roar went up from the audience and back stage, This so enraged Zip that he determined to “get even with someone’? and he made a grand rush for Ike, who “‘beat it’, and then Zip proceeded to “clean house’, The actors and stage crew stampeded up Ninth street In their makeup with old Zip after them, the baskethorse still clinging to him. Sam Hiatt, a policeman on the beat, captured Zip and re ‘ (Continued on page 95) rhow of teve stege