The other day my father visited us for a cup of coffee and to swap stories. I love taking the opportunity to ask him about the old days since my dad was born in 1940. He has the most amazing memories from the 40s, 50s and 60s.
I have a couple favorite celebrity sitting stories from my pops, but the one that sticks with me the most was when he met Roy Rogers. My father and I always visited the original Roy Rogers museum in the High Desert every month when I was growing up, and unfortunately they closed their doors for good and packed everything a few years ago. They even sold Trigger (stuffed) which still angers me till this day. But onto my fathers story...
The year was 1956, and my father just turned 16. He was still a huge fan of Roy Rogers and was still a member of the Roy Roger Club...so he was an official "Buckaroo."
He went with his father, Howard Putnam, to work that day. My grandfather, Howard, was a worker at the old Builder's Emporium. It was The Home Depot of it's time.
(This is an old picture of a Builder's Emporium store)
So my grandfather knew my dad was a huge Roy Rogers fan, so he didn't tell him what was to come. The moment they walked through the door, Roy Rogers was there signing autographs and promoting his Rodeo show. The Double RR ranch was in it's hay day at that time and so was his television show. My father was ecstatic!
Of course since my grandfather worked at the Builder's Emporium he was able to meet with Roy Rogers privately. He recalls Roy Rogers as simple, kind and thoughtful. He was hand-on. He recalls Roy Rogers placing his hand on his shoulder while he spoke, very personal.
Of course every time I hear this story I ask, "What did he say to you?"
According to my father he asked him: "Do you like the show?"
My father replied: "Yes Sir! Especially Trigger!"
Roy Rogers replied: "Well then son, you and your father are more than welcome to visit my ranch."
My father was stunned! He said he couldn't believe what he heard! A personal invitation to the RR ranch!
My father was more than ready to take that trip down to the Roy Rogers Ranch. The day they visited the ranch there was a live Rodeo Show where they had stands set up for viewing. My father recalls almost fighting with a few other youngsters because they were making fun of Roy and Trigger as if they were "too old" to be Buckaroos. My father stood up and said "If you say one more word about Roy Rogers and Trigger I'm gonna deck you!" Boy was he proud! He felt like he personally knew Roy and defended his honor...and Trigger's too of course!
This is why I have a slight obsession with Roy Rogers. We used to visit the museum constantly. I used to be amazed with Trigger and Bullet. I never understood death, so I truly thought one day I was going to meet him and tell him that he was going to end up being my husband. Ha ha! My father tells my fiance Albrech all the time how I used to say I was going to marry Roy Rogers...and how I could never say Trigger right...so I always called him "Twiggy." LOL.
(Outside the Roy Rogers Museum)
I wanted to share this lovely story because these artist are from our past, and hearing stories from history from those who lived through it amazes me.
(Jane Russel, Bob Hope, Trigger and Roy Rogers on the set of Son of Paleface)
Do you have any "vintage" family celebrity sighting stories?
(My tribute shoot to my idol, Roy)
