sad, THE END OF AN ERA for many of us. Happy Trails...

[DeanFL]

.
This is "old news", but didn't know until now (popped up on Facebook)>

The Roy Rogers Museum in Branson, MO has closed its doors forever. The contents of the museum were sold at a public auction. Roy Rogers told his son, if the museum ever operates at a loss, close it, and sell the contents. He complied.


The young guns may not understand the meaning of this, but you will.

Here is a partial listing of some of the items that were sold at auction:
Roy's 1964 Bonneville (Pontiac) sold for $254,500. It was estimated to sell between 100 and 150 thousand dollars.
His script book from the January 14,1953 episode of This Is Your Life sold for $10,000 (EST. $800-$1,000).
A collection of signed baseballs (Pete Rose, Duke Snyder, and other greats) sold for $3,750.
A collection of signed bats (Yogi Berra, Enos Slaughter, Bob Feller, and others) sold for $2,750.
Trigger 's saddle and bridle sold for $386,500.
One of many of Roy's shirts sold for $16,250 and one of his many cowboy hats sold for $17,500.
One set of boot spurs sold for $10,625. (He never used a set of spurs on Trigger)
His flight jacket sold for $7,500
His set of dinnerware plates and silverware sold for $11,875.
The Bible they used at the dinner table every night sold for $8,750.
One of several of his guitars sold for $27,500.
Nellybelle (the Jeep) sold for $116,500.
Bullet (stuffed) sold for $35,000 (EST. 10-15 K). He was their real pet.
Dale's parade saddle, estimated to sell between 20-30 K, sold for $104,500.
One of many pairs of Roy's boots sold for $21,250.
Trigger (stuffed) sold for $266,500.
Do you remember the 1938 movie The Adventures of Robinhood, With Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland? Well, Olivia rode Trigger in that movie. Trigger was bred on a farm co-owned by Bing Crosby. Roy bought Trigger on a time payment plan for $2,500. Roy and Trigger made 188 movies together. Trigger even outdid Bob Hope by winning an Oscar in the movie Son of Paleface in 1953.

It is extremely sad to see this era lost forever. Despite the fact that Gene and Roy's movies, as well as those of other great characters, can be bought or rented for viewing, today's kids would rather spend their time playing video games. Today it takes a very special pair of parents to raise their kids with the right values and morals. These were the great heroes of our childhood, and they did teach us right from wrong, and how to have and show respect for each other and the animals that share this earth.
You and I were born at the right time. We were able to grow up with these great people even if we never met them. In their own way they taught us patriotism and honor. We learned that lying and cheating were bad, and that sex wasn't as important as love. We learned how to suffer through disappointment and failure and work through it. Our lives were drug free.
So it's good-bye to Roy and Dale, Gene and Hoppy (Hop-a-long Cassidy), the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Farewell to Sky King (and Penny)and Superman and (Dragnet) Sgt Friday. Thanks to Capt. Kangaroo, Mr. Rogers, and Capt. Noah and all those people whose lives touched ours, and made them better.
... It was a great ride through childhood.

-------------------------------------
a good site with info re the (now defunct) museum.

Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum (Gone), Branson, Missouri (https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2890)
.
.

[Topspinmo]

IMO It’s different generation now. Hung up on video games, social media, and SyFY. Plus, they can’t put there phones down for 5 minutes. Since the 80’s younger generation ready don’t know what hard work was. They think playing games and studying for exam hard work, but they have no common sense. Luckily to be able to tie their shoes. Yes, there few that goes out of these boundaries, but majority are stuck glued to there phones.

[tvbound]

I remember driving past its mostly empty parking lot many times when it was in Victorville, CA. and thinking what an odd place to have it. When it moved to Branson, I thought it had a better chance of staying open, but apparently not. Being such a big part of my Saturday morning youth (followed by Sky King), it's sad to see it go.

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

IMO It’s different generation now. Hung up on video games, social media, and SyFY. Plus, they can’t put there phones down for 5 minutes. Since the 80’s younger generation ready don’t know what hard work was. They think playing games and studying for exam hard work, but they have no common sense. Luckily to be able to tie their shoes. Yes, there few that goes out of these boundaries, but majority are stuck glued to there phones. high college debt , high cost of health insurance if it’s even offered, multiple times they’ll have to change jobs , housing costs in many areas out of reach for many families , most jobs with no pensions very little good paying blue collar jobs, a country divided and now a pandemic wreaking havoc with job losses yes they have it easy

[Marathon Man]

IMO It’s different generation now. Hung up on video games, social media, and SyFY. Plus, they can’t put there phones down for 5 minutes. Since the 80’s younger generation ready don’t know what hard work was. They think playing games and studying for exam hard work, but they have no common sense. Luckily to be able to tie their shoes. Yes, there few that goes out of these boundaries, but majority are stuck glued to there phones.

I remember the "old people" saying much the same thing about me and my friends. But, the world still spins, and most of us turned out pretty good.

[John_W]

...Being such a big part of my Saturday morning youth (followed by Sky King), it's sad to see it go.

That was similar to my Saturday Mornings, mine were The Lone Ranger, Howdy Doody Show, Circus Boy (Mickey Dolenz) and Sky King. A couple of years later the Beatles cartoon show.

I never forgot this story told by comedian Jay Thomas, you might remember him from the David Letterman Show and annual football toss. Unfortunately he passed away a couple of years ago, but once on Letterman he told about when he was young and was a radio DJ in the Carolina's and Clayton Moore in full Lone Ranger gear was making an appearance for the station. It was time to take Clayton to the airport to catch his flight.

Jay is driving the Lone Ranger to the airport and they have a minor fender bender. Jay and another DJ, who he said looks like a dirty David Lee Roth, get out of the car and they both with long hair and dressed like hippies, get into a loud verbal argument with the other driver. Jay said, I'm calling the cops, and the other guy said, who do you think the cops are going to believe, you hippies or an old man like me. Then the Clayton Moore in his Lone Ranger outfit gets out of the car and said, 'They'll believe me, citizen". The other guy said in astonished voice, 'I didn't know it was you'.

https://www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/472435016.jpg

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/loneranger/images/f/f6/RangerSilver.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/340?cb=20090221091939

[JoMar]

IMO It’s different generation now. Hung up on video games, social media, and SyFY. Plus, they can’t put there phones down for 5 minutes. Since the 80’s younger generation ready don’t know what hard work was. They think playing games and studying for exam hard work, but they have no common sense. Luckily to be able to tie their shoes. Yes, there few that goes out of these boundaries, but majority are stuck glued to there phones.

Look around, most of the residents here can't put their phones down either, we also adapt to the technology and social media. Since the 80's (and maybe before) hard work has changed from the definition we grew up with as have the opportunities. Corporations no longer have employee loyalty so workers no longer have employer loyalty. Business and success is dependent on technology (phones, computers, social media), even the trades expect technology savvy employees so having their heads in their phones prepares them for both future education and work opportunities. How many of us talk to our grandkids when we have a technology question? Times keep changing and evolving, many have passed us by so we have a tendency to criticize those that have embraced it.

[Fredman]

I remember Roy, The Lone Ranger, the Green Hornet, Sky King., Gene Autry all on the radio. Great times back then
,

[Doro22]

Didn’t anybody listen to the radio? I remember “Big John & Little Sparky.” The song : “If you go down in the woods today be sure of a big surprise. Today’s the day the teddy Bears have their picnic.” Etc, etc, etc. Also: how about...”Hi, I’m Buster Brown & I live in a shoe. I’m Tige, & I live in there too.”

[Heyitsrick]

high college debt , high cost of health insurance if it’s even offered, multiple times they’ll have to change jobs , housing costs in many areas out of reach for many families , most jobs with no pensions very little good paying blue collar jobs, a country divided and now a pandemic wreaking havoc with job losses yes they have it easy

I read things like this, and wonder where this is coming from. High college debt? Which students need to go to a high-priced college/university their freshman and sophomore years? Community colleges are prevalent in this country. They are relatively inexpensive - and often free for some states' residents. I went to my local community college in upstate NY and enjoyed it very much. I transferred from there to my local state university. I was a commuter student who graduated magna cum laude from that university.

I had also joined the Navy after high school. It wasn't that I had this "master plan" to do so. I didn't. But I did know that honorable completion of my four-year service obligation would avail me of the GI Bill's education benefits. Those benefits essentially paid for my college education.

The point is that there are options out there that many don't take advantage of. Hence, these individuals end up with large college debts that are almost impossible to vacate.

I have my own feelings about college loans and subsequent debt. I believe that many colleges and universities have taken advantage of the ability of students to secure these loans easily. There's no impetus for these institutions to keep educational costs in line. But that doesn't mean there are no responsibilities on the student and his/her family, either. Choices are made, and consequences follow.

Is it true that people will have to change jobs often? I did when I was younger. Job-changing was a way to secure a better income. If one stays at the same job for years, the chances for significant salary growth are diminished. Many younger workers "job hop" because it makes sense to do so for them. They're either doing it for the salary bump or because the new job is more in line with their set of values. Obviously, the pandemic has altered the work scene for many, but we can all hope that this phase will be ending soon.

Millennials Aren't Afraid To Change Jobs, And Here's Why (https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahlandrum/2017/11/10/millennials-arent-afraid-to-change-jobs-and-heres-why/)

Yes, housing costs are high in various parts of the country. But someone's paying to rent or own, no? You can't price your property out of the market, in other words. Often times, housing costs follow incomes. But if the costs are too high, guess what? MOVE! Find a location that's more affordable. No one's forcing you to stay in one area.

Poorly-paid blue collar jobs? That's not what I'm hearing. It seems like there's a scarcity of employees for some jobs that are opening because of retirement. Most younger people want to go to college and get a degree in something that's probably already saturated in the workplace. Seems to me there's a lot of money to be made in positions that are not normally associated with college (although technological advances do mean keeping up with what's new is key).

Seraph Consulting | United States | U.S Companies are Facing a Blue-Collar Scarcity (https://www.seraph.com/insights/bluecollar-scarcity-us)

Pensions? It's true that they are mostly a thing of the past, save for government work. But why can't younger people start their investing early, in their 20's? They'd be so far ahead of the game, financially.

The bottom line - literally and figuratively - is that young people can concentrate on the negatives or take advantage of the opportunities.

[bern916]

My father was a huge Roy Rogers fan. When dad was diagnosed with renal cancer in 2008, my brother and I took him to Branson - he'd always wanted to go there. Since dad was a cowboy at heart, one of the stops we had to make was to the Roy Rogers Museum - he was so thrilled to be there - it's one of my fondest memories with my dad. Very sad to hear that it is closed now.

[bilcon]

high college debt , high cost of health insurance if it’s even offered, multiple times they’ll have to change jobs , housing costs in many areas out of reach for many families , most jobs with no pensions very little good paying blue collar jobs, a country divided and now a pandemic wreaking havoc with job losses yes they have it easy

Your point is well taken. Their college loans are so high, many cannot get a mortgage for a new home. One of my granddaughters who just graduated for a famous local college and is going on the PA school. Another $100,000+ for 2 year program. Meanwhile, she has to work for $9.00 an hour for doctors so she can get her 1000+ hours of shadowering required for PA School admission. Not easy.

[ruralgoddess]

.
This is "old news", but didn't know until now (popped up on Facebook)>

The Roy Rogers Museum in Branson, MO has closed its doors forever. The contents of the museum were sold at a public auction. Roy Rogers told his son, if the museum ever operates at a loss, close it, and sell the contents. He complied.


The young guns may not understand the meaning of this, but you will.

Here is a partial listing of some of the items that were sold at auction:
Roy's 1964 Bonneville (Pontiac) sold for $254,500. It was estimated to sell between 100 and 150 thousand dollars.
His script book from the January 14,1953 episode of This Is Your Life sold for $10,000 (EST. $800-$1,000).
A collection of signed baseballs (Pete Rose, Duke Snyder, and other greats) sold for $3,750.
A collection of signed bats (Yogi Berra, Enos Slaughter, Bob Feller, and others) sold for $2,750.
Trigger 's saddle and bridle sold for $386,500.
One of many of Roy's shirts sold for $16,250 and one of his many cowboy hats sold for $17,500.
One set of boot spurs sold for $10,625. (He never used a set of spurs on Trigger)
His flight jacket sold for $7,500
His set of dinnerware plates and silverware sold for $11,875.
The Bible they used at the dinner table every night sold for $8,750.
One of several of his guitars sold for $27,500.
Nellybelle (the Jeep) sold for $116,500.
Bullet (stuffed) sold for $35,000 (EST. 10-15 K). He was their real pet.
Dale's parade saddle, estimated to sell between 20-30 K, sold for $104,500.
One of many pairs of Roy's boots sold for $21,250.
Trigger (stuffed) sold for $266,500.
Do you remember the 1938 movie The Adventures of Robinhood, With Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland? Well, Olivia rode Trigger in that movie. Trigger was bred on a farm co-owned by Bing Crosby. Roy bought Trigger on a time payment plan for $2,500. Roy and Trigger made 188 movies together. Trigger even outdid Bob Hope by winning an Oscar in the movie Son of Paleface in 1953.

It is extremely sad to see this era lost forever. Despite the fact that Gene and Roy's movies, as well as those of other great characters, can be bought or rented for viewing, today's kids would rather spend their time playing video games. Today it takes a very special pair of parents to raise their kids with the right values and morals. These were the great heroes of our childhood, and they did teach us right from wrong, and how to have and show respect for each other and the animals that share this earth.
You and I were born at the right time. We were able to grow up with these great people even if we never met them. In their own way they taught us patriotism and honor. We learned that lying and cheating were bad, and that sex wasn't as important as love. We learned how to suffer through disappointment and failure and work through it. Our lives were drug free.
So it's good-bye to Roy and Dale, Gene and Hoppy (Hop-a-long Cassidy), the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Farewell to Sky King (and Penny)and Superman and (Dragnet) Sgt Friday. Thanks to Capt. Kangaroo, Mr. Rogers, and Capt. Noah and all those people whose lives touched ours, and made them better.
... It was a great ride through childhood.

-------------------------------------
a good site with info re the (now defunct) museum.

Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum (Gone), Branson, Missouri (https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2890)
.
.
������������������

[Topspinmo]

Your point is well taken. Their college loans are so high, many cannot get a mortgage for a new home. One of my granddaughters who just graduated for a famous local college and is going on the PA school. Another $100,000+ for 2 year program. Meanwhile, she has to work for $9.00 an hour for doctors so she can get her 1000+ hours of shadowering required for PA School admission. Not easy.

It was there choice, most get degree that don’t offer opportunities. Most get loans for transportation, semester break partying. Plenty of college graduates that worked way through and committed before college and didn’t have HUGH debts. You know the responsible ones.

[Topspinmo]

I remember the "old people" saying much the same thing about me and my friends. But, the world still spins, and most of us turned out pretty good.

It cause they had it harder and died younger.

[Guitarman1951]

Thanks for the information. A sad day indeed. I never missed their shows. As a kid, I was in the Boy Scouts and we would work at a local rodeo selling cokes and popcorn to raise money for the troop. The rodeo would bring in western show stars as an added attraction. I got to see Roy - Dale as well as so many other old stars including the full cast of Gunsmoke and the Ponderosa.
Kids today have no clue of such a great bygone era. We were indeed lucky.

[tvmurray]

Great post. Thanks for the uplifting comments in an era of glum.

[donassaid]

Love this post. Thanks for the memories. Young people growing up with today's version of music, games, movies and other "entertainment", sadly will never know what they missed.

[diamond2005]

.
This is "old news", but didn't know until now (popped up on Facebook)>

The Roy Rogers Museum in Branson, MO has closed its doors forever. The contents of the museum were sold at a public auction. Roy Rogers told his son, if the museum ever operates at a loss, close it, and sell the contents. He complied.


The young guns may not understand the meaning of this, but you will.

Here is a partial listing of some of the items that were sold at auction:
Roy's 1964 Bonneville (Pontiac) sold for $254,500. It was estimated to sell between 100 and 150 thousand dollars.
His script book from the January 14,1953 episode of This Is Your Life sold for $10,000 (EST. $800-$1,000).
A collection of signed baseballs (Pete Rose, Duke Snyder, and other greats) sold for $3,750.
A collection of signed bats (Yogi Berra, Enos Slaughter, Bob Feller, and others) sold for $2,750.
Trigger 's saddle and bridle sold for $386,500.
One of many of Roy's shirts sold for $16,250 and one of his many cowboy hats sold for $17,500.
One set of boot spurs sold for $10,625. (He never used a set of spurs on Trigger)
His flight jacket sold for $7,500
His set of dinnerware plates and silverware sold for $11,875.
The Bible they used at the dinner table every night sold for $8,750.
One of several of his guitars sold for $27,500.
Nellybelle (the Jeep) sold for $116,500.
Bullet (stuffed) sold for $35,000 (EST. 10-15 K). He was their real pet.
Dale's parade saddle, estimated to sell between 20-30 K, sold for $104,500.
One of many pairs of Roy's boots sold for $21,250.
Trigger (stuffed) sold for $266,500.
Do you remember the 1938 movie The Adventures of Robinhood, With Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland? Well, Olivia rode Trigger in that movie. Trigger was bred on a farm co-owned by Bing Crosby. Roy bought Trigger on a time payment plan for $2,500. Roy and Trigger made 188 movies together. Trigger even outdid Bob Hope by winning an Oscar in the movie Son of Paleface in 1953.

It is extremely sad to see this era lost forever. Despite the fact that Gene and Roy's movies, as well as those of other great characters, can be bought or rented for viewing, today's kids would rather spend their time playing video games. Today it takes a very special pair of parents to raise their kids with the right values and morals. These were the great heroes of our childhood, and they did teach us right from wrong, and how to have and show respect for each other and the animals that share this earth.
You and I were born at the right time. We were able to grow up with these great people even if we never met them. In their own way they taught us patriotism and honor. We learned that lying and cheating were bad, and that sex wasn't as important as love. We learned how to suffer through disappointment and failure and work through it. Our lives were drug free.
So it's good-bye to Roy and Dale, Gene and Hoppy (Hop-a-long Cassidy), the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Farewell to Sky King (and Penny)and Superman and (Dragnet) Sgt Friday. Thanks to Capt. Kangaroo, Mr. Rogers, and Capt. Noah and all those people whose lives touched ours, and made them better.
... It was a great ride through childhood.

-------------------------------------
a good site with info re the (now defunct) museum.

Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum (Gone), Branson, Missouri (https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2890)
.
.

And there was civility in politics!

[HRDave]

CharlieO, That’s part of the problem. We’re always making excuses for these failed “I want it all now” generations. Sad!

[Aloha1]

Thanks for posting DeanFL. Great memories of getting up early on Saturday morning, turning on the TV (Philco) and watching the"Indian Head" until the broadcast day began. You hit all my favorite shows from that era.

I begged my Mother to buy Welch's grape juice so I could get enough labels to get the Doodyville play set mail in offer - which turned out to be cheap cardboard cut outs. Oh well.

[John41]

.
This is "old news", but didn't know until now (popped up on Facebook)>

The Roy Rogers Museum in Branson, MO has closed its doors forever. The contents of the museum were sold at a public auction. Roy Rogers told his son, if the museum ever operates at a loss, close it, and sell the contents. He complied.


The young guns may not understand the meaning of this, but you will.

Here is a partial listing of some of the items that were sold at auction:
Roy's 1964 Bonneville (Pontiac) sold for $254,500. It was estimated to sell between 100 and 150 thousand dollars.
His script book from the January 14,1953 episode of This Is Your Life sold for $10,000 (EST. $800-$1,000).
A collection of signed baseballs (Pete Rose, Duke Snyder, and other greats) sold for $3,750.
A collection of signed bats (Yogi Berra, Enos Slaughter, Bob Feller, and others) sold for $2,750.
Trigger 's saddle and bridle sold for $386,500.
One of many of Roy's shirts sold for $16,250 and one of his many cowboy hats sold for $17,500.
One set of boot spurs sold for $10,625. (He never used a set of spurs on Trigger)
His flight jacket sold for $7,500
His set of dinnerware plates and silverware sold for $11,875.
The Bible they used at the dinner table every night sold for $8,750.
One of several of his guitars sold for $27,500.
Nellybelle (the Jeep) sold for $116,500.
Bullet (stuffed) sold for $35,000 (EST. 10-15 K). He was their real pet.
Dale's parade saddle, estimated to sell between 20-30 K, sold for $104,500.
One of many pairs of Roy's boots sold for $21,250.
Trigger (stuffed) sold for $266,500.
Do you remember the 1938 movie The Adventures of Robinhood, With Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland? Well, Olivia rode Trigger in that movie. Trigger was bred on a farm co-owned by Bing Crosby. Roy bought Trigger on a time payment plan for $2,500. Roy and Trigger made 188 movies together. Trigger even outdid Bob Hope by winning an Oscar in the movie Son of Paleface in 1953.

It is extremely sad to see this era lost forever. Despite the fact that Gene and Roy's movies, as well as those of other great characters, can be bought or rented for viewing, today's kids would rather spend their time playing video games. Today it takes a very special pair of parents to raise their kids with the right values and morals. These were the great heroes of our childhood, and they did teach us right from wrong, and how to have and show respect for each other and the animals that share this earth.
You and I were born at the right time. We were able to grow up with these great people even if we never met them. In their own way they taught us patriotism and honor. We learned that lying and cheating were bad, and that sex wasn't as important as love. We learned how to suffer through disappointment and failure and work through it. Our lives were drug free.
So it's good-bye to Roy and Dale, Gene and Hoppy (Hop-a-long Cassidy), the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Farewell to Sky King (and Penny)and Superman and (Dragnet) Sgt Friday. Thanks to Capt. Kangaroo, Mr. Rogers, and Capt. Noah and all those people whose lives touched ours, and made them better.
... It was a great ride through childhood.

-------------------------------------
a good site with info re the (now defunct) museum.

Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum (Gone), Branson, Missouri (https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2890)
.
.

I hope a lot of this memorabilia was purchased by the Smithsonian or another public museum. Too valuable a history lesson to be lost to the public.