QUICK TRIP TO THE AUTRY MUSEUM

QUICK TRIP TO THE AUTRY MUSEUM

By

Gail Woerner

            My life as a rodeo historian is one fun event after another!  I can’t say there is anything I don’t enjoy whether it is a rodeo, cowboy reunion, rodeo clown reunion, an induction or a western museum unveiling a new statue or a special gathering.

I recently had an opportunity to a gathering of seniors that were involved in western movies in some way.  It was held at the Autry Museum located in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.  So many rodeo cowboys got involved in western movies in the early days when the rodeo season had a lag time I wanted to attend and meet some of these fine people.

Over 70 people attended and represented movie careers as actors, producers, screenwriters, directors, stuntmen and women, videographers, camera operators and more.  Ron Word heads up this group that is just about as rowdy as a rodeo clown reunion so I settled right in.  After welcoming the group Word announced Clu Gulager was celebrating his 85th birthday and a rousing “Happy Birthday” was sung by everyone, followed by a tasty birthday cake.  Clu was quick to thank everyone in English and the Cherokee language, of which he proudly told is in his heritage.  He also said the days he spent as a cowboy on the Oklahoma range herding cattle were some of the happiest memories of his life.  Nothing makes him prouder, except his children.

Following this Word invited Peggy Stewart, age 91, who was a leading lady to Gene Autry, to the podium.  He explained in one of their movies Peggy was placed in a car and Autry jumped his horse over the car.  Word asked, “Peggy did Republic Pictures always put their leading ladies in jeopardy of getting injured like that?”

A big grin came across her face and Peggy answered, “Yes.”

She also told how much fun Gene Autry was to be around, and how working at Republic Pictures was so enjoyable because it was just like a family.  She admitted the bigger studios such as Universal and Columbia didn’t have the same close feeling as Republic Pictures.

I visited with Peggy Stewart afterward and told her I had trick rider and stuntwoman/actress Polly Burson’s story in an upcoming book that is being published now by Wild Horse Press, and will be out in January.  She knew Polly quite well and was so complimentary of Polly and her abilities.  Polly was a Tad Lucas Memorial Award honoree as well as a Golden Boot recipient.

Afterwards everyone went outside to have a photo taken.  Everyone was given free admittance to the Autry Museum although some took time to visit and enjoy renewing their friendships from the past and telling of their remembrances.  It was so very similar to senior cowboys and cowgirls getting together at a reunion I felt right at home.

“Johnny Crawford, former child actor and Gene Ryals, actor.”

I can’t possibly name everyone that attended, but some of the names you might recognize are: Johnny Crawford, former child actor; Peggy Stewart, in a movie last year with Adam Sandler; Gene McLaughlin, trick roper, actor and stuntman, who was inducted into the Rodeo Historical Society Hall of Fame in September; Clu Gulager, actor; Bruce Boxleitner, actor; Martin Kove, actor; Edward James Olmos, actor; Jan Sheppard; Mayf Nutter, actor and musician; Lindsey Bloom, actress; Gene Ryals, actor; Cliff Emmich, actor; Cliff Emmich, actor; Steve Stevens, agent for actors and Larry Mahan and Casey Tibbs; Jim Byrns, screenwriter; and Clyde Lucas, producer (just to name a few).

“Peggy Stewart, Gene Autry’s leading lady in early western movies, and Gene Ryals, actor.”

By the way, don’t go anywhere near Los Angeles without making a stop at the Autry Museum.  It is chocked full of history of western movies, outstanding art, and the cultures of the early day westerners, including the Hispanic and American Indian stories.

There were numerous groups of school children visiting the museum and docents were stationed throughout the museum with small movable stands where they could talk to the students about the texture of animal skins, an early utensil or piece of machinery.  These‘hands on’ experiences for our youth will allow them to remember what they saw forever.

Between groups I visited with a delightful Docent, Alice Alan, age 85, that has been volunteering at the Autry for over ten years.  She enjoys the days she spends at the museum.  She admits the experience and the opportunities there keep her mind keen and alert.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

“The western movie group gathered in front of the Autry Museum.”

 

All Photos courtesy of Gene Ryals.

QUICK TRIP TO THE AUTRY MUSEUM