Finding Aid to the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archives MSA.24
Mallory Furnier
Library and Archives at the Autry
2014 March 19
210 South Victory Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91502
rroom@theautry.org
Contributing Institution:
Library and Archives at the Autry
Title: Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archives
Creator:
General Foods Corporation
Creator:
Roy Rogers Enterprises
Creator:
Rush, Art
Creator:
Roy Rogers
Creator:
Knox-Reese Enterprises
Creator:
Evans, Dale
Creator:
Far West Savings Bank
Creator:
Rackin, Al
Identifier/Call Number: MSA.24
Physical Description:
125 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1885-2008
Date (bulk): 1940-1960
Abstract: The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archives contains publications, press clippings, photographs, slides, promotional materials,
correspondence, sheet music, ephemera, and business records relating to the film, television, and recording careers of Rogers
and Evans, primarily from the 1940s until 2000. Roy Rogers' early success came as a musician with The Sons of the Pioneers
before he began a solo career as a Republic Pictures singing cowboy star. His successful career led to decades of working
in radio, film, and television. Dale Evans began her work as a singer on the radio and in night clubs, before starting work
as a film actress. She and Rogers worked together in B Westerns for Republic Pictures before starring in their own television
shows and public appearance tours. In addition to her work as a performer, Dale Evans also published inspirational books.
The Archive has a small selection of the personal papers of Rogers and Evans, and their manager Art Rush, but is primarily
a business archive reflecting brand marketing strategies and offering insight into fan reception.
Language of Material:
English
, Spanish; Castilian
, Portuguese
, Dutch; Flemish
.
Biographical Note - Roy Rogers & Dale Evans
Roy Rogers (1911-1998)
Roy Rogers was born Leonard Frank Slye on 1911 November 5 in Cincinnati, Ohio, but grew up in the rural town of Duck Run near
Portsmouth, Ohio. He dropped out of high school in the late 1920s to work with his father at a Cincinnati shoe factory.
After a visit to his sister in California, Rogers decided to move to the state in late 1930. While there, he appeared on an
amateur talent radio show in southern California which led to a job with the Rocky Mountaineers and subsequently to the Pioneer
Trio with Tim Spencer and Bob Nolan. The Pioneer Trio changed their name to the Sons of the Pioneers and continued to tour.
In 1934, as part of the Sons of the Pioneers, Rogers became a staff musician on Warner Brothers radio station KFWB in Los
Angeles. That same year the band obtained a recording contract with Decca Records. The Pioneers appeared in their first feature
film,
The Old Homestead, in 1935. This and subsequent film work led to a contract with Columbia Pictures to star in Charles Starrett films.
In 1937, Rogers left the Pioneers to pursue a solo career. He auditioned for Republic Pictures as they searched for a potential
Gene Autry replacement and landed a 5 year contract. His professional name was initially Dick Weston, but it did not stick
and he and the studio decided Roy Rogers was a more fitting moniker. Early press materials claimed Rogers was born in Wyoming,
but not long after his first starring role in 1938's
Under Western Stars, he publically claimed Ohio as his rightful birthplace. He legally adopted the name Roy Rogers on 1942 October 6.
Rogers' Palomino horse companion, Trigger, also began life with another name. Initially named Golden Cloud, the horse's first
film appearance occurred in the 1938 film
The Adventures of Robin Hood. Golden Cloud was renamed Trigger after working with Rogers in Republic films. Rogers eventually purchased Trigger from Hudkins
Stables.
Although Trigger performed tricks, another palomino named Little Trigger often worked as Trigger's stunt double and represented
the original Trigger on tours and public appearance performances. Trigger Jr. also worked as Trigger's double, though unlike
Little Trigger, Trigger Jr. was publicly acknowledged as a different horse and even featured as the title character in the
1950 Republic film
Trigger Jr.
In Roy Rogers' personal life, his first marriage to Lucile Ascolese in 1933 May 12 ended in divorced 15 months later. His
second marriage was to Arlene Wilkins of Roswell, New Mexico, lasting from 1936 until Arlene's death after giving birth to
their son Roy (Dusty) Rogers Jr. in 1946. Before she passed away, the couple adopted their first child, Cheryl Darlene in
1942 and Arlene gave birth to another daughter, Linda Lou, in 1943 April.
While at Republic, Rogers made dozens of Western films portraying "Roy Rogers" and a variety of folk heroes and historical
characters. Rogers' film career with Republic continued until the expiration of his contract in 1951. Renegotiations for a
new contract were unsuccessful, as Rogers and the studio could not come to agreement on the issue of television appearances.
While Rogers wanted to appear on TV, Republic refused and instead broadcast edited versions of his work in Republic films.
Dale Evans (1912-2001)
Dale Evans was born Francis Octavia Smith on 1912 October 31 in Uvalde, Texas, though her name on record at the hospital was
misregistered as Lucille Wood Smith. At fifteen, she gave birth to son Thomas Fox with Thomas Frederick Fox, which led to
a brief marriage and subsequent divorce.
After her divorce from Fox, Evans attended business school and worked as a secretary in a Memphis, Tennessee insurance office.
As she worked, she scribbled down song lyrics and sang at her desk. Her office singing led to a radio program spot sponsored
by her insurance company employer. Though she made it on the radio, she continued to work secretarial positions while building
her singing career.
She moved between Texas, Arkansas, and Kentucky, working in different offices while pursuing her singing career. She married
August Wayne Johns in 1930 November, but they divorced in 1936. Evans did not remain single for long, marrying Robert Dale
Butts, a composer and arranger, shortly after her divorce from Johns. They remained married until 1946 when they amicably
divorced.
Though Evans' private life was often in flux, her professional life remained steadily productive during this period. In 1935
May, she became a staff vocalist for Louisville, Kentucky station WHAS, then worked in Texas at WFFA, followed by a stint
in Chicago, Illinois with the Anson Weeks Orchestra in 1938.
Her talent was noticed by talent scouts from the film studios, and an offer to take a screen test led to a contract with Twentieth
Century-Fox in 1941. Although her contract was not renewed after it expired, it marked the beginning of her career in Hollywood.
During this period Evans was briefly managed by Art Rush. Rush got her a position on the Chase and Sanborn Hour radio show
as a vocalist from 1942 September to 1943 September. Evans left Rush management, citing that he spent too much time working
with Rogers and not enough with his other clients. She acquired a one year contract with Republic Pictures in 1943 with Danny
Winkler as her agent.
When her contract with Republic ended in 1946, she did not renew, as she hoped to appear in an RKO musical. When the RKO
musical did not materialize, Evans signed a new contract with Republic, acting in two non-Western films,
The Trespasser (1947) and
Slippy McGee (1948). After the brief hiatus from Westerns, Evans returned to the genre, making a total of 28 Westerns with Rogers between
1944 and 1951.
Rogers and Evans married on New Year's Eve in 1947 at the Flying L Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma. After their marriage, Republic
removed Evans from Rogers' westerns, only to return the partnership to films in 1949 after public protest demonstrated Republic
had made a mistake in removing Rogers' costar from his films.
They were both managed by W. Arthur Rush. Rush founded his own management firm, Art Rush Inc., in 1939 and managed Rogers
and Evans through it, as well as their marketing and merchandising empire of hundreds of licensed products, including the
franchised Roy Rogers Restaurants.
Rogers and Rush originally entered into a management agreement through a handshake in 1941. Rush briefly managed Evans in
the early 1940s, but Evans left for a different manager until returning to Rush after her marriage with Rogers.
After they left Republic, Rogers and Evans began working together on
The Roy Rogers Show, broadcast on NBC and sponsored by Post Cereals. Episodes aired between 1951 and 1956. The show went into syndication in
1962. The production starred Rogers and Evans with Trigger, their German Shepherd dog Bullet, and their comedic sidekick,
Pat Brady. In addition to the human and animal sidekicks, the show also featured Brady's broken down Jeep Nellybelle as comedic
relief.
Rogers and Evans worked together not only in film, but also on radio programs, appearing together on the weekly radio show,
The Roy Rogers Show, first broadcast in 1948 and sponsored by Quaker Oats. The show was on Mutual Broadcasting Company until 1951 when it went
to NBC for its final four years with initial sponsor Post Cereals, and later support from Chrysler Corporation. They also
made guest appearances on radio shows
The Chase and Sanborn Hour, the
Bob Hope Show, and Ralph Edward's
Truth or Consequences.
After the end of their first television series, the couple hosted
Chevy Shows, beginning in 1959 January and continuing until 1961 May. Shortly after their hosting job, they began another series of their
own, this time at ABC.
The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show premiered in the Fall of 1962, ran for 13 episodes, and featured Rogers, Evans, and their children visiting locations across
the U.S. such as the Seattle World's Fair and Olvera Street in Los Angeles.
After their own television series ended, they continued to work on TV as guest stars in a number of shows in the 1970s and
1980s, including
The Dean Martin Show,
The Barbara Mandrell Show,
Hee Haw,
The Muppet Show, and
Wonder Woman. Dale Evans began her television program
A Date with Dale in 1984 and continued hosting the thirty minute spiritual talk show on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) until 2000.
Off the screen and radio, Rogers and Evans also made a career out of live performances, appearing at state fairs and rodeos
as the star attraction. They made frequent appearances at the annual Houston Fat Stock Show and Madison Square Garden Rodeo.
They also made special appearances on floats sponsored by Post Cereals and Chevrolet in the Pasadena Rose Parade, before becoming
Parade Grand Marshals in 1977.
Rogers and Evans were also very involved in charities, starting their own Annual School Safety Awards program in 1949 in cooperation
with the National Safety Council.
Evans, with encouragement from son Tom Fox, renewed her Christian religious faith, which became reflected in her writings
and in the themes of songs she and Rogers chose to perform.
They also maintained an active licensing campaign throughout their lifetimes. The Roy Rogers fast food franchise began in
the 1960s and the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Happy Trails Resort opened in Arizona in 1986 January.
In addition to film, television, and radio work with Rogers, Evans began her book publishing career in 1953 with
Angel Unaware, based on the short life of their daughter Robin Elizabeth, who was born with Down's syndrome in 1950 and passed away at
two years old. Evans continued to write and publish inspirational books until 2000.
Rogers and Evans continued to make public appearances into the 1990s. After years of heart problems, Rogers passed away on
1998 July 6. Evans died of congestive heart failure on 2001 February 7.
Preferred Citation
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, 1885-2008, Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles; MSA.24; [folder number] [folder title] [date].
Custodial History
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans opened a museum to house their professional memorabilia in the 1960s in Victorville, California.
Rogers and Evans later had a larger museum structure built in Victorville to showcase their collections.
The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum relocated to a different facility in Branson, Missouri in 2003, before ultimately closing
in 2009. The Museum collections were auctioned, and their business papers were donated to the Autry Museum of the American
West (then known as Autry National Center) in 2010 as one archive.
Arrangement
Collection organized into the following series:
- Series 1: Managment Files, 1935-2003
- Series 2: External Publications, 1921-2008
- Series 3: Fan Mail, Publications, and Ephemera, 1938-2000
- Series 4: Music Files, 1885-1995
- Series 5: Personal Papers, circa 1930s-circa 2000s
- Series 6: Photographs, circa 1930s-2001
- Series 7: Production Files, 1945-1992
Scope and Contents
The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archives document the film, television and recording careers of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, primarily
from the 1940s until 2000. It is comprised of seven series: Management Files, External Publications, Fan Mail, Publications,
and Ephemera, Music Files, Personal Papers, Photographs, and Production Files. These series contain publications, press clippings,
photographs, slides, promotional materials, correspondence, sheet music, ephemera, and business records relating to their
artistic management, merchandising and licensed products, public appearance tours in the United States and Great Britain,
development of their Victorville museum, song repertoires, charity work, promotional strategies, production of their television
series, awards received, Roy Rogers' sporting hobbies, Roy Rogers Riders Clubs, and fan perception of their image. There are
also correspondence, awards, and travel ephemera related to their manager Art Rush. Many of the merchandising materials and
some of the earlier photographs appear to originate from the office of Art Rush, or from their publicity manager, Al Rackin.
Press clippings, sheet music, and scrapbooks make up the bulk of the archive.
Acquisition
Donated by Lora and Robert U. Sandroni to the Autry Museum of the American West, 2010.
Related Archival Materials
Gene Autry Personal Papers and Business Archives, 1900-2002, pending donation from Mr. and Mrs. Gene Autry, Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles; MSA.28.
Nudie's Rodeo Tailors Archives, 1950-1994, Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles; MSA.30.
Conditions Governing Access
Conditions Governing Use
Copyright has not been assigned to the Autry Museum of the American West. All requests for permission to publish or quote
from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Research Services and Archives. Permission for publication is
given on behalf of the Autry Museum of the American West as the custodian of the physical items and is not intended to include
or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Processing History
Processed by Mallory Furnier, 2011-2012.Processing of collection and publication of finding aid made possible by donations
from Lora and Robert U. Sandroni.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Songbooks
Museums -- West (U.S.)
Sheet music
Roy Rogers show (Television program)
Western films
Western television programs
Correspondence
Advertising
Singers
Television actors and actresses
Radio actors and actresses
Motion picture actors and actresses
Promotional materials
Rodeos
Scripts
Scrapbooks
Comic Books, Strips, Etc.
Women musicians
Press releases
Programs
Merchandise licensing
Madison Square Garden (New York, N.Y.)
Rose Bowl Stadium (Pasadena, Calif.)
United Service Organizations (U.S.)
Christianity
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans show (Television program)
Apple Valley (Calif.)
Agricultural exhibitions
Roy Rogers Riders Club
Roy Rogers
Evans, Dale
Rush, Art
Management Files 1
1935-2003
Language of Material: English.
Scope and Contents
This series contains records related to the business of creating and promoting the public image of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
This includes correspondence, press releases, programs, agreements, lists, and promotional advertising materials that detail
their brand licensing campaigns, outreach through public appearances, and preservation of their work and image through the
development of the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Victorville, California.
Arrangement
The arrangement of correspondence and museum papers is loosely based upon original order and then by date. Charity and contest
materials are grouped by organization or contest. Comic books, merchandising and licensing materials, press releases and feature
stories are arranged chronologically.
- Subseries 1.1: Business Correspondence, Charity and Contests, 1939-1998
- Subseries 1.2: Comic Books, 1939-1998
- Subseries 1.3: Merchandising and Licensing, 1938-2001
- Subseries 1.4: Museum Papers, 1964-1999
- Subseries 1.5: Press Releases and Feature Stories, 1938-1993
- Subseries 1.6: Public Appearances, 1935-2003
Business Correspondence, Charity, and Contests Subseries 1.1
1939-1998
Scope and Contents
This subseries contains correspondence related to Roy Rogers' and Dale Evans' business matters, contest ephemera and related
correspondence and photographs, and charity related correspondence and published materials. The March of Dimes and other organizations
working with mentally handicapped children are represented, along with other charities.
box 1
General Business Correspondence
circa 1940s-1994, undated
box 2
Safety Contests
circa 1950-1957
box 3
Charity
1949-1998, undated
box 4
Contests
1950-1954, undated
box 5
Correspondence, A-B
circa 1950s-1955
box 6
Correspondence with press clippings
circa 1950s-1955
Comic Books Subseries 1.2
1949-1998
Scope and Contents
Comic books are primarily foreign publications licensed to publishers in Mexico and Brazil, and published in Spanish and Portuguese
respectively. Some comic books still have their original mailing envelopes. A smaller number of English language comic books
include reprints of
Roy Rogers comics and the titles,
Red Ryder and
Brave Eagle.
box 7
Publications, Comic Books
1952-1955, undated
box 8
Publications, Comic Books
1955-1956
box 9
Publications, Comic Books
1956-1957
box 10
Publications, Comic Books
1957-1961
box 11
Publications, Comic Books
1961-1972
box 12
Publications, Comic Books
1972-1974
box 13
Publications, Comic Books
1975-1976
box 14
Publications, Comic Books
1976-1998
Merchandising and Licensing Subseries 1.3
1938-2001
Scope and Contents
These materials include newsletters and correspondence with licensees, contest materials related to branded products and image
promotion, and any related merchandising ephemera. Advertisements for Roy Rogers products collected by Roy Rogers Enterprises
staff are also included.
box 15
Merchandising and Licensing
undated
box 16
Merchandising and Licensing
1938-1951
box 17
Merchandising and Licensing
1951-1952
box 18
Merchandising and Licensing
1952-1957
box 19
Merchandising and Licensing
1957-1976
box 20
Merchandising and Licensing
1976-1983
box 21
Merchandising and Licensing
1984-2001
box 22
Merchandising and Licensing, Post Cereals, The Roy Rogers Show, Box 1 of 2
box 23
Merchandising and Licensing, Post Cereals, The Roy Rogers Show, Box 2 of 2
box 24
Merchandising and Licensing, Licensee Bulletin Copies
1954-1957
box 25
Merchandising and Licensing, Advertising Mats
undated
box 26
Merchandising and Licensing, Merchandising Folders
circa 1950s
box 27
Merchandising and Licensing, General Legal Sized Materials
circa 1940s-1992, undated
box 289
Merchandising and Licensing, Oversized
1949-1987, undated
box 303
Merchandising and Licensing, Far West Savings Bank, Oversized
circa 1980
box 288
Merchandising and Licensing, Oversized
1947-1996, undated
box 284
Merchandising and Licensing, Oversized
1951-1990, undated
box 283
Merchandising and Licensing, Oversized
1958, undated
box 302
Merchandising and Licensing, Oversized
1991
Museum Archives Subseries 1.4
1964-1999
Scope and contents
This subseries includes museum bank statements, press releases, tear sheets, and correspondence related to the opening and
maintenance of museum operations.
box 28
Museum, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum
1964-1967, undated
box 29
Museum, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum
1965-1999
box 30
Museum, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum, Western World
1972-1973, undated
box 285
Museum, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum, Oversized
1993-1999
Press Releases and Feature Stories Subseries 1.5
1938-1993
Scope and Contents
This subseries includes press releases from publicity director A.L. Rackin for Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and Roy Rogers Enterprises
in the 1950s. Later press releases are also included, as well as admats and admat prints. Human interest feature stories
approved by management for magazine and newspaper publication are included and many have bylines representing Rogers and his
children, though they are written by other writers. There is significant coverage of Dale Evans' first book
Angel Unaware, published in 1953.
box 31
Press Releases and Feature Stories
1948-1952
box 32
Press Releases and Feature Stories
circa 1950s-1956
box 33
Press Releases and Feature Stories
1952-1993
Public Appearances Subseries 1.6
1935-2003
Scope and Contents
This subseries primarily includes programs and flyers related to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans appearances at rodeos and fairs,
but also includes ephermera related to other public appearances and tribute events. There is extensive coverage of the Houston
Fat Stock Show, Madison Square Garden Rodeo, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Annual Show and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.
box 34
Public Appearances
undated, 1935-1948
box 35
Public Appearances
1950-1955
box 36
Public Appearances
1956-1963
box 37
Public Appearances
1966-1975
box 38
Public Appearances
1976-1982
box 39
Public Appearances
1983-2003
box 40
Public Appearances, Legal sized folders
undated, circa 1940-1991
box 284
Public Appearances, Oversized
undated, 1938-1980
box 289
Public Appearances, Oversized
undated
External Publications 2
1921-2008
Scope and Contents
This series includes tear sheets, newspaper clippings, magazine clippings, and publications created by individuals and organizations
not directly associated with Roy Rogers' and Dale Evans' business management.
Arrangement
External Publications are arranged into Image Clippings, Magazines, and Newspaper and Magazine Clippings. Image Clippings
are arranged by subject and then by date. Magazine publications and newspaper and magazine clippings are arranged chronologically.
Some press clippings were originally arranged by year or month and then grouped into clippings local to Southern California
and clippings from out of town. This original order was maintained and expanded upon.
- Subseries 2.1: Image Clippings, circa 1940-1998
- Subseries 2.2: Magazines, 1934-2008
- Subseries 2.3: Newspaper and Magazine Clippings, 1921-2008
Image Clippings Subseries 2.1
circa 1940-1998
Scope and contents
Image Clippings encompass a variety of printed images, both in color and black and white, of Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Trigger,
Bullet, and costars from their film and television roles. There are a small number of clippings of contemporary Western film
and television celebrities and musicians, including Gene Autry and Audie Murphy.
box 42
Image Clippings
undated, circa 1941-1998
box 283
Image Clippings, Oversized
undated, 1988-1997
Magazines Subseries 2.2
1934-2008
Scope and contents
This subseries consists of a wide variety of magazines titles covering the careers of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans in printed
articles and images. Film fan magazines are well represented and include
Modern Screen,
Motion Picture,
Movie Stars Parade, and publications focusing on western celebrities such as
Western Stars. Publications are for the most part complete.
box 43
Publications
undated, circa 1920s-1940
box 64
Publications, Legal Sized Folders
undated, 1938-1998
box 316
Publications, Oversized
1938-1978
box 292
Publications, Oversized
undated, 1942-2003
box 281
Publications, Oversized
1943-1944
Newspaper and Magazine Clippings Subseries 2.3
1921-2008
Scope and contents
This subseries includes newspaper clippings and magazine clippings spanning Roy Rogers' and Dale Evans' entire careers. This
includes press bureau clippings from across the United States and those local to the Southern California region. Magazine
clippings represent coverage in both glossy and local publications managed independently from Rogers' and Evans' management.
box 66
Press Clippings
1923-1945
box 67
Press Clippings
1946-1950
box 68
Press Clippings, Local
1950
box 69
Press Clippings, Local and Out of Town
1950
box 70
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 1 of 3
1950
box 71
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 2 of 3
1950
box 72
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 3 of 3
1950
box 73
Press Clippings, Out of Town
1951
box 74
Press Clippings, Local, Box 1 of 2
1952
box 75
Press Clippings, Local, Box 2 of 2
1952
box 76
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 1 of 2
1952
box 77
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 2 of 2
1952
box 78
Press Clippings, Merchandise Tear Sheets
1953
box 79
Press Clippings, Individual Subjects, Box 1 of 2
1953
box 80
Press Clippings, Individual Subjects, Box 2 of 2
1953
box 81
Press Clippings, Local, Box 1 of 2
1953
box 82
Press Clippings, Local, Box 2 of 2
1953
box 83
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 1 of 2
1953
box 84
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 2 of 2
1953
box 85
Magazine Clippings, 1953
1953
box 86
Press Clippings, Local, Box 1 of 2
1954
box 87
Press Clippings, Local, Box 2 of 2
1954
box 88
Press Clippings, Out of Town and Magazine Clippings
1954
box 89
Press Clippings, Local
1955
box 90
Press Clippings, Out of Town
1955
box 91
Press Clippings, Local
1956
box 92
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 1 of 3
1956
box 93
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 2 of 3
1956
box 94
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 3 of 3
1956
box 95
Press Clippings, Local
1957
box 96
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 1 of 6
1957
box 97
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 2 of 6
1957
box 98
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 3 of 6
1957
box 99
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 4 of 6
1957
box 100
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 5 of 6
1957
box 101
Press Clippings, Out of Town, Box 6 of 6
1957
box 102
Press Clippings
1958-1959
box 103
Press Clippings
1960-1966
box 104
Press Clippings
1967-1969
box 105
Press Clippings
circa 1970s-1974
box 106
Press Clippings
1975-1976
box 107
Press Clippings
1976-1979
box 108
Press Clippings
1980-1984
box 109
Press Clippings
1985-1989
box 110
Press Clippings
1990-1991
box 111
Press Clippings
1992-1995
box 112
Press Clippings
1996-1998
box 113
Press Clippings
1998-2008
box 114
Magazine and Trade Magazine Clippings
undated, 1938-1952
box 115
Magazine and Trade Magazine Clippings
1953-1985
box 116
Magazine Clippings
undated, circa 1950s-1955
box 117
Magazine Clippings
1956-2002
box 118
Press Clippings
circa 1990s
box 119
Press Clippings
undated, 1936-1955
box 120
Press Clippings
1955-1999
box 121
Press Clippings
1921-1949
box 287
Newspapers and Press Clippings, Oversized
undated
box 318
Newspaper Clippings, Oversized
1926-2001
box 283
Press and Magazine Clippings, Oversized
1941-1998
box 317
Newspaper and Magazine Clippings, Oversized
1943-2001
box 289
Newspapers and Press Clippings, Oversized
1954-1996
Fan Mail, Publications, and Ephemera 3
1938-2000
Scope and contents
This series is comprised of materials generated by or directly for fans of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. It includes correspondence
to both stars, scrapbooks created by fans and Roy Rogers management, fan publications and fan club materials from the Dale
Evans Fan Club and the Roy Rogers Riders Club.
Arrangement
Fan correspondence is arranged chronologically. Photographs mailed with correspondence remain with their respective correspondence.
Fan generated publications are arranged by title and then by date. Fan ephemera is arranged chronologically.
- Subseries 3.1: Fan Club Correspondence, Ephemera, and Publications, 1938-2000
- Subseries 3.2: Scrapbooks, circa 1930s-1989
Fan Club Correspondence, Ephemera, and Publications Subseries 3.1
1938-2000
Scope and contents
Much of the fan correspondence is comprised of letters from sick children and their friends and family members in the 1950s.
These letters request a written response or other item from Roy Rogers, Trigger, and/or Dale Evans to boost the childrens'
spirits as they deal with illnesses ranging from polio and cancer to broken bones. Several photographs are included with
the letters, picturing the sick children mentioned in the correspondence. Fan letters are primarily from American fans, though
there are some British fans and one letter from a Prisoner of War in South Africa during World War II. Later fan mail often
features artwork from fans in the form of hand drawn illustrations or typed poetry. After the death of Roy Rogers in 1998
many fans mailed their condolences to his family members via the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Victorville, California.
This subseries also represents materials related to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans fan clubs. The Dale Evans Fan Club is represented
by
Evanstar, while a nearly complete run of
The Double R Bar Ranch newsletter covers events for Roy Rogers fans. The Roy Rogers Riders Club program is represented through correspondence and
promotional materials coordinated between theater managers and Rogers' managers. British fan publication
The Roy Rogers Review and the later
Rogers-Evans Collectors Association newsletters are included.
box 122
Fan Materials
undated, 1938-1950
box 125
Fan Materials, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Collectors Association Publications
1984-2000
box 126
Fan Materials, Fan Newsletters
1942-1956
box 127
Fan Materials
undated, 1939-1999
Scrapbooks Subseries 3.2
circa 1930s-1989
Scope and contents
This subseries consists of scrapbooks created by fans and friends of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans from across the United States,
as well as several scrapbooks that appear to be assembled by publicity manager Al Rackin. The scrapbooks are primarily filled
with newspaper and magazine clippings, but some also include photographs, correspondence, newsletters, programs, and merchandising
ephemera. Several scrapbooks also include clippings on other western stars like Gene Autry, the Lone Ranger played by Clayton
Moore, Elton Britt, and Tom Mix.
box 281
Roanna Lee Arzam, Syracuse, New York scrapbook and two unlabeled scrapbooks
undated, circa 1940s
box 224
Grace Kline of Thompsontown, Pennsylvania scrapbook, "8th bk" scrapbook, and unlabeled scrapbook
undated, circa 1940s-1950s
box 226
Cub scrapbook, Jean Sweeney scrapbook and correspondence, Joyce Faley Kansas Ranch Boss of the Roy Rogers Fan Club scrapbook,
Janet Binskin of Kansas City, Kansas scrapbook, and two unlabeled scrapbooks
undated, circa 1953-1994
box 228
"Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Trigger in Great Britain 1954" Press Representatives Mullally and Warner Ltd. 1 Hay Hill, London,
W1 scrapbooks
1954
box 229
"Roy Rogers No. 2" scrapbook and unlabeled scrapbook
undated
box 230
"Roy Rogers 6th," "Roy Rogers No. 2," "Roy Rogers No. 1," and "Dale Evans" scrapbooks
undated, 1944-1949
box 231
Ronnie Stewart scrapbook and Carolyn Haskins Roth scrapbook
undated
box 232
Roy Rogers and Gene Autry scrapbook, "Roy Rogers 17th bk," "Roy Rogers 5th," and "Roy Rogers 4th" scrapbooks
undated, 1947-1949
box 233
Bobby Sledge from Decatur, IL scrapbook, Johnny W. Gieshrecht scrapbook and correspondence, scrapbook with puzzle, and unlabeled
scrapbook
undated, 1953-1983
box 234
Three scrapbooks and loose image clippings, photographs, and photo postcards
undated, circa 1940s
box 235
Marilyn McAlister Jones from Norway, Maine scrapbooks, two unlabeled scrapbooks, and foldered loose scrapbook pages
undated
box 237
"The Wedding of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans New Years Eve - January '48" scrapbook, scrapbook with photographs of Roy Rogers
with a baseball bat (possibly Pirates baseball team), and unlabeled scrapbook
undated, 1948
box 238
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans appearances in Ohio, Iowa, and Nebraska scrapbook
1956
box 239
Comic and magazine clippings scrapbook
circa 1950s
box 240
Newspaper clippings scrapbook
circa 1950s
box 241
Loose scrapbook clippings
undated, circa 1980s
box 242
Loose scrapbook clippings, possibly by Beula Rae Willis from Sullivan, Indiana
undated
box 243
Loose scrapbook clippings
undated
box 245
Newspaper and magazine clippings scrapbook
circa 1960s
box 246
Certificates and Rotary materials scrapbook
undated
box 247
Art Rush Inc. scrapbook
circa 1940s
box 248
"Roy Rogers King of the Cowboys" scrapbook, loose photographs, and clippings
undated
box 250
Republic publicity materials scrapbook, loose newspaper clippings, and magazine clippings
undated
box 252
Donita Moore Rogers scrapbook
undated
box 253
Roy Rogers comic strips scrapbook
circa 1950s
box 254
Pearl Williams scrapbook and correspondence with Dennis Caplan at Republic, Mildred, and Roy Rogers' sister Cleda Willoughby,
and Hedda Hopper and unlabeled scrapbook
undated, 1939-1940
box 256
"Mary's" dissassembled scrapbook
undated
box 257
Hospice San Antonio, Uvalde, Kerrville First Annual Fund Raiser scrapbook
1996 April 12
box 258
Roy Rogers Thrill Circus scrapbook
circa 1940s
box 259
"Roy Rogers Promotional Book 1948 RCA" scrapbook
1948
box 260
"Roy Rogers World Championship Rodeo San Antonio, Texas June 18-21, 1955, NBC Telecast sponsored by General Foods Corp. Publicity
Director A.L. Rackin" scrapbook
1955 June 18-21
box 261
Scrapbook with loose newspaper clippings
circa 1940s-1960s
box 262
"Roy Rogers' World Championship Rodeo Houston, TX January 30-February 10 1952 with Dale Evans 'Queen of the West,' Pat Brady,
The Whippoorwills" scrapbook
1952 January 30-Feburary 10
box 263
Gene Ernst scrapbook
undated
box 264
Scrapbook with photographs, clippings, and loose clippings
undated
box 265
Scrapbook with newspaper and magazine clippings and loose photographs
circa 1940s
box 266
Scrapbook with loose clippings
undated
box 267
Marilyn McAlister Jones scrapbook
1947-1989
box 268
"Advertised in LIFE: sells for Roy Rogers Enterprises" scrapbook
circa 1950s
box 270
Scrapbook with loose clippings
undated
box 272
"1948 Roy Rogers World Championship Rodeo Phildelphia, Detroit, Indianapolis, Chicago Newspaper Publicity" scrapbook
1948
box 273
Scrapbook with press clippings
circa 1950s
box 274
Scrapbooks with press clippings and scrapbook with photograph contact prints
undated, circa 1940s
box 275
Roy Rogers comic strips scrapbook
circa 1950s
box 276
Vera Lane scrapbook
undated
box 279
Roy Rogers comic strips scrapbook
circa 1950s
box 280
Scrapbook with merchandising related materials
circa 1950s
box 290
Oversized loose scrapbook pages
box 305
Roy Rogers School Safety Award Program, Andrew Johnson Elementary School, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma scrapbook
1954-1955
box 308
Scrapbooks
undated, 1942-1975
box 311
Scrapbooks
undated, circa 1940s
box 313
Scrapbooks
undated, 1960-1978
Music Files 4
1885-1995
1935-1975
Scope and contents
This series is comprised of both published and unpublished sheet music, including orchestral scores, and songbooks. There
is an emphasis on western and religious themed songs, many penned by Dale Evans. There are also many works by other artists,
including American songwriter Stephen Dorff and composers Milton Berle, Bobby Hammack, Anita Kerr, and Eric Robertson. Songs
popularized by artists Fred Rose, Gene Autry, Irving Berlin, William J. Gaither, and Stuart Hamblen are also represented.
Arrangement
This series is arranged by small format sheet music, large format sheet music, lyrics, and then alphabetically. Lyric magazines
are at the end of the series by date.
Sheet music and related materials directly related to the production of Rogers' and Evans' television series are located in
the Production Files series.
box 128
Sheet Music, 50 Popular Big Note Piano Pieces Book 1 - Ave Maria
undated, 1936-1976
box 129
Sheet Music, Baila Como Yo - Buenos Noches, Maria
undated, 1925-1991
box 130
Sheet Music, Build a Better Mouse Trap - Christmas Chimes
undated, 1902-1976
box 131
Sheet Music, Christmas Eve on the Farm - Don't Be a Baby, Baby
undated, 1926-1973
box 132
Sheet Music, Don't Blame It On Me - Dusty Wagon
undated, 1925-1975
box 133
Sheet Music, Each Minute Seems a Million Years - Frosty the Snowman
undated, 1936-1967
box 134
Sheet Music, A Gay Ranchero - He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
undated, 1931-1981
box 135
Sheet Music, He's Got the Whole World in his Hand - Hymns of Blessing
undated, 1910-1980
box 136
Sheet Music, I Ain't A-Gittin' No Place - I Love A Piano
undated, 1930-1977
box 137
Sheet Music, I Married A Mouse Of A Man - If You Only Knew
undated, 1924-1976
box 138
Sheet Music, In the Church Across The Way - It's Wedding Time
undated, 1920-1968
box 139
Sheet Music, Jealous - Just Squeeze Me (but don't tease me)
undated, 1911-1969
box 140
Sheet Music, Keep A-Talkin' Baby - Lulu Island Lulu
undated, 1911-1986
box 141
Sheet Music, Macurije (Lamento Indio) - Mister Santa Bring Me A Doll
undated, 1939-1983
box 142
Sheet Music, M-M-M-M-Mary - My World Is Happiness
undated, 1920-1972
box 143
Sheet Music, Nellie Was a Lady/Aloha Oe (Farewell to Thee) - The Ozarks Are Calling You
undated, 1911-1973
box 144
Sheet Music, Paddy McGinty's Goat - Rememb'ring
undated, 1919-1979
box 145
Sheet Music, Rhythm Of The Raindrops - Runnin' Wild
undated, 1934-1954
box 146
Sheet Music, Saddle Up! (Western Spiritual) - A Soldier And His Dog
undated, 1931-1971
box 147
Sheet Music, Soldier's Last Letter - Stella By Starlight
undated, 1934-1981
box 148
Sheet Music, Stephen Foster: Immortal Melodies - There's A Little Bit of Everything In Texas
undated, 1935-1975
box 149
Sheet Music, There's a New Moon Over My Shoulder - To Each His Own
undated, 1932-1981
box 150
Sheet Music, Told You So - Vaya Con Dios (May God Be With You)
undated, 1913-1979
box 151
Sheet Music, Wabash Cannon Ball - Where I'm Going
undated, 1912-1975
box 152
Sheet Music, Whiskey Took My Daddy Away - Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah
undated, 1919-1972
box 153
Sheet Music, # 6 - Atchison-Topeka and the Santa Fe
undated, 1934-1980
box 154
Sheet Music, Back To The Dear Old Mill - Buenas Noches, Maria
undated, 1902-1970
box 155
Sheet Music, Buffalo Bill - Chinese
undated, 1914-1952
box 156
Sheet Music, Christian Cowboy - A Christmas Prayer
undated, circa 1951
box 157
Sheet Music, Closing #14 - Daddy's Little Cowboy
undated, 1954-1974
box 158
Sheet Music, Dale Evans Medley - Don't Cry Baby
undated, 1951
box 159
Sheet Music, Don't Ever Fall - Dwarf's Ending
undated, 1951-1961
box 160
Sheet Music, Eerie - Friends and Neighbors
undated, 1974
box 161
Sheet Music, Gamblin' Town - Good News-Bad News
undated, 1955-1970
box 162
Sheet Music, Gospel Medley - Gustave Plays the Glockenspiel
undated, 1955-1969
box 163
Sheet Music, Hallelujah - Happy Trails
undated, 1954-1971
box 164
Sheet Music, Happy Trails - He's Everything to Me
undated, 1941-1972
box 165
Sheet Music, He Is Love - How Great Thou Art
undated, 1941-1956
box 166
Sheet Music, I Believe - It Took A Miracle, He Touched Me
undated, 1937-1977
box 167
Sheet Music, J #1 - Known Only To Him
undated, 1950-1971
box 168
Sheet Music, L. Young - Lord, Have Mercy On My Soul (A Sinner's Prayer)
undated, 1940-1978
box 169
Sheet Music, Lord, I Love You - Merry Christmas Chimes
undated, 1940-1978
box 170
Sheet Music, Merry Christmas My Darling - My Sweetheart of the Rio Grande
undated, 1899-1967
box 171
Sheet Music, Navajo Trail - Opening Theme (in "D")
undated, 1975-1980
box 172
Sheet Music, Our American Flag - Patriotic Medley (Folder 3)
undated, 1963
box 173
Sheet Music, Peace in The Valley - Prod. 5
undated, 1941-1956
box 174
Sheet Music, Prod. 7 - Prod. 85
undated, 1951-1953
box 175
Sheet Music, Paint Your Wagon Folder 1 of 3 - Paint Your Wagon Folder 3 of 3
undated
box 176
Sheet Music, Roy Rogers Show Overture Folder 1 of 2 - San Antone Ending
undated
box 177
Sheet Music, Prod. #88 - Rodeo Music
undated, 1915-1970
box 178
Sheet Music, Rollin' Dust - Roy Rogers Show Overture Folder 2
undated, 1950
box 179
Sheet Music, San Francisco Opening - Skyball Paint
undated, 1941-1960
box 180
Sheet Music, Slug - Stampede folder 1 of 2
undated, 1943-1975
box 181
Sheet Music, Stampede Folder 2 of 2 - Swell Guy, Swell Gal
undated, 1906-1941
box 182
Sheet Music, T for Texas - The Trail to Capitan
undated, 1916-1984
box 183
Sheet Music, Top of the World: Sittin' On Top of The World - Tuba Der Twist
undated
box 184
Sheet Music, Trigger Jr. Music Folder 1 - Trigger Jr. Music Folder 3
undated
box 185
Sheet Music, Toronado/Just Say Your Prayers - Wedding Bells
undated, 1950-1975
box 186
Sheet Music, Western Medley - Zip-A-Dee
undated, 1978-1980
box 189
Lyric and Song Magazines
1944-1956
box 281
Sheet Music, Oversized
undated
box 314
Sheet Music, Oversized
undated, 1945
box 315
Record Albums
undated, 1950-1982
Personal Papers 5
circa 1930s-circa 2000s
Scope and contents
This series contains papers related to Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and their manager Art Rush that do not directly relate to the
careers of Rogers and Evans.
Arrangement
Materials are arranged into a subseries for Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and a separate subseries for their manager Art Rush.
Materials are then arranged by date.
- Subseries 5.1: Art Rush Papers, circa 1930s-1989
- Subseries 5.2: Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Papers, 1944-circa 2000s
box 190
Art Rush Papers Subseries 5.1
undated, circa 1930s-1989
Scope and contents
These papers include invitations, awards, programs, correspondence, newsletters, and travel ephemera directly related to the
lives of Rogers' and Evans' manager W. Arthur Rush and his wife Mary Jo Rush.
Art Rush
William Arthur Rush was born 1907 April 2 in Graysville, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Hanoverton, Ohio. He attended Bethany
College in Bethany, West Virginia, graduating in 1929
Rush initially worked to put together a radio program for RCA Victor in California. While working on his proposed program,
he came up with the idea to use Vitaphone recordings presses to prerecord radio shows onto large electrical transcription
disks instead of simply cutting the presses up into scrap metal. This idea garnered attention and praise for Rush, leading
him to become West Coast manager for RCA Victor at 25 years old.
Rush married Mary Jo Matthews on 1935 October 28. Matthews was a beauty queen who worked in Broadway musicals before being
signed to Columbia Pictures as an actress. Together the couple had sons Dr. William Arthur Rush Jr., a general surgeon and
former Air Force jet pilot, and Robert Nelson Rush, a high school teacher. Art and Mary remained married for 53 years, until
Mary Jo's passing in 1988 September.
While working with RCA Victor, Rush recorded Jeannette MacDonald, Tommy Dorsey, Lily Pons, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and
Igor Stravinsky, among others. He managed Nelson Eddy for 22 years and was responsible for the discovery and launching of
Mario Lanza's career.
After his time at RCA Victor, he worked as managing director of Columbia Management of California, a CBS subsidiary, beginning
in 1937. He founded his own management firm, Art Rush Inc. in 1939, managing Roy Rogers and Dale Evans through his business.
Rush received the Bethany College Alumni Achievement Award in 1959 and an honorary doctorate in communications arts in 1985.
He died of heart failure at 81 years old on 1989 January 1 in Burbank, California.
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Papers Subseries 5.2
1944-circa 2000s
Scope and contents
These papers cover Roy Rogers' hunting and racing pigeon hobbies, including score sheets, related correspondence, and event
programs. Personal correspondence unrelated to the marketing of Rogers' and Evans' brands and material on property and investment
opportunities are also included, as well as awards.
box 191
Personal Papers, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
undated, 1945-circa 1960s
box 192
Personal Papers, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
1962-circa 2000s
box 193
Personal Papers, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Awards
undated, 1944-1986
box 194
Personal Papers, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Awards
1986-1999
box 285
Personal Papers, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Oversized
undated, 1920-1998
Photographs 6
circa 1930s-2001
Scope and contents
The photographs series covers public appearances, storefront displays of licensed merchandise, and documentation of contests
and charity appearances. Photos are primarily black and white, though there are a small number of color images, particularly
of Roy "Dusty" Rogers, Jr. and his musical career.
Arrangement
Photographs are arranged chronologically.
box 195
Photographs
circa 1930s-1940s
box 196
Photographs
circa 1940s-1948
box 198
Photographs
1956-circa 1960s
box 199
Photographs
undated, circa 1960s-circa 2000s
box 200
Photographs
circa 1950s-circa 1980s
box 286
Photographs, Oversized
undated, 1935-1970
box 294
Photographs, Oversized
undated, 1948
box 291
Photographs, Oversized
undated, circa 1930s-1995
Production Files 7
1945-1992
Scope and contents
This series consists of scripts and related production and promotional materials for Roy Rogers' and Dale Evans' work on film
and television. Television materials include scripts, production notes, correspondence, publicity ephemera, press kits related
to
The Roy Rogers Show from 1951 to 1957 and
The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show in 1962, as well as materials from their guest appearances on other television productions. There are a small number of
promotional items related to their work with Republic Pictures and one script from Paramount Pictures' 1952 feature film
Son of Paleface.
Arrangement
Production files and related publicity materials are arranged by television production and then by date. Film, radio, and
guest appearance related materials are arranged by date.
box 201
Production, Television Episdoes 1-16 and General Production
circa 1950s
box 202
Production, Television Episodes 17-51
circa 1950s
box 203
Production, Television Episodes 73-96
circa 1950s
box 204
Production, Television Episodes 97-104
circa 1950s
box 205
Production, Television Production Notes, Box 1 of 3
circa 1950s
box 206
Production, Television Production Notes, Box 2 of 3
circa 1950s
box 207
Production, Television Production Notes, Box 3 of 3
circa 1950s
box 208
Production, Television, Seattle World's Fair, Box 1 of 2
circa 1960s
box 209
Production, Television, Seattle World's Fair, Box 2 of 2
circa 1960s
box 210
Production, Television, Olvera Street and International
circa 1960s
box 211
Production, Television, Minstrel Show
circa 1960s
box 212
Production, Television, Number 6 and Western Show
circa 1960s
box 213
Production, Television, Western Show and Thanksgiving Show
circa 1960s
box 214
Production, Television, San Francisco Horse Show
circa 1960s
box 215
Production, Television, Modern Minstrel, Circus, and El Toro
circa 1960s
box 216
Production, Television, El Toro and Christmas
circa 1960s
box 217
Production, Television, Production Files and AFTRA Agreements
circa 1960s
box 218
Production, Television, Guest Appearances
circa 1950s-1960
box 219
Production, Television, Guest Appearances
circa 1960s-1990s
box 220
Production, Film
undated, 1945-1991
box 221
Production, Film
undated, circa 1941-1999
box 222
Production Files
undated, 1953-1961
box 223
Production, Episode 90
circa 1950s
box 286
Production, Oversized
1938
box 285
Production, Oversized
undated, 1938-1951
box 289
Production, Film, Oversized
undated, 1953
box 288
Production, Film, Oversized
1938-1950
