“Oklahoma’s Favorite Son”

Oklahoma’s Favorite Son

WAS WILL ROGERS JUST A COWBOY?

Oklahoma’s Favorite Son:Truly an “Okie”

Born 1879 in Indian Territory Between Oolagah and Claremore Dog Iron Ranch was his boyhood home Cherokee mixed blood who loved being a

cowboy Rogers county named for his family Claremore is “hometown” and location of the Will

Rogers Memorial Museum

What made Will Famous?

Aviation promoter Radio star Newspaper Columnist Public Speaking Rope Tricks/Jokes in

the Ziegfeld Follies “Cherokee Kid” in wild

west show

Other claims to fame…

Polo player Unofficial

Ambassador of Good will

Campaigned for FDR Honorary Mayor of

Beverly Hills

Will Rogers The Movie Star:

Will made 38 movies between 1918 and 1935. The first were silent films. “The Ropin’ Fool” was

one of Will’s first films,“Steamboat Round the Bend” was his last film.

He was the top box office actor in Hollywood from ’32-35.

Will’s Humor

Will Rogers was a humorist. He used jokes/humor to poke fun at or make a

point about real issues or problems facing the country at the time.

“ We will probably be the only country in the world to go to the poor house in an automobile”.

Will Rogers

The Death of Will Rogers

Will died in a plane crash with Wiley Post in August of 1935.

The plane crashed near Pt. Barrow, Alaska just after take off.

Engine failure was the cause. The two were on a test flight around the

Arctic Circle.

The Nation Mourns Will’s Death

Thousands of people walked by Will’s coffin to pay their respects.

Movie theaters darkened their screens Congress adjourned for the day It was the greatest outpouring of grief since the

death of Abraham Lincoln “The smile has disappeared from the lips of

America”.

The Key to Will’s Popularity

Why was Will Rogers so famous and popular?

Because people could relate to him. He never changed and always seemed like the ‘good ole boy’ from Oklahoma.

Quotes…

“Every time Congress makes a law it’s a joke, and every time they make joke it’s a law.”

“You can’t say that civilization hasn’t progressed…for in every war they find a new way to kill you.”

“My ancestors didn’t come over on the Mayflower, but they met them at the boat.”

“Will Rogers was not just a Cowboy!

Review Questions

What two Oklahoma towns claim to be the hometown of Will Rogers?

What industry was Will a supporter of during it’s early days?

What was Will’s nickname in the “Texas Jacks Wild West Show”?

Where and when did Will die in a plane crash? After Will’s death the country’s grief was the

greatest outpouring of grief since what event?