Get to know Will - he would have liked you! by BixB
H.L. Mencken once called Will Rogers "the most dangerous man alive" because of the power of his political comments. Born in 1879 near Oologah and raised in Claremore, during his lifetime Rogers starred in Wild West Shows, in Vaudeville and on Broadway, made 71 movies, wrote over 4000 newpaper columns and six books, expounded on current events with homespun wit and wisdom through regular national radio broadcasts, and traveled countless miles around the globe as a journalist, observer, and ambassador of peace and goodwill. He worked tirelessly to relieve sufferng during the Great Depression, but his life was tragically cut short by a airplane crash in Alaska in 1935.The Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore is situated on a pleasant hilltop once owned by the Rogers family. Built in 1938 from native limestone quarried nearby, the nine gallery museum presents a host of artifacts relating Rogers accomplishments in journalism, entertainment and philanthropy as well as his personal effects. The building also contains a theater that continuously plays Rogers' short films. The tombs of Will and Betty Rogers are located on the hillside below the museum. Admission is free.
A few miles away, between the town of Oologah and its namesake lake, is Rogers childhood home. Situated on 400 acres, this living history museum presents a look at life in turn-of-the-century Indian Territory. The furnished 1875 clap-board sided log home in which Rogers was born, a reproduction timber-frame barn (built by Amish carpernters after the originals burned), longhorn cattle herds and other farm animals provide a rich atmosphere to envision the era of Roger's childhood. There is no admission to the ranch, but contributions are encouraged.
Will Rogers is an American figure worth getting to know better. Regardless of your particular brand of politics, many of Rogers comments seem as timely today as when spoken in the 1930's. Appropriately, we'll give Will the last words: "I don't make jokes, I just watch the Government and report the facts."
