The Roy Rogers Museum in Branson, Missouri, 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.
Here is a partial listing of some of the items that were sold at auction.
Roy’s 1964 Pontiac Bonneville 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. (Estimated to sell for $800 to $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 Roy’s many shirts sold for $16,250.
One of Roy’s many cowboy hats sold for $17,500.
One set of boot spurs sold for $10,625. (Roy never used 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 supper table every night sold for $8,750.
One of several of Roy’s guitars sold for $27,500.
Nellybelle, the Jeep, sold for $116,500.
Bullet, the dog, (stuffed) sold for $35,000. He was their real pet.
Dale’s parade saddle, estimated to sell between $20-30,000, sold for $104,500.
One of many pairs of Roy’s boots sold for $21,250.
Trigger, the horse (stuffed), sold for $266,500.
Olivia de Havilland rode Trigger in the 1938 movie The Adventures of Robinhood.
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.
Despite the fact 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 great heroes, who taught right from wrong. and how to respect.
Reminded of Psalm 85:3: “God smiled on your good earth and brought good times.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XVIII–38–9-16-2024
