Will Rogers
In 1924, Will Rogers stopped briefly in Springfield on his way to Oklahoma to visit relatives. This month, Will Rogers will again stop in Springfield as Doug Watson will portray Will Rogers at the Library chautauqua.
Springfield Republican December 21, 1924, page 9.
Will Rogers stops here
Noted humorist tells of trip from New York—will visit sister who is ill in Oklahoma.
"Will Rogers, noted cowboy humorist and motion picture actor, spent some time in Springfield last night, on his way from New York City on route to Chelsea, Okla. where Mr. Rogers will visit his sister, [Mrs.?] G. L. Lane, who is seriously ill. He said that Mrs. Rogers and two of his children are to follow at a later date and will go to Rogers, Ark., Mrs. Rogers' home town, to spend Christmas with relatives.
"Rogers said that he left New York Thursday afternoon and that his train, No. 9, which arrived in Springfield at about 10:30 o’clock and [illegible] shortly after 12 o’clock, was over 24 hours late. He said the blizzard was not very bad until he reached St. Louis and that from that point on, the train fairly crept in his estimation. St. Louis suffered more from the present cold weather than any city he passed through.
"Rogers said that his visit would be a brief one, as he had left his theater in New York so that he might make the visit and that he would return in a few days.
"Jim Rogers, young son of the humorist, was with his father in the drawing room on No. 9 and was in the process of being put to bed when Mr. Rogers was interviewed. The interview was a snappy one, as only about three minutes were to be had before the train left. Books were scattered all about the room and the youngster was endeavoring to read them by flashlight, which was the only light to be had, while Mr. Rogers told of his trip from the east."
Doug Watson will portray Will Rogers at the Library Chautauqua April 22-26. See our website for specific dates and times. The Frisco Employee's Magazine also has a 1934 article about Will called The public's favorite movie actor rides Frisco Meteor.
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