One Book Exhibits
Peace Like a River is set in the 1960s and the children in the book are very influenced by the old West and the idea of cowboy as hero. This comes as no surprise. For decades, the huge popularity of Western films and television shows was experienced by kids and adults alike. One would be hard pressed to find a baby boomer that doesn’t remember having a cowboy or cowgirl outfit and dreams of being like one of their Western heroes – Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry, and Annie Oakley, to name a few.
In this spirit, Musselman Library is delighted to host two Western-themed exhibits: “Happy Trails: Roy Rogers and his Gettysburg Buckaroos” and “Icons of the West: The Remington Bronzes." These exhibits are on the main floor of the library until March 3, 2006 and are open to the public. You can also see these exhibits online by clicking the links below.
Happy Trails - Roy Rogers & his Gettysburg Buckaroos
Was there a kid (or grown up) in the 1940s - 1960s who didn't love Roy Rogers, "King of the Cowboys"? Donning a white Stetson hat, singing "Happy Trails," and riding his faithful horse Trigger off into the sunset were the stuff of Saturday matinee legend. Rogers (born Leonard Franklin Slye) appeared in nearly 100 films as well as TV. He was joined in many of those appearances by his wife, cowgirl Dale Evans.
Musselman Library is delighted to have some Roy Rogers memorabilia on loan from life-long fan Wayne Sells. These include photographs and fun collectibles like a 1956 Trigger lunch box and child's guitar.
Joining Roy Rogers are some little buckaroos –childhood photos of Gettysburg College employees donning their cowpoke outfits. We also corralled our alumnus, Jerry Spinelli (author of such popular books as Maniac McGee, Stargirl, and Wringer) who was kind enough to share some childhood memorabilia including his crayon drawings, holster, and a Roy Rogers Wild West program.
Icons of the West - The Remington Bronzes
Frederic Remington (1861-1909) is one of the most famous artists depicting America's Old West and is probably best known for his bronze cowboy sculptures. Gettysburg College owns replicas of 20 of the 22 original casts by Remington, which are on display in the main floor reference area. These are a gift from John E. Bex (1919-2004), a friend of Gettysburg College.
Musselman Library is also hosting a lecture by the Schmucker Art Gallery director, Molly Hutton, about Remington's art at 7 p.m., Tuesday, February 21 in Bowen Auditorium.
