Will Rogers High School - Lariat Yearbook (Tulsa, OK)

Page 16 text:

WIILL RQGERS VVILL ROGERS, son of Oklahoma, left to the people of the world a heritage of human- ism. From his earliest boyhood days, during which he primarily was interested in enter- taining his friends, to the day of his death, he followed a laugh strewn path of life-bring ing happiness and pleasure to all with whom he came in contact. E Beginning his public career with Texas Jackls Wild West Show in Johannesburg, South Africa, early in this century, Mr. Rogers rose consistently through the trials of theatricals to reach a new height of popu- larity for the American entertainer. This popularity was due, no doubt, to the sincerity of his purpose and his peculiar ability of al- ways being himself no matter what the situ- ation might be. Above is a reproduction of an early picture of Will Rogers which was used in his first publicity and billing on Broadway. At the time this picture was made, Rogers' popularity was fast becoming recognizedg and he was known as a gum-chewing, rope-twirling cowboy humorist. At the left is Will Rogers as he appeared in one of his first silent motion pictures. Note the typical expression of non-concern on his face - a characteristic that became typical of the man.

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Q si s WN?-W W m of a person thoroughly schooled in the use of free thought, free speech, honest convictions, and sincere purposes. For, to live meant to he an American citizen, to him. Now, as we who revere this great name and fincl our hearts filled with pride in its use pause in silent tribute to his memory, we are reminded that: YVill Rogers, as a man, was synonornous with a spirit of citizenship that might well become the guide for all who believe in the basis of Americanism, and the name we have inherited gives to us a strength and courage of inestimable value that is ours to use in the maintenance of Americanism. VVill Rogers, we thank you for the privilege which is ours-that of bearing your name in honor, and perpetuating it in memory.

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-W.. ,A A+ -.tif-. r , Mn.. An lvf iQ '4- ' X 'S.9-v my .-eg? ,sigma ,U rs ff'-'six - t e wg Always an aviation enthusiast, VVill Rogers, shown here in the cockpit of one of the early day seaplanes com- mercially used, followed the advancement of sky-travel to his last day. During his lifetime he was credited with being one of the most air-traveled citizens of this country, and he never used any other method of travel if commercial avia- ' ll ' l for his requirements Realizing the im- tion cou 4 DFOVIK e . .. portance of commercial aviation, Rogers devoted much time to a studv of its possibilities and frequently sponsored erest in the aerial ex- moves for its improvement. His int ploration of a possible air route to the Orient via Alaska prompted him to fly with his very good friend, VViley Post, on their fatal trip to that northern territory. The picture at the left is from 'lThe Roping Fool, I l Jose he is seen demon- one of Rogers, first movies. n tus 1 strating one of his favorite stunts of rope twirling.