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HopalonHistoryMuseum dedicated to Hopalong Cassidyfull of memorabilia of TV favoriteBy JEFF LOUDERBACKFor the GAZETTECAMBRIDGE, OhioGuns blazing and dust flying. Hopalong Cassidy dashed across cinema and television screens on a striking white horse, captivating audiences with his firm but gentle way. Dressed in black, the distinguished white-haired cowboy was a western hero who embodied morals and values.Adored by children and admired by adults, he was so popular in the 1950s that his likeness appeared on more than 2,500 products. He was a father figureand a trusting family friend who showed patience and understanding, and illuminated the room with his gracious smile.A lifelong resident of New Concord, Laura Bates knew that WilliamLawrence Boyd — the actor who portrayed Hopalong — was raised in nearby Cambridge, the Guernsey County seat in eastern Ohio. Yet the retired on-airpersonality was surprised when she learned from a visitor that little had been done to recognize the beloved cowboy role model.“I hosted a talk show for a local cableaccess station at the time, and one day I interviewed a woman who was here researching the life of William Boyd, Bates explained. After the show was over, she told me it was unfortunate there was nothing in town dedicated to preserving his heritage.“What she said inspired me, Bates added. “Hopalong Cassidy is one of the most popular cowboy heroes in television and movie history. 1 felt he should be honored in his hometown, so 1 decided something had to be done, and 1 was the person to do it.Bates formed the nonprofit Friends of Hopalong Cassidy in 1991 and later founded the club’s quarterly newsletter, Hoppy Talk. She even organized a Hopalong Cassidy Festival, which is held every spring in downtown Cambridge.As she researched Boyd, Bates became enamored with the actor and hisIf You GO:What you will see: The HopalongCassidy Museum, founded by Laura Bates and dedicated to actor WilliamBoyd, who portrayed the famouscowboy, features hundreds of relicsand even a typical 1950s bedroom ofHoppy furniture. The museum is located inside the 10th StreetAntique Mall, where thousands of TVand motion picture cowboy-related items are for sale.How to get there: From Xenia, takeU.S. 35 east to 1-71 north. In Columbus, take I-70 east to Exit 178. FollowOhio 209 north two miles into downtown Cambridge. The 10th StreetAntique Mall is located at 127 S. 10thSt., about one-half block south of thepost office on Wheeling Ave. Allowthree hours driving time.Hours and admission: Mon.-Sat.,10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Sunday. Thereis nd admission charge.For more information: Call (740)432-3364.Hopalong character. She bought herfirst piece of memorabilia — a box of Post Wheat Meal — at an auction. Batesand her husband Andy soon amassed a large collection of Hopalong artifacts, leading to the creation of the Hopalong Cassidy Museum.The museum was initially located in a former department store in downtown Cambridge. When the building was sold two years ago, Bates moved the museum to a wing of the 10th Street Antique Mall, which specializes in cowboy collectibles. The museum features is a portion of Bates' collection and itemsdonated by Hoppy enthusiasts.Before visitors reach the HopalongCassidy Museum, they walk down hallways where walls are covered with movie posters of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Rooms are filled with western memorabilia, including Hoppy relics, for sale.In the museum — from comic books tocoloring books, board games to fishing rods and bread wrappers to cereal boxes - the numerous products that bear Hopalong’s likeness are shown. Some even include the cowboy with his faithful companion, a white horse named Topper.One display case contains copies of Time and Life magazines, which published cover articles on Hopalong Cassidy in 1950. A photograph on the front page of the Chicago Tribune in the same year shows Boyd, clad in his black Hopalong outfit, swarmed by more than 350,000 admirers at a public appearance.Other cases contain shiny gun and holster sets, never-worn children's blue jeans and story books. A canasta set includes a saddle that holds two decks of cards. A worn linoleum rug carries an image of Hopalong and Topper.The museum’s newest room is Bates’ favorite. It features a Hopalong maple bedroom set — complete with bunk beds, dresser, desk and chair, toy chest, night stand and stool. At the headboard of the top bunk is a removable sign that points to Hopalong’s Bar 20 ranch. On the floor is a large Hopalong rug. On the shelves are Hopalong board games and books. The walls are decorated withMHopalong movie posters from Bar 20 Rides Again. Borrowed Trouble and The Devil's Playground.‘This is what many children’s bedrooms looked like in the early 1950s, said Bates, who bought the vintage set from a man in West Virginia. “When many adults walk into that room, their eyes light up. It’s like they are stepping back in time and remembering how good Hopalong made them feel.Her latest acquisition is a Producer’s Dairy delivery truck which still displaysHoppy’s logo. The 1966 Chevrolet was in use until last June. This spring, it willlitro
Newspaper Details
Xenia Sunday Gazette
Xenia, Ohio, US
Sun, Dec 19, 1999
Page 11
Full Page
Clipped by
Greene C.
OH, USA 14 Jun 2021
Other Publications Near Xenia, Ohio
Xenia Evening Gazette
Daily Gazette
Morning Republican
Evening Gazette
Xenia Daily Gazette and Torchlight
