Lusk chuck wagon show (motel, live in, stadium)

[Gerry007]

I received a letter from my 93 year-old father today asking if I remembered seeing a chuck wagon show in Lusk, Wyoming. He went on to say that my family was heading east in our 1937 Chevy in late August 1950 (I was 5 at the time) and the clerk at the motel where we stopped said "you must not miss the show". After supper we made our way to the fair grounds just outside of town. According to my father, the stadium faced a large grassy area to the east of the town, with a panoramic view that included a mesa illuminated by the setting sun."As darkness fell we saw a number of covered wagons drawn up in a big circle, their camp-fires glowing brighter as it got darker. Then, from behind the mesa, we heard a whooping and a hollering as mounted Indians rode forth to encircle the settlers and their camp. There was the sound of shooting and puffs of smoke, but presumably no ammunition was used or injuries sustained!"Can anyone tell me whether such a show was held on a regular basis and if so, when the last one was? I know that my father would love to learn more about the history of the chuck wagon shows in Lusk.

[sixofone]

I think you saw the annual "Legend of Rawhide" show that the community puts on each summer.

The Legend of Rawhide

[Gerry007]

Thanks, I really appreciate your passing along the link to their website.

[cat]

Originally Posted by Gerry007

Thanks, I really appreciate your passing along the link to their website.

I have inherited a souvenir program, dated Aug. 23, 24, 25, 1946, called, Legend of the Raw Hide Buttes...
On the cover it says, "Niobrara County Fair" with a picture of a wagon being pulled by Oxen. A women has the reins and a man is riding along side on a horse...It sold for $2.00 at that time.
It has 107 with lots of wonderful pictures and stories of the people, Ranches and business's in that area, at that time..
If anyone here wants to know if a relative or friend is in it please send the name and I will look it up for you..I would imagine some of the old timers that still live in the area would know some of these people..
Cat

[msdmckee]

Boy Howdy! Been there, done that!

I was probably 5 or 6 when my family went. My memories are firmly implanted of the last part of the show..........

At that time they portrayed a graphic representation of a man being skinned alive.

At least to my young eyes, it looked real enough.

Pretty sure that act wouldn't be PC in today's world, don't know if it's still included.