The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1938-10-20
DEDICATION
0FHUMORIST'S
SHRINE NEARS
Rogers Memorial Scene of
Observance on Birth
day, November 4
By LEE BOND
United Press Staff Correspondent

CLAREMORE, Okla, Oct. 20.
(UP)-Claremore is preparing
for the biggest event in its history
the dedication November 4 OF
the Will Rogers Memorial build
ing.
The late humorist was Clare
more's best known native son. A
100000 structure, built IN the
snaps of large ranchhouse, Will
be dedicated on his birth ami
versary.
On the hill where Rogers prom
ised himself he would build a
home, but never did, thousands
of persons including many celeb
rites will assemble to pay hon.
age to the man whose homespun
philosophy made him popular
wherever he went.
Rogers died in an airplane
crash near Fairbanks, Alaska,
August Is, 1885. Wiley Post,
globe-circling aviator, also an Ok
lahoman, was killed in the same
crash. 49,,
Vice President John Garner will
be the principal speaker at the
dedication that will attract q num-
Der of film stars as well as many
other prominent friends of Rog-
erS.
5000 INVITATIONS SENT
Governor E. w. Marland Will
send 5000 invitations to govern
ors and notables of other states.
Arrangements are under way for
about 10000 persons to be ac-
commodated> ION the sloping area
in front of the memorial. Estl-
mates of the expected crowd range
as hgih as $4,000.
The widow Of Rogers, now a
resident of Beverley Hills, Calf,
and other members of the family
and relatives will attend the dedl-
cation.
The life-sized bronze statue OF
Rogers, done by 10 Davidson, well
known sculptor, will be in place
in the memorial. ...s.
Among the famous aviato's ex,
pected to attend will be Howard
Hughes, Douglas Corrigan and
Eddie Rickenbacker. Rogers loved
aviation and always took a plane
when the opportunity presented,
and he was fond of travelling.
Billie Burke, widow of Flo Zieg-
field. late New York theatrical pro-
Queer from whom Rogers got his
start in vaudeville years ago, will
be there, as will John Boles, film
and opera star.
PRESIDENT ALSO INVITED
National broadcasts Of the event
will be arranged. Members of the
Will Rogers Memorial commission,
said they hoped to get President
Roosevelt to speak a few words
from Washington. The president
and his cabinet have been invited
to come to Claremore but 1t is
not believed that Mr.. Roosevelt
will be able to accept.
Three national guard bands, the
Oklahoma Military academy band
the Bacone Indian college glee
club and the Oklahoma A. and M.
college quartet are among those
scheduled to provide music.
The memorial building is locat-
cd atom q knoll overlooking 20
acres which Will Rogers bought
to make his permanent home.
Rogers lifelong friend, Bill
(Buck) Sunday, purchased the
land for him. That was 20 years
ago and though Rogers often adj,
mired the site, he never started
building. -,
ppm going to do it," he would
tell his friend, Morton Harrison,
who operates the Will Rogers mo-
tel in Claremore. ...
ROGERS EXPECTED
SECLUSION
"I'm Just a passing fancy. One
of these years nobody will pay 10
see me-" Rogers once said speak
ing of his film career. He made
numerous successful pictures.
"Then I'll retire and live here"
Rogers widow donated the site
to the Memorial commission. The
memorial is built of native lime
stone. There are four major halls
in the museum but only one OF
them, the room modelled after
Rogers living room in Santa
Monica, Cal, will be completed IN
time for the dedication. :.
Exhibitions Of Oklahoma his
tory will be put in the other
rooms, but for November 4, MRS.
Rogers is sending her late hus.
bands own personal collection OF
Indian and Mexican relies, and
other souvenirs from her home IN
Beverley Hills. 49, - IN
Rogers would have been %
years old on November 4. Inc
dedication will eliminate months
of effort to have some sort OF
suitable memorial for Rogers. Inc
Oklahoma legislature approprlat-
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