Here's our story with pictures and words of the gatherin' of Roy and Dale fans for the **Grand Openin' of the Roy Rogers - Dale Evans and Happy Trails Theatre Theatre**.

~ RR/DE Fans Message Board Members ~
Socializin' at the Honeysuckle Inn

*RR/DE Fans Message Board Members Gatherin'*

From left to right: part of Music Man's face, Buffalo Gal, Happy Trails Gal (Sharon), Trigger Jim (Jim), Barb Chipps, Elizabeth Lopez and Norm Chipps.

*The Devil Made Him Do It!*

Buffalo Jim's playin' around. Do ya see it?


*More RR/DE Fans Message Board Members*

Here's Music Man & Painted Pony.

**Grand Openin'** Mornin'

*Dedication*

Shirley Duke, Elizabeth Lopez, Buffalo Jim and I arrived bright and early at the museum on June 20th. We were the first to get there, except for a few workers. It was 6:30 am, and what did we find! We found Dustin Rogers on openin' day morn', sweepin' and moppin' the museum entry. Dustin deserves many praises for the long hours and long days he's put into this project, from early October 2002. He deserves a 'BIG PAT ON THE BACK' and much more, for his dedication for preservin' the legacy of his famous, but humble grandparents, Roy & Dale.


*I'm First In Line, No I Am*

Here, Shirley and I am 'dukin' it out' for the first in line spot. Poor Elizabeth is the referee!!


* I'm First, Yeah!*

Shirley Duke won the fight for the first in line spot. Darn!! Darn!!


*We're Awaitin'*

Well, our feud is now settled and we're friends. Here we are waitin' for Dusty and the family for the ribbon cuttin' ceremony!!


*Whoa ..... NELLYbelle*

Bob Tinsley drove Nellybelle II out in front so visitors could view her, or some had pictures taken inside Nellybelle.



*Think I'll Take Her For A Spin*

Wouldn't it be nice to take her for a spin and pretend ya was achasin' the bad guys right along side with Pat Brady and Roy. Guess I'll just settle for a picture with her.


*Shirley and Nellybelle II*

Shirley's thinkin' of takin' Nellybelle II out for a spin. She wants to see how fast she runs. Maybe she, Pat and Roy together, can catch them crooks, 'fore they get away.

Many fans came from all over, to help celebrate with part of the Rogers Family that was able to attend, and open the doors to the brand new **Roy Rogers - Dale Evans Museum & Happy Trails Theatre**.

*Osage Valley Vigilantes*

Here's just a few of our buddies. They are members of the western re-enactment group, 'Osage Valley Vigilantes'. They go to lots of western events and perform for 'children of all ages'. They teach gun safety to the younger ones and promote "God, Family and Country" to all who'll listen. They're there for Dusty and the family, helpin' wherever they're needed. From left to right: is G.W., Miss Clara Chestnut, Gabby (Allen Bye), Kitt Kolt and Katt Colt. Mr Gabby wanted to get his picture taken with this wonderful group. "Gabby, you couldn't have picked a nicer bunch"!!


*Friends *

Good friends gather together to help lanch the BRAND NEW **Roy Rogers - Dale Evans Museum & Happy Trails Theatre**. There's Michael Carter, Buffalo Gal, and Elizabeth Lopez.



*Riders Club Members*

This is just a few of the many "Roy Rogers Riders Club Members", all over the world. Don't know how many Riders Club members were there for the Grand Openin', but there were way over 500 people attendin' the openin' ceremonies, and to take a look inside of the BRAND NEW **Roy Rogers - Dale Evans & Happy Trails Museum & Theatre**. THE COWBOY WAY AIN'T DEAD YET!!



*Dusty Talkin' To the Crowd*

Dusty's thankin' everbody for comin' out for the Grand Openin' and the ribbon cuttin' ceremony. He's tellin' us all the story how Mom fell inlove with 'The Ozarks'. Ya can see his wife Linda, on the left, in the red cowgirl hat. Sunny Spencer from the "Sons of the Pioneers", is between them in the white cowboy hat. Dusty's daughter, Shawna Koch is on the right. The young man in front is one of Julie's (she's one-third of 'Rogers Legacy') boys.



*An Emotional Day*

Dusty and Dustin have spent MANY LONG HOURS and DAYS side by side, workin' together; for carrin' on the legacy and the love Roy & Dale shared with so many others!! This was a very emotional moment.


*Family Respect & Love*

Dusty & Dustin give each other hugs, after 9 long months of extremely hard work!! I'm glad to see a father and son show their love, affection and a mutual respect for each other.

It's time. The Official Ribbon Cuttin' Ceremony

**The Ribbon Cuttin' BR>
Here's the big moment!! On the left there ya'll will see a Rogers' relative in blue, next to her is Dale Warren (trail boss of the "Sons of the Pioneers) in the vest. Next to him is Kelly (Dusty and Linda's girl). You can see her blonde hair. Above her is Ken Latimer, from the "Sons of the Pioneers". Next to Kelly is Tom Fox (Dale Evans son from a previous marriage). He's in the blue western shirt with the black yoke. Then there's Dusty. Dustin Rogers (Dusty and Linda's son) is on the right of Dusty. The boy peekin' his head over Dustin, is a cousin. Beside him, is Julie Rogers (Dustin's wife and Tyler Roy's mom). In front of Julie is Alyssa Koch (Dave and Shawna's daughter). Beside Julie is Shawna Rogers Koch (Dusty and Linda's daughter). To Shawna's right is Dave Koch (her husband and the administrator at royrogers.com ("The Official Website of Roy Rogers - Dale Evans"). To the right of Dave Koch is Mindy Peterson (part of Rogers Legacy). To the right of her is her sister Julie Ashley (another Rogers Legacy). To the back of Julie is David Bradley (a yodler and member of Dusty's show then). On Julie's right, is another member of the Roger's family. Now down in front in the picture, is little Tyler Roy alookin' at his dad and grandpa. You have to look very close, to get a glimpse of him!

*Here's Tyler Roy*

Tyler Roy is so happy and thrilled that the ribbon cuttin' is ALL OVER WITH!! He's Roy and Dale's great grandson and Dustin and Julie Rogers' young man.

*Called 'Em*

Tyler says he just called Great Grandpa Roy and Great Grandma Dale, and told them how the ribbon cuttin' went. Bet they were watchin' it all, from 'their home on high'!!

*Dusty Rogers and the Highriders*

Here's 'Dusty and the Highriders' (in their 1st performance ever, in the "HAPPY TRAILS THEATRE"). There's Dusty, Dom Calvano, Kirsten Renna, Sean Clavin and Phil Conti. They ARE WONDERFUL!!

*Dusty Onstage*

Dusty's asingin' "King of the Cowboys" in his 1st performance on the **HAPPY TRAILS THEATRE** stage. Just weeks before, Jim and I had watched him and Dustin, with tool belts and hammers in hand; hangin' the stage lights in the theatre. Man, what a difference it looks like now!! Dusty and Dustin; you've done a wonderful job buildin' the museum and theatre. I know Roy & Dale are so very proud of ya both!! In my heart, I know they were there in spirit, to cheer ya on.

*Here's Dom*

Dom Calvano has been with Dusty for over 20 years. He plays the rythm guitar and drums for 'The Highriders'. He is a wonderful guy too!

*Hers's Kirsten*

Kirsten Renna is the girl of the group. Her voice sounds like an angel. If you listen real close, it sounds a little bit like our Dale.

*Here's Sean*

Sean Clavin plays the lead guitar and plays a mean one. He's a mighty important part of 'The Highriders'.

*Here's Phil*

Phil plays the bass guitar for 'The Highriders'. He sure can play those LOW chords!!

*Rogers Legacy*

Roy and Dale have three harmonious grandaughters (Julie Ashley, Mindy Peterson and Candie Halberg). Their parents are Barbara & Tom Fox (Dale's son). Their voices blend like angels from heaven.

*Miss Julie*

Here's Julie Ashley. She's the 'funny one' or the comedian of 'Rogers Legacy'. She is such a cut ..... ie!!

*Here's Mindy*

Mindy is the oldest one of 'Rogers Legacy'. She's also got a solo CD out. It's a tribute to her grandmother, Dale Evans. Please check it out, and buy it today!

*Here's Candie*

Candie is such a sweet girl!! Can you imagine less, since she's Dale's grandaughter.

*Michael Gets A Surprize*

Good friend, Michael Carter got a huge surprize, when Julie came into the audience and took him upon stage with the 'Rogers Legacy', and made him 'part of their act'. Way to go Michael!!

*Singin' Julie BR>
Roy & Dale's grandaughter Julie, she's singin' one of the songs that Dale wrote.

*Dale's Son & Wife*
< BR>Tom Fox was Dale's first born son. Tom and his wife Barbara are such a joy to know. Tom has ALOT of the same qualities that his mom possessed. Tom and his lovely wife are two of the nicest people you'd ever wanna know, or have in your family!!

Happy Trails,
~Buffalo Gal

Return
to Top
of Page

Copyright © 2002 - 2008 All rights reserved.
Rockn' V Southwestern Ranch™
is a registered trademark of
RVSWR INC ®.