WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL

The memorial sits on a 20 acre hilltop in Claremore, Oklahoma. Rogers purchased the land in 1911, planning to build a home there after retirement from show business. Mrs. Rogers later donated the land for a lasting memorial to her husband. In 1944 Will's body was moved from a holding vault in California to the memorial. Mrs. Rogers was later buried beside him in 1944.

Visitors, upon entering the museum, are presented with a larger than life statue of Rogers created by artist Jo Davidson. Carved on the base are his words: "I never met a man I didn't like". In the garden stands a statue of Will on his horse Soapsuds. Here, also, can be found the tomb of Rogers, buried with his wife and an infant son.

Excerpts from Rogers' films, radio broadcasts and hundreds of personal mementos can be viewed and experienced by visitors. Paintings, clippings and hundreds of photographs are on exhibit, along with his collection of rare saddles and personal cowboy items.

Books by and about Will Rogers are available in the gift shop, as well as many other items of interest. Visitors can roam the 20 acre landscaped grounds and stay as long as they wish. There is no charge for admission. The Memorial is open 7 days a week, from 9:00am til 5:00pm.

LINKS TO OTHER RESOURCES
  • Will Rogers Homepage -official Will Rogers site
  • Will Rogers Memorial & Birthplace -presented by Southwestern Bell
  • Will Rogers -representives of the estate of Will Rogers
  • Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department -for further information on the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma and other State attractions
  • Will Rogers...Flygirls -Will and female aviators
  • The Wisdom of Will Rogers -quotes
  • Rogers' Home in California -photos from Will Rogers Memorial State Park near Los Angeles
  • Will Rogers Photos -from the silent movies
  • NAHF Inductee-Will Rogers -National Aviation Historical Foundation
  • Will Rogers Postage Stamp -commemorative 15 cent stamp image
  • Will Rogers in Japan -audio/video clip
  • Will Rogers LIVE! -1928 Anti Bunk Party, Presidential candidate, comments
  • Wiley Post -biography and articles

    I wish to thank the staff of the Will Rogers Memorial for their assistance in providing many of the photographs viewed here. It has been an enjoyable project that I hope others may find both educational and entertaining.

    Also, a thanks to Dr. Reba Collins, Director Emeritus of the Will Rogers Memorial. I've always enjoyed Reba's stories about Will Rogers during our occasional visits through the years...So Reba, here's WILL on the WEB!
    Dr. Collins has authored several books on Will Rogers, including: Will Rogers, Courtship and Correspondence; Will Rogers Says; Will Rogers and Wiley Post in Alaska; The Will Rogers Memorial; Roping Will Rogers' Family Tree.

    Reference material Include:

    • Will Rogers' World, Bryan B. Sterling and Frances N. Sterling, 1989, M. Evans and Co.
    • The Will Rogers Memorial, Dr. Reba N. Collins, Will Rogers Memorial
    • Will Rogers, Cherokee Entertainer; Liz Sonneborn, 1993, Chelsea House Publishers
    • Will Rogers, The Man and His Times; Richard M. Ketchum, 1973, American Heritage Publishing Co., Inc.
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