One of the many big hits during the memory detecting reminiscence program is a “simple” toy gun. Many of the seniors think that it is a cap gun and so did I initially. It certainly looks like a cap gun. Discussions and memories start to focus on playing games with the local neighborhood boys and girls. Who was going to be the cowboy? Who is going to be the Indian? However, when I tell them that this toy gun is actually a very simple slide projector that was branded with a very popular cowboy of the 1940’s, it is always a big hit. Hop Along Cassidy is the cowboy that was used to market this “toy”.
This isn’t a cap gun at all, it is a very basic slide projector. The guns trigger was used to move the roll of slides that were inserted in the gun one by one. It had a slot to place a small battery inside to help with the illuminating the slides. Apparently it was a popular toy in the 1940’s. Seniors will often reflect on all the great cowboys of the day. Many I have heard of, many I haven’t. Cowboys like Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Tom Mix, and Dale Evans are often discussed.
Hop Along Cassidy always brings a smile to their faces. I have learned that William Boyd was the famous actor that played Hop Along Cassidy for the 66 popular television shows that aired in the 1940’s. Of course his horse Topper is always mentioned as well. I remember thinking Trigger was his horse but of course Trigger was Roy Rogers horse.
While conducting these programs I kind of feel like a band leader who has a popular song that you know everyone is going to enjoy. A favorite hit of sorts. This is one of those artifacts that always gets the crowd engaged.
So here’s to the great cowboys of the 1940’s-1950’s, and here’s to reminiscing.
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