Here’s an even earlier carving of Will Rogers.
Back in 2000 I was approached by the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, Oklahoma to do a number of carvings. As part of that project I did a carving of Will as a young cowhand on his Father’s Dog Iron Ranch outside of Oologah, just up the road from Claremore. While the other pieces were sold in the Museum’s gift shop the carving of young Will was displayed in the main hall and will become part of their permanent collection. The Charlie Russell bronze of Will on his horse was within sight of him. How’s that for company?
We’ve been truly lucky to have a close relationship with the Memorial. We were invited to bring our Chuckwagon to the Dog Iron ranch for Will’s 200th Birthday celebration quite a few years back. Serving biscuits and hot coffee to most of his living relatives was a real treat. It’s such things that make my interest in woodcarving continue to grow and, most importantly, continue to be so much fun.
