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Vol 8, No 364

December 30, 1951

Sunday Evening

The Roy Rogers Show debuts on Television

Born This Date
Michael Nesmith of the Monkees born in Houston
HOUSTON   (1942)    On this date in 1942, Robert Michael Nesmith was born in Houston. In 1965 he and his wife moved to Los Angeles where Nesmith performed locally eventually winning an audition to become one of the Monkees for television. Being the most accomplished musician of the group, Nesmith helped produce many of their earlier efforts. The Monkees became a hit television show and pop band with a huge fan base that continues today. Nesmith went on to produce several television movies and television shows including helping to found MTV.
   Nesmith inherited half of his mother's fortune for inventing "liquid paper." He also shares a birthday with fellow Monkee, Davy Jones.   
Aggie coach, Homer Norton born in Alabama
MONTGOMERY AL   (1896)   On this date in 1896, Texas A&M Head Coach, Homer Norton was born. In 1939, Norton led the Aggies to an 11-0 record and A&M's only National Championship. From 1934 to 1947, Norton stacked up a record of 82-53-9, however, following the 1939 season, Norton's Aggies were beaten by the Texas Longhorns the next eight years in a row.

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans
HOLLYWOOD CA (1951)  On this date in 1951, The Roy Rogers Show debuted on television, starring Roy Rogers and his wife Dale Evans. Featuring the Double R Ranch, Roy and Dale would fade back into the old West, fighting outlaws, and saving towns from villans.
   Roy was assisted by the "Smartest Horse in the Movies" none other than Trigger. Dale rose her horse, Buttermilk. Together with their trusted German shepherd dog, Bullet, Pat Brady and his jeep "Nellybelle" the show ran for 100 episodes from 1951 to 1957.
   The show was a marketing success, with more branding and product endorcements than any other entity except Walt Disney. But the show was full of anachronisms, like Roy would chase the bad guys on horseback, but Pat would follow in a jeep, or tennis shoes on the Indians. Nonetheless, the show was pure magic for the kids, who were enthralled by all the excitement and scenery on the show.
   At the end of each episode, Roy would ride up the road to the entrance of the Double R, joined by Dale, singing "Happy Trails to You" and at home, millions of families would sing along "... til we meet again."

City Desk
Town of Harrisburg founded
HARRISBURG   (1835)    On this date in 1835, the community of Harrisburg is founded in present day Harris County.

Political Desk
San Felipe Council hears rumbling for Independence
SAN FELIPE  (1835)   United with President Santa Anna in their Federalist cause to restore the 1824 Mexican Constitution and perhaps statehood for Texas, Texans learn today at the General Council meeting at San Felipe, that Goliad had passed a Declaration of Indepence from Mexico. At the Council are Federalist supporters of Texas attempting to resolve several grievances against Mexico by the Texans. But talk of Independence has soured the negotiations, and irreperably damaged the relationship between the Texans, seeking statehood, and the Santa Anna government.