John Denbo remembers first glimpse
of Will
Still devoted to Will
John Denbo, former Will Rogers Memorial Commission member for 16 years, is one of the new Will Rogers Ropers.
By DOROTHY WILLMAN
John Denbo’s life has been linked with Will Rogers since John was a “little kid.” That’s when he saw Will Rogers in person “for the first and only time.” He has a vivid memory of the event.
When Denbo learned about a docent training class for the Will Rogers Memorial Museums, he was quick to volunteer.
The first time he saw Will was dedication of the Will Rogers Airport at what is now the corner of Highway 66 and Lowery Road (Centrilift-Hughes). John and his family had walked to the site and arrived about 30 minutes before the guest of honor.
“Dad put me up on his shoulders,” John said. He had a good view of Will Rogers from that perch.
Denbo also recalls construction of the Will Rogers Hotel downtown, and the way Oklahoma school children supported the construction of the Memorial after Will’s death.
He said students brought their pennies to school. He doesn’t remember the particulars of how the money was collected, but it went to help with the Memorial in Claremore.
Denbo’s next recollection regarding Oklahoma’s favorite son after his death is the 1938 dedication of the Memorial. A teen-ager, he was there with his family. He said they walked to the site on the hill when the roads were still dirt and there were very few buildings in that area of the town.
That’s when he saw Will Rogers’ family members for the first time.
He and his wife, Bernice, later became well acquainted with Will’s sons. “We have been so fortunate to have known Will Jr. and Jimmy,” he said.
When his longtime friend Gov. George Nigh asked Denbo to serve on the Will Rogers Commission, he served 16 years.
The Denbos enjoyed involvement with the Memorial and actively participated in celebrations honoring Will. When they visited California, Will Jr. drove them around to see the sights, including homes of famous movie stars. They said the California folks do love their parades, and they got to ride in a parade with Will Jr. They also visited the Will Rogers Historic Ranch State Park. John and Bernice remember the fun they had at a barbecue hosted by the park docents for their Oklahoma visitors.
They were in New York for opening night of the Will Rogers Follies: A Life in Revue on Broadway. They went to the Oklahoma night performance and enjoyed cast parties and meeting celebrities, including Dan Rather.
Denbo has a family connection with Will Rogers through John Gunter, grandfather of Will’s mother Mary America Schrimsher Rogers.
When the docent training class started, John and Bernice Denbo signed up. He said sitting in the classes and hearing about the man and the Memorial have brought back so many memories … good memories.
The docent training has included 14 five-hour classes that highlight information on the life of Will Rogers, his writings, films and more.
“We thought we’d enjoy it, and we have,” he said.
Docent graduate
Gene Loyd, rural Oologah newcomer, is one of 18 graduates of the Will Rogers Memorial Ropers, the docent volunteer group. Loyd first came to the Memorial as a Will Rogers Wild West Arts Club participant a few years ago. Steve Gragert (left) presented certificates at the end of the 14-day training program. Docents are now regulars at the Memorial.
(Note: Dorothy Willman is a free-lance writer, retired from First United Methodist Church and former staff reporter for the Claremore Progress and member of the first docent graduating class.)