“Son of Bullet”
Part of a Series: Exploring the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive
The Autry Institute is currently processing the generously donated business archive of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. At the beginning of each month, the Autry Libraries blog will feature highlights from the collection in anticipation of the processing’s completion.
The blog previously explored trick lasso and safety contests that the Roy Rogers management and licensing teams promoted. In addition to these contests, Roy Rogers’s management also worked with department store and newspaper managers to support puppy giveaway contests in the 1950s. The contest format varied depending on the location it was conducted, but the promised prize was almost always a puppy sired by Roy Rogers’ trusted German shepherd companion Bullet.
The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive documents these contests through newspaper clippings, correspondence, entry forms, photographs, and American Kennel Club registration certificates. Take a look at the different ways the contests were run and promoted:
-
- A department store audiences awaits news of the Puppy Contest, undated, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- Entry form for Abraham & Straus Bullet puppy drawing, undated, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- Pedestrians take a look at a German Shepherd puppy in a store’s window, undated, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- Kids admire the puppy on display, photography by Colonial Studio in Richmond, VA, undated, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- Son of Bullet puppy contest entry form for Oklahoman and Times newspaper carriers, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- American Kennel Club litter registration certificate, August 23, 1953, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- Entry form for the Rich’s Boys’ Department drawing for Bulllet’s puppy, undated, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- Thalhimers Department Store Puppy Contest, Photograph from Colonial Studio Richmond, VA, undated, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- A little girl looks excited to get a puppy and meet Roy Rogers in this undated photo, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- Drawing for puppy contest, photograph from Colonial Studio, Richmond, VA, undated, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- Newspaper advertisement from the Jamestown Post-Journal, New York, June 2, 1954, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
-
- Entry form for Meier & Frank’s Bullet Puppy Giveaway March-April 1955, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
