UPDATE June 7, 2009 - Well, the party's over, everybody has returned home. I know that I had a real wonderful time in Winterset, getting to meet several of our members face to face for the first time (kilo6 - Murray, BILL of PA - Bill, Wayne - Wayne Davis of the Birthplace Society, downes - Brian Downes of the Birthplace Society, and new member Coach3 - I apologize that I don't remember his name). It was fun to get together with Jeff (member John Wayne Impersonator) again, having met him at the Dean Smith Celebrity Rodeo a few years ago. I enjoyed all the activities, the beautiful area of Madison County and being with so many John Wayne fans at one time. In addition to posting pictures on Flickr, I have also posted some in an album (http://www.dukewayne.com/album.php?albumid=39) here on the JWMB (there are only a few duplicates between the two). I'm hoping to share a few stories in the next few days.

Update on May 13, 2009, from Wayne Davis of the John Wayne Birthplace ~
And the news just keeps on coming! Now at the FREE 5pm indoor showing of True Grit on Saturday, May 30th, join legendary Paramount producer and long-time John Wayne friend A. C. Lyles and Duke’s personal costumer Luster Bayless for an animated discussion about the making of True Grit.

Complete information is available at http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/birthday

Update on May 11, 2009, From Wayne Davis of the John Wayne Birthplace ~
There's been some NEW stuff added for the John Wayne Birthday Celebration in Winterset, Iowa on May 29th & 30th.

FREE big-screen showings of "True Grit" have been added on Saturday, May 30th at 11am and 5pm. These two will be shown indoors in the new Jackson Community Building at the Madison County Fairgrounds. Special Edition DVDs of the film will be available at the showings.

New for the special VIP Event and Dinner on Friday is an auction of special gift sets and John Wayne-related collectibles, including the following:


Commemorative John Wayne knife from Case
Longaberger Gift Basket
Famous Dave’s sauces and gift card
Framed oversized print of American Cowboy magazine’s commemorative Rio Bravo cover
Bradford Exchange illuminated John Wayne stained glass wall decor art (23" x 11.25")
Set of 4 tickets to the Cody, WY Nite Rodeo
Sideshow Collectibles John Wayne True Grit and Flying Tigers figurines
Stagecoach and True Grit ceramic cookie jars
Hand-signed autographed movie photos from some of Duke’s famous leading ladies, including:



Maureen O’Hara
Angie Dickinson
Constance Towers
Linda Cristal
Ann-Margret
Barbara Streisand (with Best Actor Oscar)

and more. This is in addition to everything else that's going on (Lynn Anderson and more for the VIP event and Dinner; FREE Western marketplace, music, Dean Martin's daughter Deana, and a free outdoor high-def big screen showing of "Rio Bravo"). It's going to be a fun weekend not to be missed. Full details can be found at http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/birthday

Wayne Davis
The Birthplace of John Wayne
http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org (http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/)

Update on April 16, 2009, from Wayne Davis, of the John Wayne Birthplace ~
We can now confirm that Dean Martin's daughter Deana will be at the 2009 John Wayne Birthday Celebration on Saturday, May 30th. Rio Bravo, she says, was her father's favorite film. Deana will be at the Madison County Fairgrounds and will be available to sign autographs and greet visitors.

Deana is an internationally-known singer, actress and author, with a top-ten album “Memories Are Made of This” and a best-selling book “Memories Are Made of This: Dean Martin Through His Daughter’s Eyes” soon to be a major motion picture directed by Joe Montegna with screenplay written by Bonnie Hunt.

For complete details on the 2009 John Wayne Birthday Celebration event, go to http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/birthday Tickets for the Friday evening VIP fundraiser are still available.

--Wayne Davis
The Birthplace of John Wayne



February 14, 2009~
I received the following information from Brian Downes, the Executive Director of the John Wayne Birthplace in Winterset, Iowa.

Lots happening here at the Birthplace. We've just announced our 2009 John Wayne Birthday Celebration which we are calling "Duke & the Ladies." We'll salute the 50th anniversary of Rio Bravo with big screen showings both indoors and out. Our exclusive $100 fund raiser will also include dinner and an all-girl musical line-up featuring country & western music legend Lynn Anderson. While supplies last, we'll also distribute deluxe DVDs of Rio Bravo along with some other surprises.

The event for the general public will also include movies, Old West Mercantile, food and additional musical entertainment by "the Ladies." For details, go to http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org.

This past Saturday [January 31] Grand Ole Opry star and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame Bill Anderson stopped by with his entire band and enjoyed a leisurely visit. We are hoping Glen Campbell will stop by in March.2276
It sure would be great if some of our members who live close enough could attend this event!

Chester :newyear:

That's pretty exciting that Dean Martin's daughter will be attending.

Is anyone from here going to be there?

clancy

That's pretty exciting that Dean Martin's daughter will be attending.

Is anyone from here going to be there?

clancy

I cannot attend this year.....I will be out of town for work the week before. And at this time I count it a blessing to be able to have work get in the way with so many people losing there jobs.

It looks like a good time though and I hope they have a good showing.

There's been some NEW stuff added for the John Wayne Birthday Celebration in Winterset, Iowa on May 29th & 30th.

FREE big-screen showings of "True Grit" have been added on Saturday, May 30th at 11am and 5pm. These two will be shown indoors in the new Jackson Community Building at the Madison County Fairgrounds. Special Edition DVDs of the film will be available at the showings.

New for the special VIP Event and Dinner on Friday is an auction of special gift sets and John Wayne-related collectibles, including the following:


Commemorative John Wayne knife from Case
Longaberger Gift Basket
Famous Dave’s sauces and gift card
Framed oversized print of American Cowboy magazine’s commemorative Rio Bravo cover
Bradford Exchange illuminated John Wayne stained glass wall decor art (23" x 11.25")
Set of 4 tickets to the Cody, WY Nite Rodeo
Sideshow Collectibles John Wayne True Grit and Flying Tigers figurines
Stagecoach and True Grit ceramic cookie jars
Hand-signed autographed movie photos from some of Duke’s famous leading ladies, including:



Maureen O’Hara
Angie Dickinson
Constance Towers
Linda Cristal
Ann-Margret
Barbara Streisand (with Best Actor Oscar)

and more. This is in addition to everything else that's going on (Lynn Anderson and more for the VIP event and Dinner; FREE Western marketplace, music, Dean Martin's daughter Deana, and a free outdoor high-def big screen showing of "Rio Bravo"). It's going to be a fun weekend not to be missed. Full details can be found at http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/birthday

Wayne Davis
The Birthplace of John Wayne
http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org

And the news just keeps on coming! Now at the FREE 5pm indoor showing of True Grit on Saturday, May 30th, join legendary Paramount producer and long-time John Wayne friend A. C. Lyles and Duke’s personal costumer Luster Bayless for an animated discussion about the making of True Grit.

Complete information is available at http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org/birthday
_________________
Wayne Davis
Birthplace of John Wayne
http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org

Wayne,

THANK you for the continuing updates!! I'm getting real excited!

Jeffrey Sutherland (a new-ish member here, who I met at the Dean Smith Celebrity Rodeo four years ago) and I will be flying to Des Moines the morning of May 29th, and will meet up with Murray (kilo6) and his cousin to attend the VIP dinner that evening!

Reading all of Wayne's updates has me looking forward even more to being there!!!

Mrs. C has too many work, school, and kid responsibilities to be able to attend, but is sending me with her blessing.

Chester :newyear:

Here's a little info about the local parks in Winterset. (http://winterset.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7BB78542A1-EAD6-4A06-AD36-492A64378724%7D&DE=%7B20182725-754A-4C92-9468-408703A0B50E%7D)

Chester :newyear:

(http://winterset.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7BB78542A1-EAD6-4A06-AD36-492A64378724%7D&DE=%7B20182725-754A-4C92-9468-408703A0B50E%7D)

We're headin' out the door so the Mrs. can take me to the airport, with my final destination being Des Moines, Iowa, a mere 40 minute drive to Winterset, Iowa, where I will be dining tonight with Murray (kilo6), Jeff Sutherland, and Murray's cousin. I expect to hook up with Bill of PA while I'm there, and if any other members make it there, send my wife a PM with a cell number, and she'll get it to me. I'd love to connect with any of our members who might be there!

Looking forward to a GREAT weekend with a bunch of Duke fans!! I'll report back next week (I'm returning home Monday night), and I'll keep the Mrs. posted as well.

Chester :newyear:

We're headin' out the door so the Mrs. can take me to the airport, with my final destination being Des Moines, Iowa, a mere 40 minute drive to Winterset, Iowa, where I will be dining tonight with Murray (kilo6), Jeff Sutherland, and Murray's cousin. I expect to hook up with Bill of PA while I'm there, and if any other members make it there, send my wife a PM with a cell number, and she'll get it to me. I'd love to connect with any of our members who might be there!

Looking forward to a GREAT weekend with a bunch of Duke fans!! I'll report back next week (I'm returning home Monday night), and I'll keep the Mrs. posted as well.

Chester :newyear:

Have a fun, safe trip Chester.....Check out the bridges if Madison county while you are there as well. Take lots of pictures!!!

Have a great time there, Jim. And as Todd stated, don't forget to take a few pictures for those of us less fortunate souls who live too darn far away. Be safe, my friend.

Mark

"Live" report via phone, from Jim to Mrs. C -

Message board members kilo6, Jeff Sutherland, Bill of PA, Joe Zuke and Chester all attended the VIP dinner tonight, as well as the auction that followed.

One of the highlights of the auction was the sale of 3 photos of John Wayne with Maureen O'Hara, which had been recently signed by Ms. O'Hara for the auction, which sold for between $4000 and $6000. Another photo, of Duke and Barbara Striesand when she presented him with his Academy Award, and signed by Ms. Striesand, sold for $3000.

A nice variety of other things sold at auction as well.

Lynn Anderson was present to entertain with a nice selection of songs.

We had some business cards made up and the guys are handing out them out; they look like this -
http://www.dukewayne.com/picture.php?albumid=8&pictureid=197

Jim ended the call because it was time for the movie to start.

Mrs. C :angel1:

Another update, this time from Jeff's perspective - they are "all having a ball at the birthplace of John Wayne, on the anniversary of his birth."

They all enjoyed dinner together, and Jeff says that Murray and his cousin "are delightful, real fun guys."

Auction - one couple bought ALL the Duke/Maureen O'Hara pictures!!

Lynn Anderson - great singer!

Dean Martin's daughter, Deana, was there for the showing of Rio Bravo.

The guys got to talk to Ms. Anderson and Ms. Martin and take pictures and get autographs!

Here's a little more about tonight's event . . .

Each attendee at the VIP dinner received a special "goodie" bag with the following -

John Wayne beef jerky

Special Collectors edition of True Grit DVD
2-disc Special Edition of Rio Bravo DVD

several magazines - 2008 Guide to the National Finals Rodeo
June 2009 True West
Two copies of American Cowboy (January 2009 and June/July 2009)

An envelope from the Birthplace musuem containing a button with JW's face on it, a "100 years of John Wayne" coin from May 2007, and a picture postcard of the Birthplace house.

It sounds like they are having a really good time, and Jim has really appreciated meeting other members of our message board in person!

I'll report more, as they call with more!

Mrs. C :angel1:

Thanks, Sue. I envy that group! Keep keeping us updated, please.

Mark

Sounds like this would have been the year to be there. I am working tonight so I guess that it wouldn't have worked out anyways. Glad they are having a good time. I have been there twice and the last time was the 100th celebration.

I was at a Little League baseball game this morning, but have shared a few phone calls with Jim through the day.

He just called a few minutes ago - I could hear Deana Martin (Dean's daughter) singing in the background, "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime" at the fairgrounds (she sings pretty well). There have been some other enjoyable performances going on at the local fairgrounds, and there will be a 5 PM showing of True Grit on the big screen!!

Mrs. C :angel1:

Joe Zuke just publicly acknowledged our message board :thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up:(!) while making some announcements previous to a trivia quiz and the showing of True Grit.

Mrs. C :angel1:

Joe Zuke just publicly acknowledged our message board :thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up:(!) while making some announcements previous to a trivia quiz and the showing of True Grit.

Mrs. C :angel1:

Very cool, nice to hear.....

So Chester got home LATE Monday night, and left Tuesday afternoon to head to Oregon to deal with some business related to our property, and I have been swamped with Boy Scouts, Little League, and end-of-school-year-related work stuff . . . . On top of all that, I was having some trouble with the computer and having a terrible time downloading pictures from Winterset.

I finally got a bunch of them downloaded to Flickr, and you can see them here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/19386758@N06/sets/72157619350301192/).
(Here's a link to the photos in a slide show (http://www.flickr.com/photos/19386758@N06/sets/72157619350301192/show/).)

In the meantime, here are a couple of highlights (these are included in the Flickr album) -

2305
At the VIP dinner Friday night, May 29th (many thanks to Murray for making that possible!) - from left to right - Murray's cousin Lorrie (if that isn't spelled correctly, let me know and I'll fix it :photo:), Murray (kilo6), Jim (Chester7777) and Jeff (John Wayne Impersonator)
2306
Jeff, Bill (Bill of PA), and Jim
2307
Our message board's brick on the walkway to the the Birthplace museum (NO, that's not the tile which our message board purchased collectively, which will be on the walkway between the new Learning Center and the birthplace house). The brick was purchased last summer.
2308
Jeff performing his rendition of John Wayne's "America, Why I Love Her"

I know once Jim's rested up from his long drive back from Oregon, he can probably persuaded to share some stories from his trip to Winterset. I hope Murray and Jeff will share, too!

Mrs. C :angel1:

Thanks for sharing them, Sue. I am looking forward to Jim's stories of the weekend.

Mark

I finally got a bunch of them downloaded to Flickr, and you can see them here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/19386758@N06/sets/72157619350301192/).
(Here's a link to the photos in a slide show (http://www.flickr.com/photos/19386758@N06/sets/72157619350301192/show/).)

In addition to posting pictures on Flickr, I have also posted some in an album (http://www.dukewayne.com/album.php?albumid=39) here on the JWMB (there are only a few duplicates between the two). I'm hoping to share a few stories in the next few days.

Chester :newyear:

:camera: Darn--you don't have any photos of The Three Dancin' Dukes?? I was so mad I didn't have my camera with me to capture all the hot dance moves and pirouettes you guys did while Lynn Anderson sang "On The Boardwalk" Saturday afternoon. That was truly a sight to behold!

Wayne Davis
Birthplace of John Wayne
http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org

You know, Wayne, I was kind of bummed that I didn't end up with a picture of that. I'm hoping someone maybe took a picture of . . . that . . . and will share.

I guess it's time to tell a story. At the festivities Saturday afternoon, Lynn Anderson was performing, and called for a few gentlemen to join her on stage. She picked Jeff (aka John Wayne Impersonator) right off, and he dragged me along with him. There was one other man who joined us. I was on her left, Jeff was on her right, and the other guy was on Jeff's right. She wanted us to do a variety of dance steps back and forth on the stage (a real chorus line, we were!). It was all I could do to keep from stepping on her mike cord. As Wayne said, we were dancing to "Under the Boardwalk."

Just for fun, I just searched on YouTube and found another video, with some other 'poor saps' (eventually, I guess we might end up there) doing pretty much the same steps).

lrY8jeK7PpM

Yeah . . . a GOOD time!

Chester :newyear:

That is too bad that we didn't get ot see that!! Look like it was a good time "performing"!!!

Well, the Lynn Anderson clip DOES give you a taste, but man--it's just not the same without the pirouettes!

I just have to say, Lynn Anderson was WONDERFUL--enthusiastic, energetic, lots of fun, hung around to talk with folks before and after the performances, posed for pictures, signed autographs; she was a real delight!

Wayne Davis
Birthplace of John Wayne
http://www.johnwaynwbirthplace.org

I just have to say, Lynn Anderson was WONDERFUL--enthusiastic, energetic, lots of fun, hung around to talk with folks before and after the performances, posed for pictures, signed autographs; she was a real delight!


Very true, what a pleasure to make her acquaintance. She and her entourage certainly added to the event, as did Deana Martin, and Carin Mari. She sure knows how to yodel !

Chester :newyear:

In fact here are a couple of YouTube videos of Carin and her brothers,

xTexgTQUNpw&



Better yet, I found a YouTube posted by Carin and her brothers, of Carin on stage at the Winterset Birthday Celebration with Lynn Anderson,

PWyjvBo2e_Q&feature=channel

Do you Love YouTube, or what !
Chester :newyear:

Yep, Carin won the 2008 International Yodeling Championship, so she's quite the accomplished yodeler. She and her brothers are quite a talented group, and it's amazing how they've grown since the Centennial a mere two years ago.

Great job locating that video of her and Lynn! I'll have to link that on the Birthplace site.

Wayne Davis
Birthplace of John Wayne
http://www.johnwaynebirthplace.org

Thanks for sharing your pics. Looks like you all had fun.

Did you notice next to the brick from DukeWayne.com was the brick of Charlie Daniels the Rock/Country great?

Did you notice next to the brick from DukeWayne.com was the brick of Charlie Daniels the Rock/Country great?

Wow, good eye, Short Grub! I've looked at that picture a dozen times and didn't make that connection. In retrospect, I wish I had taken pictures of all of them and see who else bought bricks. I did look for a few in particular . . . one from the 'official' forum and . . . it's too late . . . I can't remember . . . :sleepy: . . . :sleep_1:. . . .

For those of you who have never seen or heard Deana Martin, here is a YouTube vid giving you a taste of her act.

HJ6f73PhNsc&feature=PlayList&p

Interview with A C Lyles (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6017051293273713959&ei=s3IuSvPlL5bYqAPIn5yIDw&q=Talkin%27+Westerns+with+A.C.+LYLES) from the California 100 year celebration . . . .

And an interview with AC at the Winterset 100 year celebration . . .

sE_xyfuVMu4

Thanks for this! Hope to join you all next time. What an adventure.

Interview with A C Lyles (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6017051293273713959&ei=s3IuSvPlL5bYqAPIn5yIDw&q=Talkin%27+Westerns+with+A.C.+LYLES) from the California 100 year celebration . . . .

And an interview with AC at the Winterset 100 year celebration . . .

sE_xyfuVMu4

I was at the 100th in Winterset. We were heading into the cowboy symposium where co-stars and family members talk about working on Duke's films and his life in general. I had to make a "pit stop" in the men's room and when I came back here is A.C. talking to my wife!! What a nice man and very personable. Nice to see people like that in the movie buisness even though they are few and far between.

Hello All
In Winterset there is a drugstore that has an active soda shop with a long J counter and four staff working at once ( busy). Houses with porches were numerous and brick enhanced the character of many of the homes and businesses. Chester, my cousin and I met a family of 4 who were walkabout and they like to hand catch and release Rattlesnake and other snakes. There is a back to the future like Town Square with a very impressive courthouse in the center. Most of all I enjoyed the people who could respect the past and embrace the present in both lifestyle and demeanor. I can not vouch for the rest of Iowa, Winterset however, ROCKS.:thumbs_up:

Hi This is Big Jeff The John Wayne Impersonator....I had a very good time with my good friend Jim Sutherlin When we went to the John Wayne Birthplace in Iowa.......Jim and I was a hit! Some one may say that Jim and I was trying to replace John Wayne and We should not talk about the John Wayne Message Board.......They are the one with a problem........And not us! Keep the name alive that all we can do now! Just Keep the name Alive.......It is so much fun for me! I will do it for nothing! But it help when someone give you money for Travel....So I will never forget this trip for the rest of my life....And big Jim and his wife will always be my sear friends.......Best Always Jeff Wayne as John Wayne Imperasonator.....PS Please look for my TV Show Jeffsstartalk.com..................

I am Glad that you had a Great Time at the Get-To-Gather, Jim and Sue were at the Big Party That we had at Duke's Old 26 Bar Ranch Two Years Ago !
Chilibill
:cowboy: