Attractions
The D.S. Dudley Show of Mankins
By Shannon Gillette
Mankins, Texas, located twenty miles southeast of Wichita Falls in the north corner of Archer County has the unique distinction of once being able to claim circus activities as their primary source of industry. From 1914 through the early 1970s, Mankins was the home base of the D. S. Dudley traveling show.
D.S. Dudley, better known as Cheyenne, was born in 1895 in Gainesville, Texas. He made a name for himself as a rodeo performer and bronc rider, but dreamed of owning and operating his own show. In 1914, he purchased a traveling carnival.
His work of growing the new business was halted with the outbreak of World War I. Dudley joined the military. He served in Company D, 133rd Machine Gun Battalion, 72nd Infantry Brigade. Once the war ended, he returned to Texas and set his sights on creating a successful traveling carnival.
Dudley married a girl from Mankins, Jessie Ruth Wolf. Together they raised a family and lived the carny lifestyle. The D.S. Dudley Show included various rides for kids of all ages, side show exhibits, exotic animals and midway games of chance. They performed in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska.
They traveled and performed eight months out of the year. The show was a family affair. The 1940 Federal Population Census lists Dudley’s occupation as a manager of his own show. He was living next door to his brother, John. John’s occupation was an electrician in show business. John’s brother-in-law, living with him, was listed as an apprentice in show business.
At the peak of their success, the D.S. Dudley Show employed 250 people. When planning shows out of state, Dudley often placed advertisements in “Billboard Magazine” looking for temporary help. He required those whom he hired to be sober and reliable. Through these ads, it is possible to get an idea of what types of shows, rides and games that the D.S. Dudley Show presented.
To read more pick up a copy of the September 2017 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
It’s already March and the smell of springtime parties and special events is in the air.
Everybody knows in order to have a great party, you’ve got to have the right music.
Well, that’s where my friend Katie Dieter comes to the rescue.
Katie, aka DJ KD “The Spinner,” has been spinning the right mix for parties and special events throughout North Texas for years now. Her passion for music helps to make your special event one your friends will never forget. Whether you’re planning a wedding, banquet, school event or just a backyard get-together with friends, DJ KD “The Spinner” is the right call for you.
To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Seems lately these days Texas is becoming the envy of musicians from around the world.
With the overwhelming response to “Yellowstone,” the television series, Texas once again finds itself under the microscope of the world, much like the late 1980’s TV series know to all around the globe as “Dallas.”
With that said, the musician population in Texas is beginning to grow as many aspiring performers turn their sights on Texas instead of Nashville. Meet my newly-found friend and fellow musician Grace Partridge. This youthful 19 year old has recently made Texas her new home. She began fiddling at age four in Rigby, Idaho. Grace worked her way through the National Fiddle championships in Weiser, Idaho, becoming a five-time national champion. She’s even played on the Grand Ole Opry. Still yet, her desire to become a true Texas Fiddler has brought her to the Lone Star State. I’m pretty sure we can thank Bob Wills for that.
To read more, pick up a copy of the January 2024 issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
On Nov. 4, 2023, the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra will present an evening of Texas Cowboy, Country and Western Swing with yours truly, Dave Alexander and the fabulous Quebe Sisters.
Enjoy the music of Bob Wills, Willie Nelson, Gene Autry and many more of your Texas Music favorites performed with a full symphony orchestra. We also will feature music from my latest CD, “From The Saddle To Symphony Hall,” along with some of my own compositions. It is guaranteed to be a night to remember.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
-
Country Lifestyles1 year agoScott & Stacey Schumacher: A Growth Mindset
-
Equine7 months agoThe Will to Win
-
Country Lifestyles7 years agoStyle Your Profile – What your style cowboy hat says about you and new trends in 2017
-
Country Lifestyles4 years agoAmber Crawford, Breakaway Roper
-
HOME7 years agoGrazing North Texas – Wilman Lovegrass
-
Country Lifestyles7 years agoDecember 2016 Profile, Rusty Riddle – The Riddle Way
-
Country Lifestyles8 years agoJune 2016 Profile – The man behind the mic: Bob Tallman
-
Outdoor9 years agoButtercup or Primrose?