b'Buffalo continued from page 45capture the public\'s attention. Or maybe it was just aWith management on board and capital secured, Cody flash in the pan, so to speak. put things in motion. He had already accumulated an old Deadwood stagecoach, wagons, bucking horses, a But not for William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. For him, itherd of buffalo,elk, and mountain sheep. He would would be a colossal show that would bring the Wild Westnow set about hiring the best (available) Cowboy and to the towns and cities of America - and the world. ItIndian characters he could find to make the shows as would be an event that would capture the imaginationreal as possible. One of his first acquisitions was the tall, of scores of folks who had never been to the West andhusky and quite authentic Cowboy William Levi "Buck" would be talked about for generations to come. Taylor (not to be confused with the "Gunsmoke" actor and beloved participant of many modern-day Western Accordingly, for the next several years Cody built up hisfestivals), considered to be the "King of the Cowboys."He ranch, built up his stock and the authentic accoutermentsalso hired his longtime friend and veteran driver of the that he would need for such a show, did his winter toursDeadwood Stagecoach, John Y. Nelson, who would drive of the East, and met up with potential partners trying tothe stagecoach (he had probably driven himself) that sell them on the idea of a Wild West festival that couldwould be an integral part of the shows. Nelson, with conceivably spread nationwide and across the globe. Hehis free-flowing grey beard and his Sioux wife, would knew he needed lots of money to stage such an event,become immensely popular with both the crowds and the so he met with a dentist acquaintance of his who wasnewspaper reporters who flocked to the shows. He would also a crack marksman by the name of Doc Carver, whohire three-dozen of Major North\'s Pawnee scouts (as the offered to partner up but would eventually prove to be afirst of what would become scores of Native American big disappointment (and subsequently an angry rival ofemployees of the Wild West shows), with their old Cody\'s). More importantly, on one of his stage junkets incommanding officer, Cody\'s dear friend and fellow scout, New York City, he fortuitously met up with fellow actor- Major Frank North to lead them.turned-promoter-turned businessman Nate Salsbury (he may very well have met him before) who offered to lendAnd finally, he would bring in 13-year-old Johnny Baker. his experience and expertise to the endeavor. Salsbury,John Burke There are numerous stories about how Cody made a survivor of Andersonville was aseemingly dour butthe acquaintance of the young Baker. One of the most extremely competent manager. He was very aware ofcommon was that Baker was the son of a friend of Cody\'s Cody\'s copious drinking habits, and he insisted that Codynewspaper editors and publishers in the country andwho may (or may not) have fallen on hard times. Cody stop drinking during his shows as a condition for signingcould turn a mundane promotion piece into somethingnoted what a superb horseman and skilled marksman the on as his manager. Cody agreed and to the astonishmentexciting and attracting). While there would be plentyboy already was and offered to adopt him. His friend said of many did he keep his word throughout the tenure ofof personal tension between Salsbury and Burke,no, but did agree to allow his son to join the production Salsbury\'s management of the Wild West shows. the former harboring a strong dislike of the latter\'sCody was putting together, and in effect, allowing Johnny hyperbolic promotional habits, the ultimate partnershipBaker to become Cody\'s foster son in this unusual Cody also acquired the services of noted publicistof Cody as star and motivator, Salsbury as manager andarrangement. Baker would stay on with Cody for the next Major "Arizona" John Burke (who was neither a MajorBurke as a publicist would last for the next decade until35 years and become not just a "son" and marksman star nor from Arizona but he was a seasoned publicist whoSalsbury\'s declining health necessitated his resignationof the show but a faithful confidant and adviser - their knew and was friends with many of the most influentialfrom the show. partnership only ending with the great Westerner\'s death.GROUNDBREAKINGFROM THEGROUND UP.Versatile. Durable. Dependable. Our tractorsare in their element in every element. WELL QUIT WHEN YOU QUIT.www.masseyferguson.usBLYTHE, CA CASA GRANDE, AZ IMPERIAL, CA SHOW LOW, AZ190 S. Intake Blvd. 8901 W. Hwy 287 3393 Highway 86 1501 E. Thornton St.760-921-9500 520-251-2087 760-355-2443 928-532-2098BUCKEYE, AZ THATCHER, AZ PRESCOTT, AZ YUMA, AZ26403 W. US Hwy 85 2574 US-70 3060 Centerpointe E. 3885 E. 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