Cowboys’ Codes Of Conduct

Some words on behavior from four silver screen icons from long ago may be more relevant, and needed, today than ever.

The West has long been associated with honor, bravery, and the pioneer spirit of heading into the unknown to make a better life.

Today, the West continues to celebrate that “cowboy spirit” of adventure and entrepreneurial pursuits. Yet, nine times out of ten, the word “cowboy” is being used as a negative or a derogatory term describing improper or distasteful behavior.

Some of the politest and most self-effacing individuals made their living horseback or in the livestock business. They did the endless work, they took care, they were the people who invented our civilization, theirs was a tradition of civility.

Their principled behavior became codes of conduct that many of America’s cowboy heroes of the past promoted and illustrated for viewers back in the early days of Western television shows.

So, living like today in a more politicized and polarized society, it’s difficult to see how everybody wouldn’t be better off by simply following and practicing a bit more openly some of these simple rules of polite and thoughtful deportment.

The world would be a much friendlier place if we all acted, say, a little bit more like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, and Hopalong Cassidy.

Following is “cowboy codes” that were popular in the late 1940s and ’50s. These creeds and rules are from some of America’s favorite silver screen cowboy heroes, and they seem surprisingly timely.

Gene Autry

Singing cowboy songs, Gene Autry rode his famous horse named Champion in at least 93 movies and 91 television shows.

A world-renowned professional rodeo contractor, often entertaining at those rodeos, Autry also made worldwide public appearances. He and Champion performed at the Tri-County Fair in Herington which Grandma attended.

Autry made more than 640 recordings with 300 songs he wrote, including “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

War hero, rancher, baseball team owner, cowboy museum developer, radio, television, real estate proprietor, and comic book personality with signature cowboy toys, Autry was the most financially successful silver screen cowboy.

He’s the only entertainer to have five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: radio, recording, motion pictures, television, and live performance/theater.

Gene Autry’s Cowboy Code of Honor

1. The cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
2. He must never go back on his word, or a trust confided in him.
3. He must always tell the truth.
4. He must be gentle with children, the elderly, and animals.
5. He must not advocate or possess racially or religiously intolerant ideas.
6. He must help people in distress.
7. He must be a good worker.
8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and personal habits.
9. He must respect women, parents, and his nation’s laws.
10. The cowboy is a patriot.

Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers, nicknamed the King of the Cowboys, was an American singer, actor, and rodeo performer.

Riding his Palomino stallion Trigger, Roy appeared in more than 100 motion pictures, as well as his self-titled radio and television programs. In most of them, Roy entertained with his wife, Dale Evans, riding her buckskin horse Buttermilk.

There were Roy Rogers action figures, cowboy adventure novels, playsets, comic book series, and a variety of marketing successes. Roy Rogers was second only to Walt Disney in the number of items featuring his name.

The highlight of childhood memories was seeing Roy Rogers in person when he had his family show at the Mid-America Fair in Topeka.

Of course, Roy rode and did tricks with Trigger, shot plates thrown into the air, and sang cowboy songs with his wife and some of their children.

Glenn Randall, who trained most cowboy movie horses, was in attendance with six matching palomino horses that performed at liberty.

Years later, Roy Rogers was seen in person again at the American Royal in Kansas City. He borrowed a Palomino horse to ride around the arena for his introduction before entertaining with his songs including “Happy Trails.”

Roy Rogers Riders Club Rules

1. Be neat and clean.
2. Be courteous and polite.
3. Always obey your parents.
4. Protect the weak and help them.
5. Be brave but never take chances.
6. Study hard and learn all you can.
7. Be kind to animals and care for them.
8. Eat all your food and never waste any.
9. Love God and go to Sunday school regularly.
10. Always respect our flag and country.

Hopalong Cassidy

Hopalong Cassidy was a fictional cowboy hero created in 1904 for a Western novel. Cassidy was shot in the leg which caused him to have a little “hop,” hence the nickname.

Portraying “Hoppy,” William Boyd outfitted in black rode his white horse Topper in 66 movies from the 1930s to the 1950s.

Boyd continued in children-oriented radio and television shows until 1952. He made personal appearances including in Kansas attended by former coworkers.

At the peak of the character’s popularity in the early 1950s, enormous amounts of merchandise were developed, as well as a comic strip, additional novels, and a short-lived amusement park “Hoppyland.”

Hopalong Cassidy’s Creed for American Boys and Girls

1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be mindful at all times.
2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.
3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.
4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don’t be lazy.
5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don’t boast or be a showoff.
6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.
7. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friendly and kind to them.
8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.
9. Our country’s laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.
10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American.

The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger is a fictional masked former Texas Ranger who fought outlaws in the Old West with his Native American friend Tonto.

First appearing in a radio series in 1933, the Lone Ranger show proved to be a hit. It spawned a series of books, an equally popular television show that ran from 1949 to 1956, comic books, and several films.

Clayton Moore portrayed the Lone Ranger who rode his white horse named Silver. Jay Silverheels, a Mohawk, was cast in the role of Tonto riding his spotted horse named Scout.

“Return now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the West with the speed of light and a hearty Hi-Yo, Silver.”

The Lone Ranger Creed

1. I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
   2. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.
   3. That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.
   4. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.
   5. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.
   6. That “this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people” shall live always.
   7. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.
   8. That sooner or later … somewhere … somehow … we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.
   9. That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone, lives on forever.
   10. I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

   We can all stand to be a little more cowboy. And that is a good thing.

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