A letter from Roy Rogers, Jr.:
I have been personally agonizing over how to start this
letter. I guess by saying thank you. Thank you for the years of love, support,
prayer, loyalty to the Rogers Family. You, the fans, and our Board of Directors
are the ones who have kept our family museum going for over 42 years. It
has been a wonderful ride. After millions of visitors and countless stories
of what Roy and Dale have meant to you, the Board of Directors have voted
to close the museum at the end of 2009. This has not been an easy decision.
Various emotional and financial issues have been addressed by all of us,
as you might imagine.
The decision to close the Museum has come after two years
of steady visitors to the Museum. A lot of factors have made our decision
for us. The economy for one, people are just not traveling as much. Dad’s
fans are getting older , and concerned about their retirement funds. Everyone
is concerned about their future in this present economy. Second, with our
high fiscal obligations we cannot continue to accumulate debt to keep the
doors open. This is not what I would wanted to happen. Dad always said
“If the museum is costing you money, then liquidate everything and move
on.” Myself and the family have tried to hold together the Museum and collection
for over 15 years, so it is very difficult to think that it will be gone
soon.
What will happen to Roy Rogers, Jr. and his family? For
those of you who have heard that I am retiring, nothing could be farther
from the truth. My company, Golden Stallion, and its show tribute to Roy
and Dale, will continue. I plan on taking the show to another venue in
Branson. We are looking for space now. The show will also be available
to travel around the country and take the message of Roy and Dale wherever
we travel. I feel that this country needs the message that Roy and Dale
always put forth, not only in their professional lives, but in their private
lives as well.
The Museum’s last day of operation will be December 12th.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to visit the Museum one last time
to see the collection in its entirety. This will be your last chance to
see Roy and Dale’s collection. Tell your friends and encourage them to
come, before we close. This will be your final chance!
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Remember,
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans will live forever in our hearts and minds, and
will continue to ride across the silver screen through their movies. Every
time you think of Roy and Dale, that warm feeling you have always felt,
will always return.
Watch our website for future announcements and special
dates.
I leave you all with Dad’s favorite saying. “Good bye,
Good luck, and may the good Lord take a likin’ to ya!” See you in Branson,
or on the road.
Love to all of you!
Happy Trails.
Dusty and Family
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