Hopalong Cassidy

Hopalong Cassidy is a fictional cowboy hero created in 1904 by author Clarence E. Mulford. Mulford wrote a series of short stories and many novels based on this character. In Mulford's early writings, Hopalong was characterized as being rude, dangerous, and rough-talking. After 1935 he was transformed into a clean-cut hero.

As portrayed in movies, white-haired Bill "Hopalong" Cassidy was usually clad in all black - including his hat. This was contrary to the western film stereotype that only villains wore black hats. He was reserved and well spoken with a sense of fair play. He was often called upon to intercede when dishonest characters took advantage of honest citizens. "Hoppy" and his white horse, Topper, usually traveled with two companions. A young and trouble-prone companion had a weakness for damsels in distress. The older side-kick was comically awkward and outspoken.

A recent gift to Prairie Museum of Art & History is the game board from a 1950 Hopalong Cassidy Target Practice & Stage Coach Holdup Magnet Dart Game #1417. It is a two-sided tinplate lithographed game board measuring 17" x 14". Unfortunately there were no magnetic darts included. The game was manufactured by Toy Enterprises of America / Melmar Corporation.

An e-Bay search reveals this game in like-new condition with the original box and game board to be valued at $110. Most like this one with only the game board were valued about $30. Not surprisingly, none offered for sale included the darts.

(Click photo to enlarge)
Rules for Hopalong Cassidy Target Practice:
If dart touches line take higher score.
Any part of dart touching Hopalong deduct 10

Rules for Hopalong Cassidy Stage Coach Holdlup:

Any part of dart touching yellow circle scores.

Any part of dart touching stagecoach deduct 5

Any pasrt of dart touching Hopalong deduct 10

During the 1950's Farmers and Merchants Bank at 360 North Franklin Avenue in Colby, Kansas sponsored a Hopalong Cassidy Savings Club. Members were given a Hopalong Cassidy bank and button badge, and were invited to Hopalong Cassidy special events. There was an annual parade, entertainment, and a movie. 

The Farmers and Merchants Bank lobby was busy with Hopalong Cassidy Savings Club members. At the "Thrift Post" is bank president, August W. Lauterbach wearing a "good guys" white hat.

Farmers and Merchants Bank employees dressed in costume for a Savings Club event.

Entertainment in front of the bank following a Hopalong Cassidy parade.

If anyone can help identify the people in the above photos, please "Post a Comment" below or send e-mail to registrar@prairiemuseum.org

We would also be happy to add any Hopalong Cassidy Savings Club banks, badges, memorabilia, or photographs you may have to our Prairie Museum of Art & History collection.