NEWS OF 1910: “The old scout will never visit here again in the
area,” the story begins. “Possibly no country ever had a character
so universally known and so widely popular as Buffalo Bill.”

So starts a story in the June 24, 1910, edition of The Bradford
Era about the visit of Buffalo Bill Cody to Bradford and his plan
to “retire from active service” following a tour of the American
continent in 1910-11.

After which, he noted, “I will seek to enjoy some of the fruits
of my labors, which I feel that I have well earned during a long
life of activity on the frontier, in the field during the Civil and
Indian wars, and as a provider of the most approved drama of our
National History.”

“For nearly 50 years, he has contributed to American history,
serving both in wars and on the exhibition ground teaching the
lesson of a closed era; he is the last living link between the
present and past uncivilized period; he has fought in more wars,
has rendered more service for his flag on the battlefield, has
accomplished more in reclaiming the present-day needs of vast and
fertile country than any man living.”

The reference to the Far East in the show’s billing meant
Bradfordians were in for some exotic creatures: “Two continents are
clearly represented in the one arena, horsemen of the world’s every
corner have been gathered together. The camels from Egypt, bucking
broncos from Montana and the true-blooded thoroughbreds from
Kentucky are all called upon to contribute their quota of the
entertainment.

“Then there is the Deadwood stage coach, the attack of the
Indians, their queer native dance, rosy-cheeked cowgirls and mad
horsemen feats. Cowboys in dare-devilish frolic, the Hindoo Fakir,
the marksmanship of Johnny Baker, the musical elephants, which, by
the way,  are the only ones in existence that really play brass
hand instruments, the pony express, the lightning Zoaves, Rhoda
Royal’s troupe of high school horses, Ray Thompson’s marvelous
equines and the plunging horse ridden without a bridle.”

The story notes that the show will have at least 50 more
features — including “a vivid reproduction of the Battle of Summit
Springs, in which Buffalo Bill actually killed the Indian Chief
Tall Bull.”

All of this available for only 50 cents for adults and a quarter
for children under 9.