Hoppy and wife Grace Boyd
"The Hopalong Cassidy Story"
by Earl Mahoney
Graduated BHS 1955
I've been looking at some of the pictures you have posted and have read your recollections of Burtonwood at that time. I, too, have great memories of Burtonwood. We first went to Burtonwood in early 1951 (I was in the 8th grade at the time and my teacher was Mrs. Leigh), returned stateside in late 1951 and then returned again in February of 1953. I was graduated from BHS in 1955.
As to the William "Hopalong Cassidy" Boyd visit, I can fill you in on that. There had been a contest in the U.S. for newsboys to enter. The multiple winners would be escorted to England for a tour and vacation that was led by "Hoppy" and his wife. When arriving in England, they would be joined by British newsboys who had won places on the similar contest held in England and would tour the country. Burtonwood was to be one of the tour stops and the Youth Center, with the help of Special Services, hosted a luncheon for the group. As an officer of the Youth Center at that time (President, I think), I was selected to go with Sgt. Shelly (last name forgotten) to meet the buses and to escort them to the base. I remember driving out to the selected meeting place and waiting for the buses to arrive. As I recall there were three busloads of newsboys, led either by a Rolls Royce or a Bentley, containing "Hoppy" and Mrs. "Hoppy." Anyway, we were all introduced and then off to Burtonwood and the luncheon. It turned out well and it is another one of the nice memories I have of that time. One of the memories that has stuck with me of that event was William Boyd himself. He was not a tall man but was very impressive, dressed all in black, from his hat to his boots. His hair was almost a silver color and it contrasted with all the black clothes. Both he and his wife were very nice.
Anyway, now you know what that visit was about.
Hopalong Cassidy lyrics.
Here he comes, here he comes
There's the trumpets, there's the drums, here he comes.
Hopalong Cassidy, here he comes.
humming to tune
There he goes, on his way,
Down the trail the cowboy way.
Hopalong Cassidy, Hopalong Cassidy.
He returns, soon again,
There's no use to say goodbye until then.
Hopalong Cassidy, so long Hopalong.