In June 1904 Col. W. F. Cody, aka ‘Buffalo Bill’ and his Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders Show appeared in Dorchester for one day only. The advert, shown below, appeared in the Southern Times on 28th May 1904 advertising the forthcoming show.
It details the many attractions of the show, such as;
- ‘An International Congress of the World’s Rough Riders’
- Buffalo Bill: ‘Master Exponent of Horseback Markmanship in his wonderful Exhibition of Shooting while riding a galloping horse’
- Historical Spectacles of Savage Warfare such as ‘The Battle of the Little Big Horn’ and ‘Custers Last Stand’
- Pictures of Border Life: ‘The Stage-Coach Hold Up, Cowboys Round-up, Riding Wild Bucking Bronchos, Indian War Dances, Attack on the Emigrant Train, Equestrian Feats and Skill Warlike Pageants and Military’
The shows were twice daily, ‘Rain or Shine’, with the first at 2pm in the afternoon and an evening show at 8pm; ‘Brilliantly illuminated at Night by Special Electric Light Plants’. The price of tickets ranged from 1 shilling to 4 shillings, with Box Seats available for 5 shillings or 7 shillings 6 pence. Tickets under 4 shillings could only be bought at the time of the show but all other tickets could be bought on the day and were for sale on the grounds from 9.00am.
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Meanwhile, the Dorset County Chronicle published an article detailing Buffalo Bills Wild West show and its forthcoming visit to Dorchester on 2nd June 1904, which is transcribed below:
BUFFALO BILL’S APPROACHING VISIT
Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and Congress of Rough Riders of the World will be here on Monday. This great and instructive amusement enterprise is one absolutely devoid of every objectionable feature, and is, moreover, a valuable historic factor. Buffalo Bill is no hero of the “penny dreadful” type but is one of the few surviving scouts and brave men who opened up the boundless prairies of the United States and rendered them habitable for millions of his countrymen. Both the white men and rapidly disappearing Indians readily and proudly acknowledge him as their friend and protector. During its fourteen weeks stay at Olympia, London, the exhibition created an unusual amount of attention, and was twice honoured in one week by visits from their Majesties the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. As a diversion to all lovers of horsemanship it is the most exciting ever placed before the British public. During his London engagement Colonel Cody enjoyed a continual ovation and it would indeed be strange if this reception were not repeated in the provinces. The performances are all given in the open air, but patrons are protected from the weather by an Immense canvas pavilion which covers all the seats. For the night exhibitions the vast arena is brilliantly lighted by three electrical circuits, the current being supplied by the largest portable engines and dynamos ever constructed, enabling the famous crackshots to display their skill equally as well as by daylight. Patrons will therefore have no cause for complaint in so far as the illumination is concerned. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West has never been in Dorchester before and never can return and we are asked to state that on this occasion Colonel Cody will positively appear. Buffalo Bill’s is not a circus, but a representation of genuine representatives of different races and nations, associated with perfection of horsemanship and military skill. It is given in the open air, with 16,000 seats, covered from rain or sun, so that everyone is assured of a comfortable view. Two performances are given daily, at 2 and 8 p.m. rain or shine, and reserved seats can be secured on the morning of the day of exhibition at the locally-advertised ticket office. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West travels in its own railroad trains with 800 men, 500 horses, and necessary paraphernalia. The cars extend three quarters of a mile in length and weigh 1,184 tons. Besides the grand exhibition itself, there is an interesting annexe or side show of magnitude and interest, which will be open three hours before the main show and during and between the afternoon and night performances, and there is an enjoyable concert in the main arena of the latest novelties after each main performance. The great show arrives from Taunton on Sunday Morning.
In part 2, we will take a look at how the show was received in Dorchester. Keep your eyes peeled for this!