W St.Germain

Would I like to baby sit the kids while Jacinta went Christmas shopping? Of course! Ever since I discovered their great love for High Chaparral and all things western*, I came to see my friend’s three children through different eyes. I couldn’t wait to go.

When I arrived, David, Kenny and Crystal were their usual charming selves. As they swarmed through the house like socks in a washer, I answered their thousand questions while admiring the various Christmas crafts they were making.

‘Did the people at your magazine like our stuff?’ asked David after a time.

‘Yes, very much,’ I said.

Crystal smiled. ‘I bet they loved my sparkly bag.’

‘They loved everything, I’m sure,’ I said. ‘I particularly love the Cannon’s prized bull. Where is he now?’

David shrugged. ‘In the toy cupboard somewhere, we’ve been playing Lego. I built a space station, see?’ He held up an interesting object with enough spiky things sticking out of the roof to impale any low flying UFOs. ‘Darth Vader’s going to come and threaten it.’

‘Oh! Guess what?’ said Kenny, looking pleased. ‘We got a whole corral of horses for our ranch, look.’

The brothers rushed to the Lego trunk and proceeded to pull out every horse they could find.

‘I’ll get Mom to take a picture for your next story.’

David tucked his thumbs in the waist of his jeans. ‘We’ll get a good price for these from the army,’ he said in his Big John voice.

‘Hey, Wendy hasn’t seen Hank yet!’ said Kenny dashing off. He shouted to me. ‘Hank looks after the horses. He’s the ranch hand.’

‘I think he should be called Reno,’ said David. ‘He looks like Reno and there’s no Hank on the show. But Miss Bossy over there said Hank is a good name.’

‘It is,’ said Crystal primly.

A minute later, Kenny produced Hank.

‘Isn’t he the guy from Toy Story?’ I asked.

Kenny shook his head. ‘That’s Woody. He’s Hank’s twin brother.’

They set up the corral with a disproportionately sized Hank keeping watch.

‘I bet the people at your magazine would like to see this,’ said Kenny. ‘You can show them if you like.

‘Thanks. I guess we’ll have to come up with a name for you all if I’m going to do another article. Let’s think of one now,’ I suggested.

‘Why?’ Kenny wanted to know, ‘We’ve already got names.’

‘Yes I know, but sometimes it’s easier to refer to a whole family by their last name. Since your folks are sticklers for privacy, we can make up a pseudonym for you.’

‘A what?’ they all asked together.

‘A pen name. It’s an imaginary name that people will know you by.’

‘How do you say that again?’ asked Crystal.

I repeated it then left her to practice, no doubt wondering how she might weave that one into a future conversation. It would certainly impress her teacher.

‘We need something western,’ said David.

I agreed.

‘Okay, so what will we choose?’ asked David.

‘Cannon!’ said Kenny.

‘Oh we couldn’t use Cannon!’ said Crystal, looking scandalized. ‘It’s their name,’ she said in a hushed, reverential tone.

‘Then what can we use?’ asked Kenny. ‘It should be westerny.’

His siblings agreed. They thought hard and came up dry.

‘Well, when you think of westerns, what comes to mind?’ I asked reaching for a notepad. ‘I’ll write it down and then you can vote.’

A chorus of words followed. These included tumbleweed, horses, ranch, Sam and Joe Butler, Gunsmoke, Miss Kitty (that was Crystal), Festus, stagecoach, guns and arrows, Indians, John Wayne, whisky and beer.

‘If we can’t use Cannon then what about other names of characters you like?’ I suggested.

‘The Gunsmokes,’ said Kenny.

‘That’s not a character,’ David corrected him.

‘It doesn’t sound real anyway,’ said Crystal giving him a superior look. ‘I don’t want to be called Crystal Gunsmoke, thank you very much! What about the Russells? Or the Montoyas?’

‘Or the Hagens?’ added Kenny. ‘I think Festus is so cool. I can read better than him now, you know!’ he added with pride.

‘Hey! Lots of people have more than one last name,’ said David, ‘We could do that. We’ve got a girl in our class named Caroline Bell-Rheese-Royal.’

‘You made that up!’ said Kenny.

‘Did not.’

‘Did too.’

‘I know her brother,’ said Crystal confirming the fact.

Kenny looked surprised. ‘Couldn’t her parents make up their minds?’

David shrugged. ‘I think everyone in the family wanted a go at being named.’

‘Let’s do that then!’ said Kenny. ‘I want Butler-Wind-Stagecoach.’

‘I want Russell-Dillon- Montoya,’ said Crystal as I madly jotted the names down.

‘I want John Wayne- Hagen, Tumbleweed,’ said David.

‘That’s not fair, he got four names,’ said Kenny. ‘I get to add Shindig, then.’

‘Then I add Chaparral,’ said Crystal.

They turned to me for an opinion while I scribbled shindig. I tried to be delicate as I looked at the list.

‘Actually, the idea was to shorten having to say Jacinta, Kenny, Crystal and David.’ I looked at the list again. ‘I’m not sure it would be an improvement to call you the Butler-Wind-Stagecoach-Russell-Dillon-Montoya-John Wayne-Hagen-Tumbleweed-Shindig-Chaparral family.’

I was fast learning what it felt like to be Jacinta for a day and was beginning to develop a headache. Then I had a brainwave.

‘What about West?’ I asked hopefully. ‘It would be perfect. You guys love the Old West so you can be the Young Wests.’

The children considered the suggestion.

‘I like it!’ said Kenny at last.

‘Me too,’ the others agreed.

‘West it is, then. Now, if I have to mention all of you at once, I will call you the Wests.’

Kenny giggled. ‘Sounds cool, doesn’t it?’

The others nodded.

Oh!’ said Crystal. ‘Hank will need a last name too!’

Oh no! I could well imagine Hank’s last name being something like Bunkhouse Boy-Cowboy-Wrangler-Flapjack-Faro-beer….

Fortunately, I was spared another debate when we heard keys in the front door. Jacinta was home!

‘Guess what Mom?’ The trio rushed over to her full of news about their new name.

‘It’s called a Sooindom,’ said Crystal proudly.

Jacinta sat down. ‘Sounds like you’ve been having fun.’ She leaned over and

frowned, ‘You look a bit pale.’

‘I’m fine, really.’

A look of recognition crossed her face. ‘Ha! Now you know where I’m coming from don’t you?’

I nodded. ‘Yes, but they were really good.’

‘They usually are. Just a bit full on at times. You’re lucky they weren’t having an El Lobo day! But not to worry, I have the antidote.’

As she unpacked the bags, Jacinta grinned and handed me the cure.

Excellent choice. There’s nothing quite so good at smoothing out the wrinkles of a tough afternoon than an Australian Shiraz.

* See Sept 2011 issue

English/German audio

Kinowelt, the German film distributor who has released The High Chaparral seasons 1-3, announced season 4 is available for pre-order on Amazon Germany. Release/Delivery is set for February 2012.

The DVDs seasons 1-3 are currently available on Amazon Germany.

The Kinowelt DVDs are in PAL (European) format with both German and English language versions in Dolby sound. In the U.S an all region/all format DVD player is required to read the PAL formatted discs.

Many newer model players are all region. Check the manufacturer/model documentation to be certain. Computer DVD players will often play back a PAL formatted disk so the episodes can be watched that way if the TV DVD player won’t accept the PAL format.

For fans who want to purchase

Since many High Chaparral fans are also Bonanza fans, this story about a memorial plaque for Michael Landon may be of interest.

According to an email bulletin from prairiefans.com, in 1997, Cindy Landon gave $6,700 that was used towards building a tree house “Little Treehouse on the Prairie” in Collingswood, NJ. Collingswood is the childhood home of Michael Landon. Abbe Effron raised $1400 for a bronze dedication plaque that was placed in front of the tree house. Recently, a local paper reported the plaque was found in the borough dump in the city of Collingswood.

The tree house is still up and being used but no record of its story or history is provided since the removal of the plaque. On Monday, January 2, 2012 the mayor of Collingswood, James Maley gave the following statement to the CollingswoodPatch Publication, “It was not meant to go into the trash. That was just a mistake somebody made.” The mayor also stated, “the plaque will remain among a collection of borough artifacts at The Retrospect’s office.” He also referred to this plaque problem as a “ridiculous little issue.” The mayor has no plans at this time to have the plaque put back where it was placed during the dedication ceremony in 1997 when Cindy Landon donated the funds to build the tree house. Many fans of Michael Landon who visit this playground will no longer be able to view the plaque unless they make a special visit to the retrospect’s office.

Veteran character actor Ted Markland of Yucca Valley, CA, died December 18, 2011 at the age of 78. He is survived by his son Erin and his long time companion Carol Vogel.

The son of an Army colonel, Markland began his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian. With a stream-of-consciousness, rapid-fire style reminiscent of a prototype Robin Williams, he attracted the attention of the legendary Lenny Bruce and under Bruce’s management worked top nightclubs in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

In every line of work luck plays a part, but nowhere is this elusive break more critical than the world of acting. Markland got his big break while doing stand-up at the Toubadour in L.A. David Dortort, busy creating a follow up to his NBC-TV hit series Bonanza, was looking to cast series regulars for his next big thing, The High Chaparral. Markland, in an interview, still described the event with excitement 40 years later. “It was during my stand-up comedy days at the Troubador. I had worked for him before, so he knew me from Restless Gun. I was doing my nightclub act, and he stopped in after the show to say hello. He said, ‘Listen, how would you like to work regular, and be a regular on the show?’” Markland knew better than to check the gift horse’s dental work. “I said, ‘Aw no, I can’t do that. Of COURSE I’ll do that, what do you mean!’ It was great, he said, ‘I’ll be calling you,’ and he did, he got in touch with my agent and all that, and the rest of what happened is sort of history. Bonanza, Chaparral, they’re just perfect.”

Tall and good looking with long hair, Markland was a favorite with teenagers who visited The High Chaparral set at Tucson. During costuming he chose a shirt that fit 1870’s cowboy Arizona, but was also perfect for looking cool in the late 1960’s. “The fringe looked great – it was ‘in’, the thing to wear” he said. “I used to cut off pieces for the kids who came to see us shoot because they wanted a souvenir, They were all so nice to send us fan letters. I had big boxes and sacks of letters. It means a lot to an actor to get those, so when they visited and asked I always tried to give them something.”

But snipping off pieces of his assigned costume created headaches for wardrobe. “It drove them nuts,” Markland said. “I finally asked the head wardrobe guy to just give me a big long piece of the fringe, so I could cut off pieces to give to the fans. “

Markland worked steadily through the 1960’s and ‘70’s, in series television and film such as Another 48 Hours with Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte, and Wanda Nevada with Peter Fonda and Brooke Shields. He was married on the set of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, with Jack Nicholson as his best man, and compared hangovers with Burt Lancaster on Ulanza’s Raid.

But his interests and heart ranged well beyond acting. Rejecting his Catholic upbringing early he became a spiritual seeker. Tibetan Buddhism, American Indian spirituality, mysticism and flying saucer studies all combined to lead him to Joshua Tree National Monument in California and a sacramental meal of peyote.

“The first time I was out here,” Markland says, “I was fasting at the base of a mountain, and I climbed up quite a ways. Suddenly, my hair almost stood up on end; it was very much like a religious experience. I thought, ‘I’d better say a prayer,’ but I didn’t really know how to pray. So I just said, ‘Thank you. Thank you for my life.’ And I hear this sound, like a horn or siren, and I looked up, and there’s like a rainbow, I guess. Just a round thing with a lot of energy coming out of it. I pretended I didn’t see it, and then in my mind, I heard the words, ‘You’re welcome.’ There’s a picture taken right after I came off the mountain, and you can very clearly see that something profound has just happened to me.”

After this he was driven to turn on friends to his mountain experience. That experience meant visiting the Joshua Tree mountain that would come to be known as Ted’s Mountain, fasting, cleansing and often peyote. Gram Parsons came to sit in the swivel chair Ted hauled up to the top, as did Timothy Leary, John Barrymore, Jr., Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Steve McQueen, Jack Nicholson, Donovan. One inside story that’s gained the status of hippie-culture legend says the Easy Rider scene where Nicholson riffs on UFO’s and a Venusian invasion is based on an experience at Ted’s Mountain.

“Leary’s wedding, we had that here,” Markland remembered. More legends abound about that event, with tales of LSD being served like snacks.

“I’ve been up there with friends meditating,” Markland said, “and we heard this huge sound, like a crack! There was this light, we couldn’t tell what it was — maybe an angel, who knows? — and my friends looked at me and said, ‘Do it again.’

In his later years Markland’s relationships with his fans, particularly fans of The High Chaparral, was meaningful to him and he attended every fan-based event he could. “You wouldn’t believe all the cards I get from fans, it’s wonderful. I go to every show I can. Seeing people, talking to people, it’s important.”

Ted Markland was honored with a marker at the Walk of Fame in Kanab, Utah in 2010. His filmography includes:

1. 2007 The Benvenuti Family (TV series)
2. 2006 Cyxork 7
3. 2003 Fabulous Shiksa in Distress
4. 1997 Switchback
5. 1997 Ground Rules
6. 1996/7 Last Man Standing
7. 1995 Wild Bill
8. 1995 Bonanza: Under Attack (TV movie)
9. 1995 Blood Ring 2
10. 1995 The Friends of Harry
11. 1995 Guns and Lipstick
12. 1994 Baywatch (TV series)
13. 1994 Confessions of a Hitman
14. 1994 The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. (TV series)
15. 1994/I The Outsider
16. 1993 American Kickboxer 2
17. 1993 Live by the Fist
18. 1993 Renegade (TV series)
19. 1993 Merlin
20. 1991 Murder, She Wrote (TV series)
21. 1987-1991 Hunter (TV series)
22. 1990 Enemy
23. 1990 Another 48 Hrs.
24. 1990 Catchfire
25. 1989 Liberty & Bash
26. 1981-1989 Falcon Crest (TV series)
27. 1988 Santa Barbara (TV series)
28. 1988 Colors
29. 1987 Best Seller
30. 1983-1987 Simon & Simon (TV series)
31. 1986 Eye of the Tiger
32. 1986 T.J. Hooker (TV series)
33. 1980-1984 The Dukes of Hazzard (TV series)
34. 1983 The A-Team (TV series)
35. 1983 Hill Street Blues (TV series)
36. 1983 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (TV series)
37. 1982 Knight Rider (TV series)
38. 1982 Father Murphy (TV series)
39. 1982 Cagney & Lacey (TV series)
40. 1981 Hardcase (TV movie)
41. 1981 Sizzle (TV movie)
42. 1981 She’s in the Army Now (TV movie)
43. 1981 King of the Mountain
44. 1978-1980 The Incredible Hulk (TV series)
45. 1979 Dallas (TV series)
46. 1979 Wanda Nevada
47. 1978 Hawaii Five-O (TV series)
48. 1978 The Rockford Files (TV series)
49. 1978 How the West Was Won (TV mini-series)
50. 1977 Charlie’s Angels (TV series)
51. 1977 The Red Hand Gang (TV series)
52. 1977 Which Way Is Up?
53. 1977 Logan’s Run (TV series)
54. 1977 Relentless (TV movie)
55. 1977 The Hostage Heart (TV movie)
56. 1977 The Great Gundown 1976 Fighting Mad
57. 1976 Doomsday Machine
58. 1975 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
59. 1973 Hec Ramsey (TV series)
60. 1973 Jory
61. 1972 Ulzana’s Raid
62. 1972 Welcome Home, Soldier Boys
63. 1972 Play It Again, Sam
64. 1971 The Last Movie
65. 1971 The Hired Hand
66. 1970 Nanny and the Professor (TV series)
67. 1967-1969 The High Chaparral (TV series)
68. 1968 Angels from Hell
69. 1968 Blackbeard’s Ghost
70. 1967 Waterhole #3
71. 1967 The Invaders (TV series)
72. 1966 Bonanza (TV series)
73. 1965 The Wild Wild West (TV series)
74. 1965 12 O’Clock High (TV series)
75. 1965 The Hallelujah Trail
76. 1961 Outlaws (TV series)
77. 1961 The Great Impostor
78. 1960 Tate (TV series)
79. 1959-1960 Have Gun – Will Travel (TV series)
80. 1959-1960 Bourbon Street Beat (TV series)
81. 1960 Bat Masterson (TV series)
82. 1959 The Man from Blackhawk (TV series)
83. 1959 Mike Hammer (TV series)
84. 1959 Buckskin (TV series)
85. 1959 Highway Patrol (TV series)
86. 1958 The Restless Gun (TV series)
87. 1958 The Rough Riders (TV series)

W.St.Germain

WARNING! Do not wear a High Chaparral Reunion t-shirt to a convention if you wish to be left alone!

Although I was unable to go to Tucson, I attended Supernova this month; the annual, sci-fi/fantasy convention. As usual, Jesse went in costume and Kristian, his older, ultra conservative Web Developer brother wore dress pants and a work shirt. (When I asked him why he didn’t dress up, he smiled and said, ‘I did, I came as a Web Developer.’). I wore my Reunion t-shirt and shorts.

It all started with a few sideways glances. Given that I’m no Dolly Parton, it didn’t take me long to realize people were looking at my t-shirt.
‘High Chaparral Reunion?’ asked a passing Jedi. ‘Is that a sci-fi show?’
‘No,’ I replied, wondering why he would think that. ‘It’s a classic western series.’
‘Western?’
‘You know, cowboys and Indians.’
I thought they were meant to be smart but this Jedi looked confused.
‘So why are you wearing it to a sci-fi convention?’ he asked.
‘Because I like it.’
‘High Chaparral!’ boomed a deep voice that frightened the dim Jedi away. ‘I love that show!’

Towering over most of the crowd, Harry Potter’s Hagrid made his way toward me. His beard was enormous.
‘2011 Reunion? Here?’ he asked, pointing toward my t-shirt.
‘No, Tucson.’
‘Arizona?’
‘Is there any other?’
‘Awesome, did you go?’
I shook my head.
‘So how did you know about it?’
I told him about the newsletter and forum, recommending he visit Google for more information.

After Hagrid left I returned to browsing through Star Trek memorabilia.
Not for long.
‘Oh I love that show!’ said a pencil thin, well I wasn’t quite sure what it was but it sure creeped me out when it jumped in front of me.

The man had half a normal face and the other half looked like oozing yuk. Rubber innards dangled out of clothes that appeared to have been dragged from a grave. I later learned he was a zombie from the 28 Days/Weeks movies.
I was still recovering from him jumping out at me when he said, ‘Who’s that guy? I loved him… Spanish landholder.’
‘Don Sebastian,’ called an elegant brunette from nearby. She swept toward us in her medieval dress. It was Arwen from Lord of the Rings.

Arwen and the zombie questioned me about the reunion. Half wishing I’d printed up information sheets I repeated details about the forum and newsletter. Nearby Kristian, who nobody identified as a Web Developer despite his brilliant costume, leaned against a pillar, grinning.
‘I bet you’re glad you wore that today,’ he said.
The interruptions continued. Everyone wanted to know about High Chaparral. A storm trooper, a Halo soldier, Tim Burton’s Mad Hatter and Gandalf the Wizard all questioned me. Evidently HC is popular in many worlds throughout the universe.

We managed close to an hour without interruption and I was lulled into a false sense of security about no longer having to discuss newsletters or forums. As I dug through my purse looking for the list of Halo books Jesse already had, with a view to buying him more for Christmas, someone tapped my shoulder. It was Batman’s Poison Ivy.
‘High Chaparral Reunion?’ she said, ‘Is that the old western?’
For a split second I felt like saying, ‘No, it’s where racing fans go to visit the stallion,’ but thought that might open a whole new can of worms. Besides, I remembered Penny once describing HC fans as, ‘a wonderful, friendly bunch’.

Drat. I had to be wonderful and friendly. I smiled, nodded and repeated my speech about newsletters and forums. No one interrupted me for a while, presumably because I walked with my arms crossed to hide my t-shirt. That lasted until I changed position.
‘Excuse me.’ A teenage Vulcan pointed to my t-shirt.
ARGH!

I gave her my wonderful and friendly smile.
‘What’s High Chaparral?’
‘A classic western,’ I said, feeling like the parrot that’s always being asked if she wanted a cracker.
‘Classic? Like, old?’
‘I guess.’
I glanced anxiously at a man who had just picked up a little figure of the Ghostbusters Marshmallow Man. I hoped he’d put it down so I could buy it.
‘Really old?’ asked the Vulcan, ‘Like eighties?’
That called for a sarcastic remark but I was too busy hoping the man would put the Ghostbusters figure down.
‘Sort of depends on your idea of old,’ I said, trying to move away.
She considered the remark and I watched, disappointed, as the couple bought the figure.

Years ago, I bought myself a little Pillsbury Dough Boy. I have always loved him. I even planned to buy his little sister. When a very sweet, very ill lady asked for it how could I refuse? Dough Boys are like hen’s teeth Down Under so I’ve never been able to replace it. I thought the Ghostbuster’s figure would make a close second.

I had almost forgotten the Vulcan when she said, ‘Before the eighties? Like, Charlie Chaplin time? My parents love him.’
‘Charlie Chaplin was forty years earlier,’ I said, wondering if I should go to the Ladies’ to turn my t-shirt inside out. But then, people might stop me to point it out. ‘It was the sixties.’
‘Forty years!’ she asked, incredulous. ‘I didn’t think they had TV then.’
‘No, I meant -’ I stopped, realizing the Jedi wasn’t the dimmest visitor after all.
‘So what was it about?’ she asked.
You know what followed.
I finally joined Kristian.
‘So, will you be High Chaparral’s rep again next year?’ he asked.
‘No,’ I said, ‘I’m coming as a Web Developer.’

By Susan McCray

Private first class Robert F. Hoy loved the Marine Corps and all it stood for- he was the quintessential proud Marine. When i interviewed Bob, I asked him to share what being a Marine meant to him?

Bob replied, “To me, it means country, courage, honor, commitment – that’s what the Marines are based on – once a Marine, always a Marine. The Marines say there’s a right way, a wrong way, and the Marine Corps way .. And the Marine Corps way is right. They give those kids direction and roots”

Kiva, I would like to present this certificate to you as a special tribute to Bob, from Kent and I – for his courage, his honor, and his commitment to everything he did in life.

Susan McCray with husband Kent presents a certificate to Kiva Hoy in memory of her husband, Bob Hoy.

Commemorative Brick Program

Bob Hoy’s name is engraved on a brick lining the winding pathways to the rally points in Semper Fidelis Memorial Park.  The rally points will be places to reflect upon the sacrifices past and present Marines make to protect our Nation. The Park overlooks the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA.

The memorial bricks affirm for posterity Esprit de Corps with the men and women who risked their lives for the freedom we value. The National Museum of the Marine Corps preserve Corps history and heritage, and forever attests to the honor, courage, and commitment that embody America´s “first to fight.”

Speech by Penny McQueen

Listen to the audio version of the Sponsor’s dinner presentation

Good evening and welcome to The High Chaparral Reunion Sponsor’s Dinner!

Those gorgeous balloons were designed and provided by our own Susan McCray – so to Susan, thank you for providing the perfect crowing touch and for making tonight special for all of us. Kent – you may be Big Daddy, but when it comes to parties, Susan is Head Honcho.

Fans of High Chaparral know that John Cannon had a dream when he went to Arizona – that all kinds of different people could learn to live together in peace, despite their differences and no matter where they came from. I think because of that idea, fans of High Chaparral are special and represent a fulfillment of that ideal. This weekend we have different people, from all over the world, who speak different languages and come from different cultures, gathered here to celebrate The High Chaparral.

This is the Sponsor’s dinner and tonight you are sitting with the Reunion Sponsors – and of all the extremely special High Chaparral fans, this group stands out. To our sponsors – thank you for being so joyfully open with your hearts and (something that is close to MY heart) warmly open with your checkbooks. Many of our Sponsors are here, but there are so many who sponsor who can’t attend the Reunion. They send money anyway.

I want to be sure that all the Chaparral cast and crew understands something I think is important: All these Sponsors – the ones sitting here tonight and the ones who are at home anxiously waiting for Facebook photos and stories to be posted– give so generously. They give because they love the show, they love what you created, and they love you. They give because they wanted to bring The High Chaparral home to Tucson.

To all our sponsors– thank you. Without you there simply would not be a Reunion.

Now – to our well-loved Guests of Honor –thank you for coming home to the ranch, and for spending your weekend here with us.

40 some years ago we all sat far too close to the television on Sunday nights to watch you. We thought you were the bravest, most handsome and hottest cowboys we’d ever seen. We thought you were amazing and fascinating. And we still do.

The High Chaparral is a cultural icon – not only here in the U.S. but all over the world.

I want to tell you about a tiny little community in Malaysia of about 300 people. It’s a traditional Malay Indian village, they raise some cows and basically live off the land which is quite beautiful. The families who live there were deeded their land about 150 years ago, but in 2007 the title was taken in a property scam by some large developers. This almost certainly illegal land grab threatened the 65 or so Malay families, and ignited protests as the villagers fought in court and refused to leave their home. There are well over 100,000 internet pages when you do a Google search about their fight.

Do you know what that little Malaysian village of 300 people nicknamed their village? And what is mentioned in those 100,000 internet pages? The High Chaparral. They named it The High Chaparral. They chose it because they raise cattle, they know the show and love it.

You created a cultural icon that people the world over love and remember.

Your loving fans believe you deserve an award for your work and talent, and so tonight we’re giving you one. It doesn’t have an academy, university or studio behind it, but it has the love and respect of your fans.

Please accept this award in recognition of your accomplishments, talent, creativity and artistry. Thank you for your work and for making the finest television western ever created.

Now if you turn your attention to your table, you see there are small cowboy boot trophies. Notice that although this is a boot and golden, I didn’t call it a golden boot. That’s because the very last golden boot award was presented to Bob Hoy in his hospital room shortly before he left us. It was the last Golden Boot that will ever be presented.

Few people know the great debt The High Chaparral Reunion owes Bobby Hoy. Back in 2003 a small group of around 12 fans decided it would be fun to meet up in Tucson. One of them mentioned it to Bob, and it was Bobby who said if they met in Los Angeles at the Sportsmen’s Lodge he could get other cast members and production crew to attend. And then he got on the phone and started calling, getting addresses for invitations, and told folks they needed to come.

I knew Bobby, and I can imagine very few people turned him down when he called.

It’s been 8 years since that first Reunion – they had 12 fans and 8 celebrity guest and a few others…no one kept records because it was all so unexpected, exciting and surprising. This year is our 5th Reunion, and tomorrow at the Ranch there will be hundreds of people. TV cameras, newspapers, magazine reporters. The Reunion is now a non-profit corporation because it’s grown so much. All because Bobby thought he could probably get a few people to come to lunch.

Over the years Bob continued to be a very active advocate for the Reunion and for High Chaparral fans in general. I think it’s fair to say these Reunions as they exist today would look much different if Bob hadn’t been involved.

So in addition to thanking our wonderful sponsors, and all of our handsome, dashing and brave cast and crew, The High Chaparral Reunion is very proud to thank Bobby Hoy.

Photo Album

THANK YOU to all the generous folks who’ve shared their photos from the Reunion! Thanks to you everyone can share in the great times and memories!

Send along your pictures to share by emailing us and we’ll include them in the Gallery. Do you have a special memory or story to share? We want to hear it too and will feature it in an upcoming newsletter, so contact us at info@highchaparralnewsletter.com.

See the Reunion Gallery of fan photos online to share in the fun.

And remember we’re on Facebook, so join the conversation there for lots more photos, memories and to meet other fans.

Reunion Memories 2011

On Vacation Together

By Michele Simmons

It’s so difficult to try and find an absolute favorite memory. We have not had that much fun for 3 solid days in a long, long time. My husband would occasionally watch High Chaparral when it was on in syndication years ago, but after the reunion, he’s wanted to watch 2-3 episodes of HC every night. He is hooked and we both can’t wait for the next Reunion.

We both agree that everything Don Collier said kept us laughing at all times. We never knew what he would say next and it was always funny though we feel he was not trying to be “funny”. Most of the things we’re still laughing about would probably not be printable. Don is now Gary’s hero!

I had the chance to get to know new friends. Some I’m still in contact with since returning home. Others I wish I had thought to get their email addresses to send them pictures I took of them. Making new friends has been a lot of fun for me and keeps the fun of the Reunion going on forever. It was wonderful to finally meet you face to face, as over the last year I feel we became friends through email.

Probably the most memorable, and definitely one of the favorite memories of mine, was the Sponsor’s Dinner tribute to Bob Hoy. It was so moving, so wonderfully well done. I tear up even now remembering Kent’s words as he choked up and asked everyone to stand and applaud Bob Hoy. It was such a beautiful part of the weekend.

Thank you also for your beautiful and moving speech at the Sponsor’s Dinner. Speaking for all of us, and letting the actors know how much we have enjoyed their work, how we thought they were “hot then” and still think they’re “hot now”, really resonated with me. You spoke so eloquently for us all. Thank you. The words you chose perfectly conveyed what we all feel.

Everything was perfect; from the Lodge on the Desert accommodations and staff, the mariachi band, the cocktail reception Friday night to the beautiful way the tables were decorated. I can’t neglect praising the outstanding, delicious food all weekend. I’m so glad I “stumbled” upon the HC web site and the 2011 Reunion information back in January. I would not have missed this for the world.

Gary is hooked on Arbuckle’s coffee. I’ve already placed 2 large orders for his coffee supply and for some Christmas gifts! I even ordered some of their delicious vanilla decaf tea which I sampled at the Lodge restaurant. We enjoyed getting to know Pat, Denny and Joshua Willis who sat at our table at the Sponsor’s dinner. They are such a nice family. We love doing business with companies from the USA!

How could I forget to include another very favorite memory from the Reunion….that was having the chance to watch HC episodes with the cast and crew that made the magic happen. Friday morning while we watched High Chaparral episode, “Mark of the Turtle”, Don told a great story about a joke played on him while filming that episode. Saturday night we all watched the High Chaparral episode, “Ride The Savage Land”. The next day I had to ask Henry how they filmed the part where Manolito was hanging upside down on a cross. The close up scenes didn’t seem like it was a stunt double but it looked like it was actually Henry. I had wondered if they just filmed him right side up and turned the film around in the editing room. Henry’s reply was classic, “NO! They hung me upside down! The blood kept rushing to my head and Cam was purposely taking forever to do his part to keep me hanging there longer! It was terrible!”

What a fun experience to watch High Chaparral episodes with the actors, production members and crew and then hear about the details. That was one of the best parts of this weekend Reunion. The approachability and availability of the actors and others involved in the High Chaparral series. No pretense, no “entourage”, they weren’t brought in for a brief Q&A and then escorted out. They really seemed to appreciate the fans and enjoy hanging out with us the whole weekend. I recall reading something Rudy Ramos had said at another High Chaparral Reunion. He said, “It’s like we’re all on vacation together.” and that’s exactly how it felt.

Thanks to you and your fabulous crew of helpers for making this such a wonderful weekend filled with special memories

Autographs, Auction and Action

by Ginny Shook

I was sitting around drinking coffee out of my new Old Tucson Studios mug – new to me, and a new design from the Studio as well – thinking of all the excitement that happened just 2 short weeks ago. Seems like I only got home.

Sunday at the reunion started out kind of crazy for me. It was my last chance to get Don, Rudy and Henry to sign all the photos and T-shirts that had been auctioned off on Ebay. Penny and I had planned to take the three of them off somewhere before Sunday to sit down and get this done, but getting them all in one place at the same time, doing the same thing is kind of like herding cats, as the saying goes. It just didn’t seem right to take them away from the fans they were having so much fun with. So it was up to me to corral them individually and get the needed signatures. Its not so simple as it sounds. Think they just sign something without thinking? They wanted to know something about each person they were signing for, so they could make it personal.

And besides the Ebay winners there were special folks at the Lodge on the Desert we just had to give something to. The banquet captain, Carlos, who took such great care of everything got a cast photo signed by all three guys and he was so thrilled he kissed me! One of our severs accompanied me back to our meeting room so she could get autographs as well, which the guys were happy to do. And we also gave a signed cast photo to the resort’s chef (well, to his parents actually, as they were big fans). The chef stopped by personally for the Saturday night dinner to make sure everything was just right. He is an award-winner for his chef skills and the food certainly reflected that.

Once I had all my promises taken care of I could relax. Sunday was the day that was all about the fans who had become, in just a few days, part of the Chaparral family. Time for the last photos to be taken, to get the auction winnings signed, and build a few last memories.

Speaking of the auction, I really think its the highlight of the reunion, after the day at Old Tucson. Those who won were like kids at Christmas, giddy and smiling and practically jumping up and down. I think everyone got at least one thing they bid on, there were so many wonderful items. Three tables chock full of High Chaparral goodness. However will that be topped for the next reunion? Nieves, who came with her sister all the way from Ireland, made a big impression on me with how thrilled she was to get a stack of precious old newsletters from the Mark Slade Fan Club. “I’d Rather Be Watching High Chaparral” license-plate holder was another big hit. Don’s CDs of the radio drama West of the Story was particularly popular, especially since his co-star, Billy Joe Patton, was Don’s guest at Old Tucson and was a big hit in his great cowboy duds. Don was sending more than a few fans my way who didn’t win to get their own copies of the CDs.

After the auction hoopla, Don and Rudy sat themselves down at two of the big round tables in our meeting room. Perfect for pulling up a chair next to them for a chat. And in some cases (no names mentioned) actually forgoing the extra chair and sitting right on a famous knee! They listened, they shared, as if they had all the time in the world. Don had a stack of 8x10s of his handsome face to sign and give to his new pals. Rudy had five or six different photos that he was signing and giving away for anyone who wanted one. And of course everyone had to have their photo taken one last time with them both. It was a perfect end to a perfect weekend.

But it wasn’t really the end. I had to hit the road – I-10 to be exact, for my six hour drive back to the Palm Springs, CA area. But there were some fun activities for those whose flights didn’t leave until Monday. Like a tour of Tucson. A concert. And lots more visiting. But someone else will have to fill you on that.

By the way, Plinio has a great little video that he took inside the San Xavier Mission, one of the most beautiful churches I’ve ever seen. The front of the mission was used as the home of the Montoya family. And Carlos just posted many wonderful photos of the inside of the church as well. Its better than postcards! Yes, its on Facebook.  I also just watched a video from Plinio of Kent telling Gabriela and Fidel a funny story of the doctor who took care of the cast and crew on the set at Old Tucson, with Gabriela translating into Spanish as he tells it.