“Two Bills’ Show” (Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill)
6 foot X 16 inch photo from a 6 foot X 16 inch negative
From 1883 to 1908 William F. Cody’s “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West” show toured the world and entertained huge crowds. In 1908 Cody became a partner with Gordon W. Lillie, a showman known as “Pawnee Bill” whose wife was the “World’s Greatest Lady Horseback Shot.” They combined their shows with the official name of “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and Pawnee Bill’s Far East” show, although people simply called it the “Two Bills’ Show.”
In 1909, the grand review included cowboys, Native Americans, Mexicans, Mexican Vaqueros, Singhalese, Dahomeans, Madagascar oxen cavalry, scouts, guides, U.S. Cavalry members, Wild West women, Australian Aborigines, Arabians, Scottish, Japanese, and Russian Cossacks.
Wild West acts included pony express, rescue of the immigrant train, Buffalo Bill shooting from horseback, attack on the Deadwood stage, “Battle of Summit Springs,” marksmanship, train holdup, and cowboys versus Indians in “Football on Horseback.” The “Far Eastern” section offered “A Dream of the Orient” with a camel caravan by the base of the pyramids. Tourists, taken captive by a band of Bedouins, waited for friends to ransom them while the sheik ordered a celebration. “Rossi’s Musical Elephants” pounded out recognizable tunes followed by a parade of people from around the globe. “Australian Boomerang Throwers” demonstrated their amazing weapons and Singhalese danced to ward off evil spirits.The “Two Bills’ Show” was liquidated in July, 1913. The above photo is on display in Mill Inn lobby. Call and ask about our new packages and lodging options. We know you will enjoy your stay at the Mill Inn on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mill Inn ~ 2161 Coffeen Avenue ~ Sheridan, Wyoming 82801 ~ 307-672-6401 ~
