I've been to the 1880 town in Murdo, SD. Clarence Hullinger is the man who owns the place. I'm not sure if I spelt the last name right, but he is a nice man. I believe he is prolly about 90 something by now. Casey was a colorful man. He was either your friend or your enemy, really no inbetween. he loved pranks and would pull them on ANYONE. Born to Buck was a good film, and the other one is entitled "The Young Rounders"...and to be honest i've never seen this one, but seen movie posters of it and it sounds like it would be real interesting. It had Slim Pickens in it. Both of them movies were filmed near the original homestead northwest of Pierre, SD. To bad ole Cancer had to strike!! Casey could still be pulling pranks! Here is an interesting poem about Casey that Blaine Norvold wrote. Blaine Norvold is a great guy...writes some great poems...and was Casey's friend!
A TRIBUTE TO CASEY TIBBS
- for the Tibbs family by Blaine Norvold (written January 30th, 1990)
The coyotes are howling mournfully,
Across the Dakota plains today,
For they have sensed their companion
Casey Tibbs has passed away.
As wild and cunning as the coyote,
As free and spirited as the horse,
He played life's game to the fullest
And left it with little remorse.
He rode many an outlaw bronc,
Knowing anyone could be his fate.
But when they brought in Old Cancer,
His nod would be the last at the gate.
Loved by the people world over,
Idolized a lot by more,
Took time to talk to people of all races,
Creed, color, the rich, or poor.
Yes, it was cowboy legends like Casey,
A cowboy who paved the way,
That encouraged the younger cowboys,
And made rodeo what it is today.
You entered a lot of cowboys Lord,
And you'll enter a whole lot more,
But the one you entered today is special,
His fees are paid I'm sure.
Tell the boys to pull 'em down,
And pull 'em down real tight,
Cause they got some competition,
Casey Tibbs is entered tonight.
When you crack the gate for Casty,
You better open it wide,
for Tibbs has entered in heaven,
And he came here to ride.
Yes, the coyotes are howling wildly,
On Mission Ridge they say,
For World Champion Cowboy Casey Tibbs,
Was layed to rest today.
-Blaine Norvold
Kinda sends shivers down my spine just to read that. I can remember when Blaine read that at Casey's funeral. Neat poem!