The Cowboy Codes

This special area of this web site is dedicated to the youngsters of the 50's and early 60's who, with their parents and the Western heros that are the subject of this book, grew up with.  The Westerns of the 50's and early 60's contrary to popular belief, were not all about violence and gun play, but in fact, gave our children good role models and taught them right from wrong and the proper way to behave.  This is reflected in the following codes of these characters.

Hopalong Cassidy's 
Creed for American Boys and Girls

1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty.  Be mindful at all times.

2. Your parents are the best friends you have.  Listen to them and obey their instructions.

3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others.  Show good manners in every way.

4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed.  Don't be lazy.

5. Your good deeds always come to light.  So don't boast or be a show off.

6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow.  Practice thrift in all ways.

7. Many animals are good and loyal companions.  Be friendly and kind to them.

8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift.  Be neat and clean.

9. Our country's laws are made for your protection.  Observe them carefully.

10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you.  Be glad and proud you are an American

The Lone Ranger Creed

       I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.  That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world.  That God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself.  In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right.  That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.  That "this government, of the people, by the people, and for the people," shall live always.  That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.  That sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken.  That all things change, but the truth, and the truth alone lives on forever.  I believe in my Creator, my country, my fellow man.

The Lone Ranger            

Texas Rangers "Deputy Ranger" Oath

• Be Alert
• Be Obedient
• Defend the Weak
• Never Desert a Friend
• Never Take Unfair Advantage
• Be Neat
• Be Truthful
• Uphold Justice
• Live Cleanly
• Have Faith in God

ROY ROGERS PRAYER

Lord, I reckon I'm not much just by myself,
I fail to do a lot of things I ought to do.
But Lord, when trails are steep and passes high,
Help me ride it straight the whole way through.

And when in the falling dusk I get that final call,
I do not care how many flowers they send,
Above all else, the happiest trail would be
For YOU to say to me, "Let's ride, My Friend"
AMEN

                   

GENE AUTRY'S COWBOY CODE OF HONOR

1. A cowboy never takes unfair advantage - even of an enemy.

2. A cowboy never betrays a trust.  He never goes back on his word.

3. A cowboy always tells the truth.

4. A cowboy is kind and gentle to small children, old folks, and animals.

5. A cowboy is free from racial and religious intolerances.

6. A cowboy is always helpful when someone is in trouble.

7. A cowboy is always a good worker.

8. A cowboy respects womanhood, his parents and his nation's laws.

9. A cowboy is clean about his person in thought, word, and deed.

10. A cowboy is a Patriot.
    

WILD BILL HICKOK
 DEPUTY MARSHAL'S  CODE OF CONDUCT

1.  I will be brave, but never careless.
2.  I will obey my parents. They DO know best.
3.  I will be neat and clean at all times.
4.  I will be polite and courteous.
5.  I will protect the weak and help them.
6.  I will study hard.
7.  I will be kind to animals and care for them.
8.  I will respect my flag and my country.
9.  I will attend my place of worship regularly.

RAWHIDE'S TRAIL BOSS
WHAT IT MEANS TO WORK HARD AND BE IN CHARGE 

THE "TRAIL BOSS" IS THE MAN IN CHARGE.  THE MAN WHO RIDES HERD
ON THE HANDS AS WELL AS THE CATTLE.   THE LEADER.  THE MAN WHOM
EXPERIENCE HAS TAUGHT.  THE MAN WHO HAD LEARNED FROM ANOTHER TRAIL BOSS.  THE MAN WHO SETS THE PACE.  THE MAN WHO GIVES THE ORDERS - AND MUST BE OBEYED.     THE MAN WHO HAS FULL  RESPONSIBILITY  FOR THE SAFE CONDUCT OF THE HERD ALL THE WAY.  THE MAN WHO KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYONE'S JOB.  THE MAN WHO LEADS FROM START TO FINISH.

THE DAISY MANUFACTURING COMPANY
"AMERICAN BOYS BILL OF RIGHTS"  
                 

We, the boys of America, believe in these our Rights:

The Right to Liberty, hard won by our Forefathers.

The Right to Happiness that comes with the growth of a Healthy Body & Mind.

The Right to Training, thoughtfully planned by Parents, School, Church.

The Right to Opportunity, to live, learn, play and grow up in the time
Honored traditions of a Free People.               

The Right to learn to shoot safely.

We recognize and accept the Responsibility imposed by those Rights.

Until we are old enough to Vote, we expect YOU, our Fathers, Mothers, and
other citizens who elect America's city, county, state and federal officers.

To be Eternally vigilant, that our rights be not Abridged.

(With special thanks to the Daisy Manufacturing Company - one of America's
leaders in wonderful rifles, BB guns, toy guns and safe toys for boys....ASK
DAD, HE HAD A "DAISY"......)

Well, my friends, are you convinced that these wonderful cowboy stars and western heroes were our role models ?  our friends ?  partners with Mom and Dad in helping shape the characters and young minds to grow up to be good citizens ?  You bet!    Where are our role models today ?  Sadly, our role models have ridden off into the Sunset and the young people
of today reflect that huge loss and void.

Not convinced ?  Well, the so-called "child psychologists"  even thought Paladin, the "cultured gunfighter" was too violent. But if I can quote a line from Paladin, it will confirm that he was never in a hurry to draw his gun or shoot anyone when cooler heads prevailed:

I told a friend...I wear this gun for SURVIVAL......
As bad as you need killing, I'd prefer to live by that conviction.....

All these wonderful cowboy heroes, characters, Codes of Conduct and the real story of what the "wild west" and our cowboy heroes of the 1950's and 1960's was all about, are all found in my book.   A book that will make you want to go back and relive the good old days of our youth.  A book that you will want to share with your kids and grandkids.  May you always live by the Cowboy Codes......
                       
With my personal and eternal gratitude to the heroes of my childhood - Hoppy, The Lone Ranger, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Wild Bill Hickok, Paladin, they helped shape me into what I am today.
                                       
Rudy A. D'Angelo
The Author