Michael Landon Rides
in the Fur Rondy Parade

by Mary Jane Dougherty
(California)

The NBC western TV series Bonanza was on television from 1959 to 1973.

Michael Landon, who played “Little Joe Cartwright” on Bonanza, was quite the heart throb of America.

Landon was in the Anchorage's 1965 Fur Rendezvous Parade. The town was all a-buzz, having a real TV star in our parade. My family and I watched Bonanza every week. I didn't know what to expect, especially with a celebrity in my hometown.

That morning on the day of the parade, my mother Feodoria and stepfather Bob prepared a hearty breakfast for me and my older sister Betty and my two older brothers, Sammy and Norman. February can be darn right freezing in the mornings. We made sure we bundled up and had our camera. I was star struck about seeing Michael Landon and, like most teens in 7th grade, I didn't know how to act around a celebrity.

We planned to meet our classmates and neighborhood friends on 4th Avenue toward the old Hewitt's Drug Store. I was getting more excited as we met with our friends. We found a great spot to stand that was perfect for viewing the parade and seeing Michael Landon.

Just then the crowd toward the post office begin to cheer. We could hear the band. The parade started, and then we saw Michael “Little Joe” Landon riding on a tall horse. He was very attractive and then all of a sudden, his horse reared up and trotted toward me and my family and friends. Loud applause and cheers broke out, and we were all yelling, “Little Joe, Little Joe”! There he was, wearing a fur jacket and one of the biggest smiles I had ever seen.

Enjoy this film of

Michael Landon

in the Rondy Parade

there is no sound

Michael Landon got his horse under control and trotted away. But we kept cheering. I turned to my sister Betty, and I'm sure my eyes were as big as saucers, like everyone else. I was stunned and pleased that his horse had trotted over, bringing Michael right in front of us. Over the years my family reminisced about that parade. My family and I felt very privileged to have been a part of our 1965 Fur Rondy Parade that hosted a major TV star and to have been a part of history.

Monday at Central High School I told my friend about seeing Michael Landon up close at the parade. She thought that was really neat. The very next day at lunch, my friend surprised me with a photo of Michael Landon at a meet and greet she attended. In the photo, Michael Landon was wearing his “Little Joe Cartwright” wardrobe. I thanked her with a hug and told her that her kindness was very much appreciated.

I carried that picture in my wallet for months until I decided it would be safer to keep it in my photo album. It was a photo I treasure. Part of Fur Rondy Parade history.

BONUS

Did you ever march in the Fur Rondy Parade? Did you ever wonder what it was like?

Take a look at Marching in the Fur Rondy Parade and enjoy.

Yours Free

Memories, Pioneers, and Alaska History

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