If you are over 40 and grew up in the greater Boston area, you probably know the rest of the words to this song, and you definitely know exactly what Boomtown is. It was a locally produced kids television show in the 50s and 60s, hosted by a real cowboy named Rex Trailer who became an icon in New England. Everyone has nostalgic memories of Boomtown tucked safely away. And if you were lucky, you actually might have gone on Boomtown.
Neither TH or I ever got to go on Boomtown. Or Bozo, or Major Mudd, or Romper Room, or any of the other great shows created for us Baby Boomers in the early decades of television. But even more than wanting to go on Boomtown, I always wanted to go on the school vacation trips to Sunny California that were heavily promoted by sponsor Crimson Travel. But I had as much chance of going to Disneyland and KnottsBerry Farm with Rex, as I had of blasting off to the moon with Major Mudd. Didn't happen.
I did, however, host a backyard carnival to raise money for MDA with a kit I received from Rex in the mail. He was an Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and in later years we had the opportunity to meet Rex at several MDA events where we introduced him to our sons...but they weren't the least bit impressed. How could you not love a tall, handsome, singing cowboy who could twirl a mean lasso?!
So imagine our surprise when we heard that Rex Trailer was going to appear at our local library on a recent Monday evening.
Rex Trailer?
Really?
Right here in South Boston?
The funny thing is that, everyone we shared the news with asked the same question: "Is he still alive?"
Turns out that Rex is very much alive and kicking at the age of 83. Apparently, this is the 55th anniversary year since the inception of Boomtown. Five years ago, a producer named Michael Bavaro (in conjunction with Rex) created a documentary film with nostalgic footage to commemorate Boomtown's 50th birthday. And now, 5 years later, Rex is on a tour through New England screening the video. TH and I rushed right over and grabbed front row seats to spend an evening with this legend from our past.
It's interesting how an adult perspective differs so greatly than that seen through the eyes of a child. (I am always amazed when I ride by my seemingly mammoth childhood sledding hills and realize they were nothing more than slight inclines.) The child in us yearns for everything to remain exactly as we remember, and it's a shock and disappointment to discover that everything changes and ages along with us.
Such was the experience on this particular evening when Rex finally walked in. Oh he still wore a cowboy hat and bolo tie, but gone was the tall, handsome hero with the booming baritone. In his place stood a wizened old man with a weak little voice, who struggled to keep his dentures suctioned in when he spoke.
But it was still the same Rex we all knew and loved. When he walked in, he said, "Howdy, Boys and Girls" and you can bet that we all shouted out, "Howdy, Rex!"
The documentary was great and brought back a rush of wonderful memories. The video also featured many celebrities, such as Jay Leno and Tom Bergeron, who grew up with Boomtown and shared their fond remembrances.
When the film ended, Rex shared some stories of his own and answered questions. His body might now be a shadow of its former self, but there is nothing wrong with Rex's mind...he's still sharp as a dagger.
Nothing wrong with his penmanship, either. Here's our autographed copy of the DVD, featuring a much younger Rex Trailer on the cover:
This turned out to be among our favorite dates. Did I mention how much we love and use the library? You never know what you'll find there!
"So dosy-do and swing around, grab your gal and promenade down to Boom,.........BOOM,...............BOOMTOWN!"
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