Will Rogers Captivates Parkersburg Audience

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In the mid-1920s, the renowned American humorist Will Rogers made a visit to Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he captivated a sell-out audience at the local high school auditorium. A young reporter for the Parkersburg Morning News had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Rogers, engaging in a wide-ranging conversation that provided the comedian with insights into the town's history and attractions, which he then incorporated into his lecture that evening.

Why it matters

Rogers' visit to the small West Virginia town highlights the era when many famous entertainers and public figures would tour the country, bringing their talents to communities across America. The reporter's personal interaction with the legendary humorist provides a unique window into Rogers' affable personality and genuine interest in learning about the local culture and history of the places he visited.

The details

The reporter, one of a small team assigned by the Parkersburg Morning News to cover Rogers' appearance, had the chance to meet the comedian unexpectedly while he was having an early lunch at the hotel. Rather than conducting a formal interview, Rogers turned the tables and asked the young reporter numerous questions about Parkersburg, its politics, industry, and attractions. The reporter shared details about the city's history, including the story of Blennerhassett Island and its connection to the controversial figure Aaron Burr. Rogers then incorporated many of these anecdotes into his lecture that evening, captivating the audience with his storytelling skills.

• In the mid-1920s, Will Rogers visited Parkersburg, West Virginia.
• On the morning of Rogers' appearance, the reporter encountered him having an early lunch at the hotel.
• That evening, Rogers delivered a lecture at the local high school auditorium.

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