Gene Autry Visits The Orpheum Theater

In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, Hollywood western action heroes such as Roy Rogers, Rex Allen, Tex Ritter, and Gene Autry made personal appearances before their young fans at small town movie theaters across the U.S.  This was true at the Orpheum Theatre in Aberdeen on Saturday mornings.   The picture with Gene Autry and Mike Guttmann was taken sometime between 1947 and 1953.  Thanks to Paul Guttmann Solomon, we get to recall this interesting story.  Paul remembers that local dairies sponsored these visits and children were encouraged to collect as many milk carton tops as possible.   He also recalls that one of these stars rode his famous horse across the stage of the Orpheum Theater!  Could that be Trigger or Champion?
 
Paul welcomes hearing from classmates who also recall those Saturday mornings.  What years did those appearances take place, which stars do you recall seeing, and what other memories about these cowboy stars can you share?  

Please share your memories by posting below: