Weston Wednesday: Elliott Roosevelt's Woolaroc visit

Editor's Note: In collaboration with the Bartlesville Area History Museum, the Examiner-Enterprise has revived the late Edgar Weston's 'Revisiting the Past' columns that ran in the newspaper from 1997-99. Weston's columns recount the history of Bartlesville as well as Washington, Nowata and Osage counties.

Elliott Roosevelt was the son of Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. He served in the United States Army Air Force, pioneered techniques in night photography, American aviation official and reached the rank of Brigadier General. And, his notoriety brought him access to Frank Phillips’ Ranch, Woolaroc.

It was nothing new for Frank to entertain friends and dignitaries at his country retreat. Invitations were extended to such notables as “Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, Ernie Pyle, Amon Carter, Cardinal Spellman, Jimmy Doolittle, Rudy Vallee, Sir Thomas Lipton, Edna Ferber, Perle Mesta, John Ringling, Will Rogers, Wiley Post, Pawnee Bill, Tom Mix and other major businessmen, politicians and bankers from Oklahoma to New York.” Many visitors who became friends of Jane had their photos taken, framed and hung on Jane’s bedroom wall. Those who “fell out of favor” were promptly removed.

Frank was a strong Republican, but he liked young Elliott, who was just twenty-five years old at the time, primarily because of his work to establish a United States South-American Air Race.

When Elliott arrived at the airport, he was warmly greeted by Frank, who took him out to the ranch for lunch and entertainment. Elliott was known as a “crack shot” and was anxious to exhibit his skills. On the way, Elliott mentioned that he’d enjoy stalking and shooting a buffalo. Frank said that could be arranged, and once at the lodge, he had Elliott pull on a pair of chaps and a cowboy hat. Unbeknownst to Elliott, Frank told Grif Graham, the ranch foreman, to load Elliott’s rifle with blanks, as a joke. After some target practice at Clyde Lake, Roosevelt followed Frank and some guests after the lunch, to a pasture where a small herd of buffalo were grazing.

Young Roosevelt was excited when Frank handed him a .30-30 rifle and told Grif Graham to have some of his boys drive the herd past so he could take a shot. The big shaggy beasts come rumbling by and Roosevelt shouldered the rifle and fired. A miss! Frank cleared his throat and Elliott wiped away the sweat from his face. The cowboys rounded up the herd and drove them in front of Roosevelt for a second try.

Frank said, “Another miss!” Knowing how frustrated and embarrassed Elliott was, without a word Frank took the rifle from Roosevelt and handed it to Grif, “Here,” said Frank, “see if you can do any better.” For the third time, the buffalo ran past. Grif took aim at a big bull – about a 1,600 pounder – running at a good clip at least 75 yards away. He squeezed the trigger and put a bullet behind the big beast’s ear. The buffalo dropped dead in his tracks, fell like a brick.

Frank later confessed to Elliott the joke and took Elliott hunting again – that time with real ammunition.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Weston Wednesday: Elliott Roosevelt's Woolaroc visit