OHS Masthead
March 27, 2012

Haskell B. Boggs: (April 17, 1908 - May 30, 2003)

Upcoming Exhibit:  Oklahoma @ the Movies

Oklahoma History Center

Oklahoma City, OK

by JA Pryse, Digital Archivist
 

The Oklahoma Historical Society's research for the upcoming exhibit titled, 'Oklahoma @ the Movies' has revealed one of the most fascinating Oklahomans that transformed the world of cinematography and was always one step ahead of his time. Born in Jones, Oklahoma, on April 17, 1908, Haskell B. Boggs (also known as "Bus" or "Buzz") seemingly grew into young adulthood with predestined success. Not only was 'Bus' Boggs a star player on the local football team but also was noted as "the best track man in the city." While in high school, he built his own camera out of scraps. Shortly after leaving Oklahoma, Boggs attended the University of California for a year but returned to Oklahoma to work with the legendary film pioneer Arthur Ramsey at Ramsey Pictures.Haskell Boggs 

 

Just out of high school Boggs invented the automatic view finder which resulted in a 'minor revolution in moving picture-making which eliminated the need for more than one person to operate a camera.'  Today, most cameras are built with the automatic view finder as a standard feature.

 

At 24 years, 'Bus' Boggs was invited to join one of the most "exclusive professional organizations in the country - the American Association of Cinematographers."  With his invitation was a contract to become the assistant cameraman at Paramount Pictures in Hollywood, California. 1  At the age of 30 years, Boggs invented a "microphone housed in the camera that enabled the cameraman to instruct stand-ins and electricians while focusing for a setup without removing his eye from the lens." 2  Always working towards the future and always mindful with his work, Boggs continued to implement new ideas and invent devices that benefited the motion picture industry.

 

During the course of his career Boggs hobnobbed with stars such as Jerry Lewis, Haskell Boggs and Doris DayDean Martin, Bob Hope, and Doris Day becoming an integral part in their on-screen presentations.  Boggs was known for always insisting to work on his own equipment and supported his fellow staff in working on equipment for others on the set.  More than once research staff has pointed out articles they have discovered about Boggs taking his suit off and assisting with the building of sets as if it was general practice.

 

'Bus' Boggs led a life of excitement, innovation, charisma and drive to be the best man he could be.  A small town boy from Jones Oklahoma, Boggs made a name for himself and a name for his hometown.  Television series such as "Bonanza" and "Little House on the Prairie" are some of his accomplishments, not to mention motion pictures such as "The Teacher's Pet."  Among Boggs' achievements are five Emmy nominations and multiple accolades for his cinematography.

 

1"City Youth Gets Hollywood Post." June 23, 1934.

2"Photographic Innovations Improving Print Quality: Setup and Shooting Time Saved Studios." January 4, 1939.

Annual Meeting Banner 2012 

OHS Annual Meeting offers eleven

interesting presentation sessions

April 18-20, 2012

Miami, OK

 

In addition to two special evening activities and two luncheons, the OHS Annual Meeting this year will feature eleven program sessions, all at the Coleman Theatre in Miami. All of the presentation sessions relate to the theme of the Annual Meeting, "Crossroads of Creativity: Oklahoma's Impact on Popular Culture."

 

The Plenary Session will feature presentations by former Governor George Nigh and by acclaimed Hollywood film editor Carol Littleton. A Miami native, Littleton has edited numerous blockbuster movies, including E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, The Big Chill, and Body Heat.

 

Other presenters include Mason Williams and the musicians who will perform in the Okie Folkie Coffeehouse Concert, Hugh Foley, Bill Moore, Michael Hightower, John Wooley, Debby Williams, Carole Klein, Minisa Crumbo Halsey, Kathy Dickson, Erin Brown, Bobby Weaver, Joe Specht, Cindy Wallis, Gwen Walker, Traci Walker, Jana Jae, Tanya Finchum, Juliana Nykolaiszyn, Bruce Guthrie, Kerry Kudlacek, Brian Hearn, Teresa Miller, and Jennifer Day.

 

A special session will be held following the Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday at 2:30 pm at the Coleman Theatre. Titled The Tulsa Drummers, the session will feature four drummers who have made historic contributions to Rock music. They will share stories and demonstrate drumming styles. The drummers will be Chuck Blackwell, who played with The Everly Brothers, Taj Mahal, Joe Cocker, and Leon Russell; Jimmy Karstein, J. J. Cale's drummer for 35 years who also played with other notable artists; David Teegarden, who was the drummer for many albums by Bob Seger and his Silver Bullet Band; and Jamie Oldacker, the drummer on many Eric Clapton albums.

 

For Annual Meeting information, please visit the OHS website or contact Paul Lambert at (405)522-5217 or [email protected].

Volunteer Open House

March 31st, 1pm-4pm

Oklahoma History Center

Oklahoma City, OK

 

The Oklahoma History Center is hosting a volunteer open house on Saturday, March 31st, from 1pm-4pm. Anyone interested in volunteering at the OHC is encouraged to come and learn about the various volunteer opportunities, visit with current volunteers and staff. We'll offer a free, guided tour at 2:30pm. The event is come and go. Registration is required. Contact Robbin Davis at [email protected] or (405)522-0754 to register and for questions.

Granny's Apron Day

April 15th, 2pm

Cherokee Strip Museum

Perry, OK

 

Tie on your favorite apron and join the fun at the Cherokee Strip Museum, April 15, at 2pm. Granny's Apron Day will feature guest speaker Crystal Layton. Granny's apron was to protect her dress, but it was used for much more. Granny's apron was used to dry tears, carry garden vegetables, wipe dirty faces, shoo flies, and carry hot pots. Visit the museum to learn more about the apron.

 

Refreshments will be served. The Cherokee Strip Museum is located in Perry at 2617 West Fir. For more information please contact the museum at (580)336-2405.

Oklahoma History Center

DONATE NOW   Download, fill out the annual giving form, and mail it to:

 

Development Department

Oklahoma Historical Society

800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive

Oklahoma City, OK  73105


For a full listing of benefits, download the membership 
brochure
.

Membership Brochure 2010  

OHS EVENTS   

 

4/15  Granny's Apron Day, 2pm, (580)336-2405
 
4/28  Rural Heritage Festival, 10am, (580)336-2405
 
3/31  April Fool's Shoot, 8am, (580)237-1907 X227
3/31  Bake Day, 10am-5pm, (918)478-4088

4/27  Spring Encampment, 10am, (918)478-4088

3/30  Artifact Conservation Workshop, 9am-5pm, (918)456-2751

3/31  Carved in Stone: the Meaning of Gravestone Graphics, 1pm-3pm, FREE with admission, (405)522-0785

 

4/11  Family History Expo, 10am-5pm, (405)522-5224

 

4/26  The Homestead Act and Oklahoma's Land Runs, 7pm, (405)522-0785

 

4/28  Dutch Oven Cooking, 1pm-5pm, (405)522-0785

 

Pawnee Bill Home:

4/8  Annual Sunrise Service and Easter Breakfast Fundraiser, 6:45am, (918)762-2513









The Importance of History...
 
"A generation which ignores history has no past and no future."
 
Robert Heinlein
Oklahoma
 Historical Society 
800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK 
 73105
  

 Shelly Crynes, Editor

[email protected] 
(405)522-0317