From Roger Smith #1

IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE 111TH BIRTHDAY OF MR. CLYDE BEATTY JUNE 10, 1903 This letter of February 21st, 1964, written from his home in Ventura, brought the thrill of a lifetime to this young hopeful. I had sent two registered letters to him after seeing a brief notice in the December 23, 1963, Amusement Business magazine, that he wanted to find a replacement. A first phone call, on March 8th, was forestalled when I was in surgery from my first attack by a lion. I joined him at Lighthouse Field, in Philadelphia, two months later. His cancer had begun, but was not diagnosed until late summer. His first cancer surgery proved treatment by then was too late. Our time together was cruelly brief. Just last month, I revisited his mausoleum at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. For the incom- parable memories, and the quickly-learned wealth of experience, only my years at Jungleland compare with this golden time with Clyde Beatty.   Thank you, Boss. Rest in Peace.