The Old Cowboy's Memoir: Reflections on the Old West

At the age of thirteen, a spirited beanpole of a boy named Dayton Hyde ran away from his home in Michigan to his uncle's ranch, Yamsi, located in eastern Oregon. This event occurred in the 1930s, a time when Yamsi was one of the last great cattle ranches of the West. The boy, nicknamed "Hawk," soon found himself riding a horse and immersing himself in the ranch life, earning the respect of the cowboys.

Dayton Hyde's natural talent as a bronco buster eventually led him to become a rodeo rider, bull fighter, clown, and photographer, working alongside notable figures such as Slim Pickens, Rex Allen, and Mel Lambert, all of whom went on to have successful careers in Hollywood. During this time, he also sold his photographs to Life magazine.

After the Second World War, Dayton Hyde took over the reins at Yamsi, ensuring its survival during a period of changing times. Now, half a century later, he presents his valedictory ode to that last great period of the Old West. His narrative is filled with humor, rollicking stories, and a deep love for the land, paying homage to the cowboys, Indians, and the great horses that made the West the legend it is today.

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