Archives On The Air 194: Merchandising Hopalong Cassidy—William Boyd Papers

By Wyoming Public Media

Published June 11, 2020 at 7:53 PM MDT

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William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy alongside one of his many child fans, ca. 1950. Box 160, William Boyd papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

American Heritage Center

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William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy alongside one of his many child fans, ca. 1950. Box 160, William Boyd papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

American Heritage Center

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William Boyd on set for Hopalong Cassidy film, ca. 1950. Box 171, William Boyd papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

American Heritage Center

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William Boyd on parade in Wichita, Kansas, ca. 1950. Note the ad on the building to his left for Hyde Park milk: "Hoppy's favorite." Box 115, William Boyd papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

American Heritage Center

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American Heritage Center

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William Boyd displaying another favorite, Anderson Ice Cream, for fans. Box 115, William Boyd papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

American Heritage Center

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William Boyd displaying another favorite, Anderson Ice Cream, for fans. Box 115, William Boyd papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

American Heritage Center

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William Boyd on set for Hopalong Cassidy film, ca. 1950. Box 171, William Boyd papers, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

American Heritage Center

Actor William Boyd portrayed the clean-living cowboy hero Hopalong Cassidy from 1935 to the 1950s in film and television.

Boyd also made a fortune by merchandising Hopalong Cassidy products to legions of children.

By 1950 the Hopalong Cassidy industry was valued in the tens of millions.

Hoppy's TV royalties were secondary to his merchandising value.

There were 2,500 Hopalong Cassidy products, including bread, milk, soap, peanut butter, a candy bar, and even tuna fish.

Hoppy also had official bathrobes, bedroom sets, board games, bicycles, wallpaper, and roller skates with spurs.

See William Boyd's collection of Hopalong Cassidy merchandise at UW's American Heritage Center.