Tumbleweed Topics

In 1939, the Sons of the Pioneers began a one-page mimeographed weekly fan publication called "The Prairie Prattler" which they renamed "Tumbleweed Topics", a name chosen by one of their fans. The paper quickly expanded to an 8-page magazine. Each of the Pioneers - plus Roy Rogers - had his own column and fans could keep track of the activities of the popular group. The fanzine was humorously and simply written, appealing to younger fans as well as the adults. Some of it was pure invention but Hugh Farr's column was informative, detailing schedules and describing the actual movie-making part of their lives. Free photographs were offered and their songbooks were advertised.

Their intention was to publish monthly but it was impossible to keep to that schedule due to their own full slate of performances on stage, radio and film. Number 16 may be the last issue of "Tumbleweed Topics". In 1943, the Pioneers through their fans, "The Pioneer Pals-Stetson Gals", led by Martha Retsch and Virginia Gallick, began a one-page typewritten fan publication, reverting to the original name of "Prairie Prattler". Martha and Virginia continued this publication until 1946.

Calin Coburn and John Fullerton (with the help of Josh Heston) have scanned their own personal copies of "Tumbleweed Topics" and we have also created print versions for your records.

Click on the picture of the issue you'd like to read. The print version buttons are at the bottom of the page.

Tumbleweed Topics Vol. 1, No. 6, August, 1939