This postcard first caught my attention due to its technical issues and the appearance of it being outlined and almost superimposed. But then I was curious, who was Ray Bell? Here are a few tidbits I found online...
"Ray Bell (1899-1996) was born in Iowa, but grew up outside Cheyenne where he rode in area rodeos and fairs. He described himself as a “country cowboy out of Cheyenne,” and following service in World War I began a nearly 40-year career in rodeo. He concentrated on saddle-bronc riding and steer roping, winning titles in the former at rodeos at Pendelton, Boise, Weiser, Idaho and Ritzville, Washington. He also earned three titles in steer roping and Bell’s winning ways also took him to London, England, California and Texas. In 1923, he earned the saddle bronc-riding championship at Madison Square Garden, New York." ~ James H. Nottage, WYOHistory
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"One bronco rider, Ray Bell (1899-1996), came to the attention of Will Rogers. In the bronco contest, Bell was tossed. Rogers and Williams accompanied Bell home where the three had an afternoon of roping. Unfortunately, Rogers' clothes were ruined. Bell took Rogers to a clothing store. Rogers' new trousers needed to be cut to lenth and cuffed. The proprietor indicated to Rogers that he would have the new trousers ready in about an hour or so. Rather than wait, Rogers put the trousers on a table and with scissors simply cut the trousers off without hemming, put them on and left the store. From that meeting, a friendship developed which eventually led Bell to the lights of California and fame as a horse trainer.
Bell had participated in rodeos since at least 1915. In 1920, Ray placed first at Pendleton and Boise. In 1921, he placed first in the bronco contest at Boise and first in roping. In 1922, Ray placed first at San Antonio and Second at Fort Worth. In 1923 at Pendleton, Bell won the World Saddle Bronc Championship.
In California, Bell worked for a while as a stunt double and later as a horse trainer. Among those he trained horses for were movie mogul Louis B. Mayer and actor and singer Bing Crosby. Additionally he acted as a commission buyer for Mayer. He ultimately owned and trained three champion thoroughbreds including a Kentucky Derby contender. His son and grandson carried on the horse training business." ~ from the Wyoming Tales and Trails website
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