Odeon Oldies Lecture Features Powerful Portrayal of Wild Horse Annie

The Odeon Saloon hosted another memorable afternoon of history and storytelling as the Odeon Oldies Lecture Series welcomed Chautauquan Kim Harris for a powerful living‑history presentation portraying Velma Bronn Johnston, better known as “Wild Horse Annie".

Held upstairs at the historic Odeon, the lecture drew an audience of 25, including Rae Hanna, President of the Wild Horse Preservation League (WHPL). From the moment Harris stepped onto the stage, she fully transformed into Wild Horse Annie, captivating everyone in the room. At times, it was easy to forget that Kim Harris was behind the portrayal, as she embodied Johnston’s passion, strength, and determination with striking authenticity.

Through her first‑person performance, Harris brought the audience back to 1950, when Johnston’s life changed forever after witnessing wild horses being cruelly transported to slaughter. The way Harris described the early days of roundups, and the treatment of the horses, drew visible emotion from the audience—there were a few tears and more than a few looks of astonishment as the story unfolded. Her portrayal highlighted Johnston’s remarkable journey from a quiet Nevada ranch wife to a nationwide animal welfare advocate whose efforts helped shape historic legislation protecting America’s wild horses.

At the conclusion of the performance, Harris graciously invited Rae Hanna to the stage to speak about the Wild Horse Preservation League. Hanna shared information about WHPL’s mission to advocate for wild horse protection in Northwestern Nevada, focusing on habitat preservation and ensuring safe, wild living conditions. She also explained how the community can get involved in continuing this important work—something Wild Horse Annie herself would surely have been proud to see. More information is available at www.wildhorsepl.org.

Kim Harris, who serves as Events and Education Manager at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park, continues to be a valued supporter of the Odeon Oldies Lecture Series. With more than 22 historical characters in her repertoire, each performance she delivers is one not to miss. Dayton is fortunate to have presenters like Harris who help keep the stories of the past alive and meaningful.

Special thanks to Ethan Robinson who provided live piano music as guests arrived.

The Odeon Oldies Lecture Series continues to showcase the dedication of those who love history, love telling history, and love being part of Dayton’s historic downtown.

The next Odeon Oldies Lecture will take place on April 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., featuring Taylor Hamby, who will present on Lucius Beebe—the American writer, historian, and photographer who played a key role in restoring Virginia City’s historic character and reviving the Territorial Enterprise newspaper in the 1950s. Another talk not to be missed.