When Buffalo Bill Came to the Odeon

Every once in a while, you attend a historical program that is good. You learn something, you enjoy yourself, you thank the speaker and you head home.

And then there are the programs where you walk away thinking, WOW… I want more!

That was Doug Duvall's performance at the Historic Odeon Hall on Sunday, Aug. 16.

As part of our ongoing Odeon Oldies Lecture Series, Doug brought us “Colonel William F. Cody: ‘Buffalo Bill’ Rides Again!” And from the very first word that came out of Doug's mouth, he had the room.

His stage presence was unbelievable.

Doug didn't just come to give us a talk about Buffalo Bill. He came prepared to become him. He brought his own props, his hats, rifle, posters, his drink of choice and, most importantly, he brought the emotions of the character with him.

It was raw. It was real. And it was absolutely captivating.

For that afternoon, Doug wasn't just Doug Duvall standing upstairs at the Odeon. He became Colonel Cody, Buffalo Bill.

And I have to tell you, watching the audience was almost as much fun as watching Doug. Everyone was completely engaged, and when it was over, there was definitely a feeling of “Wait… that's it? We want more!”

That is what I love about doing these programs.

The more I do them, the more I realize that history really does speak to me. I find myself getting immersed in the characters and the stories. I start thinking about who these people really were, what they experienced and what it would have been like to actually sit down and talk with them.

Doug somehow made that happen.

I've known Doug and his beautiful wife, Kate, for a little over three years now. When I first met them, I immediately wanted to know more about them. There is something magical about Doug and Kate together, but separately, they are both just amazing souls.

They genuinely care about history. They care about the Comstock. And they want to share their life experiences and help get the true history out there.

That's something I really appreciate.

And I've seen that kindness firsthand.

When we were doing events at the Odeon and needed something to cover the large west-facing window when we were using a projector, Kate actually sewed and donated a curtain for us. The curtain has since been taken down, but I still remember that gesture. It was just one more example of the kind of people they are.

When I first asked Doug if he would come and do a performance for us, he told me he wasn't nearly ready.

That was WAY over two years ago!

Well, Doug…

I think you're ready now!

After Sunday's performance, I have a feeling Doug is going to be in high demand for historical programs all over the Comstock. And honestly, I couldn't be happier about that.

Doug was outstanding. Period.

What a way to bring history alive!

The Odeon has been fortunate to host many wonderful historical talks, speakers and programs over the years, and every one of them brings something different. That's what makes these programs so much fun. You never know what you're going to learn, who you're going to meet or which story is going to stick with you.

Sunday's story of Buffalo Bill is definitely going to stick with me.

A huge thank you to Doug for putting so much of himself into this performance and for sharing his passion for history with us.

And thank you to everyone who continues to come out and support our venue. Every person who walks through those doors, buys a drink downstairs, attends a lecture, brings a friend or simply comes to enjoy the history helps us keep these programs going.

We have more incredible talks and events coming, so watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for what's coming up next. We have some great things planned, and I can't wait to share them with you.

And Doug…

Thank you.

You absolutely knocked this one out of the park.

We look forward to many more historical talks from you—and after seeing Buffalo Bill ride again at the Odeon, I have a feeling this is only the beginning!