1929 photo of Babe Ruth, with Robert W. Johnsey, a Dallas Boy Scout.
An old library photo?
A Facebook page called Traces of Texas posted this photo, with this explanation:
Babe Ruth and a Dallas boy scout, In 1929, the era’s most famous, revered, and idolized American sportsman, George Herman “Babe” Ruth, came to Dallas to speak on behalf of the Circle Ten Council and promote scouting to local businessmen. After delivering a rousing speech to a packed house, a Dallas Morning News photographer asked him for a picture. The Babe motioned to a Scout to join him. And for young Robert W. Johnsey, that must have been the highlight of his life.
Where did Traces of Texas get those details, and the photo?
I can find data bases that list a Robert W. Johnsey from Dallas, born in 1916, and dying in Dallas in 1995. Without paying the fat fees demanded, I learn that one database said he died having never married. Right age, but is that the right guy?
Then I find notes for a France Ray Mead Johnsey at Find A Grave. It says she died in 2004, preceded in death by her husband Robert, who died in 1995.
Interesting little mysteries.
Anybody Remember a Robert W. Johnsey from Dallas, Texas? Can you give us more details?
Babe Ruth returned to Dallas in 1947. Dallas Observer noted: On July 6, 1947, it was announced that George Herman Ruth would be coming to Dallas on July 9. The occasion: an appearance during a double-header at Rebel Stadium in Oak Cliff on behalf of the American Legion junior baseball program. That Wednesday would be known, according to the ad that ran on Page Four of The Dallas News, as Babe Ruth Day in Dallas, featuring “the immortal and beloved” ballplayer who’d been gravely ill only six months earlier. Tickets for his appearance at the ballpark ran one dollar, 30 cents for students.
Millard Fillmore's Bathtub 
Thank you, Mr. Scott!
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Robert W. Johnsey was born in Dallas, Texas on March 15, 1916. He graduated Sunset High School in June 1933 and began a longtime stint as a salesman at the Sanger Brothers Department store downtown. His wife Hazel was an employee of the Great American Reserve Insurance Company in the 1930s. He spent his retirement years volunteering at the Dallas Genealogical Society at Fair Park and served a time as its president. He died January 16, 1995 in Dallas. He and Hazel had no heirs but his niece lives in Mesquite and other relatives live in Lewisville, both in the Dallas area.
I believe that the story behind this photo has been mentioned as I published it in my book on the history of Scouting in Dallas titled, “Where Character is Caught.” I obtained the image from the family member in Lewisville after my associate tracked them down. It was originally published in the April 1929.
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I know David; didn’t realize he had that photo in the book.
I’ll ask him if he’s got details on Johnsey.
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https://m2.facebook.com/wherecharacteriscaught/photos/pb.249276928506282.-2207520000.1415248742./263218563778785/?type=1&source=42
Where Character is Caught (The History of Circle Ten Council, BSA)
If there was ever an iconic image with regard to Scouting’s importance to Dallas and America, this image of Scout Robert W. Johnsey and legendary baseball slugger, Babe Ruth, is it. Taken in 1929 at what could be denoted as Circle Ten Council’s first Friends of Scouting banquet, the Bambino came in to help support the local movement. Upon leaving, this photo was taken by a Dallas Morning News photographer. I thank the Johnsey family for providing me with a copy and to John K. Shipes who found them.
Authored by David C. Scott with original photography by John K. Shipes.
Photography and historical document restoration by John K. Shipes.
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