PRESS RELEASE V5I46

I Ain’t Afraid — A Cowgirl’s View of Oklahoma History

New Lulu Bell Parr biography highlights Wild West show life

Lulu Bell Parr was one strong woman. In 1903, twenty-six-years old, divorced, and fed up with life in backwater Ohio, she left. What she did next was outside the bounds of acceptable Edwardian womanhood — she joined up with Pawnee Bill’s Wild West show.

In her latest book I Ain’t Afraid — the World of Lulu Bell Parr, published by Alkira Publishing, author Diane Helentjaris details Parr’s adventurous rise to celebrity as a bronco-rider. Along the way, Parr’s life meshed with Oklahoma history. Pawnee Bill was her lifelong mentor. She headlined for the 101 Ranch Miller Brothers and was part of their first foray into the silent film business. Parr married “first cowgirl” Lucille Mulhall’s brother for all of three days. A remarkable horsewoman, her career was cut short by the Depression. Lulu Bell Parr retreated back to Ohio, died in poverty, and was buried in an unmarked grave. In the early 2000s, local amateur historians resurrected her story and succeeded in having her inducted into the National Cowgirls’ Hall of Fame.

I Ain’t Afraid is described as “Infused with wry humor, this book is both thought-provoking and a genuinely fun read – a look into rarely seen corners of American history and a rousing chronicle of a fearless life.” It’s available as an audiobook, an eBook, as well as in hardback and softcover editions. Author Diane Helentjaris will be signing copies of I Ain’t Afraid at the upcoming 101 Ranch Collectors’ Association’s Western & Antique Trade Show on April 11th and 12th in Blackwell, Oklahoma. For details, visit www.DianeHelentjaris.com

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