Louis Abernathy and Temple Abernathy

Unforgettable Adventures of Louis Van ‘Bud’ Abernathy and Temple Reeves ‘Temp’ Abernathy

Imagine two young boys from Oklahoma who embarked on incredible journeys without adult supervision in the early 1900s. Louis Van ‘Bud’ Abernathy (1899-1979) and Temple Reeves ‘Temp’ Abernathy (1904-1986) were not just ordinary kids; they were daring adventurers who left a trail of stories that have since been largely forgotten.

Can you picture them, at the tender ages of 10 and 6, setting off on horseback from Oklahoma to Manhattan in 1910? It’s like they were miniature versions of Tom Sawyer, but instead of whitewashing fences, they were riding horses across vast distances. Their journey was a real-life version of the ‘Huckleberry Finn’ adventure, only with less papery boats and more horseback rides.

Their First Grand Tour: Oklahoma to Manhattan

These boys were not content with just one big adventure. In 1909, they completed a journey from Frederick, Oklahoma, all the way to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and back. It’s like they were playing a giant game of Pac-Man, but instead of eating dots, they were riding horses through the prairies.

And then, in 1909, they made their most famous journey: from Oklahoma to New York City. Can you imagine the excitement and anticipation as they set off on this cross-country trip? It was like they were setting sail on a ship, but instead of the ocean, it was the open road stretching out before them.

The Great Challenge

But their adventures didn’t stop there. In 1913, they took on an even bigger challenge: to ride from New York City to San Francisco in just 60 days or less. It’s like they were playing a race game where the finish line was thousands of miles away and time was running out.

They didn’t quite make it in 60 days, but they still managed to arrive after 62 days. It’s like they were playing Pong, but instead of hitting a ball back and forth, they were riding motorcycles across the country.

The Motorcycle Ride: A New Adventure

But their adventures didn’t end there. In 1913, they also journeyed by motorcycle from Oklahoma to New York City with their stepbrother Anton. It’s like they were playing Super Mario Bros., but instead of jumping over pipes and dodging enemies, they were riding motorcycles through the countryside.

The Legacy of Louis Van ‘Bud’ Abernathy and Temple Reeves ‘Temp’ Abernathy

After their incredible adventures, the brothers went on to lead successful careers. They were celebrated at the time for their daring exploits, but their legacy has largely been forgotten. It’s like they were playing Pokémon Go, and now all we can see are the PokéStops, not the trainers who once walked those paths.

These boys from Oklahoma showed us that with determination and courage, anything is possible. They were like the ‘Indiana Jones’ of their time, but instead of exploring ancient ruins, they were exploring the vast American landscape on horseback and motorcycle.

So, the next time you hear about young adventurers or see a group of kids embarking on an exciting journey, remember Louis Van ‘Bud’ Abernathy and Temple Reeves ‘Temp’ Abernathy. They were the real-life heroes who showed us that with courage and determination, we can achieve anything.