Overview

Rexford "Rex" Trailer was a mid-20th century American performer who blended live cowboy skills, music and television presentation into a long career as a children's entertainer and regional celebrity. He is most often remembered as the affable host of the Boston-area western television program Boomtown, where he presented stories, songs and demonstrations of horsemanship to young audiences. Over his career he worked as an actor, cowboy, singer and television producer.

Early life and background

Trailer was born in Fort Worth and raised in a Texas environment with strong ranching and rodeo traditions. His upbringing in Fort Worth, Texas helped shape the authentic cowboy image he later used on television and in live appearances. As an adult he relocated to the Northeast and spent much of his career in the Boston region, becoming a familiar presence on local airwaves and at community events.

Television career and Boomtown

Rex Trailer gained his widest recognition as the host of Boomtown, a family-oriented western show aimed at children. The program mixed storytelling, music, demonstrations of riding and roping, and guest appearances, with Trailer performing as a singing cowboy figure who emphasized courtesy, courage and practical skills. His work combined entertainment with educational moments and frequent community outreach, making him a trusted figure for parents and children alike.

Style, repertoire and public role

Trailer’s on-screen persona drew on traditional western motifs: stetson hat, boots, a calm speaking voice and a repertoire of folk and cowboy songs. Offscreen he continued to give public performances, attend parades, visit schools and participate in charity events. He also performed in occasional dramatic roles and worked behind the scenes as a producer, helping shape programming that appealed to regional audiences.

Personal life and death

Rex Trailer married Cindy Trailer in the mid-1950s; the couple remained together for several decades and raised a child. In later years they divided their time between New England and other locations, and Trailer made public appearances well into retirement. He died in Miami on January 9, 2013 at the age of 84. His death was attributed to pneumonia. Notices of his passing noted his longtime home and career ties to Boston and to his native Fort Worth, Texas.

Legacy and notable facts

  • Rex Trailer is remembered as a regional television icon who helped popularize the singing cowboy tradition on local children's programming.
  • He combined entertainment with community service, frequently appearing at schools, hospitals and charitable events.
  • His style influenced later children’s hosts who used a persona rooted in Americana and outdoor skills.
  • Biographical summaries and tributes can be found in regional histories of television and in remembrances that document mid-20th century local broadcasting in the United States; see local archives and broadcast histories for details (Florida and regional resources).