There were many differences among Wild West shows, and many more differences among Wild West performers. The experience of a show employee varied depending on whether the employee was a man or a woman; a performer or a roustabout; a headliner or an ordinary cowboy; a Native American or a Cossack. Experiences varied, too, according to the size of the show, the financial stability of its owners, and whether the show traveled extensively or played longer stands. Nevertheless, there were several constants that affected nearly everyone affiliated with any Wild West show. Despite the differences, daily life for most Wild West employees tended to follow very similar patterns.

Perhaps the most obvious of these was organization. Wild West shows, especially those that toured, ran on tight, rigorous schedules. Performers and support personnel had assigned bunks on trains, specific mealtimes, designated dressing rooms, and restrictions on what...