Old Betsy - In American history, "Old Betsy" was the nickname of Davy Crockett's frontier rifle. On an early WALT DISNEY PRESENTS episode "Davy Crockett Goes to Congress" (January 26, 1955) Fess Parker as Davy Crockett  received a rifle from the City of Brotherly Love. Davy thanked the citizens of Philadelphia with the following speech: "This here's the most beautiful rifle gun I ever hope to see. I like a good gun for it makes a man feel independent and prepared for peace or war. I just don't know how to thank you enough. Such a pretty little lady I think I'll give her a name. Betsy, suit you folks?" [applause] "I'll always treasure this here testimony of your friendship. With a gun like this a man could put a rifleball to the moon. First chance I get I'm gonna try." Davy later died fighting with Betsy at the Alamo on the episode "Davy Crockett at the Alamo" (February 23, 1955). The song "Old Betsy" (about Davy's rifle) was recorded by Fess Parker and the Sons of the Pioneers for RCA Children's Bluebird Records.

TRIVIA NOTE: On the aviation adventure RIPCORD/SYN/1961-63, daredevil skydivers for the Ripcord, Inc. called their airplane "Old Betsy."  See also - "Betsy the Handgun"

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