Rodeo inhabits a distinct position in modern-day sports, having developed from an American culture that is rapidly changing. Rodeo is a window into the past while at the very same time provides a special and totally modern sport with an interesting and fascinating environment. Find out about the history of rodeo through the early years of its development.
The Spanish cattlemen, referred to as vaqueros, would affect the American cowboy with their clothing, language, customs, and equipment which would in turn affect the modern sport of rodeo. Responsibilities on these early cattle ranches included roping, horse breaking, riding, rounding up, branding, and a lot more. These activities stay the exact same today on modern-day ranches all-be-it with modern techniques and equipment. James McGlinchey, on a bay horse was bring another flag. At a given signal, the horses raced down the hill - the white horse in the lead. At the foot of the hill, numerous other horses followed the very first 2 into the arena forming a colorful grand entry. Much of the stock originated from regional ranches, but some was brought in from other locations.
F. Madsen, owner of the Bell Theater, Universal Studios shot the occasion. The newsreel was shown throughout the country - Livermore was on the map! The success of the very first rodeo led to the formation of the Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo Association in April 1919. The association chosen 15 acres of the Callaghan vineyard on Lizzie Street (now Livermore Avenue) and sold stock or script for $25 a share to acquire the land.
Building of the center section of the grandstand and some bleachers, which together held 2,400 seats, were finished for the 2nd rodeo, which was held on July 3rd, fourth and 5th, 1919, an was explained by the Livermore Herald as "the most successful rodeo ever held in the west." In early years, the show was constantly hung on the 4th of July plus the weekend right away following or preceding the 4th - for this reason the program ran from 2 to five days.
Those with the very best singing chords were "Foghorn" Murphy and later Ike Latimer followed by Abe Lofton. From 1930-1965 with a P. A. System and often on horseback, came Livermore's own Bud Bentley. Professional commentators were employed from then to now. Throughout the early years there were numerous regional riders.
All were seen on film newsreels. Those in charge worked hard and offered generously to guarantee the success of the show and the fulfillment of the viewers and the individuals as well. John McGlinchey would send two header wagons out to the Mourterot Ranch and buy hay so that the lots of cowboys that remained at his home would have feed for their horses.
The Spanish influence was emphasized in these early rodeos. In fact, "old timers" still state "Ro-day-oh" while others pronounce it as Ro-dee-oh. The program was well advertised, and people dressed in either Spanish or western attire. Journeys to Oakland and San Francisco were prepared. Groups would parade down the streets in outfit carrying signs revealing the date's of the rodeo.
When the Oakland Auditorium was used as a hospitality house and "mini" rodeo museum. Rooms there were decorated and staffed with people serving refreshments to all who went to. Rodeo time was "Big Time" in Livermore; everyone was getting involved in some method. The local merchants were glad to have the increase of people and dressed "western" weeks preceding the show.
Barnard Mouterot remembers going out to the Ruby Hill Winery to cut palm fronds to decorate the light poles on First Street. Banners were strung throughout First and Second Streets, and on Lizzie Street out of the rodeo grounds. Numerous store fronts had actually rodeo scenes painted on their windows and stores were embellished.
Weeks earlier, the men in the area began growing beards for the "Whiskerino Contest." High school trainees were a fundamental part of marketing. Photographers from the Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Examiner would take images of the girls in western or Spanish attire. These photos were used for promotion purposes.
Their "pay" was totally free admission. High school young boys placed marketing posters along the highways from Livermore to Stockton and to San Francisco, and on the Dunbarton and Antioch bridges. Rodeo Week was likewise "Carnival Time" in Livermore. In the early years, the carnival was held on J and K Streets along with on Second Street.
Uninhabited lots and south of Second Street were used for trips. Later on the carnival moved north of First Street and south of Railroad Avenue. Street dances were held during the night on J Street between First and Second. On one event, there was a dance at Sweeney Ballroom. Including to the celebration, the "Hoosegow" or jail on wheels would take a trip First Street daily looking for anybody not using some kind of western or Spanish attire.
In addition to this "Big" Parade, there was also a horse parade at 12 or 1 o'clock each day of the program. The horses paraded east on First Street, turned south on Lizzie Street (Livermore Ave.) and went out to the Rodeo grounds, where they went into and participated in the Grand Entry.
Might 1, 1921, marked the very first time that the rodeo premises were used for a neighborhood event besides a rodeo, when a Might Day Fete was held for all the schools in the Livermore-Amador Valley. A California Frontier Days Pageant belonged to the home entertainment at the 1921 Livermore Rodeo.
For example, in the mid 1930's all of the rural schools in South Alameda County collected at the grounds for an athletics "playday." As the Rodeo showed to be a financial success, land acquisitions and enhancements continued. More seating was erected and all grandstands were covered. More chutes and holding pens were built.
It is still being used for neighborhood occasions. In 1948 the Association's holdings had grown to 40.5 acres. The well made slogan "World's Fastest Rodeo" was first utilized in 1935. Speed had constantly been an important element. There was a track around the arena where numerous occasions were held. This included cowboy and cowgirl races, relay races where cowboys or cowgirls altered horses at each station, and Pony Express races, where saddles along with horses were altered.
