Rodeo occupies a special position in contemporary sports, having established from an American culture that is quickly changing.
The Spanish cattlemen, referred to as vaqueros, would influence the American cowboy with their clothing, language, customs, and devices which would in turn affect the contemporary sport of rodeo. Tasks on these early cattle ranches included roping, horse breaking, riding, rounding up, branding, and much more. These activities remain the same today on contemporary ranches all-be-it with contemporary methods and equipment. James McGlinchey, on a bay horse was carrying 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 two into the arena forming a vibrant grand entry. If you adored this article therefore you would like to obtain more info concerning http://www8.tok2.com please visit our own website. Much of the stock came from local ranches, but some was brought in from other locations.
F. Madsen, owner of the Bell Theater, Universal Studios filmed the event. The newsreel was revealed throughout the country - Livermore was on the map! The success of the very first rodeo led to the development of the Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo Association in April 1919. The association chosen 15 acres of the Callaghan vineyard on Lizzie Street (now Livermore Opportunity) and offered stock or script for $25 a share to acquire the land.
Construction of the center section of the grandstand and some bleachers, which together held 2,400 seats, were completed for the 2nd rodeo, which was held on July 3rd, fourth and fifth, 1919, an was explained by the Livermore Herald as "the most effective rodeo ever kept in the west." In early years, the program was always hung on the 4th of July plus the weekend immediately following or preceding the 4th - hence the show ran from 2 to five days.
Those with the best vocal chords were "Foghorn" Murphy and later on Ike Latimer followed by Abe Lofton. From 1930-1965 with a P. A. System and in some cases on horseback, came Livermore's own Bud Bentley. Expert commentators were employed from then to now. Throughout the early years there were many regional riders.
All were seen on film newsreels. Those in charge worked hard and gave kindly to insure the success of the program and the fulfillment of the spectators and the participants as well. John McGlinchey would send 2 header wagons out to the Mourterot Ranch and buy hay so that the many cowboys that remained at his home would have feed for their horses.
The Spanish impact was stressed in these early rodeos. In reality, "old timers" still state "Ro-day-oh" while others pronounce it as Ro-dee-oh. The program was well promoted, and individuals worn either Spanish or western clothing. Journeys to Oakland and San Francisco were planned. Groups would parade down the streets in costume bring indications announcing the date's of the rodeo.
As Soon As the Oakland Auditorium was utilized as a hospitality house and "mini" rodeo museum. Spaces there were decorated and staffed with individuals serving refreshments to all who participated in. Rodeo time was "Big Time" in Livermore; everybody was getting included in some method. The regional merchants were glad to have the increase of individuals and dressed "western" weeks preceding the show.
Barnard Mouterot keeps in mind heading out to the Ruby Hill Winery to cut palm fronds to embellish the light poles on First Street. Banners were strung across First and Second Streets, and on Lizzie Street out of the rodeo premises. Lots of store fronts had rodeo scenes painted on their windows and stores were decorated.
Weeks previously, the males in the area started growing beards for the "Whiskerino Contest." High school trainees were a crucial part of marketing. Photographers from the Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Inspector would take images of the women in western or Spanish garb. These photos were utilized for publicity purposes.
Their "pay" was complimentary admission. High school kids positioned 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 hung on J and K Streets as well as on Second Street.
Vacant lots and south of Second Street were used for flights. Later on the carnival moved north of First Street and south of Railway Opportunity. Street dances were held at night on J Street between First and Second. On one event, there was a dance at Sweeney Ballroom. Including to the revelry, the "Hoosegow" or prison on wheels would travel First Street daily looking for anybody not using some form of western or Spanish outfit.
In addition to this "Huge" Parade, there was also a horse parade at 12 or 1 o'clock each day of the show. The horses paraded east on First Street, turned south on Lizzie Street (Livermore Ave.) and went out to the Rodeo premises, where they got in and took part in the Grand Entry.
May 1, 1921, marked the very first time that the rodeo grounds were utilized for a community occasion other than a rodeo, when a May Day Fete was held for all the schools in the Livermore-Amador Valley. A California Frontier Days Pageant was part of 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 proved to be a financial success, land acquisitions and improvements continued. More seating was erected and all grandstands were covered. More chutes and holding pens were constructed.
It is still being used for community events. In 1948 the Association's holdings had grown to 40.5 acres. The well earned motto "World's Fastest Rodeo" was initially used in 1935. Speed had constantly been an important factor. There was a track around the arena where lots of occasions were held. This included cowboy and cowgirl races, relay races where cowboys or cowgirls changed horses at each station, and Pony Express races, where saddles as well as horses were altered.
