Rodeo inhabits a special position in contemporary sports, having developed from an American culture that is quickly changing. Rodeo is a window into the past while at the very same time provides a distinct and completely modern sport with an exciting and intriguing atmosphere. Learn about the history of rodeo through the early years of its advancement.
The Spanish cattlemen, called vaqueros, would affect the American cowboy with their clothing, language, customs, and equipment which would in turn influence the contemporary sport of rodeo. Duties on these early cattle ranches consisted of roping, horse breaking, riding, rounding up, branding, and far more. These activities stay the very same today on modern cattle ranches all-be-it with modern approaches and devices. 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 first 2 into the arena forming a vibrant grand entry. Much of the stock came from local ranches, but some was generated from other areas.
F. Madsen, proprietor of the Bell Theater, Universal Studios shot the occasion. The newsreel was shown throughout the nation - Livermore was on the map! The success of the first rodeo led to the development of the Livermore Stockmen's Rodeo Association in April 1919. The association picked 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.
Building and construction of the center section of the grandstand and some bleachers, which together held 2,400 seats, were finished for the 2nd rodeo, which was hung on July 3rd, 4th and 5th, 1919, an was explained by the Livermore Herald as "the most successful rodeo ever held in the west." In early years, the program was always held on the 4th of July plus the weekend instantly following or preceding the 4th - hence the show ran from 2 to 5 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 sometimes on horseback, came Livermore's own Bud Bentley. Professional commentators were hired from then to now. During the early years there were lots of local riders.
All were seen on film newsreels. Those in charge strove and provided 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 purchase hay so that the numerous cowboys that remained at his home would have feed for their horses.
The Spanish influence was stressed in these early rodeos. In fact, "old timers" still say "Ro-day-oh" while others pronounce it as Ro-dee-oh. The show was well promoted, and people dressed in either Spanish or western clothes. Trips to Oakland and San Francisco were planned. Groups would parade down the streets in outfit carrying signs announcing the date's of the rodeo.
As Soon As the Oakland Auditorium was used as a hospitality house and "mini" rodeo museum. Spaces there were decorated and staffed with individuals serving drinks to all who participated in. Rodeo time was "Huge Time" in Livermore; everybody was getting associated with some method. The regional merchants were thankful to have the increase of individuals and dressed "western" weeks preceding the program.
Barnard Mouterot remembers heading out to the Ruby Hill Winery to cut palm leaves to embellish the light poles on First Street. Banners were strung throughout First and Second Streets, and on Lizzie Street out of the rodeo grounds. Many store fronts had rodeo scenes painted on their windows and shops were decorated.
Weeks previously, the men in the area began growing beards for the "Whiskerino Contest." High school students were a vital part of marketing. Professional photographers from the Oakland Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Inspector would take images of the women in western or Spanish clothes. These pictures were utilized for publicity purposes.
Their "pay" was totally free admission. High school young boys placed advertising posters along the highways from Livermore to Stockton and to San Francisco, and on the Dunbarton and Antioch bridges. Rodeo Week was also "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 rides. Later the carnival moved north of First Street and south of Railroad Opportunity. Street dances were held during the night on J Street between First and Second. On one celebration, there was a dance at Sweeney Ballroom. Adding to the festivity, the "Hoosegow" or prison on wheels would take a trip First Street daily looking for anyone not wearing some form of western or Spanish clothes.
In addition to this "Huge" 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 got in and participated in the Grand Entry.
May 1, 1921, marked the first time that the rodeo grounds were used for a community event other than 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 entertainment at the 1921 Livermore Rodeo.
For example, in the mid 1930's all of the rural schools in South Alameda County gathered at the premises for an athletics "playday." As the Rodeo proved to be a financial success, land acquisitions and improvements continued. More seating was put up and all grandstands were covered. More chutes and holding pens were constructed.
It is still being utilized for neighborhood occasions. In 1948 the Association's holdings had grown to 40.5 acres. The well earned slogan "World's Fastest Rodeo" was initially utilized in 1935. Speed had always been a crucial factor. There was a track around the arena where lots of events 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 along with horses were altered.
