The First Rodeo

It’s Rodeo season here in Texas. If you’ve never been, the rodeo is a big festive event which usually kicks off with a cattle drive where cowboys & their cattle make a long trek from small town in covered wagons, (just like in old times) to the rodeo grounds. It spans several days filled with music, livestock, concessions, and of course, cowboys. Almost every major city in Texas hosts its own rodeo. But its beginnings were much smaller. Fort Worth, Texas is known as the city “Where the West Begins.” What began in 1846 as a way to exhibit livestock, now attracts top rodeo competitors from around the country who compete for a grand prize totaling over $1 million and animal farmers/ranchers (or those aspiring to be) whose livestock fetch large sums. The Will Rogers Coliseum in Ft. Worth is known as the premier livestock show & rodeo facility in the country. It is written that the first indoor rodeo took place here in 1918.

Instead of an antique object, I’m sharing a bit of history with you today, An old letter dated March 15, 1924 written by a man named Gene to a woman named Wynona. Why? And how does this relate to antiques, you may ask? Well, I discovered this letter in an antique leather-bound photo album I bought at an estate sale. In the album are various pictures of people, depicting the dress, cars and life of the early 1920’s, give or take. The photos require more research and their own blog post. Perhaps the recipient of the letter is also one of the people in the photos. I’ve yet to pull them off their paper pages to see if there are names on the backs. Anyhow, the letter is a wonderful personal narrative regarding Gene’s life and desires. It leaves the reader with the impression of a man looking to find his way, likely a young man. The tone is nostalgic and conveys a sense of longing to either return to life as it was, or to aspire to the life he experienced during his stay with Wynona. There are also romantic undertones as he relates his feelings towards Wynona and his escapades with other women (perhaps to make him seem appealing to her or to make her somewhat jealous.) There are some misspellings, in Wynona’s name for one (as shown by her name written correctly on another document) and Booger Red (written as Bugger Red.) His language is direct and playful. He gives emphasis to certain words by underlining them. I am uncertain of the meaning of the underlined “C”, which is used a couple of times.

Dearest Winonia- I will try to write you a few lines to let you know that I am still living and that I got home all right. You don’t really know how I enjoyed being with you folks. It all ways seems like home to me. Did you all go back to the stock show Saturday night? I bet it was a good show. I got home about Six O’Clock Friday afternoon and believe me we sure had some snow up here I think it measure 7 in. deep was still on the ground. I guess Clarence went to the show that night. Tell him I saw Lola Saturday. She told me to give him her best regards so you can because I don’t guess I will see him. You all sure have a nice place. I sure would like to live out there. Be sure and don’t rent the little house because I want it some time in the four years. I haven’t heard not many a word from my West Texas girl yet. I guess she mad but it come out in the washing. I went to see my little Blonde Babe last night and believe me she some loving mama. I really think you are a real nice girl and I all ways want to stay that way. You will make some boy a real girl. Perhaps (Belle/Bille) ha!ha! Well I close as I have four other letters to write. Tis sweet to meet but sad to part. Tis hard to say good bye Sweetheart. Long feller (?). Yours, Gene”

The Legend of Booger Red

Booger Red (1858-1924), AKA Samuel Thomas Privett, got his nickname from an unfortunate accident that occurred when he and a friend put gunpowder into a tree stump and lit it. He was left with facial scars which “boogered up” his face. His red hair was the other half of his nickname. It is said that he could tame any wild horse brought to him and even offered to pay $500 to anyone who could bring him a horse that he could not break. This would be the equivalent of more than $7000 in today’s money. He never did have to pay. His skill took him on the road to perform in Buffalo Bill’s Extravaganza. According to the Texas State Historical Association, Booger Red retired from performing in 1924. While attending the Fort Worth Stock Show as a spectator, he watched as riders thrown from their broncs. Recognized by the audience, they began cheering for him to ride. He was hoisted onto the shoulders of some young cowboys and carried into the arena. He is said to have rode with ease, despite not being well. The crowd cheered him on, watching the legendary rider that many grew up hearing about. This would be Booger Red’s last ride. He returned to his ranch in Miami, OK and died in March 1924, about two weeks later. On the back of the letter is a drawing depicting the famous rodeo cowboy “Booger Red” at the Fort Worth Stock Show riding a horse named “High Tower.” Gene writes that Booger’s motto is “Let Them Buck.” Maybe Gene was able to be a spectator to Booger Red’s last ride at the rodeo that year. Maybe they both were. Did Gene ever make it back to Fort Worth? Did he and Wynona have a relationship, he seemed affectionate towards her, after all. What became of their lives and the lives of the others mentioned in the letter such as Clarence and the “Blonde Babe?” My initial attempts at tracing the genealogy have come up empty for now. Perhaps I’ll devote more time to it later. For now, I will appreciate this snapshot into life long ago. The landscape changes but the characters remain the same. People searching to find their meaning and place in life. Desire to love and be loved. And a bit of fun and playfulness with those we share our time with. Gene shared some of that with Wynona and, unbeknownst to him, he would share it with us, too, nearly 100 years after he wrote that letter. Thank you, Gene & Wynona.