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» The Lone Cowgirl
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Steamboat, A Cowboys Dream
» The Lone Cowgirl
Frances and Etta Irwin riding into Cheyenne for Frontier Days
©Shirley Morris All Rights Reserved © Shirley Morris All Rights Reserved.
The great Cheyenne Frontier Days was well established as the "Daddy of them all" by its fifteenth season. Newspapers, mostly from the east had been claiming the "cowboy is dead!" for going on twelve years now, some say longer.
San Francisco Call published the cowboys death story and blamed it on the cowgirl for civilizing the poor boy. Still, every year, cowboys, cowgirls, entertainers, trick ropers, trick riders, bronco riders, steer ropers, relay racers would come. One by one, in groups, by train, by wagon and on horseback, they poured into the richest city in the west, Cheyenne. The electricity would fill the skies as Frontier Days came nearer and the anticipation of watching the cowboys saddle bronc contest made the hair on your kneck stand up.
There was no doubt the old west was alive and well, and so was the cowboy. Not a soul on earth could tame or "civilize" the cowboy during Frontier Days.
Thousands came and filled all the available hotels and rooms for let before thousands more would come and camp in the hillsides alongside their autos, tents and wagons for as far as the eye could see. Signs and billboards advertising Frontier Days were posted alongside numerous warnings to visitors not to give the Indians firewater. Turns out, that may just have been another advertising ploy to bring the crowds to an even greater frenzy. The rodeo goers wanted the "real experience" of the west and promoters made good on their word to give it to them.
Some say Steamboat was the greatest bucker of all time. He got his name when he was being loaded and reared up, hitting his muzzle on a cross board. It must have chipped a bone because people said he "whistled like a steamboat" when he bucked from that time on.
First rider to ever try his luck with Steamboat and draw him as a mount was Otto Ploeger, from Sybile, Wyoming. Otto was known as a good rider.
You would never think this horse to be the most vicious of all the buckers. He was absolutely docile! A cowboy could lead him out to the middle of the arena, saddle him with complete confidence he would live through it and the rider, like Otto, could mount him with no problem at all. It was only then that all hell would begin to boil under and through the muscles of the bucker. Steamboat bunched his feet, stood tense, transferring all his might to his visibly shaking powerful muscles and then launch into a series of stiff-legged jumps.
Fifteen minutes later, Otto Ploeger woke up looking up at some half dozen very concerned cowboys and doctors beneath the grandstand at Frontier Park.
And so it was with almost every cowboy to be fortunate, or not so fortunate, depending on your perspective, to draw Steamboat in the competition.
Steamboat and C B Irwin
© Shirley Morris All Rights Reserved. Steamboat would methodically dump each and every cowboy who tried to hitch a ride and more than one said there was no shame in pulling a whole lot of leather from the hurricane deck of the mighty bucker. Just as predictably as the cowboy was thrown, Steamboat would immediately stop bucking as soon as his load was lighter. He became as gentle as any ordinary saddle pony and children would regularly approach and pet him when he was shown off in many parades.
But in 1912, Dick Stanley, an accomplished rider from Oregon came to Cheyenne Frontier Days and as the luck of the draw would have it, Dick drew Steamboat.
It had been raining and the arena was a muddy mess. Dick, say the judges, rode Steamboat that day, officially conquering the great bucker. Many protested his ride saying ".... great as it was, it amounted only to a questionable decision over the valiant black horse."
They went on to say, ".... Steamboat, his lightning feet mired down, finally stood, trembling, and Stanley leaped off. Those who know Steamboat know he had not finished and he would have bucked harder than ever when he got is second wind."
The decision stood and Dick Stanley was the first rider to officially ride Steamboat to a standstill.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Yippee Ki Yay Yippee Yo Ho Ho!
» The Lone CowgirlNew Cowgirl Holiday Gifts! Do you need creative, affordable gifts for the holiday season? Visit the Oh, You Cowgirl! store at Zazzle and beat the rush.
Cowgirl Christmas by OhYouCowgirl
Cowgirl Buckin' Horse Suffragette Kinda Christmas! by OhYouCowgirl
Click image to order!
Learn how to make money as an artist online at Zazzle. For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Last Chance To Purchase The Cowgirl Movie
» The Lone CowgirlThe documentary movie about the early cowgirls and performers of the wild west, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" will only be available for a short time to retail customers.
If you would like to obtain a copy of the movie - run on over to the film website and order now!
Follow this link:
THE COWGIRL MOVIE
Be sure and visit The Lone Cowgirl Presents often for stories about the women who did more than they had a right to do. "Oh, You Cowgirl!" updates coming soon!For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Cowgirl Killed In Fall Off Train
» The Lone CowgirlDid She Fall, Did She Leap To Her Death Or Was It Something More Sinister?
Rose Davis was just twenty five years old and was the winner of the Cowgirls Saddle Bronc riding championship at Madison Square Garden in 1938. She was well known in the rodeo and wild west show circuit as one of the best riders of the day and had honed her riding skills on her father's ranch near Fort Worth, Texas.
The beautiful cowgirl was in New Brunswick, New Jersey on January 7 when she received word from home that her grandfather was dying and Rose, being very close to him wanted to be there with him one last time. She bought a train ticket to Fort Wayne, Indiana, packed one suitcase and with tears in her eyes, made her way to the train station.
Some of her friends say she was running with a rough crowd, others say she was having problems with a boyfriend and appeared to be upset and some claim she heard and knew too much about things she had no business knowing. Things about racketeering and fixing race results. This knowledge threatened the wrong people.
Newspapers reported her death on January 8 and question if it was a fall or leap. Her body was found next to the tracks with her purse. Police used the identification within the purse to identify her.
No investigation into anything more ever took place but there are those who still question if a tall man with sandy hair and coal black eyes accompanied Rose onto that train, a man who had no business in Fort Wayne, a man whose only business was with the champion cowgirl. Did she threaten to tell what she knew or did someone just assume the chance of that happening was simply too great?
One thing is certain; There is much more to this closed story about a cowgirl who fell or lept to her death on the Pennsylvania railroad. We may never know the truth. Still, whispers about foul play followed Rose Davis to her grave and beyond.
For more Stories You've Never Heard .... Until Now! Visit
TheCowgirlMovie.com
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Lone Cowgirl Presents: A Cowgirl's Dream
» The Lone Cowgirl
Deep from sleep they called on me
Voices filling a blue eyed sky
I was on a road rutted and narrow
Turned left at the fence, can't tell you why.
Something led me up that path
Following instinct intact and intune
A bird flew by, my eyes followed squinting
That ol' sun never lies, I knew it was noon.
I parked the car 'neath a gnarly old tree
Feeling coolness from the shade of its branches
Watched those gelded beauties in that pasture there
Throw hooves to the wind, delighting in their dances.
Across the way was a house of sorts
With a worn wooden porch so old
I wondered whose boots stepped before mine
What stories, begged to be told.
My hand reached for a tarnished brass knob
Slowly opening the door with care
Gazed in amazement for seated three deep in that room
The Buckin' Horse Cowgirls were there!
One looked deep into my soul
Her hat so huge, I had to stare
She said, "Yes, I'm a cowgirl - a bulldogger too!"
I found out later, her name was Claire.
Someone yells, "Claire Belcher I challenge you!
Anyplace, anytime, anywhere!"
Why, It's Fox Hastings, sitting next to you
They were bulldoggers you know, cowgirls extraordinaire.
Mabel Strickland's here and wants to say,
"I'm so much more than a pretty face"
It's just that I love bronc ridin' so and prefer
Wearing woolie chaps to satin and lace.
All the girls are with us now!
I see Bonnie, Prairie Rose, Bertha Kaepernik
Some rode for show, some for money
Bertha says, "Bonnie, I always rode slick."
A woman walks from that room in my dream
Much older than most, she's no pup
Her stealy blue eyes look up into mine
Saying "Shirley, you have to hurry up!"
I said, "I made the movie - that's why we're all here
To watch the cowgirls story tonight"
Now Dolly is standing right next to me saying
"We're here Shirley, to make sure you got it right."
Watch the trailer for "Oh, You Cowgirl!" and find out more about the cowgirls here
[thecowgirlmovie.com]
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Oh, You Cowgirl Illustrations
» The Lone CowgirlSpecial pricing is offered this month on this print entitled, "A Cowgirl Is A Cowgirl Is A Cowgirl" by Shirley Morris.
Comes in a variety of sizes on archival matte paper with black metal matte frame, Arctic White top matt and 1/8" Clear Acrylic Glazing - Foam Core Mounting. Fully assembled.
Marlena Dietrich starred in the 1939 classic, "Destry Rides Again"
To view and purchase, follow this link:
[fineartamerica.com]
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Last Of The Original "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Remain
» The Lone Cowgirl
"Oh, You Cowgirl!" the critically acclaimed documentary featuring stories about the early cowgirls and entertainers of rodeo and the wild west show has enjoyed tremendous success since it's premier last August as the featured film at the Wyoming Film Festival in Saratoga, Wyoming. Only a few dvd's remain of the original version of "Oh, You Cowgirl!" and will be available for sale on the film website, http://thecowgirlmovie.com Time to get your copy!
What they've been saying about "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
.... Western historical DVDs of this caliber are rare to begin with, and Shirley Morris’ Oh You Cowgirl! tells a story that deserves to be in the foreground of that Western history. It may well go down as the hallmark of its kind."Rick Huff - Best of the West Reviews
"Quality endeavors stand out as surely as cream rises to the top of a pitcher of whole milk....Shirley Morris combines vintage photographs, film footage, and interviews from the Pendleton Round-Up in a documentary entitled Oh, You Cowgirl! A True Story About America’s Unsung Heroes. But, that‘s not all. Tracing the development of Wild West shows and the cowgirl‘s role in the golden age of rodeo, the DVD also includes clips from Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Los Angeles Rodeo. Among those profiled in the 63-minute film are Bertha Kaepernik, Bonnie McCarroll, Mabel Strickland, and the women who went by the name of Prairie Rose...."Cowboy Jam Session:
Western Culture News & Reviews - by Jeri L. Dobrowski"In producing, writing and directing OH, YOU COWGIRL!, Shirley Morris has given a gift to history of the West. Fascinated by the cowgirls of old, she has dug deep into their lives, coming up with first hand sources (relatives, letters, diaries and photos) that tell their stories as they truly were, not romanticized and flowery like the tales are often told and retold. She has unearthed never-seen-before photos and unheard stories of these heroic women. It was my pleasure to have a small part in it. View this DVD with pleasure knowing the stories are true and from the heart."
Ann Terry Hill, Co-Author, Pendleton Round-Up At 100.
"Shirley Morris opens her rich film, Oh, You Cowgirl!; The True Story About America's Unsung Heroes, The Cowgirls,with a quote from an old Wild West show cowboy performer, disparaging women's lack of riding skills. The sequence ends with the message: "He was wrong," and the film of the "buckin' horse suffragettes"—rodeo and Wild West show cowgirls—goes on to show just how wrong he was.
Oh, You Cowgirl! offers a feast vintage photographs and film footage, including rare clips from Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Pendleton Round-Up, and the Los Angeles Rodeo. It is filled with interviews with the performers, descendants, and others who contribute to the film's fascinating history of the development of Wild West shows and the history of women in rodeo. Individual women riders are profiled in depth, and their techniques, treatment, disappointments, wrecks, and successes are woven into the compelling film, which rests on a foundation of extensive research."Margo Metegrano, Cowboypoetry.com
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Bonnie McCarroll - Her Last Show
» The Lone Cowgirl
From the documentary film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
Bonnie McCarroll was one of the best cowgirls of her day. She was quoted by a newspaper reporter saying, "We cowgirls have butted in on a so-called strictly man's game–and if to ‘play' on the hurricane deck on a sun-fishin', whirlly-giggin', rearin'-up, fallin'-over-backward, squallin', bitin', strikin', buckin', roman-nosed cayuse ain't a heman's game, there never will be one–still, as I say, we cowgirls that like the game well enough to play it should play it just like the cowboys do. Why, I'd feel insulted...if I was told to tie my stirrups down!" However, in 1915 on a bronc named Silver, Bonnie was riding for the Cowgirls Saddle Bronc Contest of the World and she was riding hobbled. The 1915 Pendleton Round-Up Official Program listed the rules or conditions for the contest this way, "Contestant to ride each day. Horses to be furnished by management and riders to draw for mounts. All contestants to ride any horse and as often as judges may deem nesessary to determine the winner. Riding to be done with plain halter and split reins. Rider may have the privilege of using helps. No saddle fork over 15 1/2" wide to be used." Helps was the word used to describe "hobbles" or ropes used to tie the cowgirls stirrups together to help them stay in the saddle. Programs from subsequent years all described the rules or conditions for the Cowgirl Saddle Bronc Contest in that same way. It was the cowgirls privilege rule, it did not require the women to ride hobbled.Not many cowgirls could make their ride without "helps." Many had grown up far from prairies or ranches, they were entertainers from wild west shows, carnivals and circuses. They would ride, tied into the saddle until the pick up man would come and in the meantime wave and smile to an adoring crowd. This was the only way they could ride and had never been taught to ride slick, spurring the bronc, with their stirrups free, like the cowboys.
Bonnie was not required to ride hobbled in 1915, she chose to ride hobbled. The same choice was made by Bonnie and other cowgirls in 1929.
Bonnie and Frank McCarroll were favorites on the rodeo circuit. In 1929 Bonnie McCarroll pleaded with her husband, Frank, "Please Frank, just one more show. I want Pendleton to be my last ride." Bonnie and Frank were on their way to retirement, and looking forward to their new life with Bonnie's nephew and a new home. Frank didn't want Bonnie to ride but as he so often did, he gave in to the wishes of his wife. Frank accompanied Bonnie into the arena and lifted her, little boy style, into the saddle. The crowd loved that and they knew how to play to the crowd. But on this day, something went terribly wrong and when the snubber removed the gunny sack from the eyes of her bucker, Black Cat, he sommersaulted backwards with Bonnie trapped in the saddle. Her boots hobbled into the stirrups prevented any chance of escape. Each eye witness saw the horrific event differently. Each account is as valid as the other, each was as heartbreaking as the other.
Among those who saw what unfolded that day included, Monk Cardin, who along with his partner, George Moons, had a burlesque wrestling act and had been asked to "clown" the Round-Up. Monk asked "Well, what do we do?" He was told to "Entertain the crowd if there was any delay in the show." Monk and George were favorites at Pendleton and did entertain the crowd for five years. Monk saw Black Cat go over backwards and come back up with Bonnie still in the saddle.
Ollie Osborn, another cowgirl saddle bronc rider was an eye witness to the event and said "I could hear that girls head hit that ground, right there in the bleachers."
Rodeo Historian and cowgirl performer, Reba Perry Blakely was also there. She was sitting in the stands with Black Cat's owner, Mildred Jory, and scouting the bucker for her ride the following day. She claims the ground was too wet and that is what made Black Cat tumble, losing his footing. She remembers Black Cat going to his knees and the pick up man trying desperately trying to grab hold of Bonnie.Some say it was the fault of the Pendleton Round-Up Committee because of a ruling requiring the cowgirls to ride hobbled. Since the cowgirls saddle bronc contest was not a rodeo competition, the girls riding only for exhibition, it wouldn't make sense for the Round-Up committee to involve itself any further than what had already been set out and defined as the conditions for the cowgirls bucking contests. As Pink Boylen said in Episode of the West, "With tied stirrups usually used in the Cowgirls Bucking Contest, Bonnie could not free herself when in trouble."To this day no ruling has ever been found after exhaustive searching by many researchers and historians. Monk Cardin and rodeo cowboy, Jack Sweek admit there were rumors but both denied having direct knowledge of the Round-Up committee ever making such a ruling. Still, the rumors persisted and the story has been whispered, written about and shouted angrily by those who said it was so.Could there be another reason why the cowgirls rode hobbled, with their stirrups tied beneath the belly of the horse, in 1929? It was well known riding hobbled was a very dangerous practice and had cost more than one cowgirl her life in previous years.... Why would anyone chose to ride that way? Why would the Round-Up committee place the cowgirls lives in jeopardy and demand they ride that way?Bertha Kaepernik-Blancett, the best all around cowgirl early rodeo had ever known expressed her opinion to stock contractor and director of the early Los Angeles rodeo, Andy Juaregui. She said she didn't approve of the wild west show cowgirls riding as saddle bronc riders. Not because they weren't "real" cowgirls or ranch women but because of the danger they exposed themselves to. Bertha adamantly believed they should not be roped into the saddle, unable to free themselves and that is what hobbling did.She also claimed that was the reason she wouldn't participate in their "shows" and "exhibitions." Bertha said "I always rode slick, my stirrups were always free." Even in saddle bronc exhibitions where Bertha would ride a saddle bronc, she remained true to her word; she always rode slick, just like the cowboys she was barred from competing against for the Cowboy Championship of the World in 1915 just because she was a woman.What happened September 19, 1929 would change the course of rodeo history and would prove to be the beginning of the end for the rodeo and wild west show cowgirls across the country.
By Shirley Morris ©2010Buy "Oh, You Cowgirl!" on dvd to learn more about this story!
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Oh You Cowgirl Special On Ebay!
» The Lone Cowgirl
Here is a special, limited bundle for "Oh, You Cowgirl!" fans!
The True Story About The Women Who Helped Shape The West."Oh, You Cowgirl!" is an in-depth documentary film about the early 20th century cowgirls; the unsung heroes of the west. It is an honest-to-goodness cowgirl story which also reveals the truth about the legend and mystery of Prairie Rose Henderson. The film focuses upon the spirit and heart of the cowgirls of the wild west shows and rodeos - all champions; some coming from ranches in the west, some entertainers from the east, many giving up everything to do more than they "had a right to do." The impact these inspiring, courageous women had on history, and the significance of their invaluable contribution to our western heritage, has been overlooked for nearly one hundred years. It's high time their strength and character were brought into the light.
The Only Complete, True Account Of What Happened To Cowgirl Great, Bonnie McCarroll
Her horrific accident at Pendleton Round-Up in 1929 was attributed to the demise of the rodeo cowgirl. But, was there really a ruling by the Pendleton Round-Up Committee that forced the women to ride hobbled, stirrups tied beneath the belly of the horse. Everyone knew how dangerous it was, why would they be forced to ride this way?
The Mystery Of Prairie Rose Henderson
Is Finally Unraveled and Solved - Nearly 100 Years After History Reported Her Lost In A Wyoming Blizzard. Who Really Died In That Blizzard and Why Did Prairie Rose Leave Her Legacy Burried In A Snowstorm?
Vaudeville, Circus, Carnival And The Wild West Show Collided With The West And Rodeo Was Born!
PLUS+++ Bonus CD by award winning Western Singer, Juni Fisher "Let 'Er Go, Let 'Er Buck, Let 'Er Fly"
Click This link To Go There Now!
[cgi.ebay.com] For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Production Begins On New Documentary, Irwin
» The Lone Cowgirl
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl!" Features Lost 1911 Cheyenne Film
» The Lone Cowgirl
Did you ever think you would see actual footage of a lost film from 1911 featuring CB Irwin and cowgirl bronc rider, Goldie St. Claire? Here is a small sample from "Oh, You Cowgirl!" showing them in the film "Cheyenne Cowboy & Indian Frontier Celebration, 1911" Would you like to see Prairie Rose riding Gin Fizz? - Come see "Oh, You Cowgirl!" We'll be in Cheyenne during Frontier Days
For ticket information click this link: [ohyoucowgirl.eventbrite.com] For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl!" To Screen Cheyenne, WY
» The Lone Cowgirl‘Oh, You Cowgirl’ documentary film to screen July 23rdPosted on June 24, 2011 by BCM - WCM: The New Journalism
Oh, You Cowgirl to screen July 23rd - Click the image and watch the trailerThe Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, the Cowgirls of the West Museumand Wyoming Community Media in association with LightsOn! Downtown Group present a special screening of the documentary film “Oh, You Cowgirl” and a special appearance by director, producer and entertainer Shirley Morris.Be Inspired… See Oh, You Cowgirl!Buy tickets $10 in advance or $12 at the door (checks, cash, credit cards) Walk up Box Office – Phoenix Books and Music 1612 Capitol Avenue 307-632-3476They left a legacy so steeped in American Lore, you wonder, “Could it be true?” Take an unforgettable journey with the cowgirls who redefined the West.Director and producer Shirley Morris learned about the cowgirls who came west as ranchers and homesteaders and the women of the wild west shows. It has become her passion and heart to bring their stories to as many people who will listen.
SHIRLEY MORRIS Director and Producer, 'Oh, You CowgirlTheir contribution to the history of the west along with what they have given generationally in spirit is important and she believes the courage, tenacity, strength and grit of these women has contributed, greatly and unselfishly to who we are as westerners and Americans. Women have achieved so much and in many ways it is because of the cowgirls of the west who, as stated in the film, “…. were more courageous than they had a right to be.The Historic Hynds Building has reopened as a cultural and arts center. The screening will be the inaugural film event in the unique venue located in the heart of Downtown Cheyenne.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Original Singing Cowgirl
» The Lone CowgirlHollywood filmmakers struck gold in the 1920's and 1930's and featured new American heroes like John Wayne and Gary Cooper, who sat tall in the saddle, to star in epic tales of the west. Rustler's were caught, ranch owners were saved from certain disaster from desperados who were meaner than a rattlesnake in a pickle barrel and the hero always got the girl.
In 1938, Grand National Pictures signed Dorothy Page to star in a series of westerns featuring a singing cowgirl. She was billed as "A True Sweetheart Of The West!" and the description alongside her photo with co-star David O'Brien featuring Dorothy in a large Stetson hat went on to say, "The Singing Cow Girl! At Home in the Saddle... Packing a Six-Shooter in Defense of Right... Her Heart Full of Song!"
The box office audience didn't buy it and John, Gary, Rex, Tom and the other heroes of the celluloid west could rest easy knowing the only cowgirls they would be dealing with were ready to look adoringly into their eyes and be swooped off their feet to ride off into a beautiful sunset. The cowgirl series failed, Grand National Pictures went broke and Dorothy Page left the business to become a housewife. In 1939 she married Los Angeles attorney, Frederick D. Leuschner.
This film is licensed under Creative Commons.
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Strange Bedfellows
» The Lone CowgirlHave you heard of the famous stagecoach driver, Charley Parkhurst who, upon death was discovered to be a woman? She chewed tobacco, smoked cigars, drank whiskey and was known as the best "whip" in early California history. Known as "One-eyed Charley," Parkhurst was listed in the official poll list in the Santa Cruz Sentinel on October 17, 1868 and most likely voted that year - BEFORE women had a right to do so!
According to author, Richard A. Beal, a monument was erected on Parkhurst's grave. It reads:Charley Darkey Parkhurst (1812 - 1879) Noted whip of the gold rush days drove stage over Mt. Madonna in early days of Valley. Last run San Juan to Santa Cruz. Death in cabin near the 7 mile house. Revealed 'one eyed Charlie' a woman. First woman to vote in the U.S. November 3, 1868.
Well, when Hank Monk, a fellow stagecoach driver read her obituary he screamed, "Je-hosephat!" and leapt to his feet. He went on to tell his wife, "I camped out with Parkie once for over a week, and we slept on the same buffalo robe right along." Hanks wife had a rolling pin in her hand. She didn't hit him with it but handed it to him and he made his own biscuits for the next week or so.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Cowgirl Movie - Oh You Cowgirl!
» The Lone Cowgirl
You can buy "Oh, You Cowgirl!" on dvd at [thecowgirlmovie.com] or at many of your local western shops, book stores and specialty shops. If your local shop isn't carrying the movie about the early rodeo and wild west show cowgirls - tell them to drop me an email and we'll see that they are taken care of.Thank you for your support.email shirleymorris@thecowgirlmovie.com
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Tickets Available For Bend Equestrian Team Fundraiser
» The Lone Cowgirl
The Bend High School Equestrian Team will be having a fundraiser this coming June 3 at 7pm and tickets are available online at the school store CLICK HERE or at the school inside the administration office. The 90 minute program will feature "Oh, You Cowgirl Live!" Shirley Morris, filmmaker and storyteller opens the program with her original piece of cowgirl poetry, "A Cowgirls Dream" which describes a dream she had early on in the research stage of her acclaimed documentary movie about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west. She weaves a tale of women who competed on broncs and as bulldoggers, an old cowgirl who is a mentor and guide for all the other cowgirls, a beautiful woman who loves being a cowgirl more than anything, and places these women in the audience, seated right next to you! Their spirit has survived and they want to make sure the story is told right.... As they lived it. Morris states, "This isn't a story about rodeo champions. It isn't a story of repression, the suffrage movement, grain prices or the Great Depression. None of that can be denied and I'm sure there is truth to all of it. What is important to me, is that I pass along to the audience the passion, heart and spirit of a few of these individual women.... They were heroes! The west would have been a very different place and we would be very different people without their influence and impact upon our lives."
The Bend High Equestrian Team represents its High School in athletic competition with a season lasting five months and culminating in the State Competition in May. The team is growing with fifteen members this year and the possibility of nearly doubling that next year.The team is in need of uniforms for riders, saddle blankets, arena and event fees. The team would benefit with membership to Rim Rock Riders to enhance their competitive skills.
For further information please contact Teddy Richardson at 541. 410.0433
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Oh You Cowgirl! Tee from Zazzle.com
» The Lone CowgirlOh You Cowgirl! Tee from Zazzle.com
Oh, You Cowgirl! has set up a new store on Zazzle with limited edition designs featured on a variety of products from tote bags to iPhone covers. More designs are upcoming!For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Cowgirl Ghost Of Deeth, NV
» The Lone Cowgirlby Shirley Morris
©2011 All Rights Reserved
In 1915 Miss Marion Carterett was named champion woman bronco buster of Nevada. She won her title over many of the best cowgirls who came to ride in the contest alongside her in Elko. Big deal, you say, women didn't ride the same hard horses as the men and they didn't ride in 'real' competitions - only exhibition contests!
Well, she also held the distinction of being the only woman in the country who succeeded in riding some of the most vicious, man-eating broncs that had previously booger'd up many of her cowboy rivals. Even as an expert rider, Marion would suffer many broken bones as a result of more than one of the frenzied animals falling over on top of her in a desperate attempt to get her off their back. Still, she continued to mount and ride successfully many broncs her cowboy competitors couldn't conquer.
In 1914, Deeth, Nevada went on a search for a new postmaster. The little town was thriving and boasted a saloon, a hotel, Deeth Mercantile Company and the Deeth Creamery Company which produced 200 pound of butter a week. Deeth had become the supply center and shipping point for the Starr and Ruby Valleys. Men from miles around vied for the coveted position. Miss Carterett applied alongside the men and left her male competition in the dust once again as she convinced everyone she was the right person for the job. She was hired as the new "postmistress."
In addition to riding broncs, Marion was an expert handling the reins and regularly drove a team of eight horses for a stage coach line over the local mountains. She also was an expert at driving a line team consisting of fourteen horses. A line team is a number of horses driven with just one line, which is fastened to an outside ring on the leader horses bit. The driver rides a wheel horse and controls the others by voice commands. Among other prominent stagecoach line drivers were Wyatt Earp and William Cody. Charley Parkhurst, a woman who disguised herself as a man to get the job was also a line team driver.
Miss Marion Carterett never denied or hid who she was. She could do the job as a woman and presented herself honestly and always did the job well.
Deeth is pretty much a ghost town now, surviving with less than twenty inhabitants. There are those among them that swear you can hear those line horses coming up a lone, dusty road into town with Marion's big, strong voice soothing them into perfect step.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Oh, You Cowgirl! Fundraiser
» The Lone Cowgirl
The Bend High School Equestrian Team will be having a fundraiser this coming June 3 at 7pm and will feature the live performance of "Oh, You Cowgirl Live!" Shirley Morris will appear as The Lone Cowgirl and open the program with her original piece of cowgirl poetry, "A Cowgirls Dream" which describes a dream she had early on in the research stage of her acclaimed documentary movie about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west.
She weaves a tale of women who competed on broncs and as bulldoggers, an old cowgirl who is a mentor and guide for all the other cowgirls, a beautiful woman who loves being a cowgirl more than anything, and places these women in the audience, seated right next to you! Their spirit has survived and they want to make sure the story is told right.... As they lived it.
Morris states, "This isn't a story about rodeo champions. It isn't a story of repression, the suffrage movement, grain prices or the Great Depression. None of that can be denied and I'm sure there is truth to all of it. What is important to me, is that I pass along to the audience the passion, heart and spirit of a few of these individual women.... They were heroes! The west would have been a very different place and we would be very different people without their influence and impact upon our lives."
Clara Timm at District Finals finishing a ride for the Gold
The Bend High Equestrian Team represents its High School in athletic competition with a season lasting five months and culminating in the State Competition in May. The team is growing with fifteen members this year and the possibility of nearly doubling that next year.
The team is in need of uniforms for riders, saddle blankets, arena and event fees. The team would benefit with membership to Rim Rock Riders to enhance their competitive skills.
"Oh, You Cowgirl, Live!" is a 90 minute program. After a showing of the movie, filmmaker and storyteller, Shirley Morris continues a few "stories you've never heard.... Until now!" As an added bonus, Tammy Harty and her horse Bunny will make an appearance with a special presentation of tricks and skill outside the auditorium on the grass.
Save the date for this one !
Great entertainment for a very worthy cause!
Tickets can be bought online at https://touchbase.bend.k12.or.us or at the Bend High School Administration Office.
For further information please contact Teddy Richardson at 541. 410.0433For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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New Web Video Series, Cowgirl Chronicles Coming Soon
» The Lone Cowgirl
A new web video series is in development and will premiere soon featuring Shirley Morris as the storytelling Lone Cowgirl. The series will continue the tradition of "Oh, You Cowgirl!" and tell the stories of the early cowgirls, pioneers, wild west show entertainers, the women of the early west. Coming to the web summer, 2011.
For advertising opportunities, please contact Chroma Graphic CommunicationsFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Shirley Morris, Kathleen Kellermann To Partner Again
» The Lone Cowgirl
Shirley Morris and Kathleen Kellermann at the live
performance, "Oh, You Cowgirl Live!" in Palm Springs, CA. The partnership of Shirley Morris and Kathleen Kellermann, co-owners of Chroma Graphic Communications, continue along a new road nearly three decades after the two opened the doors to the award winning Orange County based graphic design and production company.
"My interest after twenty-some years doing graphics wasn't there anymore and I decided to go a different direction about seven years ago. " Morris said and continued, "For the past seven years or so I have been writing, developing my skills as a videographer and film editor. It was during this time I began doing family video biographies and released my first documentary, OH, YOU COWGIRL! For me, it was a rebirth. I had found that creative passion once again."
While the documentary movie about the early 20th century cowgirls and wild west show performers continues to enjoy critical acclaim, Morris is off and running on the next documentary project about the early west with "Irwin" a story about one of the most influential families who ranched and settled in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Shirley Morris will also be featured onscreen as host and storyteller for a new web video series, COWGIRL CHRONICLES. Morris says, "Sometimes, when you follow your path in life, you may stumble upon an invitation to travel an unfamiliar road. I love this little side street.... and I love being a storyteller!"
This new series will continue telling the stories of the early homesteaders, ranchers, and cowgirls along with stories of westerners of today who benefited from their influence, some following in their footsteps. Morris contends, "If you were born in the west, from parents born in the west, it is likely you have a big thank you to say to the women who helped settle the west. Their influence is unique and the west would not have the same sense of adventure, grit, courage and heart we seem to take for granted today with no thought of where it came from. These women of one hundred years ago were, for the most part forgotten in history. It is my goal to give them a clear voice and that voice is long overdue."
While Shirley Morris will continue to research, write, direct and edit, Kathleen Kellermann will bring her talents as photographer and videographer to the project table, with the two working in partnership once again. Kellermann will also assume other duties in the business and all projects will be completed by the Morris and Kellermann business, Chroma Graphic Communications.
Kellermann accompanied Morris for four days in early April and photographed artifacts from the Irwin Y6 collection. These images will be shared with Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum and used for future exhibits.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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I Can Ride That Bronc!
» The Lone Cowgirl
Many of the early wild west show cowgirls never knew ranch life. They had never gentled a range pony, branded or doctored a calf, mended a fence.... Yet, rather than settle for a life of arranged marriages, mundane jobs, spousal abuse and a lack of freedom and control over their own lives, many chose to run away to circuses and wild west shows to become "rodeo cowgirls"Many women of that time including Ruth Roach, Claire Belcher, Buckskin Bessie, and Fox Hastings, risked not only their lives, but family and social scorn, by climbing into the hurricane deck of a bucking bronc and staying there for a few seconds to make their ride. Most times they did this with the stirrups hobbled, tied together beneath the belly of the horse. It kept them seated but was extremely dangerous and several of the cowgirls were killed practicing this very dangerous way of riding whirlygiggin' broncs. One old cowboy offered the opinion and said "If they stuck to it for a few seconds, they got to eat that night. That's why they were there and that's the only reason."What do you think, was that really the only reason they were there? Would you have had the courage to do what those women had to do in the early 20th c. to escape the small world society and law would have them living in? Could you see yourself being a wild west show cowgirl?Join me in this provocative discussion at True West Historical Society and let me know your thoughts.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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CARING FOR VINTAGE PHOTOS AND FILM
» The Lone CowgirlAfter spending four days photographing, scanning and video taping all the priceless images and artifacts of the Irwin family and Y6 ranch, I came away with a sense of urgency to preserve my own family memories and images. So many of the priceless photos have suffered permanent water, emulsion and fading damage and must now undergo digital restoration which is costly and time consuming.
Since that is part of my job and training, it isn't the end of the world and the images will be preserved. I thought of how many people don't have the time, skills or commitment to restore badly damaged family photographs and thought I would post some pointers, a guide for preserving your cherished family memories. With a little care, you can pass them down to many generations to come.
Badly damaged rare image of the cowgirls of the 101 Ranch
Make Them Last A LifetimeFamily photos and movies are priceless. Like memories, a photograph or movie is a moment frozen, taken back from the grasp of time. A collection of photos, home movies, documents, letters are the visual history of your family, your friends and your life. Before digital images we had film photographs and we thought they would last forever, but even the most modern prints are not designed to last more than a few decades. Black and wite photos are made up of light-sensitive silver salts known as silver halides and while they do last a bit longer, are still prone to emulsion, light and water damage. Color photographs and slides made up of dyes and plastics are more fragile and all photos will eventually succumb to the effects of a hostile environment as well as a host of natural enemies. Preserving photographs and home movies, organic and temporary by their very nature can be done by following a few simple guidelines.
What Can Damage Your Photographic Images?
• High Temperature and Relative HumidityThe emulsion layer of a photograph, the light sensitive component that actually captures the image, is made up of organic materials, including gelatin. This makes the emulsion susceptible to mold and fungi. Uninsulated basements or attics are the wrong place to store your family treasures. In the case of disaster, the basement is the first place that gets flooded, and the attic is bound to go up in smoke in the event of fire. Photos should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally below 68º and under 50% humidity.
• Ultraviolet LightBefore you hang that photo on the wall, make sure it is safe from the sun. Direct exposure to sunlight can cause your photographs to fade in just a few years. If you must display your photo where it receives direct sun, there are special filters and glass you can purchase to protect it. Another option is to make a copy of an irreplaceable image and display the copy.
• Wood and Paper ProductsMany wood and paper products contain harmful acids, bleaches and other chemicals that can damage the emulsion of your photograph over time. If you are into scrapbooking, be highly selctive and careful. Use only "acid free" paper products. When shopping for archival products, make sure you read the product descriptions carefully because there is no accepted archival labeling standard.
• Adhesives, Rubber and Metallic ObjectsDon't buy easy to use sticky-back photo albums. If you are using them now, try to gently remove your photographs from the glued page. If you are unable to remove the photo without damaging it, it should be scanned or photographed to preserve the image. Most adhesives used in these products contain harmful chemicals such as PVC that will eventually destroy your photographs. Rubber bands have the same effect. Metallic objects such as paper clips can scratch the surface of your prints and negatives and it is important to take care at other objects stored in the same box as photo images.
Hope this helps preserve your priceless memories!For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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One Hundred Years, A Life Well Lived
» The Lone CowgirlBy Shirley Morris
©2011 All Rights Reserved
Edith and Eve Roark
My great aunt and grandmother were born one hundred years ago on this day, April 7, 1911. While I have fond memories of my grandmother, Edith Roark, it was my Aunt Eve who raised my mother and gave her strength, courage, will and moral clarity to live a happy, productive life. It was not an easy gift to give, mom was not always an eager recipient and my grandmother could not recognize the gift her twin sister was willing to give unselfishly and fullheartedly.
One hundred years ago may as well have been one thousand years. Life as we know it today was no less than fantasy, science fiction to the inhabitants of the Oklahoma plains of that time. Eve was a wonderful storyteller and told the story of her father building a home for himself and new bride on the family homestead, "It wasn't much more than a two room shack but mamma said he was so proud of it."
Twins were a novelty and the little
town of Mountain Park showed photos
of Eve and Edith at the local theater. By the time I was wise enough to recognize the importance of these stories being handed down to me, Eve was well into her 90's and macular degeneration had for the most part, taken her sight. But when she spoke of that two room shack with the woodstove that simmered the steel cut oats all night, was cooled by the summer breeze with a dampened sheet hung in an open window and insulated from the bone chilling winds of winter with newspaper pasted to the walls, you could see the story in her eyes and feel it in her voice. This harsh, unforgiving time, this life without electricity, radio, television, internet, was embraced, cherished and missed.
The girls had not reached their second birthday when their father, Stanley Roark died suddenly of a ruptured appendix. Their mother, Pearl was a typical woman of her time and the plains; educated just enough to take care of the business of wife and homemaker. Left with twin girls, Pearl found herself in a similar situation as many women of that time, she not only wanted but needed to do more to survive. She had to know more, earn more, be more, than women of that time had a right to be or do.
Pearl succeeded in raising the girls and to hear Eve speak of it, life was idyllic until illness struck unexpectedly. The summer before beginning her senior year in high school, Eve contracted Meningitis. It was touch and go for some time and the town doctor told Eve's mother Pearl she most likely would not survive. The will to live was strong and Eve gradually became stronger but it would be nearly a full year before she would learn to speak and walk again. One year later, Eve successfully completed her senior year courses and graduated with a high school diploma.
She loved ranch life, her favorite uncle, Joe Roark and granny, Laura Warren. Remembering the lessons they taught about honoring family, friends, honesty in business, following your heart and the merits of giving 200% to earn 100%, Eve eventually moved to Los Angeles, California were she met and fell in love with Dale Drake. She thought he looked like Clark Gable and was enthralled with the aviator, barnstormer, race car driver and eventual co owner of Meyer Drake Engineering, makers of the famed Indy racing engine, the Offy.
Eve tried her hand in hollywood movies
but didn't care much for the life. When she met
Dale she said "I met Dale Drake and he saved me." While much has been written about the success of Dale Drake and the Offy engine, few knew that it was Eve who kept the books for Meyer Drake Engineering. Even though she was not allowed in the office to work because she was a woman, (Lou Meyer strictly forbid women working in his business) Dale would bring the books home at night and unbeknownst to Lou, Eve - not Dale, took care of them.
Beyond her secret life as unofficial CFO for Meyer Drake Engineering, raising her son John, my mother Betty Jean and her brother Rex, Eve became president of the Los Angeles Republican Womens Club, Los Angeles Speed Boat Association and chaired various events with these organizations.
I don't remember much about that part of her life. Much more important to me were the lessons she imparted regarding kindness, patience, equity, honoring friendship and family, her very strong western work ethic, the value of a handshake as your word and contract and acceptance of people as who they are and not who you believe they should be. I don't remember Eve Roark-Drake-Landers ever being mean spirited or gossiping about friend or foe. I think she must have been born fair-minded. Still, I aspire to emulate her in every way I can.
I visited her for the last time last week. Her days are now few. We have talked many times about coming to the end of a life well-lived. She joked about the party being on the other side. My mother, her son, all her friends and two husbands await her. This vibrant, strong, delightful, bright, witty centenarian is now confined to her bed and her memory is fading and failing. I asked her if there was anything left she must do or say to complete her life? She told me everyone was visiting for her birthday and she would feel complete when we all did. I am honored and hope she holds a seat at the party for me.
This is Aunt Eve's favorite poem, shared with me many years ago. It sums up her philosophy on life very well.
"Grandmother, on a winter's day,
milked the cows and fed them hay,
Slopped the hogs, saddled the mule,
and got the children off to school.
Did the washing, mopped the floors,
washed the windows, did some chores;
Swept the parlor, made the beds,
baked a dozen loaves of bread.
Split some firewood, then lugged it in,
enough to fill the kitchen bin;
Cleaned the lamps, put in oil,
stewed some apples she thought would spoil.
Cooked a supper that was delicious,
afterward washed up the dishes.
Fed the cat, sprinkled the clothes,
mended a basketful of hose.
Then opened the organ and began to play,
When You Come To The End Of A Perfect Day."
The first video biography I ever did was for my own family. This is a clip featuring Eve from that video. For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Join The Lone Cowgirl To Help Equine Rescue
» The Lone Cowgirl
If you missed coming to WestFest and the Gene Autry FilmFest, you can still catch The Lone Cowgirl Presents "Oh, You Cowgirl!" in Fallbrook, April 1 at 6pm.
The presentation will be part of a fundraiser for Falcon Ridge Equine Rescue, a non-profit, humane equine organization, sanctuary, rehabilitation and traning center for the horse.
FalconRidge Ranch was founded in 2002 by Nicki Branch and David Lee Archer. Branch rode hunters and jumpers as a teen and was a professional groom for Jimmy Williams and Rob Gage in the 70's. Nicki adopted her first rescue horse, Lucky Nash in 2000. He was an Arabian from New York who lived his entire 5 years of life in a stall inside a dilapidated barn. Focusing on the horses that were the most unwanted, such as blind, swaybacked, or deformed horses, Nicki also found a great need for someone to take on the severely abused, behavior problem or dangerous horses who were faced with being euthanized. She has worked with equine rescues nationwide, including the Equine Protection Network and Equine Rescue, Inc.
"Oh, You Cowgirl!" will be presented at 6pm Friday, April 1 at the Atkins Estate, 4113 N. Mission Road in Fallbrook, CA. For more information about the event, please contact Nicki Branch at 760 216.2016.
You can find out more about this very worthwhile and helpful organization here
FalconRidge Equine RescueFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Evolution Of Levis And The Mini Skirt
» The Lone CowgirlMarch Is Womens History Month
By Shirley Morris
©2011 All Rights Reserved
I landed my first 'real' job in 1966 as a senior in high school. I needed clothes and a surfboard desperately and the only way I would obtain these perceived treasures was to become employed and earn enough money to buy them.
It was a Mod Go-Go kind-of Christmas in 1966
My friend, Peggy called one evening and in her usual excited bubbly, smiling voice told me she had discovered a job posting in our local newspaper. At that time if you wanted a job you would look in the Daily Breeze under the correct heading, "Help Wanted Female". Many times the jobs would be the same as they were when posted under the heading, "Help Wanted Male" but the requirements and compensation for employment were not the same. Wardrobe requirements usually were white shirts and ties for men, while women (girls) were expected to wear skirts and dresses.
Now, anyone with a modicum of fashion sense would not be caught dead without the accompanying accoutrements consisting of the correct shoes (heels), jewelry, make up and pocket book. Monetary compensation separating the two headings for men and women (girls) would usually add up to more than $100.00 per month and that was a lot of dough in the mid sixties.
As bubbly, shinny faced high school girls, we never questioned the practicality of the wardrobe requirements or the inequity of the wage differences - We were gratefully ecstatic to apply for and get jobs as photo inspectors at the new Polaroid facility in El Segundo. I mean $4.25 per hour was almost twice what you would earn as a candy girl at the Fox Theatre. It was great fun, three good friends working together.... Peggy and I as photo inspectors and Jim, who hired on as a developer trainee at $4.75 per hour. This job was posted only under the heading, "Help Wanted Male".
Four hours of fun and aching feet! The heels, little one inch pumps, would start their torcherous assault about 45 minutes into our shift standing on a concrete floor. Jim wore sneakers or loafers and told us to quit bellyachin'! I must say, we bucked up pretty good.
A few short years later we became part of, lived through, embraced, repelled, celebrated, survived, Womens Liberation. As with anything that swings a pendulum either to it's most easternly or westernly point, there was good and bad. To this day, for the life of me, I do not understand why any woman would want to burn her bra.
For the life of me, I cannot understand any reasoning behind paying a woman less than a man for the same job. Nothing, other than they could get away with it. So, Womens Lib in all its radical glory was a good thing for the most part, but it certainly was not a new thing. Still, I did not own a pair of Levi's until I was twenty two years old.
Back in the late 1800's, Evelyn Cameron was accustomed to living a luxurious life and born to a wealthy British family. She would marry a Montana naturalist and move to eastern Montana where she would become the first female frontier photographer. Over the next thirty years, Evelyn chronicled western history and the lives of it's inhabitants by taking thousands of photographs. At the same time, she took care of most of the chores and duties necessary of one living on an early western ranch.
It was forbidden and unlawful for women to dress in a lude and unfeminine way. This meant Evelyn and her female friends were bound by law to wear long skirts and dresses with petticoats. Women were not permitted to wear pants, boots, overalls.... all proper and practical for ranching men but unlawful for women to wear.
Mrs. Wilder, winner 1910 Relay
Pendleton Round-Up Evelyn witnessed her best friend and neighbor get her long, flowing skirt caught up in her saddle. Unable to free herself, the horse trampled and killed her. Evelyn vowed never to wear "unsuitable" clothing again and designed a costume that consisted of a split skirt. She said, "Although my costume was so full as to look like an ordinary walking dress when the wearer was on foot, it created a small sensation. So great at first was the prejudice against any divided garment in Montana that a warning was given me to abstain from riding on the streets of Miles City lest I might be arrested!
Mamie Stroud, Champion Trick Rider
Later, those full-looking costumes would find their way into the rodeo arena, evolved into a safer-but-uglier-than-dirt practical trick riding costume known as bloomers. Even in the rodeo arena, competing sometimes against their cowboy counterparts, cowgirls were expected to look and act like the ladies of their time. Quite a trick when you are trying to stay stuck to the hurricane deck of the same bronc that just a few moments earlier, hurled a cowboy friend clean across the arena, ending his bid for day money and glory.
Champion Cowgirl, Vera McGinnis nearly suffered the same fate as Evelyn Cameron's friend when the corset beneath her skirt became entangled on the saddle horn of her bronc. Vera was so angry she removed the corset while still in the arena and flung it over her shoulder vowing never again would she wear such a monstrocity!
Cowgirls of Irwin Bros. Wild West sporting pants and woolies
Vera is credited with wearing the first pants specifically designed for women while performing in rodeo events. Her idea came from a pair of mens pants with the zipper in front. She thought that was too masculine, removed the zipper and placed it to the side for a more feminine look. Soon, all the women performers and competitors were wearing feminine pants with the zipper to the side, thanks to Vera.
It was necessary for women to embrace and accentuate their femininity, especially when competing and performing rodeo stunts. Newspaper editorials screamed the need for men to "reign in their women" They continued warning "Men, your women will become muscle bound if we allow them to participate in masculine sport."
Dolly Eskew as the Prairie Rose
For rodeo and wild west show promoters like C. B. Irwin, it was necessary to portray cowgirls as feminine and beautiful. We embraced the beauty of Mabel Strickland and fooled the crowds with ringers for the great cowgirl Prairie Rose Henderson. Henderson, a gifted athlete could ride broncs slick and with the best of them but unfortunately for her, she did not possess the physical feminine attributes needed to showcase her skills. Irwin, the master showman had the idea to allow her to ride but when the time came to introduce her to the press, he used more feminine characters - ringers who would appease the public need for a more feminine cowgirl.
Dolly Eskew appeared as one of the feminine Prairie Roses and designed elaborate costumes of Maribou feathers, mink, sequins, beautiful velvet piping and told the crowds and press, "Riding a bronc is good for your health and keeps one in good physical condition."
A Cowgirl Is A Cowgirl, Is A Cowgirl....
Mabel Strickland, Texas Guinan, Dorothy Page, Marlena Dietrich all went on to glorify the cowgirl of the west in western movies. Oddly, the entire country became more comfortable with the needed changes in clothing attributed to the physical nature of the job, when it was portrayed by a feminine beauty on the big screen.
Thank you, girls! I will be forever grateful not to a wear corseted, long, heavy skirt if I ever decide to climb aboard a snortin', twistin', reach for the stars, sunfishin' bronc.
A feminine woman is immensely powerful. I have never believed we would find our place or fulfill our worth emulating cowboys or any other man. The differences between yin and yang, even in the saddle are blatent. Maybe, if we can recall our history and the women who walked before us, it won't be necessary to take the proverbial two steps back and one step forward when the subject of femininity and equal rights raises it's twisted little head again. Just ask Mabel Strickland, Bonnie McCarroll, Prairie Rose, Bertha Blancett as well as a host of hundreds of unnamed ranch women and female homesteaders. As Bertha said, "I always behaved as a lady and the men always treated me as such." Few question that Bertha Blancett could ride broncs with the cowboy's best. Prairie Rose could design and sew a costume as well as ride a bronc, and stately mannered Mabel Strickland could rope and tie a steer better than most of her cowboy counterparts. So well that one cowboy asked Mabel's husband, Hugh to keep her away from the cowboy competitions because she made them look bad!
Maybe this time we will revel in our femininity with complete abandon; Wear Levis to work, a sequined gown to dinner, silk and satin to bed and finally, smash the archaic remnants of that glass ceiling in one last, swift blow! Knowing it is our adeptly feminine right to do so. Cowgirl!For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Tickets On Sale Now For Palm Springs WestFest
» The Lone Cowgirl
To Reserve And Purchase Show Tickets - Click Here!
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Lone Cowgirl Presents: Old Time Cowgirl Declared A Myth
» The Lone CowgirlThe Lone Cowgirl Presents: Old Time Cowgirl Declared A Myth: "Cowgirl of the Plains declared 'Mythical Creature' It was so declared by a former state official from Kansas in 192..."For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Lone Cowgirl Presents: Bertha Kaepernik Competes With Cowboys, 1904
» The Lone CowgirlThe Lone Cowgirl Presents: Bertha Kaepernik Competes With Cowboys, 1904: "Spirits dampened as the skies opened and rain came down in buckets. The cowboys had decided to postpone the broncho riding event but the cow..."For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Lone Cowgirl Presents: A Cowgirl's Dream
» The Lone CowgirlThe Lone Cowgirl Presents: A Cowgirl's Dream: "Deep from sleep they called upon me Voices filling a blue eyed sky I was on a road rutted and narrow Turned left at the fence, can't tell yo..."For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Making An American Long Bow With John Green
» The Lone Cowgirl
My young cousin John Green competed along with nine other contestants chosen by teachers and staff for Mr. SHS (Mr. Sisters High School). The ten contestants were chosen on the basis of leadership skills, integrity, responsibility, community involvement and attitude.They were judged on talent, formal presentation, their ability to answer social, ethical and personal questions and their fundraising abilities. They raised a record breaking $30,000. + this year and presented it to NICU, a neonatal intensive unit at St. Charles Hospital and FAN, the Family Access Network.
John WON the competition last night and will now compete with boys in Central Oregon on the state level.
I had the pleasure of producing the video for John showing his ability to make and instruct others to make an American Long Bow.
This video is the first of many to be featured in a new series, The Heritage Arts Preservation Project.
Watch the video hereFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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THE ULTIMATE COWGIRL COLLECTION!!!
» The Lone Cowgirl
Enjoy the poster, the music, the movie And Some Great Savings!Included is the Yellowstone Winds CD by Open Range Band featuring "Fannie Sperry Steele" Open Range won the Marilyn Tuttle Harmony Award this year at the Western Music Awards.Juni Fisher and Let 'er Go, Let 'er Buck, Let 'er Fly featuring "When I Was Prairie Rose"The documentary film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" andThe official movie poster from the film.*Supplies are limited. Secure payment through PayPal.$45.00
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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A Cowgirl's Dream
» The Lone Cowgirl
Deep from sleep they called upon me
Voices filling a blue eyed sky
I was on a road rutted and narrow
Turned left at the fence, can't tell you why.
Something led me up that path
Following instinct intact and intune
A bird flew by, my eyes followed squinting
That ol' sun never lies, I knew it was noon.
I parked the car 'neath a gnarly old tree
Feeling coolness from the shade of its branches
Watched the gelded beauties in that pasture there
Throw hooves to the wind, delighting in their dances.
Across the way was a house of sorts
With a worn wooden porch so old
I wondered whose boots stepped before mine
What stories, heroic, begged to be told.
My hand reached for a tarnished brass knob
I opened the door with care and
Gazed in amazement for seated three deep in that room
The Buckin' Horse Cowgirls were there!
One looked deeply into my soul
Her hat so huge, I had to stare
She said, "Yes, I'm a cowgirl - a bulldogger too!"
I found out later, her name was Claire.
Someone yells, "Claire Belcher I challenge you!
Anyplace, anytime, anywhere!"
Why, It's Fox Hastings sitting next to you
They were bulldoggers you know, cowgirls extraordinaire.
Mabel Strickland's here and wants to say,
"I'm much more than a pretty face"
It's just that I love bronc ridin' so and prefer wearing
Woolie chaps to satin and lace.
All the girls are with us now!
I see Bonnie, Prairie Rose, Bertha Kaepernik
Some rode for show, some for money
Bertha says, "Bonnie, I always rode slick."
A woman walks from that room in my dream
Much older than most, she's no pup
Her stealy blue eyes look up into mine
Saying "Shirley, you have to hurry up!"
I said, "I made the movie - that's why we're all here
To watch the cowgirls story tonight"
Now Dolly is standing right next to me saying
"We're here Shirley, to make sure you got it right."
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Oh, You Cowgirl Live! Will Be At Palm Springs WestFest
» The Lone Cowgirl
Three live showings featuring filmmaker, Shirley Morris as The Lone Cowgirl, will be presented along with a full showing of the critically acclaimed documentary movie, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" at the Palm Springs WestFest and Gene Autry Film Festival at the Renaissance Hotel in the Mojave Theatre.
Morris introduces the film with a piece of 'cowboy poetry' she wrote describing a dream she had when first researching the documentary about the early 20th century rodeo and wild west show cowgirls. "I walked into an old ranch house and saw cowgirls seated in rows of three against two walls - They wanted their stories told and told me so in no uncertain terms! The poem describes who was there and what they said in that old ranch house."
The films research took an unexpected turn two years into the project when Morris found evidence that famed rodeo star and cowgirl, Prairie Rose Henderson, did not die as reported in a Wyoming blizzard. It would take nearly another two years to unravel the mystery surrounding her reported death; who really died and why the great rodeo cowgirl left her legacy burried in a Wyoming snowstorm. The story is riveting and uncovers an untold tale about three additional, talented cowgirl heroes unknown until Morris pieced their stories together.
Tickets are $10.00. For additional information about the Gene Autry Film Festival and Palm Springs WestFest visit the website here [palmspringswestfest.com]
For more information about the film "Oh, You Cowgirl!" visit
http://thecowgirlmovie.comFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Meet The Filmmaker Screenings
» The Lone Cowgirl
Filmmaker, Shirley Morris is scheduling "Meet The Filmmaker" showings of her critically acclaimed documentary, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" A few dates in mid March and early April are still available in Southern California.
Morris presents the film and tells the audience by way of her new poem, The Dream, why she made the film. She also continues the story about Prairie Rose and offers some insight about why this great cowgirl had to leave her legacy burried in the west. Morris says,
"The screenings are great for small fundraisers or just a fun way to spend an evening with your cowgirl friends."
To schedule a showing or request more information, email Shirley Morris here
shirleymorris@thecowgirlmovie.comFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl!" Presented by Lone Pine Film Museum
» The Lone CowgirlDon't miss The Lone Cowgirl Presents "Oh, You Cowgirl!" at the Lone Pine Film Museum April 19. It's a beautiful time to visit the high desert and a great place to see the film, enjoy a few good cowgirl stories and be among the first to hear "The Dream" a poem about the cowgirls who inspired me to make the movie. For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Interview With The Lone Cowgirl
» The Lone Cowgirl
Charity Underwood Jacobs will be interviewing me on U Spur Radio tonight. I'll be sharing stories about the cowgirls who inspired me to make "Oh, You Cowgirl!" and how I discovered all the women who made up the legacy of the great Prairie Rose Henderson. 8pm Central 6pm Pacific - Hope you can join us!
Here is the link [www.blogtalkradio.com]
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Who Is Shirley Morris?
» The Lone Cowgirl
Born in Los Angeles County California, Shirley Morris dreamed of becoming a rancher and cowgirl for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Hermosa Beach, California she instead became an accomplished athlete as an FWSIA Certified Ski Instructor and fine artist, showing in many art shows and festivals including the prestigious and largest Arts Festival in Southern California, Fiesta De Las Artes. Her original oils were also featured in several Southern California galleries including Step Up Gallery in Laguna Beach.
After working as a Graphic Designer, Copy Editor and Art Director for Haliday Publications in Orange County, Shirley opened and became a partner with Chroma Graphic Communications in 1984. Within one year, Chroma became one the largest production and typography houses in Orange County, CA. with many national and regional accounts.
Morris has won many awards for her work in graphics, fine arts and typography. She has evolved her skills to include photography and videography. Realizing the changing face of technology and art, Morris recognized a need among families to protect their most prized possessions, photographs, memories, old film, the intangible treasures in our lives, and expanded her business, producing family video biographies in 2003.
In 2006, Shirley began reading a book about an early rancher and cowgirl, Lucille Mulhall, as research for a small commercial project. She became enthralled with the stories about women she had never heard of. The discovery of these women who came west to settle as ranchers, homesteaders, cowgirls, entertainers captured her heart. It became her passion to research and record this little known, important part of our western history and heritage.
Her documentary, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" is about the early twentieth century rodeo cowgirls and women of the wild west shows. It is the culmination of a four year quest. Her passion to share these little known stories about the women she calls the "unsung heroes of the west" resulted in a documentary project that she produced, wrote, directed, edited and almost entirely self funded.
In addition to the documentary film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Morris produced a music video featuring western songwriter and entertainer, Juni Fisher performing "When I Was Prairie Rose" an original song written about the woman mistaken as Prairie Rose Henderson and featured in the film. Shirley Morris researched and revealed the true identities of several women known as Prairie Rose Henderson, one of the west's most famous and flamboyant cowgirl performers.
"Oh, You Cowgirl!" premiered at the Wyoming Film Festival in Saratoga, Wy as it's featured film in August, 2010 and is receiving critical acclaim.
A live presentation featuring Morris telling further stories about these remarkable women and a screening of the film will be touring the west as The Lone Cowgirl Presents "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
Reviews, stories and the film's trailer are posted on the film website, [thecowgirlmovie.com]
Shirley Morris can be reached by phone or email,
541 550-7495 shirleymorris@thecowgirlmovie.comFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Man Of The West, Thoughts From A Cowboy
» The Lone CowgirlMy good friend, TJ Casey has just released a new book of cowboy poetry. He gave it to me to read and review and I loved it. It is as authentic, as cowboy, as western bred as anything you will ever read and his fresh look at a very beautiful, sometimes harsh world becomes very real. For some, it will be as close as anything they will ever experience in regards to being that cowboy, themselves.
TJ was featured in "Oh, You Cowgirl!" as the voice of Dell Blancett.
Here is a recent press release on the book and a link to where you can find it.
TJ CASEY RELEASES A POETRY BOOK “MAN OF THE WEST”
Billings MT - TJ Casey, best known for entertaining adults and youth through the Western United States as a singer/songwriter, educator, humorist, composer, and storyteller is sharing another part of his soul with his Poetry Book “Man of the West.”
TJ’s Book, “Man of the West” takes you on a journey through time and throughout the country from Alaska to Montana. His stories take you back to the good old days through today as he shares the ways and thoughts of the modern day Cowboy. His stories motivate, amuse and many bring a tear of joy. Complimenting the book are a collection of photos, quips, musings and the periodic profound ramblings.TJ has done residencies at several schools in the area, where he teaches our Western Heritage, Cowboy Culture, Indian Education, poetry and the Code of the West to the students.
“TJ admonishes those who romance the ideal of the cowboy. He insists there are few among us who would truly want to live that life if only the truth be told. He then proceeds to lure us seductively back to that life and describes a true story of a man you long to call friend. You feel warmed by a summers breeze and the sun shining brightly in your eyes....and brother,
sister, who would not want to be that cowboy?”
Shirley Morris, Filmmaker/Producer, "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
This book is the picture window to TJ’s heart and soul and will bring a smile, a laugh and an occasional tear.
Phil Peretz, Independent Artists Alliance
TJ Casey's Cowboy Poetry column has become a mainstay in our community, much like the virtue, integrity, romance and desire, and humor and straight out barreling to the point, still are.
Amanda Smith, Owner/Editor-Publisher, The Glenrock Bird and Open Range Magazine
Westerners of all ages and experience will identify with the vivid reminisces, tales, wisdom, and gut-busting humor which Casey has skillfully woven into poems that rival rawhide bosals and horsehair mecates for style, texture and practicality.
Non-Westerners will be transported into a reality they couldn’t imagine . . .one that’ll change ‘em at the deepest level, and leave ‘em longing for more. The book’s sterling authenticity is enhanced by a fantastic collection of real cowboy photos..
Rhonda Sedgwick Stearns, Rancher, Poet and former Academy of Western Artists Top Cowgirl Poet of the year
To purchase the book or for more information about TJ Casey: http://www.tjcasey.net or call 406-245-0734.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Shirley Morris, Filmmaker ...
» The Lone Cowgirl
Shirley Morris, Filmmaker of "Oh, You Cowgirl!" the documentary about the early twentieth century rodeo and wild west show cowgirls, is partnering with Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Research and production of a new documentary/docudrama based upon the lives of the remarkable Irwin family is underway and filming will begin this summer.
"Most people who follow rodeo are aware of C. B. Irwin's accomplishments and contributions to the sport. Few have any idea about the monumental achievements contributed by nearly every member of this unbelievably talented family. They not only lived the American dream, they created their own unique version of it, embracing many elements of the arts, sports, politics and business." Morris says.
The film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" is now available at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum to researchers and for educational purposes. A west coast tour is being scheduled now for the presentation of The Lone Cowgirl Presents "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Shirley Morris appears as The Lone Cowgirl and presents additional stories about the cowgirls of old along with a showing of the film. Details are being worked out to include a traveling museum showcase to present many of the items from the Irwin family and Y6 ranch, most have never been seen publicly before.
A portion of the proceeds from the film and performance will be used to fund production for the new Irwin documentary. Other guests for future performances may include cowboy poets, musical artists, authors and speakers.
For more information about the film and presentation, emailthecowgirlmovie@thecowgirlmovie.com
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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New Video For Oh, You Cowgirl!
» The Lone CowgirlNew video including a clip featuring Monk Cardin describing Bonnie McCarroll's last ride at the 1929 Pendleton Round-Up has been added to the film website. Some say her death was a result of a ruling by the Pendleton Round-Up committee requiring the cowgirls to ride with their stirrups hobbled, tied together under the belly of the bronc. The film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" raises questions to that assumption and offers other possible reasons why the women performers of the wild west shows and rodeo would have chosen to ride using dangerous, hobbled stirrups rather than allow their stirrups to be free and ride slick, like the cowboys.
Follow this link to view
Oh, You Cowgirl Movie TrailersFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Holiday Savings - Oh, You Cowgirl! and Open Range Together
» The Lone CowgirlCyber Monday and Holiday Savings now on "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Great for stocking stuffers and you are helping preserve the history of the forgotten heroes of the last century. Look for special package deals with the winner of the Marilyn Tuttle, Best of the Best Harmony Award at this years WMA - Open Range Band. Yellowstone Winds features "Fanny Sperry Steele" as performed in "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
Visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
Or Buy Here! Save $10.00 and Free Shipping Throughout the Holiday Season!
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Rick Huff Gives Glowing Revue To "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
» The Lone Cowgirl"Rick Huff's Best of the West Reviews" included his review on the newly released documentary film by Shirley Morris about the early twentieth century rodeo cowgirls and women of the wild west shows, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" this month.
"Very nicely rendered here is the story (both unsung and sung) of the professional rodeo ladies who competed on the same animals and in the same events as the guys…and then had to compete even further for any small measure of equal attention and reward. You might recall Jean Prescott sang about them a while back, and then they once again sort of sank in the Western dust. In this skillfully assembled DVD, they’re back and kickin’ up said dust!
For the most part the sung portion of the story is handled (wonderfully, of course) by Juni Fisher. Included are a number of appropriate songs found on her CD Let ‘Er Go Let ‘Er Buck Let ‘Er Fly. But the unsung portion can really make the emotions well up, too. Filmmaker Shirley Morris has devoted a lot of time into unearthing the research and proofs required to make that happen. And hopefully it will make men of a certain mindset sit a little less comfortably in their saddles.
Partly solved in this story is the long entrenched mystery of Prairie Rose Henderson, or should we say the various “Prairie Roses.” Particularly rough is the story of the one who was even denied her due in death. Actual footage of some of the heroic ladies’ rides is here, and the stories of each will hopefully serve as an inspirational prod onward to anyone needing it.
Western historical DVDs of this caliber are rare to begin with, and Shirley Morris’ Oh You Cowgirl! tells a story that deserves to be in the foreground of that Western history. It may well go down as the hallmark of its kind."
Rick Huff - Best of the West Reviews
Order the "Best Of The West" 5 "Oh, You Cowgirl!" DVD's here
BEST OF THE WEST
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Women Who Did More Than They Had A Right To Do
» The Lone CowgirlIf you thought you had heard all the stories there were to tell about cowgirls, If you think you know how our history was forged in the west, prepare yourself for a new series about women and stories you have never heard, until now.
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Bring "Oh, You Cowgirl!" To Your Next Event
» The Lone CowgirlDownload this flyer for more information on how you can bring the acclaimed documentary film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" to your next event. Perfect for fundraising, private home screenings, festivals, school presentations, private theatre gatherings, charity and club events.
Become a fan of Oh, You Cowgirl! on FacebookFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Cowgirl Chronicles, A New Weekly Adventure Series
» The Lone CowgirlComing Soon!
If you thought Juni Fisher was only one of the most talented singer/songwriter performers in America today, you have a surprise coming. Wait until you see what we have in store for you with a new series featuring "Stories you've never seen.... Until now!"For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Coming soon.For more, ...
» The Lone Cowgirl
Coming soon.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Shop 'Til You Drop And Save!
» The Lone Cowgirl
The Holiday Season starts now at thecowgirlmovie.comFree Shipping and Save more when you buy more!It's the perfect stocking stufferPlus, you are helping tell the story about these unsung heroes
Did you ever think you would be able to see Prairie Rose Ride a broncOr, Jane Bernoudy spin a rope, or the Wild Horse Race at the 1911 Cheyenne Frontier Days?For the first time since 1911 you will have the opportunity to do just that ....Order "Oh, You Cowgirl!" today!
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Story Behind The Story - Making "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
» The Lone Cowgirl
It's been more than four years since I first learned of the cowgirls who came west as ranchers and homesteaders and the women of the wild west shows. It has become my passion and heart to bring their stories to as many people who will listen. Their contribution to the history of the west along with what they have given generationally in spirit is important. I believe the courage, tenacity, strength and grit of these women has contributed, greatly and unselfishly to who we are as westerners and Americans. We can and have achieved so much and in many ways it is because of the women who, as stated in the film, ".... were more courageous than they had a right to be."
I grew up far from the plains and prairies, had not heard of any cowgirls other than Dale Evans and Annie Oakley - both great women in their own right, at the time I began my research. Two weeks into my research about the early cowgirls, I had a dream; A dirt road, tree to the left, an old ranch house with a covered wooden porch waiting in front of me. I stepped up onto the wooden planks, opened the door and the room was FILLED with wall to wall cowgirls! One had a huge hat and about a year later, I identified her from a photograph as Claire Belcher.
I walked up to the right to find a table filled with food - these women were there for a celebration, party, gathering of some kind. A green screened porch door opened and an older woman walked in and over to me. Looking up at me with steel cut, determined eyes, she poked my arm with her index finger with every word she spoke, "Shirley, you have to hurry up!"
It would be nearly two years before I would be able to identify that woman. It was Dolly Eskew and I thought she wanted me to hurry up and write her story.
It wasn't until the film was finished, about three weeks ago (September 2010) that the final piece of the puzzle came together for me. I was looking through some old photographs furnished to me by C. B. Irwins g-grandson. I found one photo of an old shed connected to the Y6 barn. It was the building where all the old cowgirls were. They want their story told! That is what Dolly was telling me - The old cowgirl and show woman was coming forth once again and looking out for these gals, many who were known as "Dolly's Girls" and had worked as rodeo entertainers for the JE Ranch Rodeo. Others I finally identified as cowgirls, including Joella Irwin, from Irwin Bros. Wild West.
I am committed to their stories and will continue my research and writing. The screenplay for the feature film is coming along nicely. I hope Oh, You Cowgirl! will introduce a new generation to just how great and inspiring these women were.
To inquire about showings and performances for "Oh, You Cowgirl!" and "Oh, You Cowgirl Live!" visit our website at [thecowgirlmovie.com]
You can also purchase "Oh, You Cowgirl!" here: [thecowgirlmovie.com]
Shirley Morris
Producer/Director/Writer
"Oh, You Cowgirl!"For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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NEW COWGIRL ADVENTURES COMING SOON!
» The Lone Cowgirl
Shirley Morris, Producer/Director/Narrator and Juni Fisher, onscreen narrator and storyteller for "Oh, You Cowgirl!" pose for a photo in Bend, Oregon after a two day filming adventure that found Juni Steelhead Fishing in the Deschutes one day and riding Polo Ponies the next ....More to come soon about the next great cowgirl adventure these two are working on.
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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JOIN US IN PENDLETON AT THE ROUND-UP!
» The Lone Cowgirl
Join us in Pendleton!For The Centennial Celebration For The Pendleton Round-Up
Sept. 13 - 18 About one hundred years ago, Bertha Blancett, Prairie Rose Henderson, Mabel Strickland, Bonnie McCarroll, Nettie Hawn, Florence Adams and many other cowgirls thrilled the crowds in Pendleton, Oregon as they mounted snubbed, eared down broncs in the middle of the rodeo arena and rode them to a dead stand still.Wouldn't you love to travel back in time and watch those amazing cowgirls ride and perform....just once? "Oh, You Cowgirl!" features vintage film and for the first time since 1911 you can seeGoldie St. ClaireJane BernoudyFox HastingsBonnie McCarrollANDThe Prairie Rose riding Gin Fizz
Shirley Morris, Producer, Director and Writer of "Oh, You Cowgirl!" will be signing copies of the dvd at the following locations -Pendleton Hall of FameBoots Leonard GalleryHamleysKowgirl Kool Co.Or You Can Order Your dvd Copy Today At
[thecowgirlmovie.com]
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl!" Available Now On DVD
» The Lone Cowgirl
Take a ride with the unsung heroes of the west!The film has been described as an honest to goodness cowgirl tale. For the first time in history this true story unravels the mystery of the greatest untold legend in the west, Prairie Rose Henderson.
"Oh, You Cowgirl!" focuses upon the spirit and heart of the wild west show and rodeo cowgirls - They were champions and the impact they had in history along with their contribution to our western heritage has been overlooked for nearly one hundred years.
"Oh, You Cowgirl!" is a documentary film, Produced, Directed, and Written by Shirley Morris.
Reviews for Oh, You Cowgirl!
"In producing, writing and directing OH, YOU COWGIRL!, Shirley Morris has given a gift to history of the West. Fascinated by the cowgirls of old, she has dug deep into their lives, coming up with first hand sources (relatives, letters, diaries and photos) that tell their stories as they truly were, not romanticized and flowery like the tales are often told and retold. She has unearthed never-seen-before photos and unheard stories of these heroic women. It was my pleasure to have a small part in it. View this DVD with pleasure knowing the stories are true and from the heart."Ann Terry Hill, Co-Author, Pendleton Round-Up At 100.
"Shirley Morris opens her rich film, Oh, You Cowgirl!; The True Story About America's Unsung Heroes, The Cowgirls,with a quote from an old Wild West show cowboy performer, disparaging women's lack of riding skills. The sequence ends with the message: "He was wrong," and the film of the "buckin' horse suffragettes"—rodeo and Wild West show cowgirls—goes on to show just how wrong he was.
Oh, You Cowgirl! offers a feast vintage photographs and film footage, including rare clips from Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Pendleton Round-Up, and the Los Angeles Rodeo. It is filled with interviews with the performers, descendants, and others who contribute to the film's fascinating history of the development of Wild West shows and the history of women in rodeo. Individual women riders are profiled in depth, and their techniques, treatment, disappointments, wrecks, and successes are woven into the compelling film, which rests on a foundation of extensive research."Margo Metegrano, Cowboypoetry.com "I saw a preview of " Oh You Cowgirl" last night - What a treat !! It was awesome and left me wanting to see and hear more. Very entertaining - not like a documentary: it is a true life story of the Cowgirls. I loved the old footage and pic's - Unbelievable Cowgirls - I can't imagine doing what they did !!! And to hear comments from their voice about what they did and experienced first hand..........truly amazing.
I can't wait to see the " Oh You Cowgirl, LIVE! I understand there are more stories that will be revealed at the live show.Tammy Harty
Equestrian, Winner Craig Cameron's Extreme Cowboy Race
Buy a copy for yourself and another for a friend!Click the Buy It Now Button - You will be taken to a secure PayPal site.
$25.00For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Greatest Western Legend Revealed In World Premiere Of Film "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
» The Lone Cowgirl
The World Premiere for the film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" will be held in Saratoga, Wyoming at the Platte Valley Community Center beginning at 8pm with a live concert by Juni Fisher following the film.
The film has been described as an honest to goodness cowgirl tale. For the first time in history this true story unravels the mystery of the greatest untold legend in the west, Prairie Rose Henderson.
"Oh, You Cowgirl!" focuses upon the spirit and heart of the wild west show and rodeo cowgirls - They were champions and the impact they had in history along with their contribution to our western heritage has been overlooked for nearly one hundred years.
"Oh, You Cowgirl!" is a documentary film, Produced, Directed, and Written by Shirley Morris. It will be available on dvd for sale beginning Sept. 1 on the films website: http://thecowgirlmovie.com
Take a ride with the unsung heroes of the west!For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Preview for "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Plus Juni Fisher Live in Concert
» The Lone Cowgirl
Join us at the High Plains Western Heritage Center in Spearfish, South Dakota, Thursday evening beginning at 6 pm when they will host a very special event featuring a live concert with Juni Fisher and a preview of the film trailer for "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Plus a slideshow featuring still shots and photographs from the film.
Hope we see you there!
To Visit Their Website Go To:http://www.westernheritagecenter.com
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl! Releases Soon
» The Lone CowgirlThe long awaited documentary film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" is only weeks away from it's release on dvd and available for sale.
A preview was held this week for the film and the first reviews are in:
'I saw a preview of " Oh You Cowgirl" last night - What a treat !! It was awesome and left me wanting to see and hear more. Very entertaining - not like a documentary: it is a true life story of the Cowgirls. I loved the old footage and pic's - Unbelievable Cowgirls - I can't imagine doing what they did !!! And to hear comments from their voice about what they did and experienced first hand..........truly amazing.
I can't wait to see the " Oh You Cowgirl, LIVE in Vegas. I understand there are more stories that will be revealed at the live show............I am booking my ticket today !!"
Tammy Harty
Equestrian, Winner Craig Cameron's Extreme Cowboy Race
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Come Join Us At The Wyoming Film Festival
» The Lone Cowgirl
[wyomingfilmfestival.eventbrite.com]
"Oh, You Cowgirl!" will be premiering in Saratoga, Wyoming, Saturday, August 28with Juni Fisher, Live in concert, immediately following the film.For ticket and film information, click the link above.
Here is a link to Juni's new music video from "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
"When I Was Prairie Rose"
Click here to watch trailer for "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Ariat Sponsors "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
» The Lone Cowgirl
I am very proud to announce Ariat has become an official sponsor of "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
While I know Ariat boots are known for their technologically advanced riding boots and the choice of many of the world's top equestrian athletes, I love them because they are by far, the most comfortable boots I've ever had. I know from experience, Ariat is built to last - I still have the first pair of boots I purchased from them in 1994 - and they still look pretty good!
The World Premiere for "Oh, You Cowgirl!" will be held in Saratoga, Wyoming at the Wyoming Film Festival Saturday evening, August 28.
The film tells the true story about the unsung heroes of the west, the cowgirls! It is a story about courage, strength, grit and spirit and one that was nearly lost in time.
For more information about the Wyoming Film Festival, visit their website at:
wyomingfilmfestival.org
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Wyoming Film Festival Will Feature "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
» The Lone Cowgirl
The third annual Wyoming Film Festival held in Saratoga, Wyoming will feature the documentary film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!"- The True Story About America's Unsung Heroes, The Cowgirls.
Filmmaker and director, Shirley Morris has spent the past four years researching the film and tells the story of the ranchers, homesteaders, wild west show and circus performers who came to be known as cowgirls.
Rare film footage from Cheyenne Frontier Days, Pendleton Round-Up and the Los Angeles Rodeo, along with a few never before seen still images will be featured and help tell a story of a few women mostly forgotten in American history. Women who truly are the unsung heroes of our past.
Among the cowgirls featured in the film will be Bertha Kaepernik-Blancett, who first rode in a cowboy's saddle bronc contest in 1904. The legend of Prairie Rose Henderson will be explored and the women who made up this amazing story will be brought to surface for the first time in nearly one hundred years, including the story of Rose Clayton, the Wyoming ranchers wife who died in a Wyoming Blizzard. She was mistaken for famed cowgirl, Prairie Rose Henderson. Uncelebrated in life, she remains in an unmarked grave near Rawlins, Wyoming.
Juni Fisher, singer, songwriter and narrator for much of the film will help tell the story of Rose Clayton in the film with her song, "When I Was Prairie Rose"
The festival will be held Aug. 27 - 28. For further information please visit
[wyomingfilmfestival.org]
Or call 307-328-9274
Photo, Rose Henderson ©2008 Shirley Morris, Chroma Graphic Communications
All rights reserved. Do not download or copy without permission.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Named "Best Living ...
» The Lone Cowgirl
Named "Best Living Period Men's Clothing Fashion Designer"True West Magazine, 2010 Best of the West Sourcebook.
Michael Guli of River Crossing Inc. will be the new costume designer for "Oh, You Cowgirl Live!" featuring award winning Western Singer/Songwriter, Juni Fisher and Shirley Morris, writer and storyteller for the show.Mike Guli has been designing and building historical costumes for over twenty-five years. His specialty has been the making of early American leather clothing and accessories. Mike has produced clothing for movies such as “The Mountain Man” and “Made in America ”, as well as garments for museums such as the Denver Art Museum andthe Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody , WY . He has also designed outfits for many country and western performers. Mike Guli’s research enables his creations to reflect the flavor of the times in which they were originally produced. His sources of inspiration include museums, old paintings, and the examination of original pieces.Mike’s interest in the history of early America and the Old West developed from many years of research and his fascination with the men and women of that period. He combined his passion for history with his passion for creating and turned them into a career that has taken him from one end of the country to the other. The years of research and study have helped Mike to develop many types of historical programs and educational reenactments, which he brings to schools in the northern Colorado area. He can authentically step into a variety of roles, from that of a mountain man to an Indian Wars scout, as he is an expert in the finer arts of survival of the Old West, including the use of a tomahawk, black powder firearms, and flint and steel fire making. His unique background in art and education and his passion for history have combined to enable him to successfully bring to life this exciting chapter of our American past with a hands-on way of teaching students of all ages.River Crossing Inc. is located in Bellvue, Colorado. Mike has been producing exceptional buckskin and leather garments for movies, performers, museums and all those who seek historically-inspired, quality Old West styles. His background as a professional artist gives his designs a distinction and makes them beautiful as well as functional.Michael Guli was recently honored by True West Magazine as "Best Living Period Men's Clothing Fashion Designer" for 2010 Best of the West Sourcebook.We can't wait to see what he creates for "Oh, You Cowgirl Live!"
To find out more about Michael and Sharon Guli please visit their websiteRiverCrossingInc.tripod.comFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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JOIN US FOR A GIRLFRIEND GETAWAY RETREAT
» The Lone CowgirlWe have a great weekend planned in Hulett, WY at the Devils Tower Best Western Aug. 27 - 29.
It's jam packed with activities, musical events, poetry, seminars, presentations and $250. includes everything including your room for 2 nights, a BBQ and hot breakfast. It just doesn't get any better than that for a weekend with the girls.
We'll be featuring music, film and guest speakers including:
DIANE TRIBITT
NANCY RUYBALL
LAURIE WOOD
GEORGIE SICKING
ALMEDA TERRY
SONNI WILCOX
You can purchase your tickets online now at www.CowgirlTrue.org
Sure hope you can join us!
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Join Us On A Girlfriend Getaway Retreat
» The Lone Cowgirl
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl!" Las Vegas Premier
» The Lone Cowgirl
Exciting things are going to be happening in Las Vegas for NFR in December. Cuttin Up Radio will be hosting a major event at the Tropicana Hotel and among the many planned festivities will be the Las Vegas premier of the film "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Plus the premiere of "Oh, You Cowgirl Live!" featuring singer/songwriter, Juni Fisher and filmmaker/storyteller, Shirley Morris with music and storytelling along with the film presentation.
Tickets will be on sale soon with more details to come.
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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New Music Video by Juni Fisher for "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
» The Lone Cowgirl
I met Juni Fisher for a filming date in Pendleton, Oregon a few weeks ago and we ended up doing an impromptu music video featuring her original song, "When I Was Prairie Rose". We filmed in the famed arena where so many of the early cowgirls rode. Their energy can still be felt and is strong as you walk around the arena imagining what it must have been like back then to settle into the hurricane deck of a snubbed and eared down bronc, feeling your boots become tight and locked into the hobbled stirrups. One way or the other, you were married to that snortin,' bitin' cayuse until a pick up rider came to free you.
The video and song will be featured in the film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" and will help tell the story of the forgotten Prairie Rose; Rose Clayton. It was reported across the country in 1933 that famed rodeo star, Prairie Rose Henderson had been lost in a blizzard. Seven years later, newspapers again picked the story up and reported "Famed Rodeo Stars Body Found" and recounted the story of how Prairie Rose Henderson loved her ponies and ventured out in a terrible blizzard to find them. Nothing left of her but a few bones and bits of clothing, she would be identified by her Championship broncho busting belt buckle. It was a good story, but it was not true.
Prairie Rose Henderson was even inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas two years ago again retelling the same story about the famed rodeo cowgirl.
The identity of Rose Clayton was mistaken in death as it had been in life. Even today, she remains in an unmarked grave somewhere near Rawlins, Wyoming.
The question remains and is timeless: Who was Prairie Rose Henderson?
The film will tell the story of three women, all known at one time or another as Prairie Rose Henderson. Their lives crossed and each became a part of the Legend that made up the story of the great Prairie Rose. These legendary cowgirls exemplified those times early in the 20th century when there were women who grabbed hold of life for the full ride and lived it far beyond right or expectation. Together, their lives tell a tale of spirit, courage, strength and passion.
Juni Fisher is an amazing talent with a warm, rich, melodic voice capable of not only delivering a dynamic song, but telling the story with passion and insight. She will also be featured in the film as a storyteller and narrator.
Shirley Morris and Juni Fisher will soon be presenting a live 90 minute program featuring a portion of the film, live music and live storytelling.
More details on where you can attend this event will be coming soon.
"When I Was Prairie Rose" is from the new Juni Fisher cd "Let 'Er Go, Let 'Er Buck, Let 'Er Fly" commemorating the centennial Pendleton Round-Up. Visit Juni Fisher on her website here:http://junifisher.net
For more information about the film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" visit the Facebook page for the film here: [www.facebook.com]
To purchase a signed movie poster, visit the film's website here
[thecowgirlmovie.com]
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Cuttin Up Radio Goes On Tour
» The Lone Cowgirl
NASHVILLE, TN (APRIL 5, 2010) Cuttin Up Radio is pleased to announce its 2010 Coach Tour hitting major music, rodeo, bull riding, non-profit, and entertainment events throughout the U.S. and Canada. Cuttin up will officially name their headlining tour sponsor on May 1, 2010, along with a schedule of events. The tour will begin in June hitting large events such as the Reno Rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, CMA Festival, Pendleton Round Up, CBR Finals, Help Save Americas Wild Horses, and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, just to name a few. The tour features Cuttin Up’s major sponsors on coach wrap, furthermore, granting them premier advertising opportunities throughout the year.
Cuttin Up Radio launched in July of 2008 and has grown to reach half a million listeners each month. As the online station continue to grow in listenership and featured content, Cuttin Up hopes to begin its journey to the Sirus-XM Satellite platform.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with this great station; Cuttin Up Radio represents “Radio with A Purpose, Listener’s with Hearts.” Cuttin Up offers a variety of shows related to the western industry and that of generations to come, bringing to life Country, Rock, Blues, Christian and more providing more of a variety for their listener’s pleasure. This station is the hot spot for new upcoming and established artists, legends, athletes, entrepreneurs, non-profit promotion and awareness, and other inspiring events and individuals that breathe new life into many of these industries. The shows on Cuttin up Radio feature inspiration, health and fitness, education, humor, sports, heritage, and more.
The shows that bring the additional excitement and coverage on Cuttin Up Radio include Cuttin Up with Christina, Message in a Series, True Cowboy Radio, The Lone Cowgirl Presents, Horse Scents with Tim Ross, American Cowboy Review, Cowboy Ted and some new exciting shows that will be added to the line up later in the year. These shows provide more than just entertainment, but food for thought, education, inspiration, inventive event coverage and more. Cuttin Up Radio appeals to all family members from kids to adults giving the station the edge against the competition. Cuttin Up Radio is unlike any other radio station in that it covers many genres of music, western heritage, and the popular aspects of the western industry such as rodeo.
Cuttin Up Radio is the first of its kind to showcase and broadcast from PBR, PRCA, CBR and WPRA events with exclusive athlete interviews, feature sponsors, stock contractors, and other inspiring individuals in the industry. Furthermore, the radio station will become mobile this June as Cuttin Up travels to various events throughout the United States to bring listeners the best coverage and support. Cuttin Up Radio will continue to evolve each year as it grows in listenership, support, sponsors, advertising, and broadcasting. The key to Cuttin Up’s success is in its superb listeners, sponsors, advertisers and the ability to bring businesses together to fulfill a purpose that provides lasting business relationships that will continue to bring success to those who are affiliated with Cuttin Up Radio.To learn more about Cuttin Up Radio please visit www.cuttinupradio.com. The newly formatted website showcases top headlines for the music, rodeo, entertainment, sports, lifestyles industries. Get the latest information on up and coming Cuttin Up shows and listen to previously aired shows with just a click of a button. Listen to live streaming of Cuttin Up Radio interviews and music, news updates, photos, videos, and more through their phone app available in the iTunes store.
Cuttin Up offers several phenomenal sponsorship and advertising packages available upon request. The deadline to become a Cuttin Up Radio Coach Tour Sponsor is April 25, 2010. The following week Cuttin Up Radio will announce their Premier Headlining Sponsor, in addition, unveiling the crucial Silver and Bronze Sponsorships.For information on how to become a part of the Cuttin Up Radio Coach Tour or to advertise, contact Cuttin Up Radio at Advertise@cuttinupradio.com For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl! Official Movie Trailer Is Here
» The Lone CowgirlThe Documentary Film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" will be released Summer, 2010. Juni Fisher, America's premier balladeer provides the introduction in a two minute trailer featuring glimpses of rare, vintage footage of the earliest 20th century rodeo and wild west show cowgirls.
The trailer can now be seen at the films website thecowgirlmovie.com
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl!" Poster Available Soon
» The Lone CowgirlThe movie poster for "Oh, You Cowgirl!" will be available at http://thecowgirlmovie.com March 31. Specify if you would like it signed by the filmmaker, Shirley Morris. Be the first to order for yourself and your friends!
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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THE SECRET IS REVEALED!
» The Lone CowgirlPrairie Rose Henderson, A Family Secret.
[thecowgirlmovie.com] For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Who Was Prairie Rose Henderson?
» The Lone Cowgirl
The world learned the sad news of the fate of Prairie Rose Henderson from newspapers across the country in 1939. She went out into a snowstorm in 1932 and her remains would not be found for more than seven years. Yet, all the time she was lost Henry Clayton tried to get the press to listen to his plea, "It is my mother, Rose Clayton, who is lost out there. Not Prairie Rose Henderson.
It was Rose Clayton-Coleman whose bodily remains were identified by the coroner and she still lies in an unmarked grave in Rawlins, WY. But what became of the famous, flamboyant cowgirl who thrilled rodeo crowds across the country, Prairie Rose Henderson?
For more information about Prairie Rose Henderson and all the other early 20th c. cowgirls, please visithttp://thecowgirlmovie.com or join the fan page for "Oh, You Cowgirl!" on FaceBook.
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Tall in the Saddle - 100 Years of the Pendleton Round-Up
» The Lone Cowgirl
If you have an opportunity to visit Portland, Oregon anytime between now and July 4, you must see the Oregon Historical Society Exhibit, Tall in the Saddle - 100 Years of the Pendleton Round-Up. The minute you walk in, you are transported back to another time in history as you feel the sandy, golden Pendleton earth beneath your feet. Make a right turn and you can imagine all the cowboy stories that were told around the table at Severe's Cowboy Hotel, complete with bunks and a poker table.
Saddles, spurs, chaps, hats, even a complete indian village wind you down corridors, each with music, video, photographs, letters, trophies and awards. Video clips from "American Cowboy" and "Oh, You Cowgirl!" will entertain with photographs, vintage footage of cowboys, cowgirls and indians. As well as interviews with some of the people who were there and tell the story of cowgirls and cowboys like Bertha Blancett and Jackson Sundown.
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Bertha Kaepernik-Blancett Items To Be Displayed At Pendleton
» The Lone CowgirlEarlier this year I had the pleasure of interviewing and videotaping Joanna Stuart, a long time family friend of famed cowgirl, Bertha Kaepernik-Blancett. We spent many days together talking about her memories of Bertha and she passed on wonderful stories that will be featured in the upcoming film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!"
She generously offered her treasures preserved from Bertha, to the Pendleton RoundUp Hall of Fame to be displayed in the new, permanent Cowgirl Display within the Hall of Fame.
Photo's and the story of how I secured these items for Pendleton is available now on "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Fan Page on Facebook.
Follow this link Oh, You Cowgirl!For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl! Fan Page
» The Lone Cowgirl
Have you become a fan at the new "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Fan Page on FaceBook? All the latest news about the film will be posted there. New photo's, video's and more!
Here is the link: "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Fan PageFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Singer, Songwriter, Juni Fisher Featured on The Lone Cowgirl Presents!
» The Lone Cowgirl
The Lone Cowgirl Presents! is pleased to have Juni Fisher joining the program at Cuttin Up Radio on Monday, January 18 at 7pm PST.
Juni was honored in 2008 and 2009 by the Western Music Association as Female Performer of the Year and 2009 Album of the Year, "Gone For Colorado".
Growing up in the small farming community of Strathmore, California located in the San Joaquin Valley, Juni sang solo for her Kindergarten graduating class and has been entertaining audiences ever since.
Not only is she a balladeer of extrardinary talent with rich, warm vocal renderings, Juni is a captivating storyteller blessed with the ability to transport you into other spaces in time and offers an invitation to know her character creations intimately. Listen to her perform "Sideshow Romance" and you will find yourself falling in love with the Crocodile Man and the Monkey-faced Woman.
Tune in Monday evening and get to know another side of this amazing woman who is also an avid fly angler and horsewoman.
To learn more about Juni and hear a sampling from her music, visit her on the web at http://www.junifisher.net or [www.myspace.com] For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Cowboy Horsethief
» The Lone CowgirlThe latest story in a series from The Lone Cowgirl Presents! is about cowboy, Paul Wellington and the time he came into town for a few supplies just to be arrested by the Marshall as a horsethief.
Well, how do you think Paul convinced the Marshall he wasn't the man the entire state was looking for?
Now available on iTunes. The Lone Cowgirl Presents! For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Mystery Cowgirl Revealed!
» The Lone Cowgirl
Tom Henderson is seated in front, Bea Kirnan, Maude Tarr in rear with other unidentified performers.
On May 22, 1919, news of the big rodeo roundup at the Indianapolis State Fair was reported in the Indy Star. They were set for record breaking crowds to welcome Tex Austin and all the performers of his Wild West Rodeo. Two box cars of wild, untamed bronco's had already arrived and Tex reported, "many had never seen more than a dozen human beings in their entire existence." Austin himself guaranteed that there would be no "rehersin'" before the final event and every cowboy and cowgirl who dared ride one of the beasts would be competing for a share of the $6000.00 in prize money.
The roundup was expected to draw the biggest crowd ever to attend the State Fair. Word had gone out earlier of the star performers expected to attend and compete and they were among the best. Leonard Stroud and his wife Mayme had already written with their intention to compete in every major event. Jim and Ruby Wilkes, another fine husband and wife team. Best of all, the greatest cowgirl bronc rider in the country was said to be coming along with her bronc busting and bulldogging husband, Tom and Prairie Rose Henderson. Maude Tarr and Dora Keen would also be competing with Prairie Rose Henderson in the Cowgirls Saddle Bronc Contest.
Seems Maude would be competing for a little more than the bronc contest. She and Tom Henderson had been married for several years. Prairie Rose and Tom had never been married but had traveled together, performing in earlier rodeo's and roundups years before.
It was not an acceptable habit for unmarried women to travel with unmarried men in those days. In the early days of rodeo and the wild west shows, cowboys and cowgirls would sometimes jump the proverbial broom stick and announce they were 'husband and wife' in an attempt to be deemed acceptable to polite society. The marriage lasted as long as the rodeo engagement and both parties would then go happily along their way. The cowgirls liked this arrangement for it provided a chaperone in the somewhat wilder, freer environment of roundup days.
Cowgirl, Fox Hastings spoke highly of cowboy manners when asked by a New York City reporter if she felt safe on the rodeo road? She said, "I'll bet I'm a lot safer than many of the secretaries working in offices here in New York City. I've never been manhandled by a cowboy and they have always treated me with respect."
Rose and Tom were never married but the name Henderson fit and stuck with Prairie Rose throughout her career.
Stuck with Maude too. Way down deep in her craw.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Mystery Cowgirl
» The Lone Cowgirl
The bride was Maude Tarr Champion Cowgirl Saddle Bronc Rider
Can you identify this cowgirl and the famous cowboy she was married to?
First person to solve the mystery will WIN a candle from the Oh, You Cowgirl! collection personally signed by the artist, The Lone Cowgirl. Winner will officially be announced on the Oh, You Cowgirl! website
Rules: Record your answer right here on the comments page or email The Lone cowgirl with your answer. The first correct answer identifying both the cowgirl and cowboy wins!
Clue: She didn't appreciate the news story that reported her husband was married to another rodeo cowgirl.
Clue: The cowboy was well known as a saddle bronc rider but most famous for being reportedly married to a much more famous cowgirl.
Clue: "Prairie Rose" was never married to him.
Tom Henderson, bronc rider, bulldogger. Married to Maude, not Prairie Rose Henderson.
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Merry Christmas From The Buckin' Horse Suffragettes
» The Lone Cowgirl
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Old Time Cowgirl Declared A Myth
» The Lone Cowgirl
Cowgirl of the Plains declared "Mythical Creature"
It was so declared by a former state official from Kansas in 1926. The cowgirl is a myth. She didn't ride the plains and prairies, never stuck like glue to the back of a snortin', bitin, whirleygiggin' cayuse and would not have been caught dead (or alive) wearing britches, rounding up and branding cattle like her male cohorts in the west. The "former state official" not only verbally declared the cowgirl a myth, he included the charge in his memoirs now contained in the archives of the Kansas Historical Society at Topeka.
The article describing the sad demise of this great western legend went on to say; "Are we to believe that the splendid creature who rode like the whirlwind and outshot Wild Bill Hickok is a myth? How she dashed through page after page, turning stampeded cattle into a gentle, bowing herd by her mere presence after the cowboys had given up the job and how, when desert water holes proved dry, she saved the herd from dying of thirst by discovering through intuition streams of crystal purity! What a glorious figure she was riding at the hand of a cowboy cavalcade to take vengeance on a band of rustlers, and how indescribably brave when she dashed, a two-gun woman, into a lynching bee and rescued her hero? Are we to believe that all this never happened and the the cowgirl never existed?"
The question of the time went unanswered just a blatently as the identity of the official was never revealed.
I guess the heroism and gallantry of the great western cowboy eluded him as well since he was never identified in any subsequent news articles.
For more on the history of this "mythical creature" be sure to visit http://thecowgirlmovie.com where you will find photo's, video and stories about legendary heroes of the west.
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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A Very Special Thanksgiving Story
» The Lone CowgirlListen now on "The Lone Cowgirl Presents!" podcast
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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May The Best Cowboy Win
» The Lone CowgirlOn New Years Day in 1911, two cowboy bronco busters decided to have a race. J. O. Nixon and William Saunders had thought about dueling but it was decided by the woman of their dreams that she would not appreciate the outcome of the contest, no matter who the winner might be.
It was further decided by the cowgirl, Miss Lillie Francis, a fellow bronco rider from Oklahoma, that the swiftest man of the day would win her hand in marriage. Both cowboys had professed their undying affection and it seemed a horse race was the only way she could choose between them as she loved both with equal heart and commitment.
The race would take place as part of the festivities of the day for the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. Both men were dressed in their Sunday best in anticipation of the occasion and Miss Francis was atop her horse, anxiously awaiting the outcome, wanting to know with certainty, who she would be spending eternal married bliss to?
The Rose Bowl was filled with spectators awaiting the Chariot Races. When news of the cowboy race made it's way around the stadium, certain onlookers made cash bets on which cowboy would come away with the bride while members of a local women's organization made sure their disdain was known to all.
Little is known about the details of the race but Miss Lillie Francis and Mr. William Saunders enjoyed a long and happy marriage.
For more Stories You've Never Heard ... Until Now! Visit The Cowgirl MovieFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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An Introduction to "Oh, You Cowgirl"
» The Lone CowgirlIt has been nearly three years since I started researching the remarkable women of early Western America who came to call themselves "cowgirls". Even the word, 'cowgirl', did not evolve easily nor without controversy. Like their male counterpart, women came west for most of the same good reasons; opportunity, wide open spaces, adventure - all that America had to offer a hard working, able bodied citizen of a new, developing country and with few of the restrictions of the polite, gentile society of the civilized east.
Some women who had never seen a prairie sunset found themselves employed by circus', broadway productions and wild west shows depicting the life of the western cowgirl. Newspapers, tabloids and books told of the adventures of plains weathered cowboys and plucky cowgirls who performed unbelievable feats of daring and skill out on the western plains. Movies were made, songs were written and elaborate stage productions were designed for the pleasure and amazement of all who could afford the small price of admission.
The stories of homesteaders, ranchers, cowboys, cowgirls and indians would become the stuff of lore. Shared as polite dinner conversation in the finest restaurants of New York City and among the wealthiest and most upstanding families in the east as well as royalty, worldwide. A uniquely American brand of entertainment had been born; Cut from the bones of simple survival skills learned and needed for everyday living on the plains, added to a healthy sprinkling of the spectacle of a wondrous circus, and finally, the monolithic grandeur taken from a myriad of wild west shows blended perfectly into the mix as they played regularly to enthusiastic crowds coast to coast and all points in between.
Stay tuned! As The Lone Cowgirl brings you the true, real life stories of Bertha Kaepernik, Prairie Rose Henderson, Bonnie McCarroll, Fannie Sperry Steele, Florence Adams, Lulu Parr, Claire Belcher, Ella Lazinka and other honest to goodness American heroes you may have never heard about before. It's time their stories were told and remembered for generations to come.
I am truly honored to have the opportunity to offer a small sampling from the stories about these wonderful women - The Buckin' Horse Suffragettes, from the upcoming documentary film and book, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" for your reading pleasure at The Lone Cowgirl Presents!
Shirley Morris
The Lone Cowgirl
Featured clips from the documentary film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" will be shown exclusively in the upcoming exhibit in Portland, Oregon at the Oregon Historical Society Building. The exhibit will be open daily beginning March 3, 2010 through July 4, 2010 and honor the anniversary of 100 Years of the Pendleton Round Up.
Pendleton Round-Up At 100
Oregon's Legendary Rodeo
Michael Bales and Ann Terry Hill
This is a must have for all rodeo and western history fans. Well designed and beautifully written, it chronicles the first 100 years of cowboys, cowgirls and indians at the world famous Pendleton Round-Up. Let 'er Buck!
You can find your copy here:
http://www.amazon.com/Pendleton-Round-Up-100-Oregons-Legendary/dp/0882407732For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cepLM7R4wY&feature=player_embedded
» The Lone Cowgirlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cepLM7R4wY&feature=player_embedded
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Catfish. All Mouth. No Brains.
» The Lone Cowgirl
After a day of bulldogging, steer roping and bronc riding at a rodeo in Fort Worth, TX a bunch of cowboy and cowgirls, Ruth and Bryant Roach, Mike and Fox Hastings, and Bob Crosby among them, headed off for a local restaurant to enjoy some good company and a quiet dinner. Once seated, an old boy sitting a couple tables away started mouthing off saying things that were none too friendly or complimentary to certain parties in the group. After a short time, Fox excused herself to go to the powder room. Along the way she stopped at the old boy's table, picked him up by his shirt collar and flattened him with a couple well placed punches and a knee to his midsection. Once he was down, she stomped on him for good measure. She then continued to the powder room and soon returned to her group. Quietly sitting down, she sipped some water and said softly, "Catfish. All mouth. No brains."
While Fox was raised in the small, quaint town of Galt, CA she proves, beyond doubt you don't necessarily have to be born or raised on the range to be a real cowgirl. It's all attitude.
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Lone Cowgirl Presents! Stories You've Never Heard Before - Until Now.
» The Lone Cowgirl
Tune in to The Lone Cowgirl Presents!
Join The Lone Cowgirl Presents! A new podcast featuring the early women of the Golden Era of Rodeo on and relive the lives and times of America’s unsung heroes - The cowgirls! They came as ranchers, homesteaders, wild west show and circus performers to become the first professional women athletes in America. For a brief momen in history, they competed in head to head competition with the men in rodeo. This Golden Era lasted only a few short years and the once tough, range hewn women were transformed into the Rodeo Queen and were no longer permitted to ride rough stock or compete in any of the original events until women’s barrel racing became a competitive event. Come back each week and relive the lives of these remarkable women - The Buckin’ Horse Suffragettes and hear some great stories you’ve never heard before - Until now!
The first episode of The Lone Cowgirl Presents features Sisters of the Purple Sage performing Blue Side of Texas. Visit their website for more information [www.sistersofthesilversage.com] Bertha Kaepernik rode with the cowboys in 1904 at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Listen in on the details of her ride - and what a ride it was!
Podcast Hosting at CyberEars.com
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Cowgirl Art From "Oh, You Cowgirl!" Offered As Giclee Prints And Greeting Cards
» The Lone Cowgirl
Illustrations from the upcoming documentary, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" are now available as Giclee prints and greeting cards. The prints are available in a variety of sizes, paper types or canvas and you may also order custom framing and matting to complete your order. There are seven original pieces currently available with more to come very soon.
Cowgirl Artwork Here!
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The True Story About The Cowgirl, Rose Henderson
» The Lone Cowgirl
Photo courtesy Keith Walters.
Fox Hastings, Joella Irwin, Tillie Baldwin, Ollie Osborn, Rose Henderson, Gladys Irwin, Pauline, Irwin
The cowgirls of Irwin Bros. Wild West Show
Prairie Rose Henderson was a familiar name among the early 20th century rodeo cowgirls. She has been described as a "wisp of a girl", given to mood swings, afraid of thunder and lightning and very much a feminine diversion from the rough and tumble typical cowgirls of the prairie. Much has been written about her masterful rides on broncs such as Gin Fizz at Cheyenne Frontier Days. She was always welcomed as a featured cowgirl in Doubleday's photo's of cowgirl lineups dressed in wild, feminine, uniquely designed homemade costumes.
The giant man of rodeo, C.B. Irwin once exclaimed to photographers after she won the saddle bronc contest, "Here boys! C'mon over here if you want to meet the greatest cowgirl of them all - Prairie Rose."
All the men with their camera's in tow would rush over to find the beautiful, feminine girl, "Prairie Rose" with Maribou feathers blowing in the wind, spangles, beads, sequins glimmering in the sunlight and Mink lining her wonderful costumes. "Prairie Rose" was exactly what the people of America needed to see to insure a certain comfort and level of safety that it was indeed acceptable for women to be participating in this harsh, masculine spectacle of the plains.
Photo courtesy Keith Walters
Prairie Rose, like C.B. Irwin, knew and understood the importance of the press. An intelligent and talented young woman, she was nine years old when she immigrated with her grandparents to America from Germany and settled outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, far from the prairies and cattle ranches in the west.
Like many of the young cowgirls who found their way west from the circus' and wild west shows in the east, Prairie Rose had left home to become a performer. She became a menage rider in the circus and a headliner in the Young Buffalo stage production. She did indeed learn to rope and ride but her true talent was in promotion and showmanship.
Photo courtesy Dan Katz
Rose Henderson, on the other hand, was a daughter of the plains. Born in Oklahoma in 1875 and raised by missionary parents near Ponca City, she learned to ride with the indians and later taught school for more than four years until a cowboy from the nearby 101 Ranch stole her heart. She ran away with the cowboy knowing she could never return because her father would never accept her sinful behavior. Rose Henderson was the typical "cowgirl" that much of America was reeling against; crude, drank alcohol, chewed tobacco and ended up living with her boyfriend, Johnny Judd.
C.B. Irwin loved to win and the cowgirls who rode with Irwin Brothers were the best to be found. C.B. also knew what to do about bad publicity. He would nip it in the bud. "Prairie Rose" and Rose Henderson were each others "ringers" and the press went along with the shill most willingly. Rose Henderson was the great cowgirl and Prairie Rose was the great soubrette and showgirl. Neither of the two performed or competed at Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming in 1904 or 1906. The "Prairie Rose" who was the winner of the 1904, 1906 Cowgirl Relay and the very first official Cowgirl Saddle Bronc contest in 1906 was none other than Rose Clayton who would later marry Charles Coleman and die in a snowstorm. Her death was reported as the death of famous cowgirl "Prairie Rose Henderson" much to the protest of her son, Harry Clayton, who claimed Prairie Rose Henderson was alive and would be very surprised to read of her own demise.
In fact, Rose Henderson did indeed perform in Ken Maynards Old Timers Rodeo in Ventura, CA in 1936. Three full years after she reportedly died in the snowstorm.
Photo's courtesy Keith Walters
Photo courtesy Marge Earlywine, Mabel Strickland Cowgirl Museum, Cheyenne, WY
Rose Clayton with the three borrowed horses used to win 1906 Cowgirl Relay Race. There was said to be a discrepancy among the judges regarding who won the race and the race was run again with the two leading the previous race, Rose Clayton and Pauline Irwin. Rose Clayton won the second running and went home with a cash prize and the Denver Post Trophy, now on display at the Mabel Strickland Museum in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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"Oh, You Cowgirl! Commemorative Candles Coming Soon
» The Lone CowgirlA series of commemorative candles honoring the early cowgirls and wild west show performers of the early 20th century will be available soon.
The back label of each candle will feature a unique and original illustration and short biography of each cowgirl.
The first three cowgirls to be honored include; Kaila Mussell, Bertha Kaepernik-Blancett and "The Gold Dust Twins", Ruth Roach and Tad Lucas.
Visit http://thecowgirlmovie.com for more information.
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Saddle Bronc Rider, Kaila Mussell-Dent Is Coming Back After Injury
» The Lone Cowgirl
Kaila Mussell-Dent, the only woman in the history of PRCA who has ever placed in any rough stock event, was injured in Taylor, Texas CPRA Rodeo on July 17. Many thought it might be the end of her seven year career as the only woman competing with the cowboys each week in Mesquite, TX in the saddle bronc riding event.
With a potential season ending thud, she came down hard on the same shoulder she had broken more than a year ago. Kaila thought as she slowly got up, "Oh, no. I've broken it again."
She did indeed break it again. Well known Orthopedic Surgeon, Tandy Freeman discovered all that was holding the collarbone together was a fibrous tissue around the bone allowing activity and this tissue tore away when she left the deck at Taylor.
With true grit and champion spirit, Kaila responded to the devastating news by saying,
"I keep my thoughts positive and have faith that I will heal well. If all goes according to plan, I will be riding somewhere around the end of October of this year. I look forward to the future."
While the initial estimate was a minimum of six weeks before she would know if it would be possible to ride again, Kaila returned to the doctor last week ... four weeks. She could begin rehab, weight training and be in the saddle again in four weeks.
Kaila said, "I'm coming back. I know I'm a good rider and this time I'll be ready."
I heard the passion and excitement in her voice. I believe her. Watch out boys - Kaila is back in town.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Oh, You Cowgirl! Collectible Candles
» The Lone Cowgirl
Would you like to be a part of the effort to recognize these remarkable women and preserve their stories in the upcoming film, "Oh, You Cowgirl!"?
A new line of collectible candles will be available soon. Each candle will tell the story of an early cowgirl and a unique scent will be created to honor her story. Proceeds from all sales will help provide finishing funding for the film.
For more information including wholesale opportunities,
please contact:The Lone Cowgirl Collectible Candle Collection At The Candle Ranch -
Hog Eyes, The Little Horse Who Saved A Soul
» The Lone Cowgirl“I’m a hang dog sinner, Claire and you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I don’t have no aim or desire to be baptized. What I want a do before I die is see my horse. You take me to see Hog Eyes - then we’ll talk about it.”
Red Thompson, the former burly, 200 lb. rodeo cowboy and bulldogger, adjusted the small pillow beneath his head, pulled the thin blanket up and did his best to find a comfortable position in that miserable excuse of a bed on the second floor of County General Hospital in Forth Worth, Texas. He knew his wife, Claire would not be taking him out of that hospital to see Hog Eyes. Weighing 90 something pounds, blind and frail, he was well aware that he would not be going anywhere, ever again.Claire took Red’s hand between hers and with that pained, sympathetic, pleading voice Red dreaded because more times than naught, he would give in to it, said softly, “Oh my boy, I fear for your almighty soul.” She kissed his check and whispered, “I’ll be back to see you soon.”
The sound of her footsteps echoed distinctively in his ears as he followed them out the room, down the hall, until they were replaced with all the sounds associated with the green plaster walls and speckled linoleum floors of the hospital corridor. It’s been said when you lose one of your senses such as sight, your other senses become heightened and acute. Maybe that was why Red found the aroma of fresh roses, alcohol and oxygen so completely repugnant. Combined, that pungent odor reminded him of death and that was something he did not choose to think about.
He followed thoughts and past memories as they led him down roads lined with friends, love and glory in his minds eye. As his thoughts led him to the first time he had ever seen Claire, he focused keenly on the events of that time. It was 1927 and she was a trick rider working with Millers 101 Wild West. Red chuckled silently, remembering a time before the Grand Entry when the great rodeo cowgirl Tad Lucas told Claire, “You have to look the part of a cowgirl, Claire. Put your hat on! You can’t ride in the show without your hat.”
His smile broadened wider as he recalled her response. “Well, that’s fine but if I have to wear it, I’ll wear it like this.” Taking both hands, she pulled down the wide brim and cocked that great, black ten gallon hat just slightly over one eye. Red found such simple delight in her sass.
“She wore that hat like only she could wear it.” Red breathed in the smile it brought to his face; crooked, turned up at one end, lips slightly parted. It was the one he reserved for Claire, and Claire alone.
Red and Claire traveled the same show and rodeo circuit and had crossed paths for years before they married. While she was married to Bob Belcher, another rodeo cowboy, Red respectfully kept his distance. It was Belcher who taught Claire the art of bulldogging. When the two divorced in 1929, Red and the cowgirl started spending more time together and found they had much more in common than just a shared passion for bulldogging.
Claire was not a typical cowgirl. Born in Mansfield, MA February 4, 1902, she lived with her mother and father who soon divorced. Her mother decided she couldn’t or wouldn’t raise Claire alone. She was dropped off on her grandparents doorsteps who raised and adored her, giving her every privilege money could buy.
Claire attended the best schools including the New England Conservatory of Music where she became an accomplished concert pianist. Intelligent, athletic, possessing grace and social stature, the world was open to her and choices were as abundant as they would ever be for a woman born in that era. Years later when asked why she chose to be a rodeo cowgirl she replied, “I think people should do whatever it is that makes them happy. Being a rodeo cowgirl makes me happy and that is why I do it.”
Claire and Red Thompson competed and performed in the biggest and best rodeos of the day including the 1934 Tex Austin International Rodeo where they thrilled sold out crowds at Wembley Stadium in England. The English ladies and gentlemen didn’t understand the ways of the western cowboys and protests of animal abuse were reported throughout the country. The British humane society became involved and to help quiet the effects of bad publicity, all bulldogging events were canceled.
This was a terrible disappointment to Red whose only competition event was bulldogging, leaving him with nothing to do but cheer Claire on as she won the Ladies Saddle Bronc Riding contest and placed second in the Trick Riding event. Her performance was enough to win the title, “World Champion Overall Cowgirl” for 1934. It would take a big man to watch his wife come home a world champion when all you could do was watch the glory come down all around you with none for yourself. Red Thompson may have been short stock, but he was a big man.
One afternoon, Red found himself among the many Wembley spectators watching the Calf Roping event when one of the greatest rodeo cowboy’s of all time, Bob Crosby came out on a dusky bay pony named Hog Eyes. What that pint-sized horse lacked in stature, he more than made up for in speed. Somehow, he got tangled up with a broken fence and a stick was impaled clean through his neck. Bob didn’t know if Hog Eyes would survive but he did know he didn’t have time to care for him. There were still more events scheduled and Bob wanted some of that prize money. With nothing but time on his hands, Red took it upon himself to nurse the badly injured horse back to health. Claire and Red slept in the barn, doctoring Hog Eyes night after night. By the time the rodeo was over, it was clear Hog Eyes would live to rodeo another day. By then, Red had lost his heart to the little horse and with Claire’s help and some of her earnings, bought Hog Eyes from Bob Crosby and the three of them returned to the United States, one big happy family.
Red and Hog Eyes spent many hours training as a bulldogging team. Red would show Hog Eyes a trick, who, in return would then show Red how a real good horse would do it. Together, they won many competitions. Soon, many of the other cowboys were paying close attention to that little horse flashing across the arena. More than a few of those cowboys wanted to ride Hog Eyes for a chance at a championship. Red always obliged the cowboy’s requests and when they ended up in the money with Hog Eyes help, Red was paid a percentage of the winnings. Red believed that was Hog Eye’s way of saying “Thank you for saving my life.”
“Yeah,” he thought, “Life has a way of coming ‘round.” The old cowboy tried to punch some shape into the pillow to make it a little more tolerable for a few more minutes. Fumbling for a half filled glass of water on the metal tray beside his bed, he found and sipped a small bit from it.
It had been almost ten years since that steer turned and gored him at Burwell. He thought his badly gashed stomach was healed and went out to rodeo one more time. The old wound tore open and this time it was real bad. This time it would take Red Thompson all the way home. As the pain ripped through once more, he bit down hard and thought, it was sure a long, hard road to get there.
He could only find relief from the pain when he would lose himself in past memories of Claire. It was there he would find strength in her strength. Her courage, resolve and indestructible tenacity truly amazed him. He remembered those many nights spent in the barn nursing Hog Eyes. Claire would set her jaw, narrow her eyes and tell him, “Don’t worry, Red. This horse wouldn’t dare die on us.” He believed her.
He thought to himself, “If she wants somethin’ it better run ‘cause she’s a’gonna ear it down and git it.” Red Thompson had no idea of just how true that would turn out to be. If he did have notion of it, well, that would have made him smile as well.
The hospital lights were turned down and all visitors had obediently gone home. An occasional nurse would move from room to room to deliver medication and offer some comfort. Sleep finally fought a successful path through the pain and found the cowboy.
Still half asleep, Red thought he heard a familiar sound. Out of place, but a distinct, familiar sound. “Must be a dream.” The cowboy turned his head toward the sound and slowly opened his eyes. He listened hard. There it was again … ta-clip, ta-clop, ta-clip, ta-clop, in a perfect rhythm. He knew the sound and reasoned “It can not be - don’t belong!” The sound grew more distinct, close enough to almost touch … Red reached his hand out, desperate to find what was at the end of the sound as a sudden warm burst of heavy breath carressed his hand, hit his arm, raising each hair and finally rushed into his nose as he inhaled a sweet familiar aroma. He held his breath not wanting to turn loose of the moment as his useless eyes found new purpose and flooded with grateful tears. Patting the soft fur on the muzzle of the huge beast standing guard over him in bed, Red cried, “It’s you! My Hog Eyes, I’ve missed you so.”
Red also recognized the familiar scent of his woman who now was laughing quietly in delight, quite pleased with herself. “Claire! How did you do this?” Red whispered the words, realizing with no instruction they must be very quiet or some nurse or doctor, someone would come in and spoil one of the most splendid moments he had ever experienced in his life.
The cowboy felt the warmth and energy from Claire’s hands as they embraced his. “Red, you told me you wanted to see Hog Eyes so I went home and got him and I brought him up the service elevator. He was a good horse and stayed very quiet until there was no one in site and we slipped into your room.
It took a lot to impress Red Thompson and he was always amazed at how often Claire managed to impress him throughout the years. “Oh, Claire, how can I ever thank you? My horse, you brought me my little Hog Eyes. Now I can say goodbye to him.”
A serious tone replaced the brevity of the moment as Claire spoke, “Red, you told me you wanted to see Hog Eyes before we could speak of your Baptism. I want you to join me in heaven and you must be baptized for that to happen.” No doubt about it. Red had been eared down and stopped dead in his tracks. Exhausted, he closed his eyes and nodded in agreement. Claire kissed his lips softly and said goodnight. Red listened for the familiar rhythm of the dusky bay’s hooves on the linoleum until they dimmed in the distance forever.
The next morning Claire phoned Dr. J. Frank Norris and arranged a soul saving meeting between the preacher and her husband.
Dr. Norris was the flamboyant and controversial Preacher at the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, TX. He was known for traveling back and forth across the stage holding the Bible in one hand and a newspaper in the other, crying wildly, bemoaning the fate of the American people as reported in the morning news. The Preacher embraced sensationalism, especially if he could use it as a method to save a soul.
Red Thompson had gathered himself and, as he would sometimes with Claire, set his jaw with all the strength he could muster and told the preacher he didn’t want to go to Heaven if it would not welcome his horse, Hog Eyes. Norris, recognizing the value gained in the baptism of the famous cowboy and his equally famous cowgirl wife could find no good reason the horse could not to accompany the cowboy to the promised land. And so, word of the baptism went out over the radio waves of KFQB, which stood for “Keep Folks Quoting the Bible” and coast to coast for an entire week before the glorious event would take place on November 26, 1944.
Red Thompson was too weak to walk into the church under his own power and had to be placed upon a stretcher and carried in by four men. Claire walked solemnly beside him. Everyone, including Red and Claire were dressed in white for the glorious occasion reflecting the energy and glory of the occasion on to the parishioners as they passed each row headed toward the deep Baptismal pool. Few of the great rodeo’s they had performed in saw any greater crowd than present at the church on that day.
More than a thousand and they were literally hanging out the windows and stuck like glue to the side of the walls of the huge building. One of the young women sitting directly across from Dr. Norris exclaimed, “This is a holy moment” as the chorus sang “Shall We Gather At The River”
Red strained his neck and could see Norris standing ahead of him, arms outstretched with Bible in one hand and the other reaching for his soul. Claire was smiling down and he swore he could see angels wings coming from her pure white blouse. He looked around wildly but little Hog Eyes was not to be found.
The steps were too steep for the men to bring the stretcher down into the water and Red, feeling strength from the energy of the moment, willed himself to stand and walk, with Claire down the steps to salvation.
Dr. Norris welcomed the cowboy and cowgirl and started to speak, “Red Thompson, are you…” Before he could utter another sound Red, realizing his pony was not there screamed toward the door, “Hog Eyes! Where are you!”
Norris nodded toward the direction of two men standing by the great double doors and the doors were opened. Standing in the doorway bathed in golden sunlight was Hog Eyes. Wearing a new white bridle especially chosen for the occasion, he was led down through the congregation now all singing the chorus of “Amazing Grace”. As he reached the pool he saw his savior Red already in the water. Hog Eyes didn’t hesitate to descend the steep steps to be by his side. The little pony managed to submerge everything with the exception of his large rump into that pool.
Somehow, Dr. Norris managed to compose himself – after all, it isn’t everyday you find yourself performing a baptism with a horse as witness and in the pool alongside you!
Looking at Red, he finally asked the question that begged an answer for almighty salvation: “Jack Thompson, you now trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for your only salvation?”
And Red said “I do.” With that, Norris dipped Red backwards, submerging his entire body into the holy water.
Some would like to say Hog Eyes knew the precious meaning of this action, others say Hog Eyes was trying to save Red from drowning but whatever that little horse understood, he let out an ear piercing whinnie and plunged his huge, furry head beneath the water and as he resurfaced with Red shook his head wildly, saturating the amazed congregation with holy water.
Young parishioner, Louise Oldham exclaimed, “You could feel the glory from here to the moon!”
Claire concluded the historic event with her own salvation.
Red died a week later. Claire continued to love and care for little Hog Eyes until he died at the age of 39. Claire moved to Florida and died in 1971. Thanks to a man’s love for his pony, a women’s love for her man, the three of them can be found together somewhere behind those pearly gates where you can still hear a chorus singing softly, “Shall We Gather At The River”.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Prairie Rose Henderson, The True Story
» The Lone Cowgirl
The SnowstormThe Story of Rosa Anna Gale A Rose Is A Rose, Is A RoseFebruary, 1933. Snow was beginning to fall fast as Sheriff James Thompson drove up into the Green Mountains of Wyoming. Temperatures had been dropping and he wanted to get this business done before the mountain roads became impassible. The heavily rutted dirt road was now coated with snow as he made his way toward the ranch house. Stopping under the big Pine, he stepped down on the floor break and turned the motor off. Thompson opened the car door to a bone chilling wind and pelting snow to his forehead. Quickly placing his hat upon his head, he stood up and pulled the heavy woolen collar high on his neck, adjusting his belt and holster, checking to make sure the cold, metal cuffs were in place on his belt. With wide, heavy stride, he stepped up to the wooden porch and knocked hard on the front door. Readying himself for whatever should come next, he cocked his head to the side and listened to the sounds of footsteps coming toward him from within the small house. Slowly, the door opened revealing the darkness of the room. A woman’s voice inquired softly from the other side of the door, “Sheriff?” “I need to speak with your husband, ma’am.” Sheriff Thompson spoke kindly and quietly to the woman. Fifty, Fifty five, no more than a spit of an old woman, she carried herself slightly hunched at the shoulders. Thompson recognized her face and deep brown eyes and recalled how they had appeared years ago on a much younger and athletic body . “She was really somethin’ then,” he thought to himself. As a young girl, Rosa met and fell in love with A.C. Clayton a young, good looking cowboy raised on the Kansas plains. A.C brought Rose to Wyoming from her home in Bristol, Ohio. The two of them married and were happy for a time. They had two children, May and Henry. Competing in the annual Frontier Days events was a family affair. A. C. won the cowboy’s saddle bronc event a couple of times. May and Henry both won their events. But Rosey was the real star. She entered the 1904 Cowgirls Relay Race with three borrowed horses and won in a thunderous blaze of glory narrowly beating out Joella Irwin. Two years later she participated in the very first official Cowgirls Saddle Bronc Event and took home the winners Gold Cup for her efforts. Hailed a local hero for a time and known throughout the area as “Prairie Rose” Clayton, she had been among the first of many local girls who competed in the Frontier Days celebration. As a young woman, Rosey was a strong willed, adventurous spirit and some swear they can remember the time she demanded a ride on a bucker at the festival in 1901. She questioned the judges and told them “If you can’t produce a rule that forbids me to ride then you must let me have a spot in the contest!” The judges were hard pressed to come up with any ruling that would prohibit girls from riding with the boys in competition. They simply could not understand why in tarnation she would want to! Rosey pressed her point and legend has it the judges let her ride. But nothing was recorded in the official results. In fact, nothing was ever reported in the local papers and the event was for the most part forgotten. A.C. and Rose weren’t carnies or shipped in by train from some wild west show in the east. They were hard workin’ local folk, come to town for some fun, escaping from the day to day sameness of the ranch, just showin’ how they do it on the ranch, just showin’ how they do it real. Somewhere along the line, the marriage unraveled and the two very unhappy participants had different versions of a failed and hard marriage. One version may be just as true and no truer than the other but the sad reality was simple; Rose became a divorced mother of two. She was left on her own and it was her duty and sole responsibility to support herself and her children. As any mamma bear would do, she resigned herself to go wherever and do whatever needed to be done to feed and clothe her children. Someone told her about a job in Utah for a cook in a mining camp and without any further thought, she and the children were packed and on their way to a new future. It isn’t known how long she stayed but eventually, she found herself in California where son Henry eventually became a plumber in Los Angeles. It was in California that Henry would find his wife, Anna Robbins from Ohio and Rosa would find and marry Charley. Life always seemed to find it’s way. Sheriff Thompson found himself smiling, recalling those early days of the famed Frontier Days celebration. He wondered how she ever ended up with the likes of Charlie Coleman, a man who was no stranger to trouble or the inside of a jail cell. Thompson rushed quickly back into the present moment as Charley came to the door and stood behind Rose. Coleman had become a familiar figure in town. He had been trying without much luck or skill to make something of that small piece of dirt he and Rose had bought a couple years ago but it just wasn’t meant to be. Money ran out and he butchered another man’s property. Now he had to pay the price.Thompson opened the screen door and took Coleman by the arm leading him away from any sanctuary the man may have found inside his home. “Charley, you’re under arrest for cattle rustling and butchering.” He glanced back into the doorway of the house toward Rose, now visibly shaken, tears rolling slowly down her cheeks. Not really surprised, she silently accepted her husband’s fate.She watched as the the cold cuffs clicked shut on her husbands’ wrists. Thompson led him down the steps, across the snow and into the backseat of the car. Without protest, Colman adjusted his body and lowered his head shamefully offering a barely audible explanation, “We were hungry, sheriff.”Thompson glanced back at the woman standing on the porch, wrenching a dish towel between her shaking hands. Knowing there was nothing more he could do for her, he focused his eyes squarely on the road ahead and drove away.Rose stood on the front porch crying as the car slid down the driveway and out of sight. She had been the one to talk Charley into trying his hand at ranching and move with her, back home to Wyoming. It hadn’t worked out well. Charley was not above expressing his displeasure with his fists and had let Rose know many times how unhappy he had become in Wyoming. Looking through her tears Rose allowed thoughts of freedom to enter her mind, in maybe a small way. She wondered how she could escape her husband's wrath if she somehow rekindled her courageous spirit and left this place. Her mind raced forward to a safe place with her son in California. Just as quickly as her spirit soared out of Wyoming, fear and guilt would bring it back and once again she would find comfort and familiarity in finding yet another reason to stay with the man. It simply never occurred to her that Charley was who he was and there was nothing she could have done to change him.Snow was falling heavy in a frenzied, sideways journey, rushing across the pasture and sticking to anything in its path. Mrs. Coleman knew there was little, precious time to bring her pony to safety and out she headed toward the barn for a halter. Grabbing the halter, she held it close to her body and disappeared into the cold, blinding whiteness. Once back at the office, Sheriff Thompsons thoughts returned anxiously to the woman up on Green Mountain. His deputy had just returned to the office and was warming his hands above the fired up woodstove.“I had to bring Charley Coleman off the mountain today but his wife is up there all alone. Would you pick up some supplies and take ‘em on up to her? I’m worried about her bein’ there all by herself. The snow’s getting’ real bad and she’s gettin’ up there in years.Knowing the nearest supply store was several miles away from the folks who lived on the mountain the young deputy didn’t hesitate. He swaggered over to the coat rack by the door, grabbed his heavy green jacket, still wet and soggy, and headed back out into the storm.The deputy loaded the car with several boxes of food and supplies and drove back up the mountain to deliver the package to Rose Coleman. “Oh, man it’s a comin’ down now.” He took his hand and wiped the wet foggy mist away from the windshield.Slipping up the driveway and skidding to a halt, he was surprised to find the house empty with no sign of the woman anywhere, inside or out. He cuped his hands around his mouth and called loudly, “Rose! Mrs. Coleman!” Squinting, he attempted to focus through any small space in between the barrage of blinding white flakes. He looked desparately for the woman loosing hope with each passing moment. Finally, he acquiesced to the cruelty and power of the storm. The ride back to the office was devastatingly slow. Fearing the worst, he dreaded facing the sheriff with the bad news.Thompson’s words boomed off the walls and echoed throughout the office as he heard his deputy’s report. “Damn it! I knew I shouldn’t have left her up there.” The next day Thompson and two additional men returned to the ramshackle ranch to look, once again for Rose Coleman. Time and again he would make the trek back up to the harsh, loneliness of the mountain country, now blanketed with deep snow, hoping in vain to find some trace of her. Sadly, he would concede; Rose Coleman was forever lost somewhere on Green Mountain to the winter storms in the season of 1933.Charles Coleman pleaded guilty to butchering cattle and spent more than one year in the state prison. Newspapers reported the missing woman as Prairie Rose Henderson. They reported the world famous rodeo cowgirl was lost in a snowstorm and died in the Wyoming Mountains. They recounted her marriage to Charles Coleman and the report was carried by many national newspapers despite the protest by Henry Clayton, Rose Coleman’s son. In fact, the local paper even ran a story quoting Henry as saying, “It was not Prairie Rose Henderson,” but his mother, Rose Clayton-Coleman who died in that snowstorm. He went on to say “I’m sure the real Prairie Rose Henderson is quite surprised to be reading her own obituary. She is living in Burbank, California.” Still no one listened and the story of the death of the famous Prairie Rose Henderson persisted and gathered momentum. Fog Horn Clancy, the famous promoter and rodeo announcer picked up the story and wrote about it in his column in Hoofs and Horns. Oddly, no report or story can be found of the many friends or colleagues of Prairie Rose Henderson who were to offer condolences at a funeral or graveside service. Nor could any words of remembrance be found in any of the many papers that had covered her every move and action at the various shows and rodeo’s she performed in. Close friends Mabel Strickland, Florence Hughes, Bonnie Gray and Lorena Trickey said nothing and nothing was ever reported about any grieving family members. There was never any kind of memorial or funeral service for the great Prairie Rose Henderson. No official obituary. No death certificate. No coroners report. Not for the great Prairie Rose Henderson. A woman died in a terrible blizzard in 1933 and Prairie Rose Henderson ceased to exist. Seven years later a fire broke out in the Green Mountains on July 17, 1939. Charles Coleman was out of prison, putting his life back together and was one of the firefighters battling the blaze that day when a sheepherder named Martinez, also battling the flames ran toward him. “Coleman! Come over here quick, come now!” Charley could see the man was peering at something heaped beside a rock and he ran fast down the hill, kicking the hot, dry smoky dust into his eyes and sucking it deep into his lungs with every open mouthed breath he took. The sheepherder looked up and into Charlie’s eye’s as he rushed up, just within two feet of a small bit of half buried, crumpled blue material. Bones, barely recognizable as human could be seen within the torn trousers. His soul aching with the chilling certainty of what he was looking at, Charley couldn't take his eyes from the gruesome discovery. It was all that remained of Rosa Gale, daughter of Ezra Gale from Bristol, Ohio. A.C. Clayton’s first love, Henry and May’s mother and his wife. Charley looked over, just to the right of the body and recognized the leather remnants of what was a pony halter. It was the one Rose had grabbed from the barn that stormy morning seven years ago. “Ah, no. Oh, my Rosey.” It was more guilt than sorrow that brought Charley to his knees as he wept beside her body. The bodily remains were formally identified as Anna Rosa Gale-Clayton-Coleman by Rose’s son, Henry and her brother, Elmer Gale in the official coroners report. Cause of death was listed as “exposure to the elements.” Unbelievably, amidst Henry's very vocal protests, as well as the coroners report, newspapers across the country continued to report the death of Prairie Rose Henderson. Bold headlines screamed, “Body Of Famous Rodeo Star Found.” Finally, the world was convinced with absolute certainty the fate of Prairie Rose Henderson and Henry Clayton returned home to California to grieve his mother. Rumors spread that the skeletal remains of Prairie Rose Henderson were identified by a championship belt buckle she had won was still shackled to her body. Some say she had conquered her fear of storms and after her husband was arrested went out to look for her favorite pony to bring him to shelter. People would agree, “Yes, that does sound like the Prairie Rose. She did love those horses.” Once away from the house, she became disoriented and snow blind and perished for eternity.It is curious that Prairie Rose Henderson had many friends but not one came forth, as friends do in these times, to remember her and maybe even shed a few tears as they said goodbye. No one came forward to claim the bones of Prairie Rose Henderson, World Champion Cowgirl and Bronco Rider, the Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Rosey Claytons tragedy was forgotten in the apathy of time just as completely as if it had never happened, there on Green Mountain. The legend of Prairie Rose Henderson lived on in newspapers, stories, books, all continuing throughout the years to report the hard end of the great cowgirl up on Green Mountain, in a Wyoming snow storm. Coast to coast news of her death shocked the fans who had watched her ride the pitching bronc’s, winning countless championships, dressed in her own remarkable creations of Mink, Maribou, ribbons, sequins, velvet and beads, always wearing her famously large Sombrero.Knowing the true identity of the ill fated woman who died on Green Mountain, Rose Clayton-Coleman offers little comfort for, if it wasn’t Prairie Rose Henderson who died in that snow storm, what did happen to her? Why did she simply vanish, never to be seen or heard from again?
The Lone Cowgirl says "Stay Tuned!"If she didn't die in that snowstorm, what did happen to Prairie Rose Henderson? Why did she leave her great legacy behind in the west?
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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The Lone Cowgirl Presents Great Cowgirl Stories
» The Lone Cowgirl
Ruth Roach is the cowgirl illustrated on the right. (click to enlarge) I chose to illustrate her because she always looks like she is having so much more fun than the Bronc. Ruth was one of the early cowgirls who ran away from home to follow the life. She quickly became a star and rodeo favorite wherever she performed and competed.
Tad Lucas and Ruth Roach were the best of friends and known as "The Gold Dust Twins" to all their friends. Buck, Tad's husband remarked "Ruth Roach is the meanest woman I have ever met. I'm sure the reason why is because of those damned red boots. She wears 'em two sizes too small!" -
PRCA Saddle Bronc Rider, Kaila Mussell
» The Lone Cowgirl
Kaila Mussell is the only woman ever, in the history of PRCA, to ride saddle bronc's in competition with the boys. Last year she rode at the Prineville Round Up. Kaila will appear in the upcoming documentary, "Oh, You Cowgirl!" about the early 20th century rodeo cowgirls and women of the wild west shows in a reenactment of Bonnie McCarroll's fatal accident at the famed Pendleton Round-Up in 1929. Bonnie was a favorite on the rodeo circuit and many believe it was because of a Pendleton rule requiring all women to ride "hobbled" that she lost her life while riding a bronc named Black Cat. When Kaila rides, she competes and abides by the same rules and rides the same horses as the men in the PRCA
For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Mabel Strickland, A Cowgirl For All Seasons
» The Lone Cowgirl
Rodeo cowgirl, rodeo queen, movie queen, Mabel Strickland was the whole package. The most photographed of all the early cowgirls, Mabel was equally at home in the rodeo arena as she was on the silver screen.After winning title for the World Champion Lady Rider at the Cheyenne Frontier Days, she went on to perform in the World Series Rodeo at Madison Square Garden in New York and competed in the trick riding event with a dozen other cowboys and cowgirls. Mabel was performing a trick in which she goes under the horse's neck and grabs the saddle on the other side as the horse gallops around the arena. Somehow, she lost her grip and fell beneath the belly of the galloping horse. She was injured quite severely and newspapers reported her as "near death". She did recover and went on to win several more championships.
Years later, Mabel established herself as a sought after movie actress and stunt woman in Hollywood. In 1936 she signed for a supporting role in the film, "Rhythm On The Range" with Bing Crosby. A set was duplicated to look like the arena at Madison Square Garden where she had been so badly injured in 1926. As Mabel walked out to the set, she fainted in front of a gate that looked just like the one where she was trampled. She was rushed to the hospital where physicians reported a hemorrhage had reapeared at the site of the old internal wound! She recovered once again and finished the movie on schedule. Photo courtesy Linne MackenzieFor more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Lala DeLude - The Pony Story
» The Lone Cowgirl
The first time I met Lala DeLude was in 2007 just as she was finishing the morning chores and feeding her goats. She was weathered and showing wear on her eighty something body but her eyes still sparkled warmly as she introduced herself and invited me to join her in the "parlor" of the old fifth wheel travel trailer she now calls home. Lala has an outhouse and somehow lives with outdoor plumbing, enjoying a "cowboy bath" twice a week and says with heartfelt conviction, "It was good enough for daddy, I suppose it's good enough for me."She still lives on the same land that belonged to her daddy and finds comfort and strength in vivid memories she has of him and her family. Her eyes narrowed as she pointed a finger toward my new camera. "Last little gal that came out to do an interview with me had a camera like that. One o' the goats jumped up on her back and knocked that camera right out'a her hand. Can't have that. Got rid of that goat. Don't remember if I sold him or ate him, but I got rid of that goat."Lala is a true, honest soul of the west and I have enjoyed every minute I've spent with her. -
Extraordinary Women Of The Early 20th Century
» The Lone Cowgirl
Spirits dampened as the skies opened and rain came down in buckets. The cowboys had decided to postpone the broncho riding event but the cowgirl from Colorado would not be denied her hard fought opportunity to showcase her skills. At 5’9” and weighing close to 165 lbs., Bertha Kaepernik was a sturdy woman with ranch bowed legs and halcyon blue eyes. Some claimed you could see clear through the world and right into her soul when you looked into those eyes. Casting a rueful glance toward the cowboy riders, she walked out to the middle of the sodden arena. More than 15,000 people were sitting in the wooden grandstands watching history write a page as Bertha mucked her way toward the snubber holding the bronc ready. Many of the spectators that day had come just to see Bertha ride. Some were looking for her to make her ride. Others … well, they just wanted to see her leave the deck. There were those who just couldn’t wrap their mind around a woman riding rough stock with the men. They didn’t believe it was proper and God did not intend it. A girl’s cow pony race was one thing but rough stock, riding with the boys, well, that was something real different.Newspapers across the country had been reporting an alarming story about women, like Bertha who were in danger of becoming so muscle bound, they would loose their womanliness if they continued doing such masculine things as the cowgirls do in the west.She didn’t seem to notice the crowds, some rooting for her, some not. Nor did she notice the rain rolling down the wide brim of her tall, Montana pitched hat and onto her yellow wild rag. Her shiny green satin shirt and leather fringed split skirt were soaked clear through, still she maintained her focus on the blindfolded cayuse in front of her.Bertha moved slowly toward the prairie savvy roan and noticed a steamy cloud rising from his quivering body as every muscle tightened with anticipated danger. The wild pony quickly moved his focus to Charlie Irwin, the snubber busy earring him down. Blindfolded with a piece torn from a grain bag, the pony had no choice but to accept his fate.Wasting no time, Bertha mounted, grabbed the bucking rope tightly in her left hand, readied her hat in her right hand to fan the beast and finally, she gave the shout, “Let ‘er buck!” Before the last word escaped her mouth, she was headed for the heavens. With each heaving breathe, the screaming, snorting beast pitched higher and higher, landing rigid on locked front legs and a sunfishin’ rump. That cowgirl stuck to the whirlygigin’ cayuse like glue until suddenly, in one horrifying moment the bucker snorted, threw his head back and lost his footing. Still high in the air he somersaulted, tumbling over on his back. The horrified crowd braced for the worst, jumped to their feet shrieking, fearing for the cowboy girl, but it didn’t seem to phase or panic Bertha in the least. Bertha took great pride in riding straight up and slick, her stirrups were free. She considered it a mighty insult for anyone to think she would ride hobbled and tie her stirrups just to look good and get a free ride, like some of the so-called circus cowgirls do. She wasn’t tied in – and she rode just like the cowboys, just as her daddy had taught her on the ranch. Riding slick that day saved Bertha’s life and gave her the opportunity to free her boots from the stirrups and jump off – and not a spit second too soon! She waited for the bronc to right himself and with the finesse of a mountain cat, she lept back into the saddle to finish her ride. The cowboys, not wanting to be outdone by a girl, all came out and one by one they competed that day in the rain. Some made their ride, some didn’t. A local cowboy, Harry Brannon was proclaimed winner and champion of the cowboy’s saddle bronc riding event and he was presented with a $250.00 championship saddle. But it was Bertha Kaepernik who brought the house down.For more, great stories about the cowgirls, the unsung heroes of the west, visit [thecowgirlmovie.com]
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Living With Music [xml|www]
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The Grumpy Forester [xml|www]
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Central Oregon Food [xml|www]
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Bend Spirit Club
[xml|www]
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Mom2Mom Bend, Oregon [xml|www]
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Brysons of Bend [xml|www]
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Birdies 4 Babies Golf Charity [xml|www]
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On The Bright Side.net
[xml|www]
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Backporch Coffee Roasters
[xml|www]
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How the Real Mother Hen Sees the World [xml|www]
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Garage Improvement [xml|www]
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Bend, Oregon, Daily Photo [xml|www]
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The Gardener's Husband
[xml|www]
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PPP (Pole Pedal Paddle) [xml|www]
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End Times [xml|www]
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WebCyclery Blog
[xml|www] -
Elise Michaels Media [xml|www]
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The Commercial Photographer [xml|www]
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RAMBLETRON 4.75.269 [xml|www]
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Elan Vital Anthology [xml|www]
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Peebo the Bike Commuter [xml|www]
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Bend Mothers Acting Up [xml|www]
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Bend Drum Circle [xml|www]
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Bend Chiro Blog [xml|www]
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It's the little things in life... [xml|www]
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Holly Contracting and Design [xml|www]
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Snowboard Mt Bachelor
[xml|www]
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there once was a girl [xml|www]
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Things that go great with coffee, friends and waffles [xml|www]
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Dwyer Williams Potter, Attorneys, LLP [xml|www]
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dopeblend news
[xml|www] -
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Stroller Strides - Bend, OR [xml|www]
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Cowgirls Blog [xml|www]
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Isabella Acosta Barna [xml|www]
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Search Consulting Service Blog [xml|www]
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Bend Morons [xml|www]
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bent and beat [xml|www]
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The Minkz
[xml|www]
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backstage pass [xml|www]
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If you're not ready to die for it... [xml|www]
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The Debut Effect [xml|www]
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Stride Steady [xml|www]
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bent paradox
[xml|www]
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Victoria's Secrets Told [xml|www]
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disturbing the comfortable [xml|www]
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XC Oregon [xml|www]
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Ania Designs [xml|www]
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There Goes Today, it Slowly Fades Away [xml|www]
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Dusty Tales [xml|www]
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Bring Back the 80's! [xml|www]
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Life Behind the Lens [xml|www]
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Bend Oregon Photos [xml|www]
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Bend Gazette [xml|www]
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Our journey to Paige [xml|www]
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Live on the Fly Studio [xml|www]
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Pensees [xml|www]
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The BF Stop: The Official BIG Folio Blog [xml|www]
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Bivwak Outdoors [xml|www]
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the ecomoderate
[xml|www]
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eMusings [xml|www]
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Scam Protectors [xml|www]
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bikebuzz
[xml|www] -
Tom Cornilliac
[xml|www]
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Call Me Ed [xml|www]
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I intentionally wrote it out to be an illegible mess [xml|www]
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Gregg Zivney [xml|www]
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Music and Musings [xml|www]
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The Adventures of Rich Jandt [xml|www]
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The Christensons [xml|www]
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Kitchen Weech [xml|www]
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Juniper Ridge Info [xml|www]
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Lighthouse Parents [xml|www]
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Not So Sex and the City [xml|www]
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Laura @ Curl Up & Dye [xml|www]
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Media Review [xml|www]
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Chinook TC
[xml|www]