Pendleton Round-Up at 100: Oregon’s Legendary Rodeo

by Michael Bales, Ann Terry Hill

Every September since 1910, the Pendleton Round-Up has drawn thousands of rodeo fans to a small town in eastern Oregon. For seven days, the crowds in Pendleton thrill to contests that range from bull riding and bronc busting to barrel racing and bareback Indian relays. This extravagantly illustrated book commemorates the centennial of the Round-Up and captures its enduring appeal in Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and the world of rodeo. As highlighted in these pages, the Pendleton Round-Up has many singular features. First, there is its famous “bucking horse” logo and its signature slogan, “Let ‘er Buck.” Then there are its unique long wooden chutes and hard grass turf. And from the very beginning, American Indians have been as much a part of the Round-Up scene as the cowboys and roughstock. In the rodeo’s Native American Village, Indians camp in traditional tipis and celebrate their long-standing cultural traditions. Beautifully designed, this book features a breadth of color and black-and-white photographs—more than 900—showcasing the riders, the drama, and the special atmosphere that is Pendleton.

302 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Theophilus (Theo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read Ken Kesey's "Last Go-Round", I wanted to know more about George Fletcher and Jackson. I contacted the Pendleton, Oregon Historical Society and they recommended this book.It delivers on my original questions and much more. There is biographical information on Fletcher and Sundown and on just about everybody who played an important part in the history of this event, including the women who participated in many of the same events as the men until it was deemed too dangerous for them. The native peoples who participated since the inception of this event are included also with a very insightful chapter written by a Native American descendant of some of the early stars, and who is still active in the annual production of the "Round-up" and the accompanying "Happy Valley" show.
The authors tell the complete story of the founders, their dreams and contributions to the town of Pendleton. The numerous authentic cowboy and cowgirl participants are highlighted in detail, some of whom went on to Hollywood to work as stunt doubles and stars of Western fims. There are war heroes and African American rodeo performers who were not allowed in many other rodeo venues.
The hundreds of actual period photographs are frosting on the cake. This book is well worth the price and will give hours of entertainment to the reader. You don't have to be a rodeo afficionado to enjoy it.