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HEPPNER GAZETTE-TIMES. Thursday, August 23. 1962
Pictures From The Past
THREE OF the many who have been prominent in leadership of the rodeo during its history
in Morrow county are shown above. At left is Lee Beckner, lone, now deceased, who served as
president of the association for many years. Minutes kept by L. L. Gilliam, longtime secretary,
show that Beckner was elected to the board in 1937. He was elected president in 1941. A story
in the Gazette-Times in 1948 said, "He's still the tophand." At that time the rodeo and fair were
coordinated and Beckner became chairman of the rodeo committee. He remained active until his
death several years ago. Harlan McCurdy Sr. (center) is another who was very active for years.
First mention of McCurdy's name in the old minutes was in 1935 and he was still active in 1948, as
far as this record goes. McCurdy had charge of the parade for years. He still resides in Heppner.
Harold Erwin (right), also of Heppner was onco named "Mr. Rodeo" and the Gazette-Times
editorialized that it was "a honor that he richly deserved." Harold is still active with rodeo and
horse show activities.
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HERE ARE four veterans of county fair and rodeo work as pictured in 1955. From left are Floyd
Jones, then, as now, chairman of the rodeo committee; Eb Hughes, then chairman of the fair
board; Ray Ferguson, chairman of the fair committee at that time; and Jack Loyd, member of the
rodeo committee. Loya buu serves in max capacity.
THE 1953 rodeo court comprised another bunch of pretty gals. In that year Elsie Bauernfeind ot
Morgan (front center) was queen. Princesses were Wilma Hug, Boardman (left front); Beth Ball,
Heppner (right front); Carol Ann Wigglesworth, Echo (left rear), and Pat McMillan, Lexington
(right rear).
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ACTION has been the keynote of ths Morrow County redeo through- have been taken in the late 1940 s. The bronc rider at the right
out its 41 year history, as these scenes show. At left is Vern Evaus is unidentified. Perhaps some perspective reader can supply
Sr. of Heppner riding a wild one, and the photo is believed to the name.
FRAMED PRETTILY by a rustic gate and fence are the comely forth (Olson) and Dorothy Wigglesworth. The Gazette-Times
members of the Rodeo court of 1949. Queen Shirley Wilkinson has a good file of queen's pictures back to 1949 but those of
(Rugg) is in the center of the group. Princesses from left are early days are rare.
Ingrid Herman (Crawford), Betty Walker (Gentry), Faye Cuts-
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MAN, HOW those girls can ridel Here is a picture that is repeated every year at the rodeo, but
by different girls. Competing furiously in a flag race are Lorraine Swaggart (left). Kite Lazinka
(Healy) right, and Betty Sniethurst (Zeigler) rear. This photo apparently was taken in 1948.
MORROW COUNTY rodeo courts have traditionally been noted (from left) were Judy Cochell (Payne), representing Lexington
for two things, particularly: Their beauty and their riding ability. Grange); Susan Partlow, Tillicum club; Janice Martin (Wheel
Some top examples of both are shown on this page from the house), Lena; and Joan Moe (Hudson), Rhea Creek. Susan
past Among the attractive courts was the 1959 group above, became queen in 1960 and Joan in 1961.
Queen was Sharon Cutstorth (Gorman) in the center. Frincessts