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success of the first rodeo led to the formation of the Livermore
Stockmen's Rodeo Association in April 1919. The association selected
15 acres of the Callaghan vineyard on Lizzie Street (now Livermore
Avenue) and sold stock or script for $25 a share to purchase the
land. Many local people, including ranchers and business, bought
shares; some redeemed later but many have kept them to this day.
Construction
of the center section of the grandstand and some bleachers, which
together held 2,400 seats, were completed for the second rodeo,
which was held on July 3rd, 4th and 5th, 1919, an was described
by the Livermore Herald as "the most successful rodeo ever
held in the west". In early years, the show was always held
on the 4th of July plus the weekend immediately following or preceding
the 4th - hence the show ran from two to five days.
For the first few years, there was no Public
Address System, so the announcing was done on horseback with a
megaphone. Those with the best vocal chords were "Foghorn"
Murphy and later Ike Latimer followed by Abe Lofton. From 1930-1965
with a P. A. System and sometimes on horseback, came Livermore's
own Bud Bentley. Professional announcers were hired from then
to now.
During the early years there were many local
riders. But even in those days, many top professional riders and
performers were attracted to the show. All were seen on movie
newsreels.
Those in charge worked hard and gave generously
to insure the success of the show and the satisfaction of the
spectators and the participants as well. John McGlinchey would
send two header wagons out to the Mourterot Ranch and buy hay
so that the many cowboys that stayed at his home would have feed
for their horses. His wife Elizabeth and her daughters fed all
the cowboys at the huge table in their kitchen.
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