ND Cowboy Hall of Fame - Archived Articles

Inductees 2006 Press Release

FOR RELEASE
July 3, 2006

For Additional Information Or Electronic Release

Darrell Dorgan 250-1833

---HALL OF FAME NOMINEES SELECTED FOR 2006 ---

The 200 Trustees of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame Center of Western Heritage and Cultures: Native American, Ranching and Rodeo (NDCHF) have selected six individuals, one ranch, one of the country’s oldest rodeos, and a nationally acclaimed rodeo bull for induction into its Hall of Honorees in 2006.

The inductees are from across the state including: Fargo; Medora; Bismarck; Dickinson; Belfield; Killdeer; Golden Valley County; Grassy Butte; Mandan and Morton County. The nine, will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at ceremonies in Medora on August 5 and in Sentinel Butte on Sunday, August 6.

NDCHF Executive Director Darrell Dorgan says the addition of the nine inductees for 2006 brings to 90 the number who have been inducted since 1998.

2006 NDCHF Inductees

Pre-1940 Rodeo

Robert “Bob” McLeod of Medora grew up on horseback. He not only furnished stock for the 1924 Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo, but also won the wild horse race and rough stock riding events. Bob and his bride, Lenore, joined the George Gardner Rodeo Troop in 1925 and toured all over the upper Midwest.

Modern Era Rodeo

Jack Chase of Grant County and Bismarck started work as a cowboy for hire and ultimately served as brand inspector for the ND Stockmen’s Association for 39 years. He was a four-time state champion steer wrestler, earning his RCA card in 1964. He was a colorful ambassador for North Dakota’s western heritage.

Pre-1940 Ranching

Andrew “Squeaky” Johnston of Dickinson and McKenzie counties is the individual credited as being most responsible for the formation of the ND Stockmen’s Association. He homesteaded near Watford City and ran the Townsend and VVV ranches for many years. He authored the first two volumes of 50 Years in the Saddle and is credited with inventing the cattle guard.

Modern Era Ranching

Leonard Davis of Belfield and Killdeer established the Killdeer Mountain Ranch in 1936, continuing to add parcels as they became available, including the historic Killdeer Mountain Roundup Rodeo site in 1959. The KM became well known for ranch innovations and progressive practices. Davis promoted the establishment of a fully funded animal disease research center in North Dakota. He raised breeding stock and hay and served on the House Agriculture Committee during his stint as a Representative from the 36th Legislative District.

RANCHES

VVV Ranch in Golden Valley County was established as the JXL in 1883 by Gregor Lang. Theodore Roosevelt was a frequent guest during his buffalo hunts. The Yule Post Office was established and operated in conjunction with a general store on the ranch, as it was along the Fort Keogh Stage Coach Line. Andrew Johnston and Nelson Langdon purchased the JXL in 1937, renaming it the VVV. The Weinreis Family purchased the ranch in 1975. Annual round ups and branding events continue to draw neighbors and friends from a wide area.

Leaders of Ranching and Rodeo

James Jefferies of Grassy Butte and Fargo began working as a ranch hand at age 12. His rodeo career spanned five decades, from participation within the arena to judging in the late 70’s and 80’s. He went above and beyond to foster a love of horses and rodeo in the Red River Valley, mentoring youth and providing rodeo stock for college, amateur and professional rodeos. He was a master at braiding and tooling leather and an accomplished blacksmith.

Rodeo Livestock

Little Yellow Jacket from the Berger Ranch in Morton County was named the World Champion Bucking Bull in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He is not only the most famous bull in North Dakota, but the most famous bull in the world. He was recently retired and moved back to the ranch near Mandan, while his offspring are currently making their mark in the world of professional bull riding.

Special Achievement

Mandan Rodeo in Morton County is legendary, beginning as a Fourth of July event in 1882 and coming into its own in 1923 when Max Thiel organized a round up and brought in stock from miles around for a really big show. The CCC constructed the rodeo ground facility, acclaimed as one of the best in all the upper Midwest. Big-time rodeo began in 1941 when national professional cowboys and movie stars came to town. Gene Autry and his horse, Champion, Rex Allen and Koko, and the Sons of the Pioneers all followed the trail to Mandan in the ‘50s.

The Mandan Jaycees took over sponsoring the rodeo in 1957, and it moved to new grounds at Dakota Centennial Park in 1990.

Cowboy Long Rider

Don Hart of Fargo was a genuine horseman who practiced his principles of training and horsemanship all his life. He preferred to ride outside in any weather. His love of horses extended to all disciplines and breeds. Hart judged horses, conducted horse clinics for 4-H and horse clubs and was a founding member of the North Dakota Horse Park in Fargo. After employment as a buyer for livestock concerns, he segued into the business of haberdashery, outfitting generations of Red River cowgirls, wranglers, dudes and tenderfeet, fine western threads, boots and hats.

The Hall of Fame’s Center of Western Heritage and Cultures is open daily until September 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It is open by appointment is appointment the rest of the year. Its galleries and exhibits detail the history of the plains horse culture. The facility is also used for meetings, reunions, weddings and other events. An attached patio provides room for more than 200 people for catered events, with food and beverage service is available.

Fundraising for the project continues. Dorgan says the Hall of Fame hopes to raise an additional $500,000 to finish paying for the project and says, "We are working with banks, foundations and a number of individuals in an effort to have all the money needed to pay for the project in the very near future."

Contributions for the project may be sent to The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, 1110 College Drive #216, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501.

Release and photos of nominees available electronically at
www.northdakotacowboy.com

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