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18 Phone: 503-829-2301 Molalla Pioneer www.molallapioneer.com Independence Day 2013
Peggy Savage
Molalla Pioneer
As with so many things in history,
the tradition of the Molalla
Buckeroo came about as a bit of a
surprise. In 1913, the rodeo’s
first year, it was organized as
part of the celebration of the
new railroad that would con-
nect Molalla to the outside
world.
It is true, the first rodeo,
among several other events
held that year, was concocted
as entertainment by the local
townsfolk to welcome the
thousands of people who ar-
rived in Molalla from Port-
land, Eugene, Canby and
other cities on Sept. 9, 1913
for the celebration.
The rodeo was such a big
hit with the crowds that it
was continued every year
since then until the present, with brief lapses
during the world war years.
There's some debate as to when the
counter started because the Molalla Fire De-
partment used to run the event as a
fundraiser and later it was taken over by the
Molalla Buckeroo Association in 1923.
That's why this summer it'll be 100 years
since the first Molalla rodeo, but it'll mark
the 90th Buckeroo.
In 1925, the first rodeo arena was built,
which gave the event a permanent home at
Ross Street and North Molalla Avenue for
the next 52 years.
Then in 1977, the Buckeroo moved to its
current home on Shirley Street.
What started as a cele-
bration of the railroad be-
came a celebration and
commemoration of Mo-
lalla's frontier roots and
rural nature.
The annual rodeo has
had its fair share of famous
spectators and performers
from cowboys to movie
stars.
The rodeo attracts cow-
boys and cowgirls from all
over the country working
their annual circuit. Many
even split their time be-
tween the St. Paul Rodeo
about 20 miles to the west
of Molalla. The two rodeos
set much of their event schedules to allow
the contestants enough time to compete in
both venues. Many serious rodeo fans go to
both events to get their fill of rodeo action.
As long as the people of Molalla remem-
ber where their town comes from, there'll be
a rodeo to showcase its traditions.
Photo courtesy of Molalla Area Historical Society
The directors of the 1926 Molalla Round-Up, all Molalla firemen, were from the left (front) Fred
Park, Paul Robbins, Arthur Farr, Henry Dahl, Jim Riddell, (top row) Sid Powers, Mort Cochrell,
Walter Taylor, Bob Masterton and Bill Miller. According to a June 25, 1926 news story, the show
attracted some of the best riders in the West, with the Umatilla Indians, in full regalia, presenting
“war dances, squaw races and war bonnet races.” Ben Jory of Pendleton provided the round-up
horses, direct from Union, and the “Bucking Buffalo” used at Pendleton that year.
Molalla Buckeroo:
100 Years
1913: Local girls dressed up as cowgirls, brandishing their pistols at the first round-up
Thursday, July 4, 2013
11:00am to 4:00pm
Chicken “To-Go” Booth Opens at 10am
Enjoy a Great Meal of:
• Chicken • Baked Potato
• Cole Slaw • Roll • Dessert
Along with:
• Parade • Buckeroo Rodeo
• Amusement Rides
• Fireworks
444972.062613.IDC
St. James Church
301 Frances Street • Molalla
OOPS!
We sold out last
year!
BUT DON’T
WORRY! We Have
More Chicken
This Year!