William (Bill) Patrigo

Melinda made me also recall the rodeo. The rodeo was brought to Fort Madison by Eddie Richards. He rocognized that the livestock owned by Col. Everett Colburn (Ligntning C Ranch) were required by law to stop in Fort Madison for watering and feeding as they travelled by rail each year to the Madison Square Garden Rodeo in NYC. Eddie had the grounds built and entered into an agreement to have an annual rodeo with the livestock passing through Fort Madison.  Gene Autry was connected with Colburn and became the star performer for the first few years. Gene's performance consisted of singing and having his horse, Champion, perform tricks. My father was the Rodeo Chairman for several years.

During one Saturday afternoon performance Champion refused to perform properly and Gene beat him with a riding crop in front of 10,000 people. After the performance Eddie Richards, my father and several members of the rodeo committee met with Gene in his room in the Anthes Hotel and disinvited him from performing in later Fort Madison rodeos. That is what triggered other stars later coming to perform in the rodeo.

I too remember Rin Tin Tin, but I met him by wandering alone into his trailer on the rodeo grounds. I left immediatelly when I realized I was alone with the dog.  His trainer met me as I left and confirmed I should not have been alone with "Rinty". I met other performers over the years, but specifically remember having breakfast with my parents and Dale Robertson (star of Tales of Wells Fargo TV series). I could not get over how handsome he was - to me he was obviously a movie star!  Parenthetically, my mother mentioned that she had been at a local rodeo dinner party that he attended and how all the women flocked to him.

It has been too many years since I attended a Fort Madison Rodeo or saw a Fort Madison Rodeo parade.

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Speaking of the rodeo, Bill, it’s never too late! I work in the Rideo ticket office and I can get you great seats! Just give me a call 319-470-3477 and I’ll get you rooms for the weekend! 

I also remember marching in the rodeo parade from 7th grade through 12 th grade, first Junior High School Band and then FMHS band! Those are great memories! KERP WRITING SLL OF YOU ITS GREAT READING!

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

FAT FINGERS MADE MISTAKES! Forgive me!

Brad Wiedmann

Mr. Patrigo,  I can attest that Sharon can get you great seats at the Rodeo.  My brother and I attended a few years ago and had perfect seats right next to the chutes.  Really enjoyed the event.  Maybe it is time to attend again.

My dad used to help with coordination of the security at the Rodeo and I was so privileged to spend lots of time behind the chutes as well above the chutes.  Brahma bull riding was my favorite.  I still watch the PBR bull riding competition on television.

One time I got to have lunch with Dale Robertson in the tent behind the Arena. And, one time I saw Dick West in the back seat of a car behind the chutes with a cowgirl.  There was a little more going on than having a conversation.  Another time was when Annie Oakley was there and I think she was under contract to Gene Autry and they were sitting up on the chutes and I though he treated her very poorly.  

Loved the Saturday morning pancake breakfasts downtown on Ave G during Rodeo weekend.  I recently came across an old photo from the early 1950's when my mom, great aunt and myself were sitting at a picnic table on Ave G in front of Lampe's Drug Store having pancakes.

William (Bill) Patrigo

Brad, thinking about Eddie Richards I recall that he built a house for himself on the west end of Fort Madison, then built others around that which became known as Richard Addition. My recollection is that you and your family lived in Richards Additiona and I leved a few blocks away.

When I turned 14 my father asserted that Iowa law allowed a person as young as 14 to drive without an adult present to and from school if they lived more than a certain distance from a school bus stop (normal driving age began at 16). My father believed this qualified me at 14 to drive to and from school. As you will recall, between the ages of 14 and 16, I used to pick you up in my little yellow Crosley convertible and we would drive to school. Fortunately, the police never stopped me as I believe I would have had a hard time explaining driving without an adult at age 14.

Around 1959, I was giving Robert Johnson a ride to his hone when I took a near U-turn on Denmark Hill too fast and rolled the Crosley on its side. Fortunately, no one was injured and the car suffered only minor damage. Robert and I uprighted the car, it was repaired, later repainted, then later sold to Jack Moore for his use.

Cyndy Day (Savage)

The rodeo is one of my favorite memories of Ft. Madison, loved it. We went to the western movies and always thought we really knew the stars because of the rodeo. I always thought and still do, that Ft. Madison was a wonderful place to live. 

Melinda Lang (Bachman)

Thanks for the background history of the Rodeo.  Some interesting facts that I didn't know.

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Maybe we should plan our next reunion around the TEI-STATE RODEO! What do you think! I could get a block of tickets and we could all sit together! Just a thought!

Brad Wiedmann

I like the sound of getting a block of tickets for the Rodeo at our next reunion.  Maybe the announcer could recognize our class of old geezers over the PA.  It's hard to believe we have become 'that' group?

Bill P, I fondly remember those days you picked me up in that yellow Crosley and gave me a ride to school.  I remember the story about the Crosley ending up on its side.  I just couldn't remember who was involved?

I also remember the first time when our family purchased a new car, a 1959 Ford Galaxie 500.  I got to use it one time and I was at Sharon Tincher's house and the car was parked in front.  I seem to remember it was some classmates driving around and they spotted the car and believed there was a possibility I was in the car with Sharon.  I was inside her house. They pulled up alongside my car, someone jumped out and opened the driver's door, another car started coming down the street and classmates had to pull forward and their bumper caught the open door of my dad's brand new car and wrapped it around toward the front fender.  For whatever reason, we decided to wait until the next morning to tell the police.  Maybe there had been some illegal substance consumed by the occupants of the classmates car?  I know the police didn't really believe the story the next morning that we didn't want to bother them because it was so late.  But, nothing came of it. 

Darla Qualls (Dennison)

So many Rodeo memories:  Sharon and I marching in all the parades, so fun and they usually started out by my house.  That was a long walk to town.  haha  Dick's Uncle Flord Shacklett was Chairman for several years as was the couple I babysat for so I got to meet Gene Autry and Roger Rodgers and Dale Evans.  A side note: later years in CA Roy and Dale were good friends of our very good friends so we went to several functions with them.  Very nice people.  As for Dale Robertson,  I was flying in first class one trip and he got on the plane and sat across from me.  I ask my boys if they knew who he was and they didn't have a clue.  I think a reunion at Rodeo time would be a great idea.

Charlie LaFrenz

Sorry to change the subject, but yesterday I called Sandy Keith in D.C. to see if she and John could meet us for dinner as we have done before because Janet has a conference there and we are leaving on Feb. 8.  She later called back and said they could not join us because she has had a stroke.  A few menutes  ago she sent an email and said she didn't mind if I informed the class.  When she spoke on the phone there was no sign of a speech impediment.  I assume her contact information is in our rocords.  If not, I have them.

Also, somewhere in this house I have a white cowboy tie signed by the Range Rider.  I remember also being stuffed in a Clown Car with what seemed like 100 other kids and let loose in the middle of the arena during a rodeo.  Also saw Rusty and Rin Tin Tin at Sacred Heart Hospital in the lobby.

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

I agree with Brad, Darla & others...Rodeo time would be a great time for a reunion. Maybe we could get Don Sunden to attend...he does Rodeos. The past several years Sharon has asked me to attend with her for the Thursday night event. I love it.  the people we sit with are great & friendly, along with the food & drink. Thanks Sharon, I appreciate it so much. 

Rodeo time is always special for me, my uncle used to take me tmost years because it's on or close to my birthday. Also, my Mom was a Gray Lady & she worked at the hospital every Friday morning, delivering mail, etc. She had the priviledge of takng the Rodeo stars around on a tour of the hospital esp. to see all the kids. There were several who she didn't care for. I always remember Mom talking about Dale Robertson, saying he was the nicest & most polite one she had every met.

I remember marching in the parade with the Kilties, esp. my senior year...such a big deal. We asembled out by DuPont's, if I'm thinking correctly, and marched all the way to 4th. Street. Mr. Duncan walked with us & we didn't mess around or talk to anyone along the way...even when we were "at ease". Remember Patsy leading us, esp. doing round corners, one side marching in lace & the rest of the line going around...OR right angled corners, where we marched through each other. Not sure what each procedure was called, but am sure there was a name for each...maybe atsy can remember or Sharon, as she lead the band. Have not seen any band or group do that since then. Hope this all makes sense...it will if you were in Kilties or Band. I still have my outfit we wore in the Rodeo parade. Denim skirt with fwhite fringe & denim cuffs with fringe we wore with white gloves. School furnished white Cowbboy hats & we wore navy neck scarves, white sox & black loafers. I'm sure I have pics of it all.

Judi Perry

The Fot Madison Rodeo - what a great time!!  Marched in the parade as Junior High Majorette and in High School with the Kilties.  It was a long march, but was fun and we did not complain. Before my folks openend the Donut Shop, downtown, Mother worked at Allen's Dress Store.  Prior to the Rodeo, they sold the most beautiful Squaw dresses, silver belts, etc.  I wish I still had one of them.  When they bought the Donut Shop, Mother decided to sell donuts and coffee outside for the parade "watchers".   It was a very busy time.  It seemed all we did was grab money and give out donuts - it was crazy.  And then if there were more donuts left, we would take them up the Rodeo park and sell to the people camped there for the week-end.  I think is was Robert Conrad, who was the star at the Rodeo one year.  After the parade was over he went to the Liquor Store, which was next door.  He was already drunk and could hardly stand up.  Tried to sober him up with coffee, did not work.

Other memories;  I remember when in Jr. High, running down to the Maid-rite for lunch!!  We only had 20 -30 minutes, but we made it and ate our lunch and ran back!!

It was a great time, when we grew up!!  We rode our bikes all over town, stayed out late at night, playing ball or kick the can in the street until dark, when qur parents called us in. 

My interests in High School was in music.  Thanksgiving we used to go to either Des Moines or Cedar Rapids for State Choir/Band.  What a great time.  Also there were a few of us who went to Gunison CO for Music Camp.  What a fun time.  Sharons parents came out and took us to points of interests while we where there, after rehersals all day..  Sharon's folks were great - did so many wonderful things for us during our high school years.

Also, remeber , when we were in our Senior year - we had a winning Football Team!   Go Bloodhounds!!!!

Sandra Buckley (Matthews)

WOW, everyone has such great Rodeo memories and stories of how we and our parents were involved in some aspect of it - it really was a "town event" !!!  I think the suggestion of having our 60th Reunion over that weekend is a fantastic idea !  Do you think we could even manage a float for the parade?  I can invision something with a fake jukebox on it playing 50's and 60's music and Charlie & Janet and other dancing their hearts away !!!  We could all pitch in some $$$ to get a big flatbed trailer and find some decorations.  There could be a lottery drawing as to how many and who could ride along on the float, as I'm sure not everyone attending would fit..........just my own brainstorming.......those who still have Kilties or Majorette outfits could ride in a couple convertibles behind them ???  Wnyone else interested in aiming for a float ???

Jack Sears

School Days Music loved then & still listen to today - here's my first 10 I have found on my Spotify playlist of fav songs (I hve 485 fav songs of all time out of my 5,000 songs). What are your favs? Go!

1. Mother-In-Law, Ernie K-Doe 1961

2. All I have to do is Dream, Everly Brothers 1958

3. Sleep Walk, Santo & Johnny 1959

4. Chantilly Lace, The Big Bopper 1958

5. Be-Bop-A-Lula, Gene Vincent 1956

6. Yakety-Yak, The Coasters 1958

7. Get a Job, The Sillouettes 1957

8. Shop Around, The Miracles. 1960. 

9. Will You Love Me Tomorrow, The Shirelles. 1960

10. Runaway, Del Shannon, 1961

Janet Rhoades (Vaughn)

Wow,  I can not believe the great memories you have all been sharing.   The Rodeo idea is great and hope we are able to have this happen. What a great group of people this class has turned out.   

Thank you Sharon for this message board and how close it has brought us all to each other.

Thank you all for the memories (of which I must share I had forgotten)  KIlties, football after dances, pep rallies, dry dock, and the lasting friendships we continue to share. 

Melinda Lang (Bachman)

Another vote for the Rodeo for our 60th.  Sounds like fun and a good time of year to travel for those who live far away.  

Jack Sears

The Rodeo was a big deal to my family later in life. My step-dad, Mike Howard, became the Chamber of Commerce manager in the 1970's and also functioned as Rodeo Secretary for a number of years before his untimely fatal heart attack in 1983. He absolutely loved the FM Rodeo and the positive impact it had on FM. One Rodeo, my wife's brother & his new wife, both City of Chicago natives their entire lives, came down with us. I think it was the first time they had ever seen these huge bucking bulls in live action. The biggest ones weigh about as much as a VW Bug & to this tiny lady from Chicago, just as as big. We sat above the chutes & the bulls made everything rock & roll a lot. Well, after the event, Mike arranged for my sister-in-law to sit on the back of a mellowed out but very large bull. The look on her face was priceless. Later that night, at the Palms I think, the rodeo crowd was totally out of control & someone (not Mike), brought in one of the much smaller bulls on a leash, parading it around the tables. The bull, no doubt tired of the druken humans, proceeded to let go on the floor - yup, massive pee & poop. Unbelievable. 

Linda Kirchner (Schrader)

In response to Judi's comment.....our senior year for football was, we won all but the last 2 games...with Mt. Pleasant & Burlington, we lost to them. The next year after us, fall of '61, that class won every game including Mt. Pleasant & Burlington. I still have my scrapbook. Would like to hear from some football players, Frey or Noonan. 

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

FYI to Sandy Matthews:  in 2021 at our 60th reunion we will be 78 years old and having built floats in my youth it’s a really big job! I say we all go watch the parade and attend the Rodeo as a group and not try to do an almost impossible feat like build a float! What do the rest of you think?

William (Bill) Patrigo

I like the idea of a Rodeo Reunion!  Further, as I recollect Sharon managed the construction of several of our school floats. I therefore accept her view that building a float would not be time well spent. As to Jack Sears' search for our music preferences, mine are probably a litte different from Jack's. Although obviously not a complete list, some of my favorites include:

Fats Domino - Blueberry Hill and Walking to New Orleans

Little Richard - Tutti Frutti, Long Tall Sally, Lucille, and The Girl Can't Help It

Ray Charles - What'd I Say, and I Got a Woman

Isley Brothers - Shout

La Verne Baker - Jim Dandy

Clarence Frogman Henry - Ain't Got No Home

Jimmy Reed - Baby What You Want Me to Do

Ricky Nelson - Hello Mary Lou

Chuck Berry - Johnny B. Goode, School Days, and Sweet Little Sixteen

Dale Hawkins - Susie Q

Cyndy Day (Savage)

Oh Judi you brought the parade to my mind. I can remember marching with the kilties and Mr. Duncan saying, for the back row, if Cyndy can see Connie or Connie can see Cyndy, the row is not straight. I also remember running for maid-rites as well. Bless Sharon for getting maid-rites and tenderloins at the class reunion. So good

Sandra Buckley (Matthews)

Okay, I give in on the float idea for the Rodeo Parade - jitter-bug dancing on a moving object, as my husband has reminded me, would most likely cause some falls and broken bones !  I guess I got over zealous !!!!

Sharon Tincher (Scholl-Nabulsi)

Jack Sears: I had to laugh at your bull story because at the time it wasnt funny! But hearing you talk about it reminds me of it! The bulls name was TARZAN  and it belonged to my ex husband David Scholl and me! Needless to say I wasn’t therebut was really angry that he took that bull into the Palms! He was a white Charlais(French breed) and Mike Phelan dared him to take him in the Palms! Lucky for us the bull did not go on a rampage and kill or injure people or WE would probably still be in prison somewhere!  

Another time I returned home from visiting my cousin in California to find one of the rodeo bands sleeping all over our house! I asked David what the heck were they doing in our house! He said they had no place to stay and I said “Well they still don’t have a place  so get rid of them pronto”! Who knows what they would have done had they stayed! I have a lot of rodeo stories!

Brad Wiedmann

Lovin' these stories/memories.

Linda, John Frey lives in the woods somewhere in Ohio.  Not sure he has electricity(that was a joke).  It seems to me I remember that Terry Noonan was the first FMHS footbal player named to 1st string All-State?