Nevada’s First Rodeo!
Submitted by Jan Petersen
A young saddle maker, G. S. Garcia and wife, Saturnina came to Elko Thanksgiving week, 1893 from Santa Marguerita, California. The couple set up a temporary shop in the parlor of the Gem Hotel (now the site of the Stockmen’s Hotel on the 300 block of Commercial St.) The town was full of cowboys who were ready and eager to spend money on superior gear. Word spread quickly of Garcia’s high-quality goods for sale at the Gem Hotel. The sale was a great success. His gear sold out in two days with customers wanting more.
With great enthusiasm, the young couple returned to Elko in June of 1894, rented a building (now Ogi Deli) and commenced making gear. Garcia, with his Californio traditions, advertised, “Everything for the Vaquero.” Catalogues were printed and distributed. Saddles, bits, spurs and other cowboy gear were shipped as far away as Nebraska. There were other saddle shops in Elko but the G.S. Garcia- Harness & Saddle Shop quickly became known for the high-quality workmanship. The small building was outgrown and a bigger two-story building was rented at the corner of Commercial and Sixth. Business thrived.
G.S. learned of a craftsmanship contest to be held during the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. He and shop employees (including a young man named Joe Capriola) began working on the “Garcia Beauty.” The black leather saddle was embellished with silver coins, gems and intricate leather patterns. At the end of the Fair, the Garcia saddle was awarded a gold medal for the intricate and elaborate workmanship. Again, in 1905, Portland, Oregon hosted the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition. A similar contest was held and the “Garcia Beauty” was awarded two medals for the artistry and skill of the saddle. Through the social media of the time, newspapers, magazines and word of mouth, Garcia’s work became highly sought after throughout the West and even abroad.
In 1907, as the Western Pacific Railroad laid tracks down Silver Street in Elko, Garcia built a two-story wooden building on the 500 block to house his manufacturing and retail business. However, it proved to be an awkward location and not in Elko’s business district. So, in 1913, he bought a lot directly across the alley on Commercial Street. At the new location, a basement was built. Then building was cut in two moved across the alley to 542 Commercial, in the middle of busy downtown Elko. Business blossomed! (The Garcia Saddle & Harness Shop was placed on the Nevada State Register of Historic Places in 2024.)
G.S. grew up in rural California and in the Californio tradition. Rodeos were a held in nearby towns every weekend. In 1912, Garcia and the Elko community hosted a three-day celebration over Fourth of July. Highlighted events were a rodeo and baseball tournament. This was the first rodeo in Nevada. The grand event was held at the town’s baseball park (behind the present-day downtown Elko Post Office). Nevada’s Governor, Tasker Oddie attended from Carson City. Garcia posted notices in the newspapers of a $5 reward for outlaw horses in the bucking contests.
On opening day, a grand parade was held through town. The Garcia Beauty saddle was featured. Local members of the Shoshone tribe decorated a float with sagebrush and beautiful willow baskets and 44 riders, who were ready to show off their talents at the rodeo.
A truly exciting feature was an aviator from the Bay Area who shipped in one of those new air ships on a flatbed railroad car. He promised demonstrations during the show. However, he didn’t anticipate the change in the altitude and hadn’t made sufficient carburetor adjustments. Instead of flying over the town, a few swoops were made. Nevertheless, those attending had never seen an airship perform and were totally satisfied with the demonstration.
A baseball tournament was featured during the morning and afternoon with teams from Winnemucca, Elko, Carlin and a local Indian team. Rodeo events took place at the baseball grounds in the late afternoon and evening.
Rodeo rider, Tex McLeod formerly of the 101 Ranch and now employed at Hunter & Banks Ranch gave a tremendous exhibition. Tex won the final event riding the worst bucker in the bunch and won the $100 Garcia saddle. Also appearing was Shoshone George Adams from Ely and John Stenovich of Mound Valley. Jane Riordan rode in the ladies contest using a sidesaddle in the bucking contests and gave a fine exhibition. Barbeques were held with the meals served on “little cardboard” plates. Each night, a dance was held into the wee hours of the morning.
Garcia’s Elko Rodeo proved to be a great success. Thousands came to participate and watch.
In 1915, Garcia built their home and a rodeo grounds on Lamoille Road in Elko (where Southside School now is). Over 500 cottonwood trees were planted on the property. The venue had a rodeo arena, bucking chutes, a racetrack for motorcycles, autos AND horses as well as a grandstand to accommodate 2,000. In addition, the infield held a baseball diamond and outfield. It was Elko’s first sports complex! A good time was had by all!
The rodeo tradition continued at the location on Lamoille Road. Through the years, famous cowboys appeared, including Bill Pickett, the “inventor” of bulldogging, now known as steer wrestling. The baseball grounds were equally used and hosted many area tournaments. After Mrs. Garcia died in 1957, the property was purchased by Louis Clarkson and a trailer court was built on the property. Southside School was built on the remaining property in 1962.
Through the Depression, the rodeo provided an escape from the hard times. Rodeos were an outlet for fun, competition among cowboys and a gathering of friends – whether one was of the cowboy crowd or not. The final Elko Rodeo was held in 1938. The baseball grounds were well in use during the summer months through the late 1940s. It was the end of an era. In Elko, rodeos languished for the next 10 years with an occasional amateur show.
Rodeo in Elko was revived in 1948 when the Elko Chamber of Commerce hosted the Silver State Stampede at the Elko County Fairgrounds. A grand parade opened the event. Events featured a queen contest, professional rodeo performers and dances in the evening. Events were also offered for amateurs. Over 4,000 attended. Singer and local rancher, Bing Crosby, opened the event proclaiming, “Let ‘er buck!” It was a huge success.
The Silver State Stampede has evolved into a first class PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) event. Professional cowboys compete for prize monies to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in December in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s rodeo will be held June 20, 21, and 22 at the Elko County Fairgrounds. It truly is a community supported and attended event.
113 years later, the rodeo tradition is alive and thriving in Elko. Legends live on!
Information from:
Legacy of Silver & Saddles – Jan Petersen, Paula Wright, DeDe White & Linda Harris, co-authors
Silver State Stampede, 100 Year Celebration, Sue Abel & Jan Petersen, co-authors
Elko Daily Free Press
Elko Independent
Photos from:
Northeastern Nevada Museum
Yraguen family photo album