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Post by richard on Jul 4, 2006 7:24:40 GMT -5
Please post your memories of The Saddle Club, and The Junior Trail Blazers here
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 15, 2007 9:27:11 GMT -5
As I prepared to do this particular post, I realize that most of the Saddle Club and Junior Trail Blazer posts exist under the 'general club and organization thread,' so for those interested folks, you might check that section out.
On to today!!!
For quite some time now, I have sort of held in reserve some Saddle Club news/information of days gone by. I really did not know IF it was appropriate to bother with a post. Having received as a gift, a subscription to 'Family Tree' magazine, an attempt of a dear, dear friend (one of the three important 'Barbaras' in my life, LOVE YOU ALL, all 'sisters' that I wish I had) to get me started into genealogy searches so perhaps I will join her on a 'research' vigil to Salt Lake City............................Do you think she will 'make it,' dealing with me, the one who is 'into stories of the past?' ;D Within the most recent copy of 'Family Tree,' February 2007, I read with interest, under a topic 'Personals and Society Pages' which described the Saddle Club column in the Evening Republican in the 1940s into the early 50s to a T. It makes mention that in small towns, there were folks who were NOT on the newspaper staff that wrote 'personals,' shall we say, generating 'local news of the not so rich and famous.' Such was the news of the Columbus/Bartholomew Co. Saddle Club. I do believe that the 'regular amateur' jounalist was most often Edna Talkington, mother of Sharon Talkington Renner, and occasionally I 'think' that my mom filled in. With that said, I offer some of the following 'tidbits of the past.' In some cases I can add a photo to substantiate 'the news.' Makes for some interesting reading, and am sure that some folks that are on these boards will get a chuckle or six of the accounts within.
Will add these articles in separate posts. AND Richard, even tho' I tried to 'improve my skills,' I may still need help resizing!!!!! Thanking you in advance.
Nanc ;-)
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 15, 2007 9:44:50 GMT -5
Please check back after Richard has time to 'repair' my continuing errors!!!!!!!!! Thanks. Well, this time I 'created' something Richard couldn't fix!!! So will type the article so it can be read! December 1947/Saddle Club Report
It was a very thoughtful innovation on the part of the entertainment committee to honor the charter members of the Saddle Club at the dinner meeting last Friday and it was appreciated undoubtedly by them all. While their extemporaneous speeches might have left something to be desired in the way of oratory, there was no doubt as to their entertainment value.
When it was learned that two members of the club, Walter Baxter and Ernie Shepherd, were celebrating their birthdays, the orchestra obligingly played while the crowd warbled "Happy Birthday to You." The boys responded with some very graceful bows and flourishes from the middle of the dance floor.
Red and Lonnie Jenkins were unsaddling their horses one evening recently after a nice ride, when a car came through the alley. In cold weather, most horses are feeling especially frisky and will use the slightest excuse to display their mettle. These two were no exception. They pretended they had never seen an automobile before, and became so excited that they broke away, and disappeared into the gathering dusk in a dead run.
However, just like the old cowhand in the song who rode the range in a Ford V-8, Bob and Mildred Enochs spotted the horses and by some fancy maneuvering with the car and the help of some neighbors placed at strategic cross-alleys, the horses were returned to their anxious owners.
Sympathy is extended to Richard Wetzel, 13 year old son of Charles Wetzel, whose spotted pony, Trixie, died on New Year's day. Richard is one of the newer members of the Trail Blazer's organization.
Nancy Jane Stevens has been graduated, so to speak. She has almost outgrown her little brown pony, Teddy, and has now officially taken over the bay horse, Beauty, formerly ridden by Rosanna. This has nothing to do with the fact that she is nursing a slight fracture of her left arm. She did not fall off her new horse. She just picked herself a nice, long stairway and fell all the way down, from the very top.
An excellent picture of Kenneth Leech and his horse, Ebony Lady, appears in the January issue of the Bit and Spur magazine.
Horseback riding adds life to your years, as well as years to your life.Margie, do you remember the 'reported incident?' I remember the broken arm!!!!! And the house I was in out on old 31!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 15, 2007 9:57:02 GMT -5
Another 'fixer,' Richard!!!! That big deal we mentioned last week went through and Charlie Stevens is the proud owner of a cute colt, just six months old. It is a sorrel with four white stockings and blaze face, which is just about as perfect markings as a horse can have. Like any baby, it likes a lot of attention. (Not that it gets any, of course.
The filly has unusual breeding---one-half quarter horse, three-eighths Arabian, and one eighth Saddle Bred. These three breeds combine all the qualities of a fine horse----stamina, workability, intelligence, style and spirit, it will be interesting to see the development of this colt. Oh, yes, the name is Pal.No date on this one, but it had to be the fall of 1951. Top photo, Pal, before we brought her home. The second, summer of 1952, a Junior Trail Blazer horse show. This was my 'dream horse,' and one I actually never got to ride, as she was still too young for that when we moved in November 1952, and had to sell her. Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 15, 2007 10:17:49 GMT -5
And my last 'fixer' for today, Richard!!!! Thanks. Saddle Club Report/January 1947Sunday afternoon was a little cold and breezy but still a nice time to ride, if properly equipped with wool sox, gloves, shirts and other things (Nanc adds here in 2007!!! The dreaded long underwear that often showed!!!!) and the horses seemed to appreciate a chance to work off a little excess energy.
At a sale of show horses held Nov. 8 at Barrington, Ill., a 5 gaited stallion, "Beau Fortune," sold at $ 40, 500, highest priced horse sold in the world. The average sale was $12,195. No doubt it is safe to assume that none of these horses found a home in this immediate vicinity.
Some mighty nice horses have found and still are finding homes around here though. Clarence Westermeir recently purchased "Gold Leader," a registered 3 year old palomino stallion. This colt came from the Hicks Palomino stables in Lebanon, Ind., and is a beautiful animal.
Rosanna Stevens, who has taken quite a bit of good-natured banter over the loss of her horse to her daughter, now has the last laugh. Charles has bought for her, a 3 year old colt, the chocolate or dappled palomino type with light mane and tail and white markings. It has been christened "Steve's Lucky Penny."
Predictions are that this colt will eventually be a high-school horse, since it already has passed its perliminary exams with flying colors. It will shake hands, and at a given command, places both front feet up on a box, then turns with a look which says as plain as any words: "Now, how about a bite of oats?"
The reason the saddle club reporter is a little slow in announcing some of these new arrivals in the horse family is because the owners request that the items be withheld until they receive the registration papers bearing thename of a colt, or until they select a name. Sometimes it is quite a problem to select a suitable name for a horse. Wonder if they have considered staging a contest like Tom Mix of the radio, and giving away some new cars, etc. for the most unusual name suggested?
Otto Gatten, the owner of that cute albino cold, "Rex," says he is ready to start breaking him just as soon as the weather turns a little warmer. He might have something there. It would be a little difficult now to find a soft spot in which to make a forced landing and these colts just will have some ideas of their own sometimes.Note the high priced creature back in 1947, sure doesn't compare to today's prices!!!! On the part about my mom and her new horse!!!! Truly 'a treasured moment in time' in July 2006, when I visited with Sharon Talkington Renner, and we viewed together the collection of home movies that her dad had taken when we were kids. Awesome, as within, were movies of the first time that my mom rode Lucky!!!! Since, Sharon has provided me with a copy of these movies----------------Christmas 2006 I showed that CD to my family, and oh, how my mom's, nearly 95 year old, eyes danced watching herself make this 'important first ride!' Thanks, Sharon!!! Might add the prediction didn't quite pan out as 'expected,' a beautiful horse, well trained, but turned up lame every time you rode him. He didn't last long in the Stevens barn, as I recall. Actually, I think that at the same time we got Lucky, the Talkington family also got 'Star Girl.' Horses that came from Oklahoma as I recall. Nanc
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docwendy
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Post by docwendy on Jan 15, 2007 10:39:33 GMT -5
nancs, I would love to see these resized! This type of article is exactly what I'm interested in! Any way we can get them big enough to read? ;D
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 15, 2007 10:49:26 GMT -5
Yes, Wendy, Richard will 'fix' them for me. Bless his heart!!!! I can never, ever get them right!!!!! Give him a bit of time and check back. I will check through some more of the 'stuff' around here and see what else I can come up with. Those columns were such a 'kick.' Nanc
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docwendy
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Post by docwendy on Jan 15, 2007 10:55:53 GMT -5
Thanks so much! These are from back before I lived in Columbus, but through your posts I recognize so many names that I knew in later years! I was in the Bartholomew County Saddle Club in the late 60's and 70's, and started an equestrian club at CHS in 68 with my best horse buddies, whose families have been in Columbus for many years before me. We showed at all the old shows at Dick Wetzel's barn, and the Bohall/Routson family's place on 500W. Wonderful times!
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Post by richard on Jan 15, 2007 22:48:49 GMT -5
Columbus Saddle Club Report from The Republican December 1947.
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Post by richard on Jan 15, 2007 22:50:13 GMT -5
Columbus Saddle Club Report from The Republican December 1947.
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Post by richard on Jan 15, 2007 22:52:42 GMT -5
Columbus Saddle Club Report from The Republican December 1947.
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Post by richard on Jan 15, 2007 22:54:05 GMT -5
Columbus Saddle Club Report from The Republican December 24, 1947.
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 16, 2007 9:08:55 GMT -5
Huge thanks to Richard, who went to the public library and searched out some additional Saddle Club Reports to add to 'the collection.' You are awesome, Richard. Now, perhaps I can add some 'extra notes' to that which Richard has posted. AND hopefully some others will 'elaborate' on their memories, as well. Reply # 11, Dec. 24, 1947 (within the Clubs/Organization thread, under Saddle Club) Mention is made of 'moving all the 'equipment' to storage. I really never, as a kid, gave that much thought, however, that had to be done as the Saddle Club Grounds would always be flooded during periods of high water. As well as 'cleaned up' after the winter rains to ready for the summer events. That I do recall. It mentions 'kegs'----------these were 'kegs that nails came in,' about 24 + inches high, and probably 10-12 inches in diameter, made like a whiskey barrel. Saddle Club members 'recycled' these kegs and used them in various horse show events such as 'Time through Kegs,' a timed event where you neckreined your horse through a series of kegs around the arena. Believe they were also used in the 'Corn Cob Race,' where you had to drop a specific number of corn cobs into the keg, another timed event. AND for some of us, these kegs were used to get 'driving experience!' I was younger than most of my other 'horsey friends' and my dad feared that one of them would 'try to teach me to drive a car!' So I was given 'instructions via my dad' at the Saddle Club Grounds long before I was anywhere near getting a driving license. Of course, via a stick shift! The arena was just long enough to go through the gears along one side, slow down for curve, and shift through the gears on the other side. Once that was mastered, I then had to 'neckrein' the car through these kegs. AND they really weren't all that easy to see in those close quarters. Once that was a 'learned experience,' I was instructed to 'neckrein the car backwards' through the kegs. That was a challenge, and I wonder how many kegs I destroyed before I mastered that part of 'my training!' ;D I truly have fond memories of these driving experiences and imagine if you asked my daughters they would relate 'similar rituals' when 'the mom' taught them to drive!!!! Might add that the Fred Owens family lived, at about this time, across Hawcreek from Saddle Club Grounds, and up the hill a bit on to the east, I believe, it is Irwin Dr. Along Irwin Dr. is about the only spot in 2006 that I could find that comes close to the 'Hawcreek' that I remember. Top photo: Owens home in 2006 Next photo: Hawcreek in 2006, along Irwin Dr. Happy trails to all, Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 16, 2007 9:44:44 GMT -5
Columbus Saddle Club Report from The Republican December 1947. I have to make comment on this one!!!! In particular the first part about how frisky the horses 'could be.' We shared the pasture field there at Hawcreek and 7th with the Talkingtons and the Atkins families. At our house, when the horses 'were doing their frisky thing,' we called it------- Wow, the horses are on a rampage!!!! They would run in a band, like wild horses, from one end of the 7 acre pasture to another, make a turn across the creek, only to run some more. It truly was a sight to watch. Can remember folks stopping on 7th just to watch the horses run!!!!!! Next comment-----the Sunday breakfast rides!!!! Am guessing that this was a Sunday that I had to go to church and Sunday School with my mom!!!! We would ride either to the east to the 'Junction' for breakfast, or out to Denny's. One winter Sunday that I recall, as my dad and I were coming back into town after breakfast, and riding past Pickler's nursery, there just west of Garland Brook on 7th, and Mrs. Pickler was bringing in the Sunday paper. When asked the temperature, she reported that it was 5 BELOW ZERO!!!!! A tad nippy, me thinks!!!! Inserting: Within this article, referencing the Sunday morning breakfast rides, I noted a word, that over time, has vastly changed in meaning. Never gave it a thought yesterday, as it was 'just a word, commonly used in the 40s.' GANG!!!! Know that my mom used that word to refer to 'the bunch of horse folks within our circle of friends.' Like: 'The gang is going to have a pitch in over at the Saddle Club grounds.' My, my, I wonder what would be the reaction to such a comment in 2007!!! I suppose we could well expect the local sheriff and half the department to be there to keep our 'negative behaviors' at bay. ;D Mention is made of the 'upcoming Christmas party and grab bag gift.' Am wondering if a later Saddle Club report might account the gift that my dad put into the grab bag exchange. Think that 'mouse event' I 'reported' elsewhere!!!!! Happy trails to all Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 16, 2007 10:10:31 GMT -5
Columbus Saddle Club Report from The Republican December 1947. Oh shucks, I really have some other things I should be doing, like brave the current Southern California cold snap and go feed my horses and clean corrals, and yes, the horse automatic waterer was frozen over a couple of days ago, but this 'report,' well, I want to elaborate on, too. Peggy, the horse belonging to the Otto Yeley's. I did not realize that Peggy's 'quarters' were moved to the property in town. Know that the Yeley's lived kitty corner across the alley from the Talkington's who lived on Pennsylvania. AND lovely 'quarters' it was. AND YES, Peggy was a pampered horse. Big, white, and as sweet as they come. She and Mrs. Yeley made quite a handsome pair, and frequently won the Pleasure Horse classes. Peggy was also well trained when it came to stable manners. Within her stall, in a corner, was a well placed bucket!!!! A bucket which Peggy 'backed up to and deposited the road apples.' Mucking out the stalls was a cinch----------just carry out the bucket and dump same!!!!!!!!! A memory that crosses my mind every day when I clean out stalls!!!!!!!!! My horses are NOT so well trained!!!!!! I had to laugh, and laugh outloud, when the article mentioned current horse books on the market. Gad, I wonder if it was one of the mentioned books that my dad so wanted for Christmas. My mom saved 'pin money' to purchase the book Daddy wanted, and in those days, was quite pricey. Mom sent off for the book. It arrived in a timely manner----------------rolled up in a tube!!!! NO, hardback cover!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing really very special to put under the Christmas tree, for sure. AND every single 'instruction' began with------- Back your horse into a corner, and.............then proceed with the 'training.' Am sure that book lurks, hidden, in a bookcase somewhere at my mom's. I know that is something she would never throw away!!!!! Happy trails to all Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Jan 23, 2007 9:18:14 GMT -5
Columbus Saddle Club Report from The Republican December 1947. I procrastinated on adding my 'recollection' to this Saddle Club Report, sort of hoping that someone else might add perhaps a more accurate memory. Within it mentions the passing of Bob Crosby, a famous rodeo cowboy. For some photos and information about him, check out: www.rootsweb.com/~ksbarber/massey_joe_mclainroundup.html I suspect that the autograph book still is around in Columbus. The 'Saddle Club family' mentioned in the report, did, at least more than once, journey to Cheyenne, Wyoming, on vacation to attend the Frontier Days. Surely the 'reports of this vacation' made all the rest of us 'green with envy.' Upon return, many a day would find some of the more adventurous Trail Blazers attempting to 'fine tune' trick riding skills that were 'demonstrated by these vacationers' for all our entertainment. AND probably turned a few parents hair white, prematurely. ;D Such as riding around the arena standing up on their horse!!! Might add, that the 'fathers' did their share of ' trick riding practice,' as well. Nanc
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nancs
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Post by nancs on Aug 2, 2008 8:21:17 GMT -5
As I continue to sort to the saved treasures at my mom’s, I continue to find things. Most recently, a 1950 list of COLUMBUS SADDLE CLUB MEMBERS. Apparently, a hand typed list that my mom made. In some cases, the names of the children are included, which I will add in italics. M/M=Mr. and Mrs. This list is complete with addresses, that I might add at a later time. NS M/M. Martin Ahlbrand M/M Walter Baxter Dickie and TerryM/M Ralph Bennett M/M Herb Boeschen Susie, Ann, Herb (was there a son, too?)M/M William Boyld M/M Rex Bevers KimM/M George Burns M/M Kenneth Barr Mrs. Mary Bierlien M/M Sam Calvin M/M Don Cheek Joy ?, and maybe another daughter???M/M James Dickey James KMr. William Dietrich M/M Robert Enochs Margie and SteveM/M Charles Evans M/M Ed Fisher Mr. Billie Fisher M/M A. W. ‘Si’ Fox Mary Ann and NancyM/M William Franke M/M Roy Geilker M/M Howard Gulley Mr. William Hall, and Mrs. Margaret Hall M/M Guy Hipes M/M Frank Hoffman M/M Homer Hull Don, Dale, GeneM/M Clarence Jenkins Lonnie, older married daughter, Betty MillerM/M John McCoy M/M Bert McKain M/M Webb Moss Mrs. Leone Mizer M/M Dorence O’Neal ( don’t see M/M Clint O’Neill and sure they should be on this list) Mr. Fred Owens, Wife, Edith Lou Ann and DickM/M Harold Rager M/M Walter Reinking M/M Ernest Shepard M/M Christian Stadler M/M John Stadler M/M Charles Stevens NancyMiss Maxine Skaggs M/M Ralph Talkington SharonM/M Earl Talkington M/M Robert Wagner David, Robert, IshmaelM/M Clarence Westermeir Doris and BarbaraM/M Garnet Winchester M/M Emmert Wright M/M Otto Yeley Mr. Ed West Mr. Oscar Wheeler To be voted in at Dec. 1950 meeting M/M Robert Hollenbeck M/M Horace Owens I surely do NOT attest to this list being totally complete, as on another yellowed sheet I find some more familiar names, ones that I do believe should be on a Saddle Club list of members. M/M Ernest Atkins Joe TomDr./M Parker Brown M/M Harold Arthurs Carolyn and Brownie ??--------seem familiar to me, but…… M/M Otto Gatten Nanc
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Gregg
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Post by Gregg on Aug 2, 2008 9:32:41 GMT -5
Nanc, John Boeschen was a year behind me at St. Peter's Lutheran School, He was Herb's son, and would have been born in 1947 or late 1946.
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criswest
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Post by criswest on Apr 3, 2011 22:42:48 GMT -5
My grandmother (Dora Lewellen West) belonged to the Saddle Club in the late 40's or early 50's when she lived in Burnsville. Sometimes they met at my other grandparents' (John & Helen Romine) front woods out on State Road 7, just before you cross the line into Jennings County. Here are 3 photos of my grandmother on her horse Lady Amber. The man on the paint horse is Oscar Wheeler and the other man is Glenn Brougher.
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