What would they say, 70 years later…
It’s been 70 years since the inaugural class of the National Rodeo Hall of Fame (NRHF) was announced—a stellar group of 19 cowboys representing the best of the sport, headlined by legends like Jim Shoulders and Casey Tibbs.
Those original cowboys set the bar high. Today, the NRHF is recognized as “the original, preeminent and most iconic location for honoring, celebrating and preserving the heritage and the legendary names of the West’s original sport: Rodeo.” Regardless of an individual’s background, professional affiliation, or chosen event, induction into the NRHF remains the highest honor to which a rodeo participant can aspire.
At that time, the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, as it was then, had not yet been built. On November 11, 1955—almost exactly 70 years ago—a dedication ceremony took place at the future site of The Cowboy on Persimmon Hill. One thousand members from 41 state riding and roundup clubs attended on horseback. Those men and women seem symbolic of the museum’s commitment to upholding the ideals of the West.
As final preparations continue for this weekend’s induction ceremony, we pause to recognize the original 19 cowboys. Their legacy paved the way for the six new inductees and three honorees who will soon join them in these hallowed halls, where legends don’t just reside—they live. We strive daily to hold to the tenets of the Code of the West, for they aren’t just words we share, but principles we live by.
We’d like to think that inaugural class would look around and say, “Well done, pardner.”
The 1955 National Rodeo Hall of Fame Induction Class included:
- Everett Bowman, Steer Wrestler, Steer Roper, Calf Roper, 1935 and 1937 All-Around Champion
- John Bowman, Steer Roper, 1936 All-Around Champion
- Louis Brooks, Bronc Rider, 1943 and 1944 All-Around Champion
- Clay Carr, Bronc Rider, Steer Roper, 1930 and 1933 All-Around Champion
- Joe Chase Jr., Bronc Rider, Bull Rider, Steer Wrestler
- Jake McClure, Calf Roper
- Burel Mulkey, Bronc Rider, 1938 All-Around Champion
- Don Nesbitt, Bronc Rider, 1932 All-Around Champion
- Homer Pettigrew, Steer Wrestler, 1941 All-Around Champion
- Gene Rambo, 1946 All-Around Champion
- Gerald Roberts, 1942 and 1948 All-Around Champion
- Buck Rutherford, 1954 All-Around Champion
- Johnie Schneider, Bull Rider, 1931 All-Around Champion
- Jim Shoulders, Bronc Rider, Bull Rider, 1949, 1956, 1957, 1958 amd 1959 All-Around Champion
- Earl Ernest Thode, Bronc Rider, 1929 All-Around Champion
- Casey Tibbs, Bronc Rider, 1951 and 1955 All-Around Champion
- Harry Tompkins, Bull Rider, Bronc Rider, 1952 and 1960 All-Around Champion
- Leonard Ward, Bronc Rider, 1934 All-Around Champion
- Todd Whatley, Steer Wrestler, Bull Rider, 1947 All-Around Champion
