The Coleman Rodeo Association was formed to celebrate the Texas Centennial with 9 charter members:  Joe Hedleston, Hoyt Craig, Ernest Bridwell, Jim Bost, John Grammer, Andy Isham, Harold Kinney, B. B. Nunley and Sam Cobb.

Many other farmers, ranchers, and businessmen from all over the county contributed to the success of Coleman’s first rodeo. The rodeo became an annual event with the first rodeos being held on the Coleman High School football field.  As the rodeo grew in popularity and the rodeo club grew in numbers, the need for a bigger and better facility spurred the organization into action.

In 1947, what is now known as the Coleman Rodeo Association purchased a tract of land and built one of the best outdoor facilities in the southwest.  Annually, since 1948, the Coleman Rodeo Association has sponsored a Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association-approved rodeo.  Many of the top names among rodeo contestants, stock contractors, clowns, announcers, specialty acts, and personalities have appeared.  In 1936, the rodeo featured trick and fancy roping by Gus Newton, who had been with the Tom Mix Circus, besides matched calf roping between Juan Salinas and Ted Powers.  In 1937, Juan Salinas returned for matched roping against Tom Taylor.  They began street dances after the rodeos, using a six-piece orchestra.  In 1951, Wild Bill Elliot, Movie Star, was the specialty act.

There were a few other square dances on horseback, but none that performed at the speed of the Coleman Rodeo Association’s Mounted Quadrille during 1940 and 1941.  The Quadrille was made up of eight couples, sometimes separating to form two squares of four couples each to perform intricate maneuvers.  These maneuvers were given to the riders and the spectators alike in a singsong voice by the caller, Mr. Emmitt Miller of Coleman, Texas.  Besides being a necessary part of the Quadrille, the caller and music added to the excitement and enjoyment of the square dance on horseback.  The group was invited to perform at the Brady July Jubilee Rodeo, for the soldiers stationed at Camp Bowie, in Brownwood, and at the Santa Anna Rodeo.  One year, at the Coleman Rodeo, Quadrille members served as attendants at a wedding on horseback in the arena, witnessed by a crowd of five thousand people.

That group of nine which met in 1936 has grown into more than 100 members who take particular pride in 3 specific accomplishments: 1) The continuing production of a top quality professional rodeo. 2) The maintenance of an excellent facility used not only for rodeos, but also livestock and horse shows, 4-H training events, county fairs, and a meeting place for other county events. 3) The selection each year of the Coleman Rodeo Queen, a young lady to serve as the association’s goodwill ambassador for Coleman County.

images to be added:

1936 Rodeo—Sam T. Cobb, Billie Marie Miller and Frank Mills

1940 Rodeo Officers and Directors - S. T. Cobb, President; John Grammer, Director; Clyde Edens, Treasurer;
Dr. Jack M. Gordon, Vice-President; back row, C. R. Jeanes, Director; Perry Stobaugh, Director; B. B. Nunley,
Secretary; George Beck, Director and Arena Director; Raymond Shipman, Director.

Coleman Mounted Quadrille, 1940 - 41, Jim Bost, Harold Kinney, Patsy Morris, Millie Simmons, Ernest Bridwell, Rob O'Hair, Virginia Bridwell, Raye Stone, Mac Woodward, Hal Beck, Thelma Hubert, Margorie Beck, Johnny Cox, Rex Beck [in back], Faye Stone, and Hazel Scott.

Rodeo Grounds at Hufford Field

Rodeo Grounds built in 1947

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