Channing in Hartley County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Matador Cowboys Reunion Association
1961-2000
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 19, 2015
1. Matador Cowboys Reunion Association Marker
Inscription.
Matador Cowboys Reunion Association. The Matador Land and Cattle Company was owned by a syndicate in Dundee, Scotland. The ranch had two divisions in Texas. One began near Matador, Texas, in 1882 and was known as the Lower Outfit. The Alamositas Division, near Channing, Texas, was purchased in 1902. The Matador Ranch began selling off land in the 1950's. The Matador Cowboys held their first reunion in 1961. The first officers were: O.D. (Fat) Skelton, President; Y.C. (Red) Garrison, Vice-president; Frank Shepherd, Secretary-treasure. The first directors were Stanley (Heavy) Stewart, Dave Hilburn, Beale Queen, Roy Blackwell, Clarence Hyre, Bob Morris, Jockey Blackwell. Over the years, with help from the Channing Lions Club and the community, many activities were enjoyed. They included a parade with a queen chosen from a cowboy's family, a reunion meeting, booths, music, games, a free noon bar-b-que, a roping for Matador Cowboys, an open roping for others and an outdoor dance. The activities were held on various sites around Channing. The tradition continued on the third Saturday in August for forty more years.
The Matador Land and Cattle Company was owned by a syndicate in Dundee, Scotland. The ranch had two divisions in Texas. One began near Matador, Texas, in 1882 and was known as the Lower Outfit. The Alamositas Division, near Channing, Texas, was purchased in 1902. The Matador Ranch began selling off land in the 1950's. The Matador Cowboys held their first reunion in 1961. The first officers were: O.D. (Fat) Skelton, President; Y.C. (Red) Garrison, Vice-president; Frank Shepherd, Secretary-treasure. The first directors were Stanley (Heavy) Stewart, Dave Hilburn, Beale Queen, Roy Blackwell, Clarence Hyre, Bob Morris, Jockey Blackwell. Over the years, with help from the Channing Lions Club and the community, many activities were enjoyed. They included a parade with a queen chosen from a cowboy's family, a reunion meeting, booths, music, games, a free noon bar-b-que, a roping for Matador Cowboys, an open roping for others and an outdoor dance. The activities were held on various sites around Channing. The tradition continued on the third Saturday in August for forty more years.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.
Location. 35° 40.904′ N, 102° 19.98′ W. Marker is in Channing, Texas, in Hartley County. Marker can be reached
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from South Main Street south of West 9th Street. Marker is on the courthouse lawn, just south of the courthouse entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Channing TX 79018, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 604 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 23, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.
