Stamford in Jones County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Texas Cowboy Reunion Oldtimers' Association
Photographed By Duane Hall, January 25, 2016
1. Texas Cowboy Reunion Oldtimers' Association Marker
Founded 1930, jointly with Texas Cowboy Reunion—to "hand down to posterity, customs and traditions" of early cattle people who lived in dugouts and fought drouths, die-outs, heat and freeze-ups, raising the longhorns that finally brought settlement to the southwest. Here (1930) were 335 men who had been cowboys prior to 1895. Besides regular cowmen, early members included musician Paul Whiteman, editor Amon Carter, Ranger Captain Tom Hickman and Will Rogers, ex-cowhand, internationally famous entertainer and columnist. Colonel R.L. Penick was first president.
In 1932, donation of a bull started building fund for bunkhouse and roundup hall standing nearby. SMS Ranch donated site. The interior and exterior of the bunkhouse feature ranch brands of many members.
Oldtimers' Reunion and Rodeo held 3 days annually (including July 4th) features chuckwagon meals, square dancing, and oldtimers' memories and songs.
Town celebrates with cowboy parade and thousands come to see what is called "World's Largest Amateur Cowboy Show", with actual cowhands performing.
These oldtimers represent the end of the open range and beginning of the era of barbed wire. They opened Texas' last frontier.
Erected 1969 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 5256.)
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 32° 56.467′ N, 99° 49.144′ W. Marker is in Stamford, Texas, in Jones County. Marker is on W. McHarg Street (Business U.S. 277) north of W. Reynolds Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stamford TX 79553, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. "The Poet Ranchman" Larry Chittenden (a few steps from this marker); First AQHA Show (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stamford (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. one mile away); Swenson Land and Cattle Company Headquarters (approx. 1.1 miles away); St. John's Methodist (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Mackenzie Trail (approx. 2.2 miles away); New Hope Cemetery (approx. 5.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stamford.
More about this marker. On the bases of the marker and the rear panel, the past presidents of the association from 1930 to 2014 are listed.
Also see . . . Texas Cowboy Reunion. From the Texas State Historical Association's "Handbook of Texas Online". (Submitted on February 7, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)
Photographed By Duane Hall, January 25, 2016
2. Texas Cowboy Reunion Oldtimers' Association Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, January 25, 2016
3. Texas Cowboy Reunion
Oldtimers' Association Marker
Oldtimers' Association Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, January 25, 2016
4. Texas Cowboy Reunion Oldtimers' Association and "The Poet Ranchman" Larry Chittenden Markers
Photographed By Duane Hall, January 25, 2016
5. View to South Along W. McHarg Street
Photographed By Duane Hall, January 25, 2016
6. View to North Along W. McHarg Street
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 561 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 7, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
