The Ada Rodeo: An Incredible Saga

From its beginnings in impromtu contests between cowboys at round-up time on the frontier ranches to todays mega events and PBR spectaculars, rodeo has evolved as a American institution. In no place is that more true than in small town Ada, Oklahoma. When the local firemen staged a rodeo in 1935, it was successful and became a yearly event. Many local supporters were involved and all profits were put back into the operation to improve facilities and increase the size of purses paid to the performers.This attracted not only local rodeo stars such as Dick Truitt and Everett Shaw , but also brought in the best rodeo performers, clowns and feature acts from all over the nation, many of whom returned year after year. By the year 1941 the Ada Firemen's Rodeo surpassed the great Cheyenne, Wyoming rodeo in both attendence and size of purses. This book chronicles the growth of the Ada rodeo, relates stories of many of the performers and the families who supported them in their nomadic life styles, and tries to give the reader insight into the world of the rodeo people of the 1930s-1960s. The book also explores modern rodeo families including the McCoy family of Tupelo, Oklahoma; the family of Jet and Cord McCoy. Cord is a favorite on Ford Built Tough PBR circuit.

Ann Klepper is a native of Ada Oklahoma and a retired physician with a life long love of history. After a long career as a pediatrician and an emergency room physician she has turned her energies to historical preservation. As a member of PAST, a local organization dedicated to identifying, preserving and publicizing local historical sites, artifacts, and stories, she works with other members to preserve and present the rich history of the Pontotoc County area. Ann is also editor and senior author of a cookbook entitiled Recipes of Our Heritage which presents 120 years of local recipes together with stories of the contributing families ranging from trials on the Trail of Tears, to coping with rationing during war years, to life as newly weds attending East Central University on the G.I. Bill of Rights.