In July, 1917, J. J. Miller decided to put on a "show" to raise money for the Red Cross. The "show" was to be a rodeo and it was to be called "The Handhills Stampede". Little did Jack Miller realize that his fund raiser would turn into a legacy: a heirloom to be shared by generations of the Handhills Community. Since 1917, the Stampede has become common ground for old and young alike. A place to share memories and build futures. An event so precious that we work, like our fore-fathers, to keep the tradition alive and the pride growing. Families and friends working together to keep a legacy from the past, alive for the future.
Group of cowboys at Handhills stampede, Alta. 1917 Held at the Miller's ranch, Handhills Lake
L-R Back: James Kelly; Ed Bell; Jack Miller; Tom Lawson; Walter Peake; Jim Lawson; Ted Gardner; Jack McLean
Front: Fult Johnson; ???: Owen McDermott; Tom Bear; D. Lenfesty; Herman McElroy; Miles Clark; Fred Vowel; Wes Greenwood; Albert Dubois wearing chaps. Contributed by Hanna Pioneer Museum, Hanna, Alta. (Ed Bell) NA 3596-147 Glenbow Archives.
Yes, it was a wonderful idea that Jack Miller came up with back then. A Wild West Rodeo, all proceeds would go to the Red Cross to help in their war efforts. It wasn't hard to round up cowboys, for back then every rancher was a true grit cowboy. They were rough and tough and the thought of riding a bronc to the horn made pride run through their veins like blood. Spectators weren't hard to find either, and they came from near and far to the Jack Miller Ranch to see this spectacle.
This first Stampede was held on July 20th, and some settlers and ranchers began to arrive on the 19th. They came in wagons, buggies and on horseback, and of course some families came in automobiles. The charge to enter the rodeo grounds was $1.00 for men, with women and children receiving free entry. $3,200.00 was raised for the Lonebutte Branch of the Red Cross. The event was such a success that Jack Miller was asked to produce another rodeo the next year.
L-R Back: James Kelly; Ed Bell; Jack Miller; Tom Lawson; Walter Peake; Jim Lawson; Ted Gardner; Jack McLean
Front: Fult Johnson; ???: Owen McDermott; Tom Bear; D. Lenfesty; Herman McElroy; Miles Clark; Fred Vowel; Wes Greenwood; Albert Dubois wearing chaps. Contributed by Hanna Pioneer Museum, Hanna, Alta. (Ed Bell) NA 3596-147 Glenbow Archives.
Yes, it was a wonderful idea that Jack Miller came up with back then. A Wild West Rodeo, all proceeds would go to the Red Cross to help in their war efforts. It wasn't hard to round up cowboys, for back then every rancher was a true grit cowboy. They were rough and tough and the thought of riding a bronc to the horn made pride run through their veins like blood. Spectators weren't hard to find either, and they came from near and far to the Jack Miller Ranch to see this spectacle.
This first Stampede was held on July 20th, and some settlers and ranchers began to arrive on the 19th. They came in wagons, buggies and on horseback, and of course some families came in automobiles. The charge to enter the rodeo grounds was $1.00 for men, with women and children receiving free entry. $3,200.00 was raised for the Lonebutte Branch of the Red Cross. The event was such a success that Jack Miller was asked to produce another rodeo the next year.
In 1919 an organization was founded by the members of the community called the Handhills Lake Club, and at that time the operation and production of the rodeo was turned over to the club. Jack Miller was still very involved with the rodeo and the Handhills Lake Club, and continued as Rodeo Arena Director until his death. Also in 1919, Col. Eaton, Liberal Representative in the Dominion Government, donated 80 acres of land to the Handhills Lake Club, and the rodeo has been held on that site ever since. Corrals were erected for the rodeo and a hall was built for the dances.
Many things have changed over the years. New corrals and barns have been erected and also a new Handhills Lake Hall was built in 1983. Each year rodeo producing changes and the Handhills Lake Club has always been on top of them. The members and their families spend many long hours on the preparations for the rodeo, and every year promises to be another page for the history book.
So it has been for many years. The Handhills Stampede carries on like an heirloom, past down from generations to generation. As children of our grandparents, for our children and the future children of the Handhills Lake Community!
Story written by Roylene Bedson (nee Morton)
So it has been for many years. The Handhills Stampede carries on like an heirloom, past down from generations to generation. As children of our grandparents, for our children and the future children of the Handhills Lake Community!
Story written by Roylene Bedson (nee Morton)
Hello There my friend
How are you?
Pretty Darn Great
Glad to hear it.
How are you?
Pretty Darn Great
Glad to hear it.
Last photo of the original Hand Hills Lake Club March 21, 2023