Mary Lou LeCompte, Ph.D., is recognized as the leading scholar on rodeo cowgirls. She wrote the book, Cowgirls of the Rodeo: Pioneer Professional Athletes, now in its second printing, in which more than 600 interviews were conducted with female rodeo competitors. Additionally, LeCompte has published several articles, contributed to books, and has been awarded many...
Known as the “Miracle Barrel Racer,” Kalyn Brooks overcame all the barriers posed by her physical limitations, living an accomplished life in and outside of the rodeo arena. She was born with numerous birth defects: abnormalities of the hands and legs, profound deafness and growth hormone deficiency. However, Kalyn’s drive to win kept her going....
Called the “Mother of Thoroughbred Racing,” Ruth began racing thoroughbreds on the Yakima Reservation in Washington when she was thirteen. Her successes on the track led to rodeo appearances, and to the sport of relay racing. With six fast Canadian fillies, Ruth brought her winning abilities to the pony-express style races, soon earning the title...
Born Esther Pariseau, Mother Joseph made monumental contributions to health care, education, and social projects throughout the Northwest. The daughter of a French-Canadian carriage maker, she joined the Sisters of Providence and was sent to Fort Vancouver to oversee construction of a convent and schoolhouse. As the architect, construction supervisor, and chief fund raiser, she...
As the new wife of a missionary to the Cayuse Indians in Oregon, Narcissa was one of the first two white women to cross the Rocky Mountains. Her journals and letters provide historic insight into life on the frontier. The New York-born daughter of a judge, Narcissa settled into a cabin in the Walla Walla...
