Donna Westerdahl Nichols presented the 80-year history of the Gerry Rodeo to the Valley Historical Society.

SINCLAIRVILLE – Members and guests of the Valley Historical Society gathered at the Sinclairville Library for the presentation of the history of the Gerry Rodeo by Donna Westerdahl Nichols. Nichols is the daughter of Carl E. Westerdahl, who was a charter member of the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, and a charter member of the Gerry Rodeo Committee. The Gerry Volunteer Fire Department was formed by 57 men

in January 1942, with a 1924 Model T Ford truck and a treasury of $2.

In May 1945, the fire department began an agreement to have a rodeo. That was 80 years ago. Bleachers were borrowed, a First Aid tent set up, there was a beef barbecue dinner with potatoes and salad, and there were concessions stands for food such as hot dogs. Admission was $1.20. The rodeo ran for seven days, two nights and a matinee. The firemen advertised with posters for the rodeo as far as Ohio. A group of musicians from Rochester performed at the Rodeo every year. There were cowboys and cowgirls. They stayed in trailers and some rented rooms in local houses. Rex Rossi from Hollywood did stunts, and there were clowns. Children from the community helped out. The girls wrapped the silverware and the boys cleaned under the bleachers. Parents parked cars, and waited on tables. There was always fresh bread in the food baskets. Citizens of Gerry rented rooms. The Rodeo was a community minded event. Families were working together for the good of the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department, and this has continued for 80 years.

Larry Barmore, president of the Valley Historical Society, opened the meeting with a welcome and led all in the pledge of allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer. Secretary Evelyn Thorndike read the minutes of the previous meeting. Long time treasurer John Sipos gave the financial report of the society. Sheryl Christy reported on repairs to the museum.

Following the meeting refreshments of donuts and cider were provided by Lois Anderson, Evelyn Thorndike and John and Susan Sipos. The Valley Historical Society was formed in 1977 to preserve the history of the Cassadaga Valley area by the late John and Ruth Smith, the late Rev. John Rough, Walter Waite and William Hulett. One year later the museum, located at the corner of Main and Lester streets in Sinclairville, was purchased. For more information on the Valley Historical Society, write to P.O. Box 1045, Sinclairville, NY 14782. New members are welcome.