Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Book celebrates Mrs. Weadick as Stampede marks centennial

Lenore McClean in Florence Weadick's Saddle
Like many other youngsters of her time lucky enough to grow up here, the now 72-year-old McLean has vivid memories of the American teen who ran away from her home on a Minnesotan Sioux reservation to join the circus at the turn of the last century, changing her name from Grace Maude Bensell to Flores LaDue. In time, McLean would come to know the remarkable woman as Florence Weadick — “but we always called her Mrs. Weadick.” The sartorially savvy cowgirl, known for riding “slick,” or not tying down the stirrups, was one of the true greats of the 20th century. She could rope six running horses with her lasso. Her exploits in the 1912 inaugural Calgary Stampede won her not only the $300 Cowgirls’ Fancy Roping competition, but also a city lot for best complete outfit. She won three unprecedented world championships for trick and fancy roping, retiring undefeated. It’s hardly surprising that as the Calgary Stampede’s planning rolls into high gear for next year’s centennial of the internationally known event, such icons as this woman who ranked right up there with the likes of sharp shooter Annie Oakley, should be getting their due. Those stories have been compiled into Bryden’s book, The First Stampede of Flores LaDue (Simon and Schuster Canada), which will be officially launched Oct. 21 at the 2011 Western Legacy Awards, the Stampede’s annual homage to individuals in the community who exemplify western heritage and values...more

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