A group of the old time cattlemen who neighbored across the Monache drift fence from the Fish Creek permittees, 1968. The occasion was one of Spainhower's annual barbecues on his birthday. At the left is Russ Spainhower, Lone Pine cattleman. For man years he furnished most of the wagons and livestock for movie companies during the 1930's and 1950's when they filmed in the Lone Pine and Alabama Hills area. The Monache drift fence was constructed in 1913 to separate the South Fork Kern River cattle from the Lone Pine cattle.
Mark Lacey was a rancher for over fifty years, as was his father before him.

L/R: Russ Spainhower, John Lubken, John H. Lubken (self-proclaimed range boss on the Monache Range), his brother Art Lubken and Mark Lacey (owner of the Double Circle "L" Ranch).

The Olivas cabin in Monache has been the center of hospitality for thelast fifty yers. Built in 1937 by Henry (Leaky) and Ethel Olivas.
When the riders came into sight they could hear Ethel laugh a mile away. She would exclaim, "Here come the boys" and start rattling the stove lids to prepare a big spread.
L/R: Danny Tores, John Lacey, John Morris, Ethel Olivas

Branding crew at a ranch in Lone Pine.
L/R: Dee Mankin, Bill Carrasco, Con Zuniga, Henry Olivas, Ruby Carrasco, Tom Noland, Pete Olivas

George Brown, a Lone Pine Cattleman.

The Monache Rodeo, 1920

Cattlemen from the South Fork of the Kern River have been neighboring across the Monache drift fence with Inyo County cattlemen from Olancha and Lone Pine for some seventy-four years. Over the years many special friendships have developed between these men and their families. While there have been many informal visits between these two groups, the one that has been mentioned most often over the years by those on both sides of the fence is the rodeo held on July 22, 23 and 24, 1920.

The following newspaper article, taken from the Bakersfield Californian and reprinted with their permission, chronicles that memorable occasion. Several have said that the article was written by Charles Andress' sister, Lottie Andress Pettypool, who was a correspondent for the Californian during this period. The photographs which follow the article appear courtesy of the Johnny and Ruth Potter family.

Great Rodeo is Staged in High Mountains;
Many Exciting Events
Keen Competition Between Inyo County
and South Fork Rough Riders

Kernville August 2, 1920 - The annual three day rodeo held last week at Monache Meadows was an event of unusual interest and pleasure, there being m attendance some 40 South Fork cowboys and cowgirls who had the time of their lives contesting with the Inyo County cattlemen and women. Promoters of the rodeo were the Inyo cattlemen and the well known ranger, George Zeigler, of that locality.

The rodeo was held on an ideal spot, a regular old-time round-up, free from all corrals and fences every horseman present taking his turn. Those in charge of the affairs were George Zeigler and Mr. Alexander of Inyo County and Mr. A. T. Smith officiating on the finance committee. Acting as judges in all contests were Mr. Skinner , Art Lubkin , Mr. Sears, Mr. Charyo all of Inyo and Charles Andress of Weldon.

The program proper opened with a riding contest in which two South Fork men and three Inyo boys qualified for the finals. Mr. Mackie of Inyo, who rode the South Fork horse known as "Onyx," was immediately qualified for the finals by the judges. Next of the qualifying stunts was a steer riding contest in which two South Fork men and a boy, Buzz Palmer aged 14, and three Inyo men took part, two Inyo and two South Fork boys being appointed to lead out the steers from the herd, while Red Vega of Onyx and Mr. Mackintire of Trout Meadow "put on the bull rigging." The surrounding hills echoed with cheers when little Buzz Palmer rode his steer.
At this point the gong sounded for "chuck" and a most delicious dinner was served on the Cafeteria Plan. All those who ate of the barbecued meat pronounced it the best they had ever eaten.

Ladies Race

Immediately after dinner the ladies horse races took place -four horses and riders qualifying. The first horse through was Bluebird, ridden by Mrs. Etta Andress of Weldon; second, Ruth Hunter; third, Ruth James and fourth Mrs. Bernhart. This was an extremely interesting race as each rider did her best and saw to it that her horse did likewise.

Next on the program was the roping contest in which Don Hanning of South Fork took first honors by bringing his yearling to a stop in 10 seconds. Many other cowboys, both from Inyo and South Fork, entered this contest, but none could compete with young Hanning.

The mule race was the next stunt. "Wild Joe" from South Fork taking first honors, Charles Summers of Inyo got second by causing the third mule to stampede. The mule and rider went sightseeing over the greater part of Monache.

Stake Roping Contest

Next was the stake roping contest in which Frank Mendoza was winner. This closed the first day's events. The second day's sport was great, everyone coming early and "rarin" to go. Many more from both sides of the "driftwood fence" were qualified for the finals. John Lubken of Lone Pine, who was appointed cattle rustler, not the moonlight rustler, but just for the occasion, gave South Fork the honors for the best bucking steers.

The final day was opened with loud cheers from both sides of the "driftwood fence." g

Second Day

The program opened with a men's riding contest in which young Sanford of Inyo won first prize; Young Mackie, Art Seals and Jess Smith rode a draw for second prize, each rider drawing his horse's name from slips of paper placed in a hat. Don Hanning drew Onyx, but Art Seals, the expert rider, begged to trade and was granted the privelege of mounting the "wild horse." However, being a brainy little horse, and seeing he had no show to dislodge his rider, Onyx threw down his head and turned a complete somersault pinning Sears to theground with horn and cantle board. Although he came off somewhat crippled, he was no less the victor, for as a surprise to Onyx he remounted the brute and conquered him so completely that he is decidedly a better and wiser animal. Jess Smith of South Fork put up a nice clean ride on Sleepy Dick, sticking him with the spurs and at the same time brushing away the flies with his hat.

Steer Riding

The next event was the steer riding contest in which Harold Gill was given first prize on the strength of his having ridden his steer to a finish even after his boots were bucked off. Jess Smith took second money.

Next was a roping contest in which Don Hanning swept the stake, bettering his former time by one second. Frank Cornett (Cornett?) of Inyo won second money in 10.2-5 seconds. The rest of the ropers couldn't catch a doughnut with a skimmer.

The next contest was a parting out cattle contest. Bev Hunter and Frank Comett(Cornett?) contesting against Red Vega and Charles Andress. The Inyo boys won byeight seconds.

Final Contest

The final contest for the ladies race came next and was the most exciting event of the rodeo.

Mrs. Vivian Frederick of South Fork took first prize on Cremo, while Mrs. Etta Andress took second on Bluebird. Ruth James Potter and Ruth Hunter ran so close that the judges could not give a decision.

Turning the sod, the three stake race was won by Mark Lacey in 19.4-5 seconds. The tie was run off, Andress winning by making a record of 19 seconds flat.

Jimmie Ross saved the South Forkers a long walk home by winning the foot race against young Crocker, which he won by a small margin. The South Forkers last cent was bet on him.

Short Address

The three days rodeo was concluded with a short address by Charles Andress, in which he expressed the gratitude of the South Fork people for the kindness and courtesy shown them by the Inyo people. Mr. George Zeigler promptly responded a hearty invitation to meet them again next year. The big hearted Charles Summers invited the South Forkers to his camp for supper.

The crowning event was the open air dance in the evening. By the light of enormous bon-fires the assembly danced till 12 o'clock, when a sumptuous supper was served.

The South Fork boys claim all honors as "ladies men" as they won the favor of every "schoolma'am" in Monache.

Ada Brown, George Brown's wife. In Monache Meadow.
Ada related that every morning the camp would be awakened at 3:00 AM by the range boss, John LUbken, hollering at his horse out in the meadow. Everyone had to saddle up by lantern light as it was still dark out. They were always a long way from camp by the time it was daylight.

L/R: Frank Chrysler, Russ Spainhower
Frank was born on the Souith Fork of the Kern River. He moved to Lone Pine as a boy and lived there the rest of his life.

Bruce Morgan from Mt. Whitney Pack Trains

Young Sanford

L/R: Frank Cornett, Charles Andress

Ar Seals on Onyx

Buzz Palmer waitingto ride his steer

Riders and judges

Charlie Summers

The Monache Rodeo, July 22 and 23, 1920