Homer Hayward – Committee Member
Homer Hayward was a native Californian and a long-time businessman
in Salinas, carrying on the lumber business begun by his grandfather. His Rodeo
career began in 1947 when he was assigned to the Sweetheart Committee. Homer
became chairman and worked in that capacity until 1956. In 1960, Homer was
assigned as Security Chairman overseeing police, fire, and security operations.
The job required an almost 24-hour daily commitment from the Sunday before the
Rodeo until the Monday after. His
responsibility trained him well for Director, Third Vice-President and up the
ladder to President.
Homer donated a building from his lumber yard to the Rodeo (which became the
start of the Museum) and a 10-acre parcel located off Sun Street which became
and still is the carnival site and a city operated recreation field. Homer
received the Gold Saddleman Award in 1973 for his unselfish devotion to the
California Rodeo Salinas. Homer passed away in 2010.
John
Hawkins- Contestant
The single world championship won by John Hawkins is one of the most
deserved in rodeo history. In steady pursuit of the title, he was runner-up for
three consecutive seasons, once missing the crown by only $18. A broken thigh,
later mended with a steel rod, kept Hawkins out of rodeo for 18 months. He
returned to competition only to bend the rod and re-break the thigh. He left the
rod bent and won his only bareback title the following season. Born May 22,
1930, in Elk City, Okla., Hawkins was a Quarter Horse jockey and physical
fitness buff long before fitness became fashionable. Hawkins had one of the strongest riding arms
in rodeo. Few rodeo fans remember Hawkins was also a bull rider and tie-down
roper during his early years as a RCA competitor.* John won the Bareback Riding
in Salinas in 1954, 1958, 1960, 1962 and 1968. *(biographical information taken
from prorodeohalloffame.com)
Harley
May – Contestant
Harley May, born June 2, 1926, in Deming, N.M., won the world steer
wrestling championship title in 1952, 1956 and 1965. May, who grew up with
rodeo, competed in youth events and was on the intercollegiate championship
teams in 1949-51, was a founder of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo
Association and held various offices in the RCA including president from
1957-59.* Harley May won the Steer Wrestling at the California Rodeo Salinas in
1965, 1970 and 1972, the Saddle Bronc Riding in 1955 and 1956 and captured the
All Around title in 1956 and 1965. He entered 5 events for the first 10 years
he competed at Salinas, getting a total of 20 head of stock each year. Harley
was quoted as saying “If anyone ever asked me what my favorite rodeo was I
always answer ‘Salinas.’ I always thought it was the best organized and best
run rodeo I ever attended.” He passed away in October of 2008. *(biographical
information taken from prorodeohalloffame.com)
Harry Rose Sr. – Track Contestant
Harry Rose Sr.
was born in 1922 and raised on a ranch in Hollister, CA. He was only 4 years
old when he won the Junior Stock Horse Championship at Hollister’s Bolado Park.
Many agree that Harry was a colorful showman, a cowboy’s cowboy and a bit of an
outlaw. Harry was a fierce competitor at the California Rodeo Salinas, standing
out with his accomplishments on the track. Harry had back-to-back wins in the
Stockhorse and Jaquima classes in 1963 and 1964 riding
There She Goes and Fizzabar;
he won the Stockhorse class in 1958 and 1959 on Davy Crockett, 1961 on Johnny
Tivi
o and in 1975 on Chicano. He
won the Jaquima class in 1966 on
Cattabar
and in 1972 on Tuff Pay. Harry
also won the Stockhorse class in 1969 with an unknown horse in addition to
numerous other placings through the years. Harry passed away in 1988.