Title in Saddle Bronc Riding in 1945. Gerald captured the title of World All-Around Cowboy in both 1942 and 1948. All three Roberts children learned the business from their father while growing up working the family ranch. Although E. C. Roberts never competed professionally in rodeo, he nevertheless made a name for himself on the rodeo circuit. Named "Mr. Rodeo" in 1977 in honor of his contribution to the sport as a pickup man, livestock supplier, and rodeo producer, he never missed a single Flint Hills Rodeo held during his lifetime. "As he climbed into his nineties, he was a fixture in the rodeo parade and could often be seen standing in the announcers' stand on rodeo days surveying his legacy" ("Mr. Rodeo," 1). At the Flint Hills Rodeo the year following his death, his presence was reflected in numerous ways, including a tribute in Saturday's parade and by a riderless horse led around the rodeo arena prior to each day's events (Chase). The popularity of the Roberts family on the rodeo circuit may have jump-started the Flint Hills Rodeo in its early years, but it has been sustained largely by the dedicated efforts of the Chase County community. This support and dedication was evident from the beginning; businessmen joined ranchers in promoting an event that was sure to reflect well on the county as a whole. In fact, the first president of the Flint Hills Rodeo Association, Carroll Holmberg, and its first secretary, Ray Gordon, were not ranchers or cowboys; they were area businessmen.A quick uninformed look at the photograph [of Holmberg and Gordon in suits and cowboy hats] may indicate two ranchers gussied up for a special occasion. But this is not the case. Holmberg's job in the community was at the depot in Strong City, serving as the railway express agent. Gordon worked as the local mail carrier. . . . Many of the rodeo association board members were local business folk and community members who wanted to stand behind t...
