The first Rodeo was a gathering of approximately sixty coal producers at The Greenbrier in 1921. At that time it was known as “The Holly Stover Annual Rodeo.” Named after the gentleman who was instrumental in organizing the affair.
Mr. Holly Stover was in charge of business development for The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway in the fast growing New River coal fields. In later years he was named President of the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad. Just prior to his death in 1963, he was Executive Assistant to the President of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. According to written records, Mr. Robert H. Gross then President of The New River Company and Mr. Holly Stover spoke together about the need for harmony and understanding among the coal shippers on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway and The Norfolk and Western Railway. There was much concern over the level of animosity created among the producers by the fierce competition within the coal industry.
Holly Stover had attended a rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyoming some years earlier and was greatly impressed by the organization and perfect timing of such a large affair. He felt such an environment of friendly competition and socializing created the type of harmony and camaraderie needed among the coal producers. Thus the gathering was dubbed “The Annual Rodeo.”
Some years later, in an effort to attract more producers, the ladies were invited to join their husbands in the festivities. According to Holly Stover, “If you take away the women, the men will follow.” Needless to say, at that point attendance began to grow. Shortly thereafter, other railroads were invited to attend and then to complete the affair the coal consumers were invited.
“The Coal Rodeo” has grown significantly since the early days. Attendance reached 850 in the recent past. Today, attendance is at a more manageable level of 300 people.
