>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

STAMPEDE SUPPORTERS: The Dell Parsons family pose on their 500-acre century farm on Parsons Lane. From left are Jill, Del, Sallie and Earnie Parsons. - Photos by Cindy

The Parsons trace their 44 years of involvement with the Elgin Stampeders back to its first rodeo when Sallie was still in high school.

“I remember when it first got started. There were quite a few members, both farmers and from the city. It connected the whole community of Elgin,” said Sallie.

That was 1946 when Genevie Wells of Elgin was the first Elgin Stampede queen.

“I was one of the first usherettes, and I worked doing this every year until they didn’t have them anymore,” said Sallie.

Each of the five usherettes were outfitted in similar clothing and wore a welcoming smile. Del often worked just inside the ticket stand, taking admission tickets and directing guests to the usherettes to be seated.

“The first stampede rodeo was held across the highway on Moore Field,” said Sallie. “The dance was held in an outside pavilion with 2-by-4 lumber for the dance floor. Del and I danced on that.”

Along with fellow Stampeder Maurice Beck, Dell served as co-chairman for the first junior rodeo. He helped organize the various club events, in which the Parsons’ son, Earnie, sometimes raced his horse. One year, Dell let the junior rodeo use about 25 of his own cows and calves for the various club events.

“Once he was even asked to be president of the Elgin Stampeders,” said Sallie.

Though Dell declined that honor due his work obligations at Boise Cascade, the Parsons were eager volunteers at all of the Stampeders’ events and fundraisers. When crab feeds were first introduced, the Parsons were there with their sleeves rolled up, ready to work. Sallie was chairwoman of the garlic bread, and Dell took tickets and seated guests.

“In those years the crab came frozen, not in cans like today. Dell thawed the crabs and then broke the legs off their bodies,” said Sallie. “Guests had to shell their own fresh crab legs. Dell’s family started making some of the first crab sauce and the most delicious potato salad.”

Those were great memories for the couple, but they never expected an honor like this one.

“We were surprised to be asked to be grand marshals. I just hadn’t thought about it,” said Sallie. “We didn’t think we were old enough.”

Sallie and Dell are only 77 and 78 years old respectively, but their history together goes beyond their almost 59-year-old marriage.

“We attended grade school together in the city of Elgin, and we did some dating in eighth grade,” said Sallie.

The sweethearts married in September 1949 at a parsonage in Walla Walla, and afterward they farmed and raised two children, Jill and Earnie. The Parsons have one grandchild, Jill’s son Brock Hindman.

“We’ve farmed for 58 years,” said Sallie, “and Earnie, Jill and Brock all help out with the farming and cattle. Dell helps some, too.”

Now in retirement, the Parsons live peacefully on their century farm, which was established in 1896.

“I was born in this house,” said Dell, “and I still sleep in the same room.”

The century farm is their home and as much a part of their lives as the Elgin Stampeders. Now their fellow Stampeders honor them for all those dedicated years of service.