This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
Saugus Speedway in Saugus, Ca. was built originally as a rodeo arena in 1927 by Roy Baker, brother of shoe magnate C.H. Baker. Roy Baker purchased the 40-acre property east of Bouquet Junction in 1923 for the purpose of breeding and selling show and pleasure horses. Probably to attract horse buyers to his ranch in faraway Saugus, Baker staged rodeos and ultimately built a 12,000-seat arena in 1924. As with a majority of the American populace, Baker was hit hard financially by the Great Depression of 1929 and was forced to sell the stadium to cowboy actor Hoot Gibson in 1930. Gibson continued to hold rodeos at the stadium and drew a Hollywood crowd including famous actors such as William S. Hart, Harry Carey, Tom Mix, and John Wayne. He also used the stadium as a movie set or leased it to other companies for film making.
Presented here is 1940 program cover for the 15th Annual Newhall-Saugus Rodeo signed by the events marquis performers, Tom Mix, Buck Jones, Bill Elliott and Jerry Colonna. The cover is affixed to a scrapbook page and is accompanied by four snapshot photos from the event. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.