Celebrating Women’s History Month

March is the month marked for the celebration of Women’s History. The Madison Valley has been influenced greatly by the women that have come and gone throughout history, teaching us the new and old ways of life. The American Cowgirl is a staple throughout history and a large part of the history here in the Madison Valley. Two of the women that are well known in the community are Erma Evans and Lois Walsh both known for their cowgirl ways. 

History lover Liz Applegate dug into some of the stories of these incredible women and recently gave a presentation at the Madison Valley Public Library. Applegate’s presentation highlighted Evans and Walsh and many others. Her research went in depth with many categories including midwives, mothers, daughters and the previously mentioned, cowgirls. The research she did was extensive and had amazing information. She generously shared her research with The Madisonian to share during Women’s History Month.

Erma Evans still shows her bright face around the community today but Lois Walsh has gone and joined the ride in the sky. But before her passing she was able to share her history with other writers and those will be shared again. 

Lois Walsh was a part of an amazing group called the Madison County Sidesaddle Club. This club was in effect from 1958 through 1996. Through these years Walsh was one that rode in excess of 20 years. Walsh submitted an article to the Madison Valley History Association about the Sidesaddle Club. It was published in the Wagon Tongue 2003 Volume 1 Issue 2 and 3. 

“Probably the most elegant modern day example is a group of women in Montana who have formed the Madison County Sidesaddle Club. Wearing clothes made from 19th century designs, they perform throughout several states in rodeos and parades. They do not get paid, but they seem to enjoy the precision and beauty of the sidesaddle drills in close formation,” said Walsh in her submission. 

As defined by Walsh, “A sidesaddle differs a great deal from western saddles. A sidesaddle has one stirrup and two horns both on the left ideas it was considered unladylike for women to ride astride. The top horn is rather straight up and down the right leg or the rider goes around this horn and over the left side of the horse's neck. The lower horn is somewhat curbed and the left upper leg of the rider fits in the curve of this horn. A sidesaddle has only one stirrup which is on the left side. One must ride a very short stirrup as the left leg above the knee should fit rather snugly against the lower horn.”

The sidesaddles used by the club are upwards of a hundred years old and no two are alike, they were generally custom made for each rider.

Lois Walsh was known for trailing cattle and her 25 years riding in the Sidesaddle Club, these both have enriched the history here in the Madison Valley. 

Another American Cowgirl, Erma Evans has spent her life ranching in Gallatin, Broadwater, Jefferson and Madison Counties. In 2007, on her 78th birthday, she was named the Grand Marshal for the Ennis Fourth of July Parade where the theme was "Celebration of the American Cowgirl”.

“My mother died when I was just 22 months old. From the time I was a little girl I went to work with my father. My dad used to ride six miles to get the mail. I would go to sleep hanging onto the saddle strings. He used to have to bend my fingers to get me off that saddle,” Evans said. “He did quite a thing to raise us kids like that. I admire him for that.” 

In 1947, Evans was crowned queen of the Bozeman Jaycee Roundup at the age of 18. During that time, the Bozeman Jaycee Roundup was one of the biggest rodeos in the Northwest. Being crowned was an honor but the friendships she made along the way were the most important part. 

“The principal at my school and my neighbors encouraged me to run,” said Evans. “I was always bashful growing up because I lived so far from town. Being rodeo queen helped me out a lot. I met a lot of people and made a lot of friends during that time.” 

In the 1950s she gave her shot at barrel racing in the Montana Amateur Rodeo Association circuit. This time of her life was short lived once she found out her horse was best suited for herding cattle. In the 1960s Evans helped run sheep and cattle with her former husband on the Green Acre Ranch near McAllister, Mont.

In the years of 1979 to 1991 she spent her time traveling the country showing draft horses and parading with Rollie Hebel. In 1980 she returned to her ranching life in McAllister and Ennis areas. 

To this day she is still keeping busy gardening, doing yard work and scrapbooking. She keeps her history alive by sharing stories with anyone who asks–reminding us that the American Cowgirl is never too hard to find.