The induction ceremony for the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame is always a fun time. It is held in one of the huge ball rooms of the Will Rogers Coliseum and Complex within walking distance of the Hall. The Cowgirl Who’s Who plus so many ‘movers and shakers’ in the western world attend. Not only were the multitudes there to see old friends and make new acquaintances there were booths filled with unusual wares, such as hand-made jewelry, art work, sequined western jackets to jalapeno jellies. Everyone left with a sack of ‘gotta have’ purchases. The most impressive part of the pre-ceremony time was the hundred or so tables, decorated by various persona, stores, and organizations in and around the Fort Worth area. The theme was ‘western’ and beyond that each table is created with as much originality as the designer can muster. Some tables were extremely elaborate with grapevines arches sparkling with glitter, to bronzes of cattle, cowgirls and cowboys, to boots overflowing with brilliant-colored floral arrangements, and one table was dedicated to John Wayne. Traveling the aisles between the diverse décor was a must. Cameras were clicking right and left at the original and cleverly designed centerpieces.
The inductees were welcomed by Sharon Camarillo, 2006 Honoree. Those inducted for 2008 were: Beverly Sparrowk, was a rodeo competitor in barrel racing, a performer as part of the trick riding group, “The Fireballs”, later became a rancher and involved in industry activism by being a spokesperson for ranching and conservation. ‘She is someone folks listen to,” said a friend. Prairie Rose Henderson, (deceased), is known as one of the early day lady bronc riders and also competed in horse racing. She continued to rodeo for some time and was known for her elaborate but unusual costumes designed with silk, sequins and marabou feathers. Velma B. Johnston, “Wild Horse Annie”,, (deceased), worked diligently throughout her lifetime to improve the tragic plight of wild horses in the United States. The Free-Roaming Wild Horse and Burro Act was passed in Congress in 1971, granting federal protection to these “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West”. Wilma Luna Powell, a second generation rancher, from Plains, Texas. She began early in her life helping her father in all ranching chores including branding, castrating, vaccinating and so on. When she married her husband, Bill Powell, she continued by his side, ranching, raising two boys, and being active in her community.
The fifth inductee was Audrey O’Brien Griffin. She was born in Santa Monica, the outskirts of Hollywood, California. As a youngster her parents signed her up for tap dancing and piano lessons, but on her first visit to the L.A.Sunset Ranch Stables in Culver City, she found her real passion. Horses. She and new-found friend, Sis Smith, rode the hills horseback as often as they could. However, Sis’s parents made sure the two young girls learned good values and worked hard for their reward, which was their horseback time. They cleaned stables, hauled hay, led ‘dudes’ up the trail, and gave hayrides in the evening. Eventually she even gave riding lessons. Audrey said, “The best thing for my riding was the fact that I never had my own horse and always rode other people’s horses. I learned from all those different mounts.” She and Sis also mastered the skill of Roman riding by using a team of horses she drove to pull the hay wagon during the day. When she was nineteen she was invited to join the Flying Valkyries, a touring specialty act. Audrey was one of three young women that performed Roman riding stunts on six white horses. She toured the country driving the spectacular team of six horses around barrels and over jumps. Audrey admitted it got a little wild at times. In Billings, Montana, with her parents in the infield, the team wrestled control from Audrey during a performance and ran away. The audience gasped in fear but the announcer calmed them saying, “Don’t worry ladies and gentlemen, she’s a cowgirl, she’ll be back!” When she brought them back, under control, and paraded them in front of the audience they gave her a standing ovation.
Audrey married Dick Campbell in 1960 and retired to raise five girls – Melinda, Maureen, Molly, Megan and Maggie. The family enjoyed sailing and during this period Audrey took leave of her cowgirl ways. After her girls were raised, Audrey, at age 50, bought her first horse. She moved to the Santa Ynez valley with her second husband, Gary Griffin. Quickly she learned to compete in team penning, reining, working cow-horse, sorting and calf-branding. She has won buckles in all these events. She also shares her knowledge of horses and riding ability with children. The attractive blonde westerner is also known as a respected, hard-working, capable and cheerful ranch hand, ready to help any rancher in the area.
When giving her acceptance speech Audrey said, “I accept this honor with humility and great gratitude.” She went on to say that when she was growing up Roy Rogers was her idol, and she had an 8” x 10” photo of the western star above her bed. Every night before she got in bed she would give Roy a kiss. “I kissed his lips right off,” she laughed! She also reminisced about her early days performing with the Flying Valkyries and her first performance in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was given the nickname ‘Prune-y’ since she was from California. She also remembered getting ready to go to Brussels, Belgium, with seventy-seven cowgirls and cowboys, fifty Indians, and 230 head of stock. The last night before they left, Glenn and Lynn Randall, well known horse trainer and performers in rodeo and movies, had a party for the departing troop. Casey Tibbs was there, and everyone knew his favorite color was purple. She said no one seems to know how the Randall’s white cat, turned purple that night, but Casey got blamed. She also mentioned team roping with a young nine year old boy the other day. Audrey was told by his mother later, when he got home and she asked who he roped with he said, “Audrey. She’s really hot! But she’s so old!” The handsome cowgirl finished her speech by saying, “As Roy Rogers always said, ‘May the good Lord take a likin’ to you.’”
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