hat do a mission patch from NASA, a collection of ornate costumes that once belonged to a duo of dog-riding monkeys, a bronze horse and an exquisite pair of mink-trimmed boots all have in common? They are among the diverse collection of Western art and rodeo memorabilia found in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo's archives.

Over the years, committee volunteers, life members and other friends of the Show have donated or loaned these memory-filled items to the Show. Often, the donations were made anonymously and simply left at the Show's offices. In 1990, Show officials formed the Western Art Committee to acquire, preserve, catalog and present such art and artifacts that reflect the organization's history.

The committee's efforts are evident throughout the Show's offices and the Astrohall complex. Outside, larger-than-life bronzes pay homage to horses and cowboys, to ranchers, and to the youth that represent our future. Sculpted by renowned artists, these intriguing works stand tall in the Texas sun, beckoning visitors to take a closer look.

Take a walk through the Show's offices, the board room, the Stockman's Club or the meeting areas, and you'll see steer hides, mounted elk heads and a silver-stamped Western saddle that once belonged to oilman Glenn McCarthy, proprietor of a former Houston landmark, the Shamrock Hotel. You'll also see wonderful works of art, including fine oils, limited edition prints and award-winning pieces from the Show's School Art Auction. Many of these works have been purchased by members of the Western Art Committee and others and then donated back to the Show.

"We are focused on giving people who may not be exposed to Western art a chance to see and enjoy it," said Jerry Coleman, chairman of the Western Art Committee. "Our primary responsibility is to maintain and protect the art and memorabilia of the Show, and we consider that to be an important contribution. By doing so, it allows all of us to remember a little bit of our heritage and to preserve this history for the education and enjoyment of generations to come."

When not on display, art and memorabilia are stored in the archives room, a climate-controlled environment located in the Show's warehouse. Inside, loaded shelves fill the space from floor to ceiling. A glance around the room offers a feast for the eyes of any history buff.

Yellowed press clippings fill books dating back to the early 1940s. In one book, a 1942 article features a photo of legendary Show supporter Bill Williams with the 875-pound Grand Champion Hereford Steer he purchased that year for $1,986.25. Indicative of the times, a front page from a 1944 edition of the The Houston Post features a photo of the Show's Grand Champion Steer next to a story with an ominous headline that reads "London Worries As Nazi Storm Gathers Below Rome."

Further searching reveals a photograph of President George Bush and wife Barbara at the Show. Nearby is a framed Texas flag and a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo flag that flew in space aboard the space shuttle Discovery. The astronaut who carried the flags into space also included a signed letter and a patch from the January 1985 mission. That astronaut, Lt. Col. Ellison S. Onizuka, died the following year in the Challenger accident.

Tucked inside a massive cedar closet is a diverse collection of elaborate Western costumes, hats, belts, buckles and other fashion accessories. Unusual items include a feathered Indian headdress, chaps and a saddle blanket from the Harris County Sheriff Department's Mounted Patrol, and a man's suit by Nudie's Rodeo Tailors of North Hollywood, Calif. This cream suit features a flamboyant pattern stitched in copper-colored leather. And of course, there are boots to match.

Another man's jacket not only makes a fashion statement, but also a financial statement. This white jacket, embroidered with all the details of a personal check, was actually signed and used by Leroy J. Gloger to pay $15,000 for the Grand Champion Steer in 1972. Undoubtedly, he had it designed to match his white felt hat, which also was printed like a personal check and used to purchase the 1971 Grand Champion. Cancellation marks and the word "paid" indicate that banks will cash just about anything, as long as the right information is provided.

Display cases, located just outside the Show's meeting rooms, feature rotated displays of items including Show badges, buyers' trophies from the auctions, promotional posters, souvenir programs, drink tickets and more. Jan Alexander, vice chairman of the exhibition subcommittee, is one of the dedicated committee members charged with collecting items and designing these fascinating exhibits. Currently, she is collecting memorabilia for displays that will honor the Salt Grass Trail Ride, the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, and rodeo clowns and bullfighters.

"Our collection also includes thousands of photographs in black and white, and color," Alexander said. "The Show recently purchased negatives and photos from the family of Grant Sexton, an early Show photographer, and we plan to frame many of them. However, in order to identify people in the photos, we need help from individuals who have been affiliated with the Show for many years." Alexander said that no matter how insignificant a piece of memorabilia or Western art might seem, the Show would like to add it to the collection.

Capturing these details is critical, said Jim Bloodworth, Show president. "I think it is extremely important that we preserve our Western heritage. Our way of life is changing, and many of the great leaders who founded our Show are starting to pass on. We need to capture their knowledge and preserve their mark on the history of the Show, otherwise it will be lost forever."

Letters and comments should be sent to:
Marketing and Public Relations Division,
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
P.O. Box 20070, Houston, Texas 77225-0070