MEDORA, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Seven new members are now in the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame as the organization celebrates it’s 30th anniversary in 2025.
The Class of 2025 was honored Saturday, June 14th, on the Tjaden Terrace in Medora under a nearly perfectly clear blue sky with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees.
The 2025 inductees are Andrew F. Nohle Pre-1940’s Ranching, Nohel became known as the Cattle King and Father of Alfalfa for his introduction of Grimm Alfalfa. He also operated the first ferry across the Missouri River and was instrumental in the lower Yellowstone Irrigation project.
Lester Anderson, Modern Era Ranching, he operated a ranch in the Sandhills, south of Leonard, North Dakota. He spearheaded the reintroduction of horses into the North Dakota Winter Show and was one of the original board of directors for the North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City.
Esley Thorton, Sr. Pre-1970’s Rodeo, won a saddle bronc title at the first organized North Dakota State High School Rodeo in 1953, he went on to win NDRA champions in saddle bronc in 1963 and 1966 and a team roping championship in 1979.
Edwin Arnold Hall Modern Era Rodeo, long list of saddle bronc championships including back to back GPIRA Saddle Bronc Champion in 1975 and 1976. Hall was inducted into the Indian National Finals Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2018.
Peggy Ward Modern Era Rodeo, she and her historic horse “Cotton” became an exceptional team, winning the NDRA barrel racing championship 4 consecutive years. In addition to becoming the NDRA champion in 1982, she was also the GPIRA champ and the International Indian Assembly Rodeo barrel racing champion in Saskatchewan, Canada. The next year, Peggy was the NDRA barrel racing champ and “Cotton” was awarded horse of the year.
Kaye Burian Western Arts & Entertainment, with a ranching background and a deep love for the outdoors her artwork that centers on western North Dakota subjects speaks for itself.
Victor “Hugo” Stickney was a Cowboy Doctor born in 1855 he graduated from Medical School in 1883 and went west to Dakota Territory. He travel by horse, buckboard and freight train caboose to treat patients in need. He frequently slept out on the open prairie wrapped in a tarp. He also served as a Captain in the Medical Corps during World War I. He is considered one of the founding fathers of Dickinson State University. Stickney is now enshrined into the category of the “Great Westerner.”
Stay tuned, because the next chapter of the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (NDCHOF) is underway. The board of directors has decided to pursue a fundraising effort to add on to their existing facility in Medora.
NDCHOF Board treasurer Marv Semrau will provide more details about the plan to raise more than $12 million dollars to build the addition that the board believes will help move the organization forward for the next 30 years.
For more information about the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame go to their website northdakotacowboy.org or call 701-623-2000.
