Paulina Rodeo Old-Timer

Each year the Paulina Rodeo Club selects an 'Old-Timer' who has contributed to the Paulina Amateur Rodeo over the years! This great tradition first started back in 1974 when the first 'Old-Timer' was selected, and it's has been a fun part of the Paulina Amateur Rodeo ever since.

2010 Old-Timer Rollin Baker

Rollin Baker - 2010 Old-Timer The Paulina Old-Timer for the 2010 Paulina Amateur Rodeo is Rollin Baker. Rollin Lynn Baker (83) is one of the last real cowboys; a true cowpuncher born into the cowboy life. Rollin was born on May 7, 1927 in Narrows, Oregon (near Burns) and from his birth embraced the cowboy and ranching lifestyle. Rollin, lover of the land and animals (cattle, horses, & dogs) still rides his horses working cattle for neighbors & his son-in-law, Gary Ervin. Raised in the Oregon high desert Rollin had to grow up fast when he, youngest of eight, lost his mom at the age of 13.

After spending his formative years living on ranches with his Dad, he opted for that lifestyle as well when he left high school as a junior.

When he was 14 (not long after he lost his mother), Bob Hughet (cook and scout) and John Kirk had Rollin and another young cowboy (29) drive rough stock (80 horses) from Narrows, OR to the rodeo in Bend. This drive took them 5 days and after spending several days at the rodeo they drove the horses back to Narrows, taking another 5 days.

The Island, Roaring Springs, White Horse, and Hudspeth Ranches in Oregon have had Rollin’s horseshoe prints all over them. Not to leave neighboring states untouched, he spent time as Ranch Manager, running the Lakeshore Ranch in California and a lot of years in charge of the D-W Land and Cattle Co. outside of Boise, Idaho. His career spans his lifetime as Rollin grew up learning and knowing cattle, horses, and the land. His many years of experience led him to crossbreed cattle to produce the best beef available to the consumer. When he could not find a good saddle horse, he began breeding his own. Over a course of years he had horses other ranchers sought after. He still enjoys raising foals.

In 1955 John Hudspeth interviewed Rollin and LaDonna to manage the first ranch he bought in the Paulina area, the Humphrey ranch (now Sesslers) along with Swamp Creek (now Schnabeles). In 1959, Hudspeths bought the Sartain, Laughlin (now GI), and Sherman ranches. Rollin moved his family to the Laughlin ranch to be closer to the ranches he managed.

Rollin married his wife LaDonna on July 4, 1948 and she has been by his side working on the ranches. She served as the hostess, cook for hay crews, bookkeeper and other duties as needed. She was active in the community and took her turn serving as president of the Pau-Mau Club. Their two daughters: Cheryl Ervin of Prineville, and Debra Hoffman of Springfield, OR both attended Paulina Grade School, where Cheryl will be the primary teacher this year.

Gary and Cheryl Ervin bought the Ervin, formerly Harris ranch at Snow Mountain in 1986. Their three grown children, BreAnn, Garet, Rollin Robert, and daughter-in-law, Caroline along with Grandpa Rollin help with the cattle and fencing. Debbie and Jim Hoffman, with their son, Jacob own and manage Springfield Grocery Outlet in Springfield, OR. Their daughter, Jacey and her husband, Bill Brown reside in Tigard, OR. Rollin’s niece, Jeannine Baker Erhart (the painter of Rollin’s portrait) and her husband, Richard live in Powell Butte.

Rollin’s family and friends are at the rodeo to help him celebrate being this year’s “Old Timer”. It is an honor to be chosen and recognized for being a dying breed. A quote from Rollin, “These ranches would survive if they’d think like the old time ranchers.” “One thing lacking is the handling of cattle”. “A cow’s a slow animal and people try to make her move fast.”

Our hats go off to Rollin Baker, now a Prineville resident, a real Oregon cowboy.

Past Old-Timers

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