It was hundred years ago that in June 1926, my grandfather, Ira Purdy, briefly took in the Reno Rodeo. At that time, he was residing in Sacramento, but his mission was a visit to Susanville to seek employmemt. With the lumber mills in full swing at Susanville, there were a lot of opportunities. A mechanic by trade he found a job at Doyle & Hunsinger Ford, thereater became Doyle Motors. He sent this sent this post card to his wife, Margaret, and son, James, who was only a year old. He described the Reno Rodeo as a wild bunch of folks. In July, the Purdy family moved to Susanville, their second child, Leroy was born in 1927.

Thus,a new chapter for the Purdy family. In 1939, Ira struck out on his own, and opened the Purdy’s Garage at Main and Spring Streets. He passed away in Susanville in 1964.

Tim

P.S. I happen to be my grandfather’s namesake, my  middle name is Ira.