Trail Blazer History

As one of the oldest organizations in Piatt County, the Trail Blazers club was formed on June 20, 1954.  The idea for the club came in 1953 from the Oehmke sisters, who had a passion for horses and gave riding lessons.  That summer, the sisters hosted a riding demonstration for the parents of their pupils.  Later, an advertisement was placed in the newspaper to inquire if there was an interest in horseback riding in the community.  Hence, the Piatt County Trail Blazers club was formed.
Original members included Elmer Oehmke, president: C.W. Willis, secretary/treasurer; Russ Alexander, Herman Wood, vice president; Bob Hettinger, Merle Darsham, Jerry Davis, Don Warner, Dick Warner, Charlotte Becker, Charles Manning, Leonard Burton and Loren Rogers.  By 1958 membership included 60 families.
At that time, the club primarily had trail rides and rode in parades.  In October 1954, the  Trail Blazers put on their first All Western Fun Show.  The rodeo and club continued to grow.  By 1961, the rodeo was put on by rodeo contractor Carl Canull and family.
Currently, the Trail Blazers club is 61 members strong.  Every member plays a vital role to the success of our annual rodeo.  Our current officers are Darrel Hicks, president; David Anderson, vice president; Terry Van Tine, treasurer; Terry Shores, secretary.