Gerald posing in front of the mural
at the dedication ceremony on the
Flint Hills Rodeo Grounds -
June 1994

Portrait of Gerald Roberts
Twice All-Around World Champion Cowboy
1942 & 1948
North American Calgary All Around - 1950
(Painted by Dena Kleinsorge)

Portrait of E.C. Roberts
The father of the family
Rancher, stock and rodeo producer
"Daddy of the Flint Hills Rodeo"

Portrait of Margie Roberts
Champion Women's Bronc Rider - 1940

Portrait of Ken Roberts
Three time World Champion Bull Rider
1943, 1944, 1945

• Family to have 3 World Champions in the Turtle Association

• World Champion All-Around Cowboy to win in both the Turtle Association and the Rodeo Cowboys Association

The mural is placed on the Flint Hills Rodeo Grounds, Strong City, Kansas. It stands on the north side of Highway 50 just inside the Flint Hills Rodeo gate. It is prepared so you may turn in the grounds and drive up to it.

It stands 10' x 22' and is composed of four 4' x 5' portraits of members of the Emmett Roberts family. It is showcased in a handcrafted stand of outdoor cedar with a shingled roof. The showcase was designed and the work done by Max Gordon, Mike Horst and a host of cowboy friends.

The paintings were done by Dena Kleinsorge, rancher and commissioned artist; Peggy Lyon, art instructor and professional artist; Debbie Schroer, professional artist; and Audrey Murrell, professional artist.

This mural stands as a monument to community action and to remind us of the importance of the Rodeo and the cowboy way of life in the Flint Hills. It speaks of the character of all who dare to be themselves and endure the hardships of the independent soul. The Roberts family were just ordinary people as far as the community was concerned. They laughed and cried, worked and dreamed, just like you and I. They were taken for granted in their community but to the world they were heroes.