This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Tuffy Overturff: West Texas Calf Roper Still Roping At 84
Ernest Overturff known as Tuffy, a longtime West Texas roper, won the National Old Timers calf roping title four straight years and remains active at 84. He started roping in 1931, built a backyard arena, and credits hard work, home cooking, and his horse Dandy for his longevity. He met his wife Gussie in Big Spring and settled in Odessa in 1937, where he roped in nearby towns and taught local kids the craft.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Time Magazine
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Chicago
George H.W. Bush
Paul Harvey
Tuffy
David Letterman
Sand Hills
North Odessa
Oklahoma
Gussie
Big Spring
Odessa
May Street
Overturff
Mapp Tank Company
Ernest Mapp
West Texas
Andrews
Jal
N.M
Fort Worth
Denver
Coliseum