1935 Burl Mulkey Rodeo Cowboy Bucking Bronc Horse Linen Postcard

Historical Context & Overview

Mid-Air Thrills: Burl Mulkey and 'Melrose' in 1935

Few postcard images capture the raw, explosive energy of early twentieth-century American rodeo quite like this classic 1935 linen depiction. Titled "Burl Mulkey Leaving 'Melrose,'" the vibrant scene captures legendary cowboy Burl Mulkey mid-fall after being unseated by the infamous bucking bronc known as Melrose. Caught at the precise instant of impact as Mulkey hits the arena dirt, this vivid piece offers a thrilling window into the high-stakes world of professional rodeo during its golden decade.

The Mark of Burl Mulkey: ProRodeo Icon

Burl Mulkey was one of the most formidable competitors in Western sports during the 1930s. Known for his fearless riding style in both saddle bronc and bareback events, Mulkey cemented his place in rodeo history by winning the World Champion All-Around Cowboy title in 1937. His career was defined by his tenacity against some of the fiercest bucking stock in the country, including notorious broncs like Melrose. Mulkey's enduring legacy was formally recognized with his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, making visual records of his legendary rides highly sought-after by rodeo historians and vintage Western art collectors alike.

Ralph R. Doubleday: Pioneer of Rodeo Action Photography

The iconic photograph behind this postcard was taken by Ralph R. Doubleday, widely celebrated as the "World's Official Rodeo Photographer." Operating out of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Doubleday revolutionized action photography in the early 1900s by venturing directly into the arena dirt with heavy speed graphic cameras. Rather than staging portraits, Doubleday specialized in capturing unscripted, split-second moments—unseatings, dramatic buck-offs, and triumphant rides. His original photographs were mass-distributed as real photo postcards and retouched linen cards, helping to transform rodeo cowboys into national folk heroes.

Curt Teich's 'Art-Colortone' Linen Innovation

Produced by the renowned Curt Teich Company of Chicago, this postcard utilizes the legendary "C.T. Art-Colortone" linen printing process. The production code printed in the corner—5A-H1518—definitively dates the manufacturing of this edition to 1935. The high-rag content paper created a textured surface that allowed printing inks to absorb deeply, producing rich, saturated colors that simulated oil paintings. Distributed directly by Doubleday & Co., these vibrant linen postcards brought the dust, color, and drama of the Western arena straight into households across America.