Florence LaDue facts for kids
Florence "Flores" LaDue (born Grace Bensel, 1883 – 1951) was a famous performer known for her amazing trick roping skills. She was also a star in vaudeville shows, which were popular stage performances with different acts.
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The Life of Florence LaDue
Early Life and Beginnings
Grace Maud Bensel was born in Montevideo, Minnesota. Her mother passed away when Grace was a baby. Her father was a lawyer and later a judge. Grace spent much of her childhood on a Sioux reservation. Her grandfather worked there as a government agent.
Grace left home when she was young. Some stories say she ran away to join a wild west show. She started performing under the name Florence LaDue. By 1905, she was performing with Cummins’s Wild West Show.
Meeting Guy Weadick
While performing, Florence met Guy Weadick. He was also a very skilled rider and roper. They got married in 1906.
For the next five years, Florence and Guy traveled a lot. They performed with different shows. In 1908, they worked with John P. Kirk’s Elite Vaudeville company. By 1910, they were with Will Rogers’ Wild West show.
Performing Around the World
Florence and Guy even performed on Broadway in a show called ‘Wyoming Days’. They also toured many vaudeville theaters. These included the Keith-Albee, Orpheum, and Pantages circuits. They also performed in big cities like Glasgow, London, and Paris.
Florence often performed by herself. But she also performed with her husband as "Weadick and LaDue." Sometimes, they were part of larger groups.
Helping Start the Calgary Stampede
By 1912, Florence and Guy settled in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Florence helped her husband, Guy Weadick, create the famous Calgary Stampede. This event is a huge rodeo and festival.
Retirement and Later Years
Florence LaDue retired as the undefeated World Champion Lady Fancy Roper. She had performed and competed for 31 years. Later in her life, she and Guy moved to Phoenix, Arizona. They hoped the warmer weather would help her health. Florence passed away in 1951 from heart failure.
Her Amazing Legacy
In 2001, Florence LaDue was honored for her achievements. She was added to the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. This museum celebrates women who have made important contributions to the American West.
