History of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary Rodeo

The History of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary Rodeo contains historic illustrations of rodeo events beginning

at the inception in 1940, led by Warden Jess F. Dunn. The rodeo was advertised as the largest rodeo behind

prison walls. The book contains descriptive narratives with many photographs showing actual rodeo action events,

including inmates on bucking bulls, broncs, bison, tub riding, ‘money the hard way’, specialty acts, and many more.

The book also contains portions of rodeo programs/covers, as well as rodeo tickets and invitations to special events,

including the popular Warden’s Barbeque, Ice Cream Social and Legislative Brunch. Read about visiting celebrities

who participated in the rodeo and movies made in the rodeo arena. Read about the mural dedication honoring Lane

Frost, the champion bull rider. The book contains both black/white photographs and color.

Author and former warden of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, Dan M. Reynolds retired in 2011 after serving 31

years with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Reynolds earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice

in 1980 from Central State University, Edmond, Oklahoma. He also received a Master’s Degree with honors in

Criminal Justice Administration and Management in 2005 from the University of Central Oklahoma. He is a former

member of the American and Oklahoma Correctional Associations and the North American Association of Wardens

& Superintendents. Reynolds served as a consultant for the American Corrections Association. He is a recipient of

the 1998 Community Service Distinguished Former Student Award from the University of Central Oklahoma. He was the recipient of the William Parker Outstanding Graduate Student Award for 2005. He is a lifetime member of the Oklahoma Correctional Employees Memorial Foundation and the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation.

He is the author of Caged Wisdom: Learning to See Through the Bars; On the Other Side of the Bars: Lessons Learned as a Prison Warden/Administrator; What God Wants You To Know, Oklahoma Prison Riots, The Most Hilarious, Bizarre and Unusual Correctional Stories Ever Told, History of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, Post Card Collection of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary and various recreations of historical books, to include, History of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary by Robert Park, (1914), and Oklahoma State Penitentiary and Prisons Modern and Medieval, (ca. 1916), by J.W. Casteel; Rules and Regulations (1909 & 1935) of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary and others.