Established 1852
Established 1852
L.E. decided to move to he and Manley Bs operation near Mason City and dissolve the partnership with Hay. It was the dissolution of their partnership that spawned a very unique auction, one attended only by L.E. and Hay. The auction was held in quite peaceful surroundings, both men seated in comfortable chairs. At the mention of an animals name, the bidding began until one or the other reached their limit. L.E. acquired many of the best animals, but Hay did not let them go cheaply. It was also in 1925 that Dreadnaught’s Bride , failing to breed, was sold in the ring, and ended her career as a top quality show animal. This was also the first year of Belle O` Leveldales show career, and it would be a career few could compete with. In her first year, Belle defeated every summer yearling heifer she met.
This was the year of the sensational junior yearling bull Dreadnaught Salute , son of Dreadnaught Clansman and Lustre Queen 9th. Other than one second place, Salute went through the long circuit undefeated.
Belle dropped the calf Leveldale Dreadnaught , of Dreadnaught Clansman, and went on to complete the circuit undefeated. Belle’s constant showing limited her productiveness, but she did calve 5 bulls, most of which went on as successful animals. Belle was known as the definition of what a shorthorn should be, and 15 years after her death she was chosen as The Shorthorn World’s model type. Leveldale Dreadnaught made his debut by his mother’s side this year. In that season, Leveldale won 32 firsts, 10 championships, 5 seniors, 1 junior and 4 grands. Dreadnaught Clansman won 7 firsts, a senior and a grand, while Belle O` Leveldale was undefeated accounting for 12 firsts, 4 seniors, and 3 grands.
L.E
. Mathers Mason City Zoo Although he was involved in the cattle, Docs first love was always Percheron draft horses, and he had a great interest in swine as well. L.E. on the other hand, lived and breathed Shorthorns. Doc would eventually move the Horses to a place near Mason City where he would complete one of the most impressive private zoos in the country. L.E. eventually assumed leadership of the Shorthorn herd. He had a great desire to create the most impressive herd ever seen, and for years, L.E. was a one man army. He did the breeding, feeding, showing, selling, managing, and farming. Despite having only 20 breeding females, he brought out a show herd every year capable of competing with veteran showmen with enormous financial backing and giant herds. Despite the obstacles, L.E. pushed ahead and won many awards, as well as a host of friends and admirers.
L.E. makes his debut as a judge at the Denver show and receives great praise as a popular judge.
Leveldale continued consistent show ring wins with animals like Dreadnaught Parade , son of Leveldale Dreadnaught and Marigold 36th, as well as Leveldale Rosebud 3rd.
Consistent winning had created a demand for Leveldale herd sires that L.E. could not possible supply from the limited herd he possessed. It was then that he learned of the availability of the Taana Farm herd from Geneva Illinois. The owner had passed away, and Les acquired 50 head of the herd to enhance his production capacity.
Leveldale Bride, daughter of
Leveldale Dreadnaught, made her debut in the rings and went on to win consistently for 4 seasons.
Dreadnaught Jubilee by Leveldale Dreadnaught, and out of prize winning Tazwell Veronica made his debut by topping the summer yearlings at Illinois. For the first time a trophy was offered for best ten head of an exhibitor, which also went to Leveldale, demonstrating the uniform excellence of the herd. Leveldale would go on to win too many awards to mention this year
