 |
History: The
current Livestock Music Festival was influenced by the spirit of Hyrum
and Matlida Finn. Hyrum was the last of the living legends of the
"Calico Indians" who climbed the rocky cliffs of Bovina
(site of Indian Rocks) to escape their inevitable fate after the murder
of deputy sheriff Osmond Steele during the Anti-Rent Wars in New York
State. Although eventually captured, Hyrum was never convicted in
the rebel crime and went on to live a long and prosperous life - running
the family farm in Bovina. Thankful for his newfound freedom in land
ownership so that he could grow his crops without worry, Hyrum would
celebrate the conclusion of each harvest season. The celebrations
would be wild affairs with locals coming from near and far. There
would be food, music, dancing, games, drinking, stripping, etc. Matilda
usually would have to put an end to the festivities after a few days
of non stop bacchanalia. |