Description
Five Minutes to Midnight was a famous bronc in the early 20th century. The black horse was originally named Tumbling Mustard, but at rodeos when Tumbling Mustard was bucking off cowboys, people would ask if that was Midnight? Midnight was a larger black bronc that had never been ridden. The reply was “darn close to it,” and this led to his new name Five Minutes to Midnight. At 900 pounds he was smaller than some broncs, but his twisting and plunging made him a tough horse to ride. Both blacks were owned by Verne Elliott and Ed McCarthy. They exemplified the best aspects of a bucking bronc. Midnight retired in 1933; Five Minutes to Midnight worked his magic until he too retired in 1946.
This Five Minutes to Midnight History Mug is part of our Rodeo series which includes many unique rodeo stars. Activities involved in the practice of herding cattle were the basis of what became modern day rodeos. Nowadays cowboys and cowgirls compete in steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, team roping, tie-down roping, bull riding and barrel racing.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.