Visit recalled deep in heart of Texas

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As times and culture change, the popularity of rodeos has declined, and the venue stopped operating in 1997. After years lying vacant, the site was bought by BenchMark Wireline, which manufactures equipment for the oil industry.

Stephen Beck, the company's CEO, said, "I didn't know the history of this place during the purchase, not until after my partner and I bought it."

On learning of the site's place in cowboy culture and Sino-US relations, Beck said the company made efforts to keep some memorabilia such as the original steakhouse counter.

Photos of the visit by the Chinese in 1979 are displayed prominently on the lobby wall at the company.

Beck said: "I met some people who have lived and worked here. Being from the west of the US and a rancher myself, I was very interested in the history and we tried to maintain a bit of it. We have tried to keep the history alive a bit."

He said the site still has Chinese connections.

"We have a Chinese employee in China. We have been selling equipment to the country for 20 years. We have three plants in the US and Britain, and all three sell to China. It is one of our biggest customers, and our clients include big names such as China National Petroleum Corp, China National Offshore Oil Corp, Sinopec and their subsidiaries."

When Beck makes a business presentation in China, he usually begins with two photos of Deng's Texas visit. "That usually catches people's attention and they go 'wow'. It's very helpful," he said.

According to Beck, throughout the year, especially when energy companies around the world converge on Houston in May for the annual Offshore Technology Conference, foreign visitors travel to the former Round-Up Rodeo site on account of the 1979 visit.

"During the time the conference is held, usually two or three delegations will visit it," he said.

Van Dries still has some China connections. Her daughter and son-in-law, who live in Stafford, a small city south of Houston, have an oil business relationship with the country.

The needlepoint work of the Great Wall given by Deng to Van Dries' family is in her brother's house, but she said she plans to give it to her daughter soon, as she believes it will help her in doing business with China.

Van Dries maintains a Facebook page of Round-Up Rodeo to remember her father's legacy and keep the site's history alive. She has uploaded many old photos for people to enjoy and reminisce over, including those of Deng's visit.

Simonton is a small town on the outskirts of Houston. Its population has risen from about 600 in 1979 to more than 800. While some people have moved, a few lifelong residents still remember the visit by the Chinese.

One of them, Pam Fitch Babineaux, wrote on Facebook: "I remember that night well. The Chinese group were having a fantastic time. They didn't know quite what to think of all of us cowgirls, cowboys and the rodeo."