The Foundation of The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Michigan
Clubs usually have a gradual development, There may not be an apparent need in the beginning, It is from informal gatherings and discussions that men of common interests begin to crystallize their thoughts. Many such meetings took place at Olsen’s Kennels.
Mr. DeBoard, owner of Ch. Dixie V Rheinberg, Walter Schilk, owner of Ch. Susie Q and Dr. Clark Lemley , breeder and owner of Ch Ona V. Dakoda (Also owner of Joan below) had met with success at the shows, They were dedicated to the breed and were willing to contribute to the full extent of their ability in promoting the breed. It remained only for Mr. Hjalmar Olsen to call a meeting of the aforementioned men along with many others in order to generate action for the formation of a breed club. A meeting was called for November 30, 1941, to be held at Olsen’s Kennels, Utica, Michigan. Dr. Clark Lemley was asked to serve as chairman pro temp-ore. The meeting opened and discussions took place on some of the needs for the formation of a breed club. Specialty show could be developed , training classes would be arranged, better breeding plans, fun trials and eventually field trials would be some of the projects to be carried out.
For the sake of the record, I quote the minutes of the first meeting in detail as follows November 30th, 1941. A small group of owners of German Shorthaired Pointers met at Olsen kennels, Utica. Michigan. Where they decided to organize a club. At this meeting, the following shorthair owners were present: Messrs, H.E.DeBoard, Hansen, Palmay, Havrilla, Hjalmar Olsen, Walter Schilk, and Dr. Clark Lemley Mr. Deboard made a motion to nominate Dr. Clark Lemley as president. Motion was carried by all members present. Mr. DeBoard nominated Mr. Palmay for Vice – President. Dr. Clark Lemley appointed Mr. Deboard as chairman of the publicity committee. After the officers were elected, the name of the club was decided upon, which is to be “The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Detroit
The Members of the club decided upon two dollars a year as membership dues. The sum of fourteen dollars was collected. The club will function as a non profit organization. Dues will be spent on the advertising, show prize money, and any other necessary expenses to be approved by the members at meetings to be held from time to time. Officers will receive no compensation whatsoever for their services. Editors Note: You can readily understand what a frugal group of fanciers were responsible for the club’s formation. Members decided that the next meeting will be held in the near future.
War clouds were gathering in increasing frequency but little did we realize or know that the great conflict was upon us and that war would be declared before our next meeting. On December 7, 1941, the now infamous attack by the Japanese was made on Pearl Harbor and we declared war. On February 15th, 1942, a sad experience came to the attention of our membership. It was re-ported the Mr. Palmay, our Vice – President, had suffered a fatal heart attack on January 1st. Mr. Palmay, was not well known to the club members but during his short term of office, he arranged to have our club name registered with the Secretary of States office. A floral tribute had been sent and a letter of condolence was delivered to Mrs. Palmay.
Arrangements were made to draw up a constitution and by-laws. Dr. Clark Lemley Mr. Olsen, and Mr. Schilk met at Mr. Gordon Parhams home. Mr. Parham was secretary of the Oakland Setter Club and he gave us many suggestions as to what to do and what to avoid in our club. With suggestions obtained by A.K.C. and some ideas of our own, the above committee drew up the constitution and by-laws for the club. It was decided at this meeting that our club’s name should be of a greater scope “The G.S.P Club of Michigan”. At the next regular meeting held at the Danish American Club on West Forest Avenue in Detroit, the proposed constitution and by-laws were read, carefully studied and approved. It is worthy of note that this constitution survived until 1959, when it become necessary to make some changes. One must recognize however the purposes of the club have remained essentially the same and read as follows
- A. To Create and stimulate interest in the G.S.P.
- B. Encourage better breeding
- C. To hold Bench Shows and promote Field Trial participation
- D. To assist new owners in the training and development of his dog.
- E. Create interest in the club and it’s established social events
- F. To maintain all elements of good sportsmanship
- G. To promote and publicize the breed
SOURCE MATERIAL:
- Clark Lemley M.D. From the GSP Club of Michigan History Booklet.
- Ona V Dakota: GSP Activities, GSPCA Breeders Committee, Editor: George J. Ruediger, 1953
- Photos: Cle and Shirley Carlson. GSP News. Years: 1960 - 1970 Publications.