History of
The Midwest Homing Pigeon Association
The organization was conceived in 1947 and named the
MIDWEST RACING PIGEON ORGANIZATION in 1948. Organizers
were from Racine and Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the Twin
cities in Minnesota. Dues were 25 cents per member.
First President - Henry Wells, Racine
Secretary/Treasurer - Syl Lipski, Milwaukee
Publicity director - Ed Jankowski, Milwaukee
Membership in 1948 was 1,197 members. The race was
called the MID-CONTINENT 500-Mile CLASSIC OF CLASSICS.
First race was liberated on June 12, 1948 from Ft.
Scott, Kansas. The birds were shipped to the race on the
Rock Island Railroad. They were shipped on Thursday
night at 11:30 pm and arrived in Fort Scott on Friday
night at 10:45 pm. All master timers were set to Western
Union time.
The first annual conventions were one day affairs
consisting of an annual meeting, a pigeon show and
banquet. The name changed to Midwest Homing Pigeon
Association in 1965. The release point was changed to
Holiday Inn parking lot in Topeka KS.
Later, fees were increased to 50 cents and awards were
given consisting of diplomas; and trophies awarded by
Kaytee feeds of Chilton WI. In the 1980’s the
conventions were expanded to the three day events as we
currently have.
In 1990 we moved to the Kansas Expocentre. At the 1990
convention Ed Schmidt moved to make the Kansas
Expocentre an honorary member of our association, and an
engraved plaque awarded. In 1991, the County Board of
Commissioners of Shawnee County KS proclaimed that the
last Saturday in June will be Midwest Homing Pigeon
Association ‘liberation day’ at the Kansas Expocentre.
Over the years the race has grown from 2000 birds to as
many as 7000 birds, and up to 17 states competing.
There have been many people associated with keeping this
race a highlight of national competition in the Midwest.
Don Meier will long be remembered as the president from
1986 until he passed away. He was assisted by Brian Neal
as race secretary/treasurer and Gary Lunzer as
publicity.
We now have new officers, a Board of Directors, and
section secretaries working to carry on the tradition of
this great event.
|