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.