Club Minutes: Sandy Spring Pigeon Club, 1910-1913

11. July 8, 1910.

We adjourned from Gilpins to begin our second round at Jack Bentleys. The attendance was smaller than usual but the meeting was not lacking in interest. After reading the minutes, the secretary presented the long looked for letter from Mr. Hicks. The gentleman seems quite anxious to assist us, and the secretary was instructed to call on him as soon as possible.

A motion to elect an assistant secretary being adopted, Prior Johnson was elected to that office. On advice from the special committee appointed to wait on William Cook, the club declared his place vacant. To secure a more equal distribution of magazines, the secretary was instructed to open a list, those failing to return the magazines promptly being assessed five cents and expected to transfer these directly.

The secretary submitted his report as treasures, which was audited and approved, Robt Wetherald succeeding to that office.

Three interesting papers were read, "How to Select Youngsters"Prior Johnson.- "The Squab from The Egg to Four Weeks"- H. Shoemaker "Four Weeks to Six Months"- Geo. Marshall.

The first question was asked by a guest, Robert Lea of Lawrence, Miss., "What nest boxes are used by club members"- Mostly boxes. Mr. Lea advised double nest boxes adjoining with sliding bottoms.

How can we cure poor feeders? Feed twice a day or sparingly.

Shall I save small thin squabs that are nest mates for breeders? If a better flock is wanted, no; large squabs are the ones that make the most profitable breeders.

Had I better keep a straight breed or is it well to do any crossing? If you have only a little time for them, stick to one breed; if you can give them strict attention careful crossing will help inform the out put of squabs.

Should new wheat be fed pigeons? It is another doubtful practice, but club members have had little direct experience.

Crushed corn is quoted 85 [cents] & 90 [cents]. Corn grinder was assigned to Douglas Gilpin; papers, "Carneaux Pigeons"- Edward Snowden. "For- no- means"- Fred. Stabler. Adjourned to Brighams.

12. July. 22, 1910.

We adjourned from Bentleys, to meet at Brighams, Vice Pres. Stabler presiding. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and adopted. It was moved and voted to make a fine of five

cents for each failure to deliver the corn grinder on time and also that it cannot be borrowed for more than a week at a time of the party in charge. A committee consisting of Stanley Wetherald, Ed. Janney, and Jack Bentley were appointed to see what the Horticultural Society was prepared to offer us in their exhibitions. Two interesting articles were read from the National Squab Mag. It was suggested that we keep a list of pigeon men with whom we deal and whether or not they give satisfaction. We are also to plan for exhibits at Rockville Fair and make arrangements at our next meeting.

The most interesting question was whether or not to feed wheat in the straw. We believe it will do no harm and if not enough feed is obtained this way, would feed other grain beside.

Papers for next time assigned to Hallet Stabler and Robert Wetherald; papers by Edward Snowden and Fred. Stabler postponed. Adjourned to George Marshalls.

13. Aug. 5, 1910.

We adjourned to George Marshalls from Brighams, July 28. Pres. Bentley calling the meeting promptly to order. In the absence of the secretary, the papers were first read, " Carneaux" by Ed. Snowden and a paper, "Feeding" by Hallet stabler, which he sent nothing

able to come himself. The secretary then read the minutes of the last meeting. The Rockville Fair was discussed and an entry decided upon, the secretary to report to the next meeting. Questions were as follows. " What to do for feathers out on neck"- no certain remedy except to let them grow.

"What to do for looseness of bowels in a young and healthy pigeon." Venetian red in drinking water is recommended highly. Several of our members had been campers but they all came to the conclusion that on Friday night there was no place like the club for them, so the attendance as usual was good. We then adjourned to meet at Edward Janneys.

14. Aug. 20, 1910.

Having adjourned from George Marshalls Aug. 5, we met at Tuck Janneys, our meeting being postponed by the Executive Committee from the 19th owing to the public affair at Wetherolds. The action of the committee was approved and the minutes read and adopted. The name of Jack Shoemaker for membership was submitted and referred to the executive committee for action. We then discussed the matter of entries for the Rockville Show and read a list of pigeons available. Mr. Hicks' letter was read but we

decided to enter as a club instead of as individuals, Mr. O H. Saunders, late of the Maryland Agricultual College was a guest as were several of the fairer sex later in evening, Did someone say "get out"? Oh, no, none of us could be so rude. Questions; " How can I start my Mondaines to laying." Some suggested annis seed; some just -- wait! "Is it necessary to have drinking water beside bath water?" This was answered by a return question, "Would you like to drink your bath water Mr. Pigeon keeper? Now honestly, would you?" "What can we do for rats?" The same old [?] move your nests, use poision, them watch and pray. Vice pres. Stabler then adjourned the club to meet at Pryor Johnsons after he had decided to discuss Jacobins at our next meeting and Pryor had been requested to have a list of pigeon books to look over next time". 15. Sept. 13, 1910. An account of the Rockville Show, our meeting at Pryor Johnsons was postponed to Saturday night. We first took up our returns from the Fair; the Sandy Spring Pigeon Club made a clean sweep, taking five firsts, of which George Marshall took two, with additional "third" to his credit. Homers, Mondaines, Dragons, and Jacobins were represented. [Shows?] that we have broken the ice; we are set for good exhibit next year