Actual organization of our Society took place at Akron, N.Y.,
on Sunday, June 29, 1952. This, however, was the culmination
of an idea which started about two years before.
In the summer of 1950 a small group of Morgan owners in and
around Buffalo succeeded in getting breeding classes at the Erie
County Fair at Hamburg. Five Morgan horses were shown, and
interest in Morgans in the Buffalo area was considerably
stimulated. There was some talk at the Fair of organizing a
Western New York club, but nothing was done about it.
When another year had rolled around and it came Fair time,
several Morgans had been added to those already owned in the
locality. the result was 15 Morgans at Hamburg and a great
increase in interest and activity for the breed. Here Mr.
Vincent J. Rogers of Williamsville, Mr. Philip A. Hess of Akron,
Mr. F. H. Eisenhard of Warsaw, and Dr. S. A. Gibson of Buffalo
talked of a local club.
When national Show time came along, some of the local boosters
decided to attend. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. Hess,
Mr. Howard Dobler and his daughter, Sharon , made the trip to
Vermont. Dr. and Mrs. Gibson had a house guest and were
unable to go.
En route the idea of an organized club really began to take
shape. The three men shared the same sleeping room at
Windsor, and they talked far into the night about a club, its
possible leaders, and what its activities should be. they
agreed that the club, if organized, should include the whole of
New York State. Mr. Rogers agreed to interview the leaders
of the National Morgan Club, as well as the editor of the Morgan
magazine, to enlist their support in putting over a successful New
York organization. This he did before the show was over, and
secured their wholehearted cooperation. The continued
support on the part of the Magazine in publishing items requested
has gone a long way towards making our club a success.
The first officers of the Society were: Vincent J. Rogers,
president; Mrs. S. A. Gibson, recording secretary; Mrs. Ayelien W.
Richards, corresponding secretary; and Philip A. Hess, treasurer.
Mr. Earl D. Langley was subsequently made vice-president.
Meetings have been held in most sections of the State.
meeting places are planned to make it possible for people of
different areas to attend. Attendance at these gatherings
runs between 65 and 75. Members are welcome to bring their
friends.
1957 saw, to a large extent, the fruition of our dreams of a
complete Morgan division of performance classes in the horse show
at the Erie County Fair at Hamburg. the same was true at the
Syracuse State Fair. Well-filled classes of high-quality
Morgans made a lasting impression on the spectators and went a
long way towards putting our favorite breed more firmly on the map
in New York State.
The 1958 show season added new laurels to the growth and
interest in Morgans in New York State. At the Erie County
Fair entries ran well over 70 Morgan horses, a new high which
exceeded in number any other breed. The Fair has been an
excellent barometer of the steady growth of the Morgan Horse
throughout the state.
The 1959 show season is almost at hand. Classes for
Morgans are springing up in shows all over the state, and all
signs point to another record-breaking year for our favorite
breed.
You will see by the new name on this year's book cover
that we are now an incorporated society. All credit goes to
President Bill Hoefen, who accomplished practically single handed
what others over a period of years have tried without success.
Bill's devotion to the club and his capable direction are worthy
of our sincere thanks.
The friendly feeling among our club members, the desire on the
part of all to work for the common good, and the spirit of
camaraderie stand out in a most satisfying way. The future
looks bright, both for an increasingly successful club, and for
its purpose, the advancement of our beloved Morgans.
Vincent J. Rogers
