A History of NPA National Shows
Des Moines, Iowa By Rick Peters
1951, 29th Annual NPA Grand National
Quoting the February 1951 issue of the American Pigeon Journal, "Without doubt the Des Moines National Pigeon Show held January 10 to 14, 1951 was one of the most successful shows ever held in the history of the NPA. It was exceptionally well attended with fanciers from 39 states and total entries of more than 3000 pigeons. John F. Sandin of Des Moines as Show Superintendent and Bill O'Hare as Show Secretary, did outstanding work, and both with their corps of assistants, are to be congratulated on the splendid success of the show".
At this show the NPA dues were raised to $3.00 by unanimous vote. Master Breeder certificates were awarded to C.J. Deitz for Oriental Frills, Frank Hahn for Magpies, Ed & Carl Hirsch for White Kings. John F. Sandin was presented with the Levi Service Award. Hollmann Membership Award was presented to Harold Moise. Bill Pensom judged the Birmingham Rollers. Ray E. Gilbert was NPA President.
1952, 30th Annual NPA Grand National
The 1952 show was held January 10 - 13. This was a history making event where delegates from 16 Affiliate Clubs met with the NPA Executive Committee to make recommendations. Dr. Lynn Hummell suggested that the $5.00 affiliation fee was too much for the smaller clubs and suggested an affiliation renewal fee of $2.00. This was approved by the NPA Executive Committee. W.A. Evans, of the National Modena Club, requested that the Directors of the NPA give serious consideration to retaining the National Show in a central location. It was decided to return to Des Moines in 1953, but the Affiliate Clubs are to poll their members in regards to this request. It was requested that a financial statement of the NPA be published. 602 Kings were exhibited. There were 409 Russian (Bokhara) Trumpeters shown. J.J Keiffer judged the English Trumpeters.
1953, 31st Annual NPA Grand National
The 1953 show was held January 14 -18. Roy A. Sandin served as Show Secretary and Art Senn was the Show Superintendent. The show was held at the spacious Poultry Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Over 3300 birds were shown by 350 exhibitors from 40 states. 22 Specialty Clubs held meets with the show. J.J. Keiffer judged the 223 Modenas shown. Dr. Lynn Hummel describes his conversion to an NPA supporter due to the previous 3 shows held in Des Moines: 1) The sponsoring organization (the NPA) is an organization that impartially tries to promote the welfare of all the branches of the pigeon fancy; 2) This impartial support given by the NPA enables each specialty club to boost its breed of pigeons in a way that it would not be able to do without this support; 3) attendance at the show causes one to think in terms of the best interest of the whole pigeon fancy, rather than in terms of the welfare of only one breed, and 4) the NPA is attempting to act as a clearing house for information that is vital to the welfare of the entire pigeon fraternity. The NPA banquet was held at the Hotel Savory (still in operation in 2007) and was opened with Jack Turner and Dr. Lynn Hummel singing "The Lord's Prayer". Frank Hollmann spoke at the banquet.
1956, 34th Annual NPA Grand National
The 1956 show was held January 11 - 15. This is the first show held in the new Veterans Auditorium (which became the permanent site of the Iowa State Pigeon Association's Annual Show), just a few blocks from the host hotel, the Hotel Savory. The Sandin family continued as show organizers just as they had for the previous 3 National Shows held in Des Moines. There were 3575 entries from 40 states and Puerto Rico. 21 Specialty Clubs held meets with the show. Breed numbers were as follows: Kings - 520, Rollers - 430, Carneaux - 410, Modenas - 350, Giant Runts - 244, American Giant Homers - 234, Nuns - 152, Trumpeters - 126, English Pouters - 118, Fantials - 100. Clayton E. Lutes became the new President of the NPA, succeeding John F. Sandin. The main topic of the NPA meeting was on the matter of better service and lower express rates on pigeon shipments by the Railroad Express Agency. Master Breeder Awards were given to E.P. Atwood for African Owls, Norman High for Ice Pigeons, Edward Koehm for Carneaux. The Levi Service Trophy was awarded to Roy Sandin.
2007, 85th Annual NPA Grand National
The 2007 show was actually held December 7 - 9, 2006, in conjunction with the Iowa State Pigeon Association's 81st Annual Show. The show was held in the 110,400 square foot Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This is the GRANDEST SHOW VENUE in the United States and is home to the Iowa State Pigeon Association's Annual Show. 7450 birds were shown by 606 exhibitors (39 junior exhibitors). There were 50 specialty clubs hosting meets with this show. There were 225 open class birds not shown with specialty clubs. Show Secretary duties were shared between Jan Nyhus & Rick Peters. The item of most lasting significance at the NPA Board meeting was the formation of the NPA Standard Revision Committee. James & Pat Avery retired as long-time Secretary & Treasurer of the NPA. Steve & Noelle St.Claire took over the position. George Tyndall presided over the NPA. (See my show report elsewhere in this Quarterly for more show statistics)