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 History |
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CLUB HISTORY
THE EARLY YEARS....
Throughout the fall of 1973 a small group of dedicated individuals gathered at the house of Les and Myrt Edwards to discuss and learn of the northern dog. As more and more people came to join them at Arcadia Management Area, a definite need arose for some sort of organization. A club was formed and named the Narragansett Sled Dog Club.
The first officicial meeting was held on November 20, 1973. It was decided at this meeting that the club would serve to advance the interest in non professional sled dog racing in the Rhode Island area. Those present at the first meeting deserving recognition:
Sarah Ballou
Roberta Dinofric
Lester & Myrtis Edwards
Richard & Peggy Edwards
Hermas & Mary Knight
Donald & Alice Wright
Richard & Irene Labrie
William & Elaine Marx
Rusty & Donna Monroe
Marie Roy
Richard & Marge Vierra
It was decided starting in February 1974 that all meetings would be held at St. Paul's Church in Warwick, RI. The club officially incorporated January 24, 1974. The first sled dog race"exhibition" was held on February 3, 1974. Other events held the first year included breed and obedience competitions. Highlights also included sled dog clinics with Bob Dennison helping out, and Les and Myrt Edwards winning a championship race at the 50th anniversary of the New England Sled Dog Club in Pittsfield, New Hampshire.
On January 19, 1975 the first official race was held at the West Exeter Baptist Church. The Connecticut Valley Siberian Husky club competed against the NBSDC. Entry fees were one dollar per team, no charge for the one dog team. In May 1975, six new members were added to the club among those were Faye and Salt Philla who remain active officers in the club today.
- Taken from the club history by Sandy Lapire and Nancy Fanella club historians
The Formative Years
Throughout the 70's the club held races in conjunction with the South Shore and Connecticut Valley Siberian club. The January 23, 1977 race was covered by Television and radio in the Rhode Island area. In an ironic note, the club postponed its scheduled February 1978 meeting, due to the blizzard of '78. Some of the more notable race entrants in 1978, were Jerry LeVasseur, Edward Burke, Faye "Flash" Philla and Salt Philla. Membership continued on the rise and the club continued to hold races, exhibitions, and shows throughout the 80's.
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