The History of the Lima RBA
The following is a copy of an article found in "American Small Stock Farmer", March 1966 issue written by Vern N. GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIMA RABBIT & CAVY BREEDERS ASS'N, INC. By: Vern N. Ashton
In 1916 Mr. John C. Fehr of Indianapolis, Indiana was asked if he would come to Lima, Ohio and organize a Rabbit Club. He answered and told us if we could get 45 head of rab
bits for him to register he would be very glad to come. We contacted every rabbit breeder in this area and we had 45 head of rabbits. The breeds were Rufus Red Belgian Hares, New Zealand Reds, Chinchilla and Flemish Giants. Most breeders raised Flemish Giants in this area. Gray and Steel Gray being the most popular. Mr. Fehr registered 42 of the 45 and then we had the meeting to organize. Fehr gave us some very good advice on raising rabbits, disqualifications and etc. He then organized the Lima Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association. We elected President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and five Directors, with 17 members. Fehr then gave us a demonstration on how one judges rabbits,it was very interesting, we were all eyes and ears. We held our first rabbit shows with the Poultry Association. I won two firsts on a Steel Buck and Doe. In 1917 had my own coop made so I could show. I still have the ribbons. In 1921 the breeders thought we should have our own register, they asked me to take the job. I told them that I did not want it as I wanted to keep my friends. I said that if I did take the job I would be very particular and would no doubt lose some. The officers signed up for me to become a registrar, paid for my license and presented it to me. You know I did lose some friends but not for long. I drove 50 miles one time to register 22 Chinchillas. I did not register one. That breeder was so mad, I said what are you mad about, I drove 50 miles and got nothing for it. I always thought that registration was very important, you keep your breeders registered and you will get better prices for your breeders and young from these breeders. In 1925 the Club bought my first Judges License. This had a lot to do with me raising and judging rabbits all these years. We have always had a very good association and in 1924 we put on the National Convention Show. E. A. Enslen was Secretary and I was Supt. The National Association at that time was known as the National Breeders & Fanciers Association. At this Convention the name was changed to American Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Association. Ellis Delancey, President; Mr. J. S. Bales, Vice President; Mr. Weygandt, Secretary; Miss N. M. Flaherty, Treasurer and the Board consisted of the Officers and H. B. Swalley and Mr. Fehr. Some of the old timers will remember this Convention very well and also the Norval Hotel, boy what a time. Some of you breeders may be interested in the breeds that were entered in this Convention. We had 901 head entered including 72 Cavies with 183 exhibitors. Number
Shown Breed
19 American Blue & White
23 Black & Tans
61 Refus Red Belgian Hares
17 Champagne D'Argents
45 Checkered Giants
17 Giant Chinchillas
55 Standard Chinchillas
54 Dutch
21 English
60 Lt. Gray Flemish
60 Steel Flemish
34 Sandy Flemish
33 Black Flemish
25 Blue Flemish
22 White Flemish
30 Havanas
18 Himalayans
2 Polish
1 Black Siberian
30 Silvers
120 New Zealand Reds
10 New Zealand Whites
Well things have changed in 50 years very few Lt. Gray, Steel, Gray and Blue Flemish Giants are shown any more. I remember very well when the Standard Chinchillas had very large classes and in 1917 and 18 was the Belgian Hair boom and the classes were very large and very good prices were paid for breeders. We have held 41 rabbit shows since 1924 convention and our Club has always had good meetings with very little trouble, 52 members being the largest membership, we now have 16 members. I am the only charter member in the Club and the only member in Lima that raises rabbits in the city. Most of you know the reason, restrictions. Rabbits make a very good 4-H project and very good hobby for the retired. This article has taken me back several years and I hope you have enjoyed reading it.
