Part of Lenape’s early public education effort was Starr Hayes’ brainchild, The Golden Nugget Drill Team. The tradition started with simply beer and pretzels, but over time evolved into a terrific covered dish dinner get-together. It was at this event that we also started our tradition of holding a tailgate party after the test. We quickly applied to GRCA for acceptance, and within 30 days of getting our GRCA recognition, we did, indeed, hold our first WC/WCX test at the home of Leslie Dickerson with the use of a pond on a nearby property. Then we held our B matches to get AKC sanctioning. The first event we hosted was a “fun” WC/X test.

This was needed in order to become recognized by the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) and be able hold a WC/X test. We adopted our constitution and bylaws, and set about fulfilling the requirements needed to become a club sanctioned by the AKC. In June 1978, we had our first official meeting-once again at the Plusch home. So “Lenape” came from the Lenape Indians who once inhabited the Delaware & Lehigh Valleys here in PA. The idea was that if all members felt strongly about the health and well-being of the dogs, then the fact that our interests within the breed might be diverse, the COE would be our common bond.īu the way, we started out trying to be the “East Penn GRC,” but AKC wanted a more particular geographical name. We might have been the first GRC to have a code of ethics as a condition of membership (but I can’t be sure).

Only a GRC could host a WC/WCX test.ĭuring the winter of 1977 we put together the proposed constitution and bylaws and a code of ethics. There was a need for a club between the areas served by Potomac in MD and Garden State in NJ.Īlso, this was a time before the advent of hunt tests & it was doggone difficult to find a WC/WCX test. At that time, Golden Retrievers were becoming very popular, but there was no GRC in Pennsylvania then except for Pittsburgh. It was an intentionally small group of people: myself, Anne & Herman, Fred & Peg Suter, Bill Prentiss, Ralph Permar, Leslie Dickerson. Our HistoryĪ group of us started meeting at the home of Anne & Herman Plusch in the winter of 1977. To learn more about us, visit our pages, contact us via e-mail. We look forward to meeting you and your Golden! We would love for you to attend our next meeting and participate in a few events to enhance your life and that of your dog. Educational seminars, obedience, rally and field trials, match and CCA events, and other activities fill our schedule. We hold an annual health clinic and a specialty show. Whatever members’ interests or activities are, all members share a love of Golden Retrievers and willingly share their time and expertise to nurture new enthusiasts and improve the breed.Īs important as our work with Goldens is to us, we enjoy social gatherings such as picnics, holiday parties, and fun events for our Goldens. Some have Goldens only as pets while others participate in the show ring, obedience and rally trials, agility, field trials, tracking, search and rescue, and many activities in between. Our members are involved in the many facets of this versatile breed, and participate at different levels of activity. The Lenape Golden Retriev er Club comprises Golden Retriever enthusiasts living in and around Central/South Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.

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