History of the American Dove Association In December of 1971, a group of men gathered at the home of Teno Vande Water. They all had one thing in common, the desire to do something more for doves and people interested in dove keeping. They all agreed a club should be formed and the "Great Lakes Dove Breeders Association" was formed. Officers were elected and work started on forming a constitution, setting dove standards and letting everyone know of the new club. Their first ad went into the American Pigeon Journal and membership started to climb. As membership grew, it was quickly decided a new name was needed. They were outgrowing the area, with members from all over the country. The "American Dove Association" was adopted.
Steadily growing from the first meeting, the A.D.A. now has some 400 members from the U.S. and Canada, as well as many other countries. Each member gets a Membership Directory and Breeders Directory, listing with names, addresses and contact numbers. A great resource for help and friends both local and nation wide. The membership package also contains: the A.D.A. Constitution, the Standard for Ringneck Doves, the Standard for Diamond Doves, drawings of a Ringneck and Diamond Dove ready for framing, copies of DoveLine newsletter and order information for bands, books and things offered through the club.
Back in the 1950,s we had two colors of Ringneck Doves, white and fawn. To think the A.D.A. has seen Ringneck mutations grow from seven to thirty five recognized colors at present. With some of their good members to thank for many of these new birds. For example, Dr. Wilmer Miller of Ames, Iowa, who has greatly helped in bringing the dove world further along. We have many members to think of and thank for their hard work on dove keeping and color mutations as well as getting the A.D.A. on its feet.
Many members have also been active writing guides and articles passing along information to the new and experienced fancier alike. Art Medler was Publicity Director for the A.D.A. and produced a fine booklet on the care of the Ringneck Dove. He and LeRoy Reed also wrote many articles for the A.D.A. bulletin and the American Pigeon Journal, helping to stimulate interest in doves.
In October of 1973 the club held the first dove show with the National Young Bird Show in Louisville, KY. Membership had grown to ninety by this time with many attending, showing 65 doves to be judged by Orman Forcht. Roger Baker was the first Grand Champion with a young wild hen. The show was such a success that it was decided that it would become a yearly event. Now the show is a much looked forward to migration of dove lovers and breeders alike to Louisville each Fall. Walking into the Halls, you will be overwhelmed by the thousands of pigeons and hundreds of doves being shown. Everyone is there because they Love Doves. What better way to expand your knowledge and maybe collection, by talking to others and seeing the many varieties and mutations available.
Through the years bands to fit doves were hard to find. In 1976 the club was able to get and offer a "dove" band. They now offer bands for Ringneck and Diamond doves. The bands are A.D.A. identified, with the year and consecutive numbering, and records kept on who purchased them. The bands are seamless and of good quality.
One of the best benefits of the association is the news letter, "Dove Line". A bi-monthly news letter filled with great information for the beginner and experienced dove fancier alike. You'll find letters and articles about doves and dove keeping, advertisements on products and services related to doves, classifieds for members and updates on new members. Believe me, you will look forward to its arrival as much as I do. Putting together and maintaining the DoveLine is a huge undertaking. As Secretary-Treasurer, Rita Courtney was instrumental in its development and the club is very lucky to benefit from her experience and hard work. Then Kathy Hildreth, along with her husband Charles, were handed the reigns of the newsletter. They worked tirelessly shaping the DoveLine and answering many of the questions posted to Q&A. It is also through their foresight and hard work that the A.D.A. entered into the cyber-world. The A.D.A. now hosts a wonderful web page which can be reached at: [http://www.doveline.com]. Their e-mail is: [secretary@doveline.com] or call them at 1-812-923-3483. The web site is managed & hosted by member, Wade Oliver. I (Jeff Downing) am currently the editor of the DoveLine.
I urge you to consider joining the American Dove Association! Your help and support would be greatly appreciated by fellow dove keepers and lovers, and I think you will find the contacts and benefits well worth your effort and support. Just follow their link! It's easy, fun and full of valuable information. Your doves will love you all the more for it.
Jeff Downing
The American Dove Association Home Page! You Should Join Today!!