show was on Wednesday with approximately 100 head and the state show was on Friday. The state show had 300 head in 1975 and 435 head in 1976. James Jorgenson won senior showmanship in 1975. In 1976, Alpha Clark III won both the district showmanship and state. The milk harvested from the show cows was sold and District VII received the income to keep them out of the red. Alpha Clark Jr. has been Premier Exhibitor and Premier Breeder the most times, with Lee’s Woodland Farm a close second. However, no one farm dominated the Grand Champion award, each breeder had their memorable year. In addition to Clydal Fury Bella exhibited by Alpha Clark Jr., McBain, winning three consecutive years, twenty-two years later, Jenesis Durham Kaylee exhibited by Tom and Jackie Barends, Fremont, also won champion honors three consecutive years in the mid 2000s. In 1987, Marylee Mark Magic exhibited by Mike Lee of Marion was the District VII Junior Champion, Junior Champion at the Michigan State Fair and went on to place 6th in her class at Madison. In 1981, Clydal Excellency Blacky was shown by Brian Clark of Sears. “Blacky” won District VII Grand Champion and went on to become the All-Michigan Grand Champion that year. The District VII Show was a family event. Initially, most families either camped or slept in the barn, allowing more time for fellowship. “Show” and “Picnic” were almost synonymous as initially they were always together. From 1984 thru 1992, the picnic was held at a host farm in August, then in 1993, it became part of the show again. Last year, the show was very well attended by spectators. Afterward, participants as well as spectators, all shared in the great meal prepared by Ebel’s. Until 2005, Junior activities were held the evening prior to the show coordinated by Linda Clark Sherman and Rosemary Stieg. A judging contest and name the cow parts for the little ones, was followed by a hot dog roast. How has the show changed over the years? The exhibitor number used to be on the white paper hat, not on a back tag or show harness. The district always provided free photos for class winners. Until 1984, professional photographers were hired and then Marlene Clark took the photos for many years. Some of you may remember the show program cover that the State Association provided, compliments of Michigan Animal Breeders Cooperative, forerunner of Northstar Select Sires, for all the district shows until 1993. It had the unique drawing of the Holstein cow with Michigan & the Great Lakes on her side, plus photos of the All-Michigan Show Champion and the District Grand Champions from the previous year. Inside the cover were more photos and information of
various schedules, events, distinguished individuals, etc. Each district then inserted their own program into this cover. Even though there were several breeders who frequented the District VII show, each developed their herd in their own unique way. Oftentimes, their stories would involve special purchases at the District VII Sale like in the following examples: KEN CASEBERE Ken and Mary Casebere purchased a Blackstar daughter at the District VII sale that was sold by Mierson Farms. She went on to become the Junior Champion two years in a row, 1990 and 1991. MIKE LEE & FAMILY They purchased three head at the District VII Sale in 1975 and 1976. These were initially 4-H projects and show animals that went on to be the foundation for cow families that excelled in type & production. Marylee Mark Liberty was Grand Champion in 1993, Marylee Pontiac Marvel was Grand Champion in 1994. Marylee Elva Marcel was the reserve Champion in 1977, but went on to become the 4th dam of BW Marshall. Lee’s Woodland Farm was Premier Exhibitor five times and Premier Breeder seven times. DICK LAPOE His first registered Holstein was a 4-H project heifer that he bought for $100. To raise the $100, he sold two Jerseys and his bicycle. LaPoe Farms had Grand Champion in 1977 with Lapoe Elevation Gwen, and 1978 with Lonsfarm Masterpiece Design. They were Premier Exhibitor in 1985 & 1986, also Premier Breeder in 1986. Filling the role of secy/ treas for the district, LaFern LaPoe showed amazing dedication. She did this for 22 years, from 19842006, clerking at the sales and shows as well.
Marylee Pontiac Marvel was Grand Champion in 1994 for the Mike Lee family. Lee’s Woodland Farm was Premier Exhibitor five times and Premier Breeder seven times of the District VII Show. SPRING 2016 | 15
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