Foundation
of
Upstate Cocker Spaniel Club
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The story of the Upstate Cocker Spaniel Club begins in 1940, when
a small group of local cocker breeders in Central New York came
together to form a club that would serve that specific area.
Among the club's founders and charter members were Ted and
Clara Richards, Frank and Swissabelle Fiore (Frank was a judge
during the 1970's and early 1980's), Lewellyn and Agnesbelle Moore,
Isabelle Phister,Marion and David McGibbon, and Harold Tuck.
The club got off to a great start and held its initial specialty show
in conjunction with a local all-breed club. However, activities had to
be suspended very quickly due to the war, and the next specialty show
was not held until 1946.
After that, speciality shows continued to be held in conjunction
with all-breed events until 1970, when we hosted our first
independent specialty. From then until 1997 we continued this
annual November event that proved to be a most popular venue for
Cocker fanciers.
In 1989, Upstate hosted the American Spaniel Club's 10th Summer
National in Syracuse, New York.
By far, the most renowned kennel names associated with our club
is the Dur-Bet prefix of Elizabeth Durland. Betty moved to the
Syracuse area in 1959 and very quickly became an active club member.
She served as our Show Chairman for many years, while producing
over 100 champion Cockers and spearheading the drive for better
health and health documentation in the breed. She was also Show
Chairman for the Summer National hosted here. Betty was honored in
2004 with induction the American Spaniel Club Hall of Fame for her
service to the organization.
Betty's influence has caused Upstate to be very health-oriented.
We have held annual eye clinics since early 1970's, and also hosted
blood screening clinics. The early ASC Health Registries were very
much supported by the club, with members providing the manpower to
help collate information and proof-read the results.
The Upstate Cocker Club continues to thrive today. Our annual
Specialty show and Supported Day are now held with the
Leatherstocking Circuit in Syracuse, providing exhibitors with four
days of large Cocker entries and two Sweepstakes. We are a very
social club and our meeting are more like parties. We accomplish a lot,
while having a lot of fun.
The club looks forward to a long life.
The border drawing by Lynn Steele depicts Ch. Dur-Bet's Knight
To Remember and Ch. Dur-Bet's Pick The Tiger.