60 YEARS YOUNG!

The 2005 AU Convention will mark the 60th annual National Ladies Auxiliary’s meeting. The NLA was instituted in October, 1944, in Milwaukee, WI.

Our object was to promote local auxiliaries, to maintain a bond of cooperation and good will between our parent organization (ARPU) and the National Ladies Auxiliary, to provide our members opportunities for friendship and entertainment, to assist financially the local Auxiliary of the Convention City and to encourage the attendance of women at the ARPU Convention. To share the deep sincere interest in the racing pigeons and the wonderful sport and hobby of our husbands, fathers, brothers, sons (today our daughters) and may it continue to grow.

The National Ladies Auxiliary began with a foundation of seven auxiliaries and $100.00 donated by the ARPU for working capital. In 1955, there were twenty-seven auxiliaries functioning and taking part in all activities of the NLA. In 1969, there were twenty-nine auxiliaries with 508 members.

In 1995, there were 16 auxiliaries and 234 members. In 2004, the number of auxiliaries has shrunk to the original number of seven with 42 members and 31 individual members.

Time passes and things change. What the NLA lacks in numbers, it has gained in foresight. Five years ago, the ladies of the NLA (especially Barb Dumak, Paula Gardner, Nancy Bass and Donna Lipski) decided to bet on the future of our youth (and those not so young), thus creating a scholarship fund. With the aid of the ARPU, generous pigeon fliers and hard working NLA members, we have been able to “start small and keep growing” the Scholarship Fund.

Please come join us as we look forward to another 60 years of friendships, helping dreams come true and supporting the Sport of Racing Homing Pigeons.

Barbara Ann Tomlinson, Historian and Souvenir Book Chairman