There is very little
documentation available at this time about when Tampa Bay Bulldog Club was
first organized. A few documents have been pieced together to provide this bit
of history.
There
is some evidence that the club was founded in 1982.
The
first club president was Elsie Powers, vice-president was Charlie Bains, and
the secretary was Kitty Pike.
The
first club newsletter was created in January 1983, with Jim Smith and Bruce
Lorenzen listed as staff editors.
In
the first issue, a list of the Best In Show dogs was listed for the Florida
Circuit of dog shows, but there were no bulldogs listed.
During
this time of its early development, TBBC business meetings were held at the
homes of various club members along with a potluck dinner.
The
May 1983 for the first time a meeting was held in Tampa at the Expressway Inn,
which no longer exists. Potluck dinners remained a primary feature of each
business meeting.
In
July 1983, a fun match was held in Edward Minard Park at Plant City. Carol
Columbo and Rae Rider were the food coordinators, and Sam Steding was the match
chairman. This was also where the regular July 1983 club meeting was held. Rita
Phethean was the judge for this match.
In
the December newsletter, the first TBBC logo was published. The logo was revised
in October 1984.
The
new officers for 1984 were announced: President: James (Ed) Pike;
Vice-President, Jim Lovett; Secretary, Sam Steding; Treasurer, Jim Smith;
Three-year Board Member, Rae Rider; Historian, Kathy Hoppstadter; Newsletter
Editor, Sam Steding.
Information compiled by Bev Robinson