Welcome!

Based on the recollections of Gerry Clinchy, a founding member

The Founding of the Club: 1977–1978

The Lenape Golden Retriever Club traces its beginnings to the winter of 1977, when a small group of Golden Retriever enthusiasts began meeting at the home of Anne and Herman Plusch. The founding group included Gerry Clinchy, Anne and Herman Plusch, Fred and Peg Suter, Bill Prentiss, Ralph Permar, and Leslie Dickerson. At the time, Golden Retrievers were growing in popularity, yet Pennsylvania had no Golden Retriever Club (GRC) outside the Pittsburgh area. The founders recognized the need for a club serving eastern Pennsylvania, filling the geographic gap between the Potomac Golden Retriever Club in Maryland and the Garden State Golden Retriever Club in New Jersey.

Another important consideration was the limited availability of Working Certificate (WC) and Working Certificate Excellent (WCX) tests. Before the introduction of hunt tests, only Golden Retriever Clubs could host WC/WCX events. Establishing a regional club would provide additional opportunities for owners to participate in these field evaluations.

Throughout the winter of 1977, the founders drafted a constitution, bylaws, and code of ethics. The code of ethics was particularly significant, requiring members to share a commitment to the health and well-being of Golden Retrievers regardless of their individual interests within the breed. Although it is uncertain whether Lenape was the first GRC to make a code of ethics a condition of membership, this principle became central to its founding philosophy. Initially proposed as the “East Penn Golden Retriever Club,” the organization adopted the name “Lenape” after the American Kennel Club (AKC) requested a more geographically distinctive name. The name honors the Lenape people who historically inhabited Pennsylvania’s Delaware and Lehigh Valleys.

Official Organization and Early Events: 1978

Lenape held its first official meeting in June 1978 at the Plusch residence, where members adopted the constitution and bylaws and began fulfilling AKC sanctioning requirements. This was a necessary step toward recognition by the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA), which would allow the club to host official WC/WCX tests. Lenape’s first event was an informal “fun” WC/WCX test, followed by B matches conducted as part of the AKC sanctioning process.

After receiving AKC sanctioning, Lenape applied for GRCA recognition. Within 30 days of receiving that recognition, the club held its first official WC/WCX test at Leslie Dickerson’s home, using a pond on neighboring property for the water portion. This event also launched a longstanding club tradition: the post-test tailgate gathering. What began with beer and pretzels gradually evolved into an elaborate covered-dish dinner that fostered fellowship among members and participants.

Public Education and the Golden Nugget Drill Team

Public education was an important part of Lenape’s early activities, particularly through the Golden Nugget Drill Team, conceived by member Starr Hayes. Promoting the message “A trained dog is a happy dog,” the team demonstrated the abilities of trained Golden Retrievers at nursing homes, store openings, Boy Scout and Girl Scout events, the Devon Horse Show, the Gaines Eastern Regional Championships in Philadelphia, the Sussex Kennel Club show, and the GRCA National Specialty on Long Island.

These performances gave members opportunities to interact with spectators, answer questions, and promote responsible Golden Retriever ownership. The club further supported public education through many years of participation in the Lehigh Valley Kennel Club’s Canine Learning Experience, where members staffed an informational booth. The drill team tradition continues in a different form through member Janet Krupp, who, according to Gerry Clinchy’s recent recollection, participates in an all-breed drill team.

The Development of Competitive Obedience: 1980–1987

Around May 1980, Lenape began organizing an obedience competition team. At the 1981 GRCA National Specialty, the club fielded the only entry in the obedience team competition. The format was so uncommon that, during a practice entry at the Berks County Dog Training Club trial that summer, even the judges were uncertain about its procedures. At the National Specialty, judge Frank Valek offered the team valuable guidance on improving its performance. It was also suggested at the time that Lenape’s Golden Nugget Drill Team was the first all-Golden drill team to perform on Long Island.

By the 1987 GRCA National Specialty in Millbrook, New York, team obedience had gained considerable popularity. Lenape’s team, known as the “Red Men,” earned second place, reflecting the club’s growing experience and success in competitive obedience.

Expansion into Licensed Events: 1984–1990

As Lenape continued to develop, it achieved several important milestones in AKC events and field competition. In 1984, the club hosted its first A-OA match, followed by its first licensed independent specialty in 1988. In May 1990, Lenape held its first licensed hunt test, having previously conducted one sanctioned hunt test. These accomplishments reflected the club’s growth and its expanding commitment to providing opportunities in conformation, obedience, and field activities.

A Lasting Foundation

From a small gathering of Golden Retriever enthusiasts in 1977, Lenape developed into a club supporting fieldwork, obedience, conformation, public education, and responsible breed ownership. Its founders established an organization united by a shared code of ethics, a commitment to the health and well-being of Golden Retrievers, and a spirit of fellowship among members with diverse interests. The club’s early achievements and traditions laid the foundation for its continued growth and enduring contributions to the Golden Retriever community.

Historical Milestones at a Glance

Historical source: Recollections of Gerry Clinchy, a founding member of the Lenape Golden Retriever Club.