Ludlows & Chickens? Was I destined to own chickens and be part of BYC?

[Nifty-Chicken]

Ok, this is NUTS! At the "Pacific Poultry Breeders Association" poultry show in Stockton on Saturday I met a very nice gentleman. He's a 30-year 4-H Leader/Judge and Licensed ABA/APA Poultry Judge. He came up to me during the show and asked if I was related to the Ludlow that painted. Never heard of this before, so I did some Googling:

“J.W. Ludlow was an ornithological artist who apparently specialized in domestic birds. He illustrated several books published by Cassell and others between 1867 and 1886 on poultry and pigeons. His poultry illustrations are considered classics and are widely reproduced in posters today.”

http://www.georgeglazer.com/prints/nathist/birds/cassell/cassell.html

You'd think that within the past 3 years of running BYC that someone would have pointed that out before now?

Not like my last name is terribly common. I'll need to do some digging to see if I'm really related. Maybe being involved with chickens is in my blood, and since I don't have any artistic sense I guess running BYC was the next best thing?

 

[eggchel]

Very cool Rob!

Check your genealogy! Maybe you are a descendant.

 

[Mahonri]

yup, it's in your genes.

 

[Msbear]

I do believe our heritage plays a huge part in what we are "destined" to do. I've seen documentaries about twins seperated at birth and the similarities in their adult lifestyles is amazing to see.

My story: My grandfather raised and showed bantams and pigeons his entire life. He loved it and my father can remember people driving up to the farm every weekend to purchase birds or just chat chicken. I remember visiting the farm when I was a small child before my grandfather passed away. I spent every moment in the coops with him and even snuck out of bed at the crack of dawn to bundle up and join him in his December morning feedings.

I grew up on a farm and always knew I wanted that lifestyle. I cannot afford the land to make my dream come true but, when I got married and had children of my own, I began thinking about growing a garden and raising chickens for eggs and fertilizer.... and fun

right here in my own backyard. As I began the search for MY breed, I started coming across spectacular ornamental bantams. It was their beauty and a bit of nostalgia, that I knew the direction I wanted to go. Black Rosecombs were so striking and I knew they'd be gorgeous foraging in my yard. And, they happened to be my grandfathers favorite breed. I did not want hatchery quality, I wanted the very best. I began researching online and found a fella who ran the poultry shows in PA near where my grandfather lived. I contacted him and asked if he knew him... He did!! The next weekend I was driving north to meet with a breeder who was given his original rosecombs from my grandfather so he, in return, gave me my first birds. I now have the same line and everytime I see them, I smile. Oh. And now I have folks driving up to my house every weekend to buy birds or just chat chicken.

Rob, this must be exciting news! Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[Slywoody]

Nifty is famous!!!!!!

 

[Wynette]

 

[Hattie the Hen]

Hi Nifty,

I have been poking around some UK sites & have come up with these links about your (maybe) ancestor.

http://www.heatons-of-tisbury.co.uk/birds.htm

http://www.geraldsegasby.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=134

Good luck with your search!

Hattie

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
http://www.georgeglazer.com/prints/nathist/birds/cassell/cassell.html

You'd think that within the past 3 years of running BYC that someone would have pointed that out before now?
Not like my last name is terribly common. I'll need to do some digging to see if I'm really related. Maybe being involved with chickens is in my blood, and since I don't have any artistic sense I guess running BYC was the next best thing?

I can't believe I never though to google you!

Very cool art, I like the realism style. Certainly worth further research.

 

[debilorrah]

When I google Rob I get Raising Chickens for Dummies and his picture.

 

[smithzoo100]

Nifty, Now you have everyone googling you!!! I LOVE it & I am soooo happy that I got my book signed when I did

From experience, I can say that it is nice to find a genetic tie to what we do no matter how far back you have to go. My Mom's cousins in Iowa were so nervous to meet me and my sister when we went back there with her years ago since they were picturing Hollywood's portrayal of California girls. They were relieved that they got us instead (okay, those of you who know me can stop laughing now) and I FINALLY knew where the dirt in my blood came from.... LOL!! My more immediate family had no idea where I had come from and have never understood the way that I live or my critter addiction. I have to go back much further to find the horse connection, but it is there

Good luck in your search!! That's pretty...uh...Nifty!!

Okay, just had to do that cause it fit so nicely!!!! Btw, the OP of the Buckeye thread, Pathfinders, does genealogy if you get stuck.

Keep me posted on those eggs.... I just saw Choco walk by the window on her way to the pond so I am going to go check your eggs' siblings out!!!!!