ISCM – Club History

The Irish Setter Club of Michigan was organized in 1944 under the direction of Dr.

Howard Pierce and with the support of the other charter members, Ronald Marco, John

Procobb, Elmer Olmstead, Duncomb MacInnes, Dr. Arthur Erkifitz and Wilfred

Kennedy.  The first name chosen for the club was the Midwest Irish Setter Club, but

after considering the large territory it would encompass, it was finally decided to

incorporate under the name of “The Irish Setter Club of Michigan.” (ISCM)

In 1945 our first Specialty show was held in conjunction with several other local breed

and obedience clubs and was quite a success.  In 1946, after a second successful

Specialty, some of the members lost interest when Dr. Pierce and Mr. Kennedy passed

away.  With their passing the club lost two of its most eager and enthusiastic

supporters.  The meetings at that time were held at the member’s homes and were

carried on with a mere handful of members.  These loyal Irish Setter fanciers kept the

club in existence, often thinking that it was not worth the effort.  It took some time, but

finally their efforts started to show and the club began to get members.

In March 1947, the membership grew even larger when many of the member’s wives

were called upon to give a helping hand.  The women soon became interested in the

field and obedience classes and the other new activities that were being started.  Later

that same year, Mrs. Helen Duffesay was selected to be the first editor of the club

paper, and thus the “News and Views” was born.

The accomplishments of the 50’s and 60’s were outstanding.  As the club continued to

grow so did the breed.  The Irish Setter was living up to our club motto, “For Beauty”

(Show), “For Friendship” (Obedience), “For Use” (Field).  During these years Doggie

Day and the Puppy Match became an annual time for enjoyment.  Our Obedience drill

team was established and since has performed in schools, clubs, churches, parks and

St. Patrick’s Day parades.  We also began holding two Specialty Shows, an Obedience

Trial and two Field Trials yearly.

ISCM now holds AKC Hunting tests and had the honor of hosting the ISCA Walking

Events in 2020. We have also hosted Nationals in 1991 (the Centennial National), 2006,

2014 and assisted with the National in 2018 in Huron, Ohio.

The ISCM celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2019. The membership has climbed to a

count of around 100, and we continue to strive for the same success that we had in the

past.