During the past weekend, Aki, Kim, Meghen, and many other Welsh Springer people visited the estate sale of Mr. Francis P. Fretwell. Mr. Fretwell was owner of Monfret Kennels in Greenville, which bred champion standard Poodles. Mr. Fretwell also was former president and governor of the Poodle Club of America and the Italian Greyhound Club of America, according to his obituary.
His estate's library was claimed to house the largest privately-owned collection of dog books in the world. The estate selected the weekend of the Greenville dog show for the sale, which seems like something that Mr. Fretwell would have approved, given the congregation of gundog lovers at his former home.
His estate's library was claimed to house the largest privately-owned collection of dog books in the world. The estate selected the weekend of the Greenville dog show for the sale, which seems like something that Mr. Fretwell would have approved, given the congregation of gundog lovers at his former home.
Kim picked up a signed first edition from George "Bird" Evans among numerous other treasures. Some of the dog books, including training books, were copywrited in the late 1800s and early 1900s and had interesting photos to match the elegant writing of the time. There were beautiful gundog prints, trophies from bygone hunting tests and trials, gundog magazines and carefully archived newspaper articles.
Aki says it was overwhelming, but that it was also a fascinating glimpse of the old gundog world. The photos, prints, and stories are a gentle reminder that our own beloved campaigners too soon become part of this receding past.
Aki says it was overwhelming, but that it was also a fascinating glimpse of the old gundog world. The photos, prints, and stories are a gentle reminder that our own beloved campaigners too soon become part of this receding past.
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