August 4, 1939
The Daily Journal Capital
Microfilm Roll: MN00301
On this day in Osage country, The Daily Journal-Capital published an article on the Osages’ involvement in the 1939 World Poultry Congress.
A group of Osages attended the Seventh World Poultry Congress meeting held in Cleveland, Ohio. The event took place from July 28 through August 7. Although the primary reason for the Osages’ attendance to the conference is not clearly stated, throughout their stay the Osages spent at least part of their time entertaining the crowds. According to the article, attendance ranged anywhere from 31,000 people, on the rainiest days, to over 100,000 people after the bad weather ceased. The guests were enthralled with the “Indian camp” and, when weather permitted, gathered to watch the Osages dance. At one point, it was estimated that over 10,000 visitors had gathered to watch the dances. According to C.C. Roberts, who lead the Pawhuska group, the Osages dances were even “broadcasted over a nationwide network.” Also during their visit, the Indians hosted a dinner for many of the prominent attendees. The “Indian feast” was composed of delicacies like “Indian corn, squash, squaw bread,” and more (Osage Group). Names of prominent guests included, Mayor Harold H. Burton of Cleveland, Dr. Arthur Horn, secretary of central agriculture society of Hungary, and Dr. A. Gigi, president of the University of Bologna, Italy.
Created in 1912, the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA) made the decision to devise an international gathering in which poultry scientists, industrialists, and enthusiasts from around the globe could meet and exchange ideas. The first international gathering, better known as the World Poultry Congress, was scheduled to take place in 1916. However, the convention was delayed until 1921 because of The Great War. From the 1920’s to the mid 1950’s the World Poultry Congress occurred every three years. Since 1954, however, the Congress has been held every four years and continues today. The next World Poultry Congress is scheduled to be held in Paris, France, in the year 2020.
Morgan M. Guzman
“Osage Group at Poultry Congress.” The Daily Journal-Capital. August 4, 1939, p. 2. Microfilm roll number MN00301. Sequoyah National Research Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Further Reading
Heuser, G. F. “To the Members of the World’s Poultry Science Association.” Cambridge University. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-review-of-poultry-science/article/to-the-members-of-the-worlds-poultry-science-association/C7B75A7B8028F3105B21474A623BCE07 Date accessed April 16, 2018.
“Osage Indians Play Hosts to Dignitaries with Feast at World Poultry Congress.” The Daily Journal-Capital. August 6, 1939, p. 1. Microfilm roll number MN00301. Sequoyah National Research Center, Little Rock, Arkansas.
“World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) Records.” United States Department of Agriculture. https://specialcollections.nal.usda.gov/guide-collections/worlds-poultry-science-association-wpsa-records Date accessed April 16, 2018.
“World’s Poultry Science Association.” WPSA. http://www.wpsa.com/index.php/2014-01-14-13-31-25/history-and-objectives/history Date accessed April 16, 2018.
