Purebred Pigeon November/December 2022

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20 – Purebred PIGEON
Even in flight they have a different gate
to the snap of their wing. As for the color,
they are totally unique. As my Dad would
say, “...some have colors there are no name
for.” Probably the easiest way to categorize
them would be to say, no matter what color
you may have in your own loft, just add a
Smoke or slate equation to them. A blue
bar, blue check and a red check in a Trenton
would be and smokie or a slate. Even my solid
blacks are black smokes. In my opinion, a
good mahogany/plum velvet would be the
poster child for a True Trenton.
The Trentons still have a small
following. Some keep them for racing and
do quite well, others love their history,
and their unique qualities. Of course, I still
maintain our Trentons and hopefully will
continue to do so for years to come.
This year we have an active American Trenton Breeders member
who is hosting an All Trenton Five Year Challenge one loft race. This
unique series, a 300, 400 and 500 mile race will allow our Trentons to
be judged in competition the way they were bred for. Hopefully this
race will spark more of an interest for these amazing birds.
My thanks to Jimmy Schaberl for also maintaining, respecting,
and representing the Oshaben Trentons. I go back 60 plus years with
Jimmy. His Dad Ernie and my Dad were pigeon buddies back in the
early 1930s. His love and knowledge for
these birds are unequaled.
I am toward the end of my article,
and I am finally asking myself what was
the purpose of all my rambling? I have no
secrets, no tricks that could help in today’s
world of pigeon racing; I have no pills,
no powders, no potions to add to today’s
medication list that would already make
the Mayo Clinic envious!
There is a zero chance that I am
trying to start a Trenton renaissance. They
have had their day in the sun and their
place in history. Most handlers of today
would not benefit from the Trentons and
equally, our Trentons would not benefit
from today’s handlers. Like many of us
retirees, I guess I just felt like reminiscing.
One last thing – we have an incredibly unique hobby. We are
truly fortunate to have the guidance, assistance, and protection we
receive from the A.U., I.F. and National Pigeon Association pigeon
organizations. So, support those who support us!
For those of you that may have an interest in learning more
about our “First American Strain” please visit the American Trenton
Breeders web site at .
Thanks, Chuck Oshaben - True Trentons since 1938