ABOUT THE CLUB

In April of 1960, The Franciscan Silver Fanciers Club was founded by a group of CFA Silver Persian breeders, as a Silver Persian Specialty Club devoted to the exquisite and ethereal Silver Persian. Some of the Charter members included: CFA Judge Wayne Park, Doris Weston of Walnut Hill, Grace Over of Gray-Ivy, Vivian Peterson of Beverly-Serrano. On April 10th, 1960, the very first meeting as held at the home of Doris Cook, in Albany, California.

Quarterly meetings were social affairs, as luncheons were hosted in rotating members' homes. The club did not organize any Cat Shows, but they did sponsor Long Hair rings and Silver Specialties awarding the top Silver Persian in Championship. Initially a trophy of statue of St. Francis was awarded to the highest scoring Silver Persian. This trophy was kept by the winner for the following year, but was to be surrendered to the next winner, at the next specified show.

This tradition continued for a number of years and we do not know what happened to the trophy, but modern day Franciscans carried on the tradition of awarding the top scoring Silver Persian in Championship. Eventually as Golden Persians were accepted into Championship in 1977, they too were eligible to win and later Silver Exotics were also voted eligible to win. The awards were also expanded to include the top scoring Kitten and top scoring Silver and Golden in Premiership.

Today we award gorgeous, over the top rosettes to the three top scoring Silver and Golden Persian and Silver and Golden Exotic in the Kitten class and Championship and the two top scoring in Premiership.

Vintage 1980s photo of Sally Daniels and Bette DeSharon sitting and Marta Wacek and Pam Hill standing.

Additional members of yester-year include Linda Lee Akin of Gold Hill, Joyce Hill of Sanskrit, Dee Single of Dee-J, Sue Hinkle of Fairisles to name a few. The tradition of meeting quarterly at the home of a member lives on, although we do meet from time to time at a centrally located restaurant for a lovely Sunday brunch as our membership spans a large portion of central California.

The late Bette DeSharon of Fanciluvs bequeathed the club a sizable nest egg, which enabled us to sponsor our first show in 2004. Our second show was held April 2005, and our next show will be held in March 2007. Thanks to Bette, this legacy together with the help of the membership allows us to donate generously to various animal welfare groups. We hope everyone will join us for a great time and wow the judges with many beautiful Silver and Golden Persians and Exotics. Please save the date, you are not going to want to miss the show!!

The specific objectives of the Franciscan Silver & Golden Fanciers club/organization are outlined in our Constitution and Bylaws and are as follows:

1. To encourage the improvement and promotion of pedigreed cats as published in The Cat Fancier's Association, Inc., Show Standards, specifically for the following:

a. The various color classes in the Silver and Golden Division of the Persian Breed; and

b. The above same color classes for the Exotic Breed, as published for the Silver and Golden Persian Division.

2. To share knowledge and promote the interests of breeders and exhibitors of the above pedigreed cats. This includes, but is not limited to, advocating the evolution of CFA Show Standards for the above-specified breeds.

3. To produce and sponsor exhibits, educational materials and special honors relative to the above specific breeds.

4. To support and promote the welfare of all cats.

5. To promote sportsmanship and friendship among all cat fanciers.

To this end, we hope this website serves to educate, promote and generate interest in our beloved and exquisitely beautiful Silver and Golden Persians and Exotics. Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting our website and please drop us a note with any questions or concerns you might have.

The Franciscan Silver and Golden Fanciers would like to thank the following people for contributing various articles and photographs for the benefit of the website and our beloved Silver and Goldens: Janice Reichle of Diadem, Tracy Smith of Simbakui, Pamela Martin of Castlepaws, Barbara Bosco of Castlegate, Shirley Crawford of Sanmar, Elise Scafani of Jade River, Herma Wulff of Purrsatin and Diana Bowles of Lady Di. We welcome any and all interesting articles that may enhance everyone knowledge of our Silvers and Goldens; please drop us a note on the contact page.