Who We Are and Our History

 On September 11, 1983, the Delmarva Driving Club came into being with seven charter members:  Wirt Wolfe, Otis Marine, Ed Evans, Ronnie Phippin, Russell Owens, Richard Calhoun, and Bessie Walton.  They agreed that driving in a group was fun and that membership in the Club would be open to those who drove or were interested in horse-drawn vehicles.  A covered dish dinner or refreshments would follow each monthly drive.

In November the group was invited to provide carriage parade and ‘to hill-top’ in conjunction with the annual Blessing of the Hounds opening hunt ceremonies and the DDC continued to be a part of those festivities for years to come.

In December the first annual Christmas meeting was held, with Nutter Marvel hosting the event at his museum complex in Georgetown, Delaware.  Mr. Tom Ryder, editor of The Carriage Journal, was guest speaker, encouraging the group to attend and participate in nearby (MD, NJ, and PA) pleasure driving events to gain experience and knowledge.  The year end membership exceeded 20.

In 1984 the DDC went to view the Museums at Stony Brook in Long Island, NY with its 200 plus vehicles, had members participate in the Return Day Parade in Georgetown, Delaware, and combined a 12 mile pleasure drive with the Annual Blessing of the Hounds event.

The year 1985 found the DDC in Harrington, Delaware at Taylor-Messick Antique Farm Equipment Collection, discovering Rachel’s Pond (southeast of Willards, MD), driving along the C & D Canal (north and south sides), and driving in Redden Forest in Georgetown, DE.  Some members went to a Carriage Drive in Washington, DC, overnighted at the Laurel Saddle Friends Clubgrounds in Portsville, Delaware, tried Middletown, Delaware Pony Club’s Paper Chase, and provided rides at the Old Fashioned Day for Salisbury Baptist Temple, Newtown Festival, and the Delmarva Chicken Festival.  Two members even did commercials with their rigs – Otis Marine and Russell Owens.

In 1986 the DDC Pleasure Drives covered familiar territory plus some not so familiar – Georgetown, Slaughter, and Bowers Beach.  Some folks drove at Fair Hill with the ADS Regional meet.  Other members participated in events at Furnace Town in Snow Hill, MD, Delaware State Fair, Winterthur Point-to-Point Races, and Pemberton Colonial Fair in Salisbury, MD.  The Club boasted a year-end membership of 45.

The 1987 year took members to Abbott’s Mill in Milford, DE, Fairfield Farm in Seaford, DE, Trap Pond in Laurel, DE, and to Ocean Downs in Ocean City , MD for pre-race entertainment where Jimmy Agnew’s mule named Clayt stole the Show!  The Club had grown to 60 members.

The DDC Calendar for 1988 included drives at Jones Dairy Farm in Public Landing, MD, Chestertown and Princess Anne, MD and Bethel, DE.  That year Club Members joined forces with the Delmar Coon Hunters and rode/drove at Hayes Landing outside of Ocean City, MD.  They also returned to the C & D Canal accompanied by some riders from Laurel Saddle Friends.  Two firsts were noted:  a Fun Show in Hebron, MD allowed members to attempt driving through hazards and cones as well as being judged on presentation.  Teri Williams organized the Eastern Shore Invitational Drive which was incorporated into Salisbury, Maryland’s Newtown Festival.  Bylaws had been prepared and were adopted by the membership in preparation for the proposed incorporation of the Club.  Friend, mentor, and member Nutter Marvel passed away and his request to make his final ride in the hearse from his collection was honored by Ed Evans and Terry Johnson.

In 1989 the DDC drove through Deer Harbor Development near Salisbury, MD, rural Millsboro, DE on Father’s Day (which was shown on TV), Talbot County, and Manokin, MD, in addition to other favorite pleasure drive locations.  The Club incorporated and the first DDC logo pins were distributed as an incentive for members to renew their 1990 membership.

A unique result in the election of Officers in 1990 gave the DDC co-secretaries:  one Corresponding and the other Recording.  During this year the Club’s video library was established and a ‘Spares Box’ was started.  It was made available at all Club events/Pleasure Drives for anyone who needed help.  A first aid kit was purchased, and it too, was carried on all Pleasure Drives.  A Perpetual year- end High Point Trophy was purchased and Peggy Townsend was the first recipient.  Tee Shirts with the DDC logo were first ordered and sold quickly.  A unique pleasure drive was hosted by President Jim Parkinson and Peggy Townsend, called a Poker Drive, and it was a big hit.  Member Janine Wessell designed a new professional looking membership application form as well as the invitation to the Annual Christmas Dinner Meeting (which we used for the 40th Anniversary).

In 1991 the DDC increased its treasury by sponsoring two auctions with Dave Wilson’s help and encouragement.  There were 8 Pleasure Drives held - the Camp Barnes – Assawoman Wildlife drive in October began what became a favorite way to drive:  drive-at-will, where you will format.  The Club closed out the year with a Christmas Dinner and Meeting at the Laurel Saddle Friends Clubhouse in Portsville, DE.

To continue the ‘see the Shore’ Pleasure Driving focus of the Club, in 1992 the DDC added Bacon Switch, DE and Parsonsburg, MD to its collection of places to drive.  The Club also appeared again as special guest for pre-race ceremonies at Ocean Downs Racetrack in Berlin, MD.  On July 12, 1992 at Cedarcrest Farm (east of Georgetown, DE) the first DDC All Day Driving Show took place – it was organized by Peggy Townsend.

Chestertown, MD was the site of the annual New Year’s Day Drive to begin 1993.  Member Pete Bigalow hosted the event and was joined by several of the heartier and hardier Club members.  In April, Katherine Bounds hosted a Murder Mystery Drive at Assateague Island (MD side).  The following week Ed Banning held the first ‘Plow In’ around the area with many members participating in various ways.  Throughout the year the Combined Horse Show saw many members competing.  Pleasure drives were also held outside of Delmar, MD, Summit and Lincoln, DE, and at the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge (south of Cambridge, MD).  An overnight camp out was again held at the Laurel Saddle Friends’ Clubgrounds in Portsville, DE, providing several pleasure drive opportunities throughout the weekend.  Clinician Susan Hill presented an informative talk on Pleasure Driving for Beginners.

The Wicomico County Equestrian Center hosted a Winter Fair in January, 1994 and the DDC was there with a Booth depicting both Pleasure and Competitive Driving.  Capable members manned the Booth to answer questions and give out membership applications.  Braving the cold were 29 DDC Members.  Members drove through the Pittsville-Willards, MD  area on Mother’s Day and around the Shortley, DE area in September.  A bus trip took over 40 members and friends to visit the new home for the Thrasher Carriage Collection.  The adventure included a 45 minute scenic train ride from Cumberland to Frostburg, MD.  During August some DDC Members were able to participate with the ADS Regional Representative Muffy Seaton in a driving clinic in Easton, MD.  Labor Day found several drivers and their rigs helping to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy.  The Return Day Parade in November was a huge success with members providing the 30 plus carriages.  The Centre at Salisbury kicked off its Christmas Season with a parade and several DDC members participated.

Elected 1995 Officers included George Parris, President, Sue Palmer, Vice President (who resigned and Lois Evans was appointed ), Sue Atkins, secretary, Jim McFall, treasurer along with Directors George Wilkins, John Williams, and Betsy O’Bryan (whose term was completed by Charlotte Layfield).  Winter Fair II brought 27 members to the Wicomico Equestrian Center, manning our Booth, showing Stallions, or presenting their ‘horse wares’.  The DDC was also represented at the Eastern Shore Equestrian Association Horse Expo in Only, VA.    Members were busy throughout the spring at Caroline County 2-Dy Wagon Train Carriage Ride in American Corner, MD, Pepperbox, events at Plow Day and Wilson’s Carriage Drive and Auction, the Holly Center Spring Festival, and the C 7 D Canal.  The local show season included driven dressage classes where several members took top honors.  June found members driving in the Willards, MD area and they also appeared at Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Show along with the Reminisce Hitch.  In August Dave Ennis had folks trying a ‘no-pressure’ challenging (but fun) cones and obstacle course at his home in Parsonsburg, MD.  This was followed by a covered dish dinner in his garage.   He also arranged a trip to Cowtown Rodeo in New Jersey later that month.  Fall activities included appearances and drives at Pemberton Colonial Fair in Salisbury, MD, Camp Barnes in DE, and Furnace Town in Snow Hill, MD.  The DDC sponsored a successful Fall Harvest at Pepperbox despite the rain.  The Delaware Equine Liability Law was passed, due in part to the efforts of DDC members.  Highlights for the end of the year included  Dave Wilson’s Fall Carriage Weekend and the annual dinner meeting at Laurel, DE American Legion Hall.

In 1996, Lois Evans served as President, assisted by Vice President Kay Mildon, secretary Deana Banning, treasurer Jim McFall, and Board Members Sue Atkins, Charlotte Layfield, and Ed Banning.  New Year’s Day saw many DDC Members in the Lincoln, DE area for a drive hosted by George and Helen Wilkins.  On January 20th, the DDC had a Commercial Booth at the Winter Fair III where hats, shirts, and other items were sold along with raffle tickets for Kay Mildon’s Arabian colt.  The carriages and photo albums on display lured passersby.  Our monthly Newsletter was officially named ‘Delmarva Driving Lines’.  The first of many successful Draft Horse Clinics was held by member Ed Banning.  The DDC was again represented at the Eastern Shore Horse Association Expo in March.  Our Club Directory was completed and distrusted to the members.  The DDC became a member of the newly formed Delaware Equine Council, and two current DDC Members were appointed to its Board:  Ed Evans and Cecilia Uhlmann.  We drove at Assateaque National Seashore in April and played and played in Lincoln, DE.  Members competed and made us proud at Southern Pines, North Carolina and Gladstone in New Jersey.  An equine emergency medical kit was assembled to accompany DDC members on all Pleasure Drives.  At the Devon Memorial Horse Show DDC member showed their skills successfully.  The July Meeting was held at Laurel Saddle Friends so the DDC could officially welcome visitors for the 20th reunion of the Bicentennial Wagon Train – some members accompanied them for the drive into Laurel, DE and its July 4th parade.  Mike Keatley was overjoyed with the success of the Haflinger Fun Day – Dave Wilson brought over 20 of his herd to appear at the Middletown, DE event.  Some members helped with Outlaw Days  in conjunction with the Great Tuckahoe and Chesapeake Train Robbery at Tuckahoe Equestrian Center in Queen Anne, MD.  The DDC and First State Coonhunters joined forces to invite politicians for a September drive around Lincoln, DE.  October was busy with DDC drives in Shortley, DE and at camp Barnes/Assawoman Wildlife Refuge.  At an all day driving show several members ‘strutted their stuff’ and garnered ribbons to show for their efforts.  The Second Annual Fall Harvest at Pepperbox was bigger and better, the DDC netted nearly $1000.  November’s Return Day Parade included a special effort to incorporate as many carriages from the Nutter Marvel collection as possible in the Parade and carriage folks were treated to a dinner,  courtesy of the Return Day Committee.  Wilson’s Annual Fall Carriage Weekend saw 40 DDC members at the drive and 43 at the sale.   Highlights of 1996 included the purchase of a DDC Banner for use at Shows/events, Class or Division Sponsorships in several area shows and at least a dozen parade or festival appearances.  Our members took part or provided the demonstrations at several how-to informative equine health programs and visited New Bolton Center’s open house as well as participated in at least seven scheduled monthly drives.

The 1997 Club year began with a drive on January 1st at the Wilkins’ Farm in Lincoln, DE with 13 rigs and their owners braving the cold.  We participated again at Winter Fair and at the Delaware State Fair.  A short videotape was prepared showing members and their varied interests, it ‘debuted’ at the Fun Day, following the Ruritan/DDC sponsored Plow Day held at Trinity Transport in Bridgeville, DE.  We purchased a cabana, tables, and a TV/VCR and ‘talked up driving’ at many events.  Our monthly drives occurred at Portsville, DE, Tuckahoe State Park, Bozman, MD, Lincoln, DE – both at the Wilkins’ Farm and Dave Wilson’s Auction and Carriage Drives (in both the Spring and Fall), Fruitland, MD and Camp Barnes/Assawoman Wildlife Refuge.  We appeared in Easton’s Christmas Parade and ended the year celebrating the Season in West Nithsdale in Salisbury, MD giving rides to the residents of that community – they showed their appreciation by giving a gift of a $100 to the Club.

The primary thrust of 1998 involved the purchase of a storage trailer.  This financial undertaking was accomplished through the dedicated efforts of the Booth Committee and the 50 -50 salespeople.  A driving clinic was given by member Mike Keatley which was very informative and well-attended.  Several unique ‘horsey’ opportunities were presented to the DDC – we visited the Tobacco Auction at Hughesville, MD under the leadership of Frank Tremel where we watched American Cream Draft Horses haul tobacco.  A draft horse driving clinic was offered by John and Irvin Miller – Dover Amishmen,  some of us served as escorts for the East Coast Area Trottingbred Races at Harrington, DE, a group of horse lovers visited Mackinac Island, MI with Ed and Deana Banning, we set up a booth and provided carriage/wagon rides to help Tuckahoe Equestrian Center, and a large DDC contingent was seen in Georgetown, DE for the Return Day Parade, carrying the election winners and losers.  We outgrew the small meeting space graciously provided by Rich Calhoun and moved to larger accommodations at the Seaford Public Library.  Our 4th Fall Harvest at Pepperbox was a huge success, netting over $2000 and drawing approximately 1000 spectators.  We featured Sally Starr, had Channel 47 live TV coverage, and great newspaper articles prior to and after the event.  We managed to have Pleasure Drives at Tuckahoe State Park and Bozman, MD,  Furnace Town near Snow Hill, MD, Hitching Post Campground near Milford, DE, the north side of the C & D Canal at Chesapeake City, MD, and both the Spring and Fall Wilson Auction Carriage Drives in Lincoln, DE.

In 1999 the new Club Officers included Carolyn Peterson, President, Kay Mildon, Vice President, Sue Atkins, secretary, and Jim McFall, treasurer.  Directors were Dick Chance, George Wilkins, and Ed Evans.  Winter Fair at the Wicomico County Equestrian Center in Salisbury, MD started our year on a bitter cold day.  Many of our DDC members braved the cold, but stayed close to the DDC table (probably because there was a heater under the table!)  Our trailer was set up and the Club was well represented at the Delaware Equine Council sponsored “Delaware Horses Do It All” hosted by Dave Wilson.  A beautiful July Sunday found DDC Members helping in the Delaware Equine Council Booth in the Agricultural Building at the Annual Delaware State Fair in Harrington, DE.  We spent the day talking about horses, driving, and visiting with the folks who share our common interest.  September brought a busy time pulling everything together for the Tuckahoe Outlaw Days.  The Club sold ‘horsey’ items made or donated by the members.  October was taken up with preparations and sponsorship of the 5th Fall Harvest at Pepperbox.  There were several pleasure drives held throughout the year as well and they were enjoyed by those that attended. 

The year 2000 brought a lot of paperwork for the Officers:  Carolyn Peterson, President, Peggy Koster, Vice President, Kay Mildon, Secretary, Jim McFall, Treasurer, and Directors Dick Chance, George Wilkins, and Steve Cannon.  Our by-laws were reviewed and updated thanks to the efforts of Paula Barto, Lois Evans, Steve Cannon, and Peggy Koster.  The DDC was incorporated in both Maryland and Delaware, thanks to the efforts of Marsha Groton and Paula Barto.  Our monthly newsletter, which was under the direction of Carl Zimmerman, offered a series of carriage descriptions and the story of a locally famous horse known as Big Red.  We changed insurance companies, giving us more freedom and better coverage, and throughout the year earned enough money to purchase a $3500 Certificate of Deposit.  A committee was formed to look into opportunities to partner with Redden Forest where a safe haven for driving might develop and to find a place to call ‘home’.  A driving Clinic was held at Ed Banning’s  A Carriage Place, with the profits donated to the Yoder Family Fund.  The DDC was well represented at most of the horse functions throughout the year.  We attended “Delaware Horses Do It All”, Tuckahoe Outlaw Days, Cedarcrest Driving Show, Delaware State Fair and appeared in many parades.  We hosted a Fun Day in September and the 6thFall Harvest at Pepperbox in October.  Our largest Pleasure Drive of the year was held at Redden State Forest – Jester Tract with 85 members, families, friends, and guests attending.  There were 18 turnouts and several outriders.  The Return Day Committee honored the Club with a Plaque and Certificate of Appreciation for our participation in the 2000 Return Day Parade.  The year ended with a catered dinner meeting held in the Nutter Marvel Museum.  Dues were raised to $20 per member for 2001 to help cover the rising expenses, primarily postage and printing costs for our monthly newsletters.

The year 2001 began with a new Slate of Officers:  Peggy Koster, President, Joe Monaghan, Vice President, Kay Mildon, Secretary, and Jim McFall, Treasure.  Directors were Dick Chance, Steve Cannon, and Paula Barto.  We had secured the Redden Forest Carriage Barn as our regular meeting place in exchange for a monthly “clean up”.   Beginning in early spring we were given the opportunity for weekly drives in the Jester Tract – allowing a safe driving environment for our horses.  Two notable items took shape early in the year:  we added two toll free phone numbers  for members to get up-to-date information about scheduled drives and we started our own website, with Marsha Groton as webmaster.  A questionnaire was prepared and sent out to members regarding both our short and long term goals for the Club.  A May yard sale netted $520 profit with $400 ‘earmarked’ for our partnership with Redden Forest to be used towards physical improvements at the Jester Tract.   A couple of our members were chosen to be part of the movie ‘Tuck Everlasting’ which was filmed in Berlin, MD.  No one got rich, but the work involved horses and LONG days!  A few members overnighted with their horses and campers for a weekend in Redden Forest and spent a portion of their time working on Pavilion repairs.  This venue was the spot for a large, well attended picnic drive in October.  We used this drive to bring the attention of our local politicians to its tranquil setting as well as to our hobby, emphasizing the need for funding to keep the area safe and protected.  The 7th Annual Fall Harvest at Pepperbox finished up the autumn activities for the Club, adding approximately $900 to the treasury.  A really great Christmas dinner party at the Redden Forest Lodge closed out 2001.  The Lodge, built in 1903, was beautifully and tastefully decorated by organizers Marsha Groton, Frances Baker, and Marilyn Bergfelder.  A happy crowd of 75 filled the Lodge, wishing all a fine Holiday season while enjoying a specially catered meal and music.

The 2002 Officers- Marsha Groton, Carl Zimmerman, Kay Mildon, Carolyn Fox, and Directors: Paula Barto, Henry Bergfelder, and Cyndi Wolfe – took on the year’s activities with a ‘Tune Up Day in March, followed by a Newbie Drive, both at the Redden Forest Headquarters.  Our newsletter, Delmarva Driving Lines, began a bi-monthly circulation, due to the rising postage and printing costs.  A few DDC Members helped the Nutter Marvel Carriage Museum by providing rides during the Historical Society’s annual Spring Flower Sale.  Although only $25 was earned, our presence added interest and activity to their two day event.  Hollyville Farm in Harbeson, DE was the site for our April Pleasure Drive, hosted by Frances and Wayne Baker.  Much effort from a lot of folks pulled off the first ‘Step Back in Time Event’ spearheaded by Marsha Groton, Marilyn Bergfelder, and Carolyn Fox, which added over $1000 to our treasury.  The event was held at the Redden Lodge and involved a carriage ride to the Lodge where tours were given and hors d’oeuvres and wine were served.  The next Sunday there were 13 horses and about 50 humans at Wayne Connor’s Farm in Bridgeville, DE for a Draft Horse Day.  In June, Marilyn Bergfelder organized a camping weekend and drive at Fair Hill, MD.  An opportunity to help financially with the official fundraiser for the Marvel Carriage Building brought our members together in early October at a ‘Gala’.  Our fall Newsletter included the beginning segment of the Carriage Association of America’s Publication “Drive Smartly, Drive Safely”, thanks to editor Carl Zimmerman who was recently became DDC President.  The 8th Annual Fall Harvest at Pepperbox brought $1200 to the treasury.  Unfortunately bad weather forced the Christmas Fun Day/Drive to become a fun dinner and dance, but the next day members were able to enjoy a beautiful drive at Redden Forest.

January 2003 brought in some new Officers:  John Bolinski, President, Sherry Harris, Vice President, Kay Mildon, Secretary, and Pam Savage, Treasurer.  The Directors were Wayne Connor, Cyndi Wolfe, and Marti Bolinski.  Our membership was close to 50 and the treasury boasted over $3600 and two $3000 CDs.    Newsletter Editor Marti Bolinski put out a special edition in early February in order to highlight upcoming DDC events, hoping to encourage member participation and interest.  This was also the 20th Anniversary of the Club.  Starting in early spring, clinics with Lore Homer and Anne Council were arranged by activities coordinator Heidi Ferguson, however the Spring Safety Check and Newbie Clinic was rained out.  The Fun Day, organized by Carl Zimmerman and George Parris, at the Nutter Marvel Museum in Georgetown, DE was well received and had quite a few participants.  A Fair Hill Driving Weekend was organized by John and Marti Bolinski which was another great event.  Draft Horse Day was held in June at Wayne and Phylis Connor’s Farm in Bridgeville, DE with 20 Draft horses and about 60 folks trying their hand at working with the ‘Big Boys’.   The DDC helped the Delaware Equine Council spearhead the ‘John and Kay Benefit Dance and Auction’ held at Dave Wilsons Auction House in Lincoln, DE Donated time, services, and sale items came from the area wide horse community for this heart warming event.  John Williams’ surgery expenses were alleviated by an estimated $9000 through the profits raised (his surgeries were successful).  Bragging rights were earned by members Frances and Wayne Baker as they showed  Jam and Jelly at the Devon Horse Show in May and Cecilia Uhlmann with her Paso Fino at the Breed Finals in Georgia later in the year.  Several families joined Heidi Ferguson for a cook-out and pool party at her home when it was too hot to drive.  In September Ed and Lois Evans hosted a Pleasure Drive to Furnace Town near Snow Hill, MD.  This drive covered a portion of the route used by the original Club Members in 1983.  Later in September, 60 people attended a dinner get-together to commemorate 20 years of driving at the Laurel Saddle Friends Clubhouse.  Coffee mugs highlighting the 20th Year Anniversary were given to all attendees.  A history of Club events was presented, Ed, Lois, and Sharon  Evans were presented with Lifetime Membership to the DDC in honor of their service to the Club.  It was especially neat to have two early DDC Presidents (Wirt Wolfe and Richard Calhoun) join the event and exchange memories and re-visit the days since September, 1983.  Fall began with the Annual Redden Forest Drive, followed by the 9th Annual Fall Harvest at Pepperbox.  In November Carl Zimmerman hosted a drive with 11 turnouts present at Assateague Island and Wayne and Phylis Connor hosted a Play Day where folks could relax, try new horses, and enjoy a great day together.    Our 20th year in existence ended with a fun Christmas Party at Redden Forest Lodge.  The Bandit Gift Exchange will be remembered for years!

Officers and  Directors started 2004 with the members fully excited about the plans to host several special events – some of them new ones including a Get-Ready-for-the-Driving-Season Day, a Draft Horse Day, a Pleasure Driving Show, Fair Hill and Assateague Island Camp Overs, and Fall Harvest at Pepperbox, along with the favorite drives as well as Dave Wilsons Spring and Fall Carriage Auction and Drive and Redden Forest Drive.  The first scheduled event in March (formally the Newbie Drive) was renamed the Get-Ready-for-the-Driving-Season event.  Information included:   Basic grooming and inspection hints, proper fitting for harness, and points for examination of horse, tack, and rolling stock for soundness and safety.  There was even a scale so drivers could weigh in, then assess the appropriateness of equine to vehicle with passengers, asking themselves “Can my horse safely and comfortably carry this load?”  Next on the plate were the preparations being made for what was to become one of our most gratifying accomplishments – our Pleasure Driving Show.  The Show was organized by Carl Zimmerman and George Parris with well defined cones and cross country courses as well as judging by Lore Homer.  The Show was a great success and netted the Club over a $1000 profit.  Draft Horse Day was once again hosted by Phylis and Wayne Connor offered folks the chance to work with their drafts and start and acclimate young horses in a safe area with knowledgeable help.  Some participants even tried a little Precision Drill Team Driving – which was fun, but more practice was definitely needed.  Frances Baker once again competed at Devon Horse Show with her pair named Jam and Jelly.  She placed first in the Commercial Draft Class and her entry will be featured on the 2005 Devon Poster!  Mike Keatley had a wonderful article written about him which appeared in the ADS Whip magazine regarding his Clinician Skills.  Frances and Wayne Baker hosted a fun pleasure drive through their neighborhood near Lewes, DE with more than 10 turnouts joining the fun.   Two trips were scheduled – the Maryland Fire Museum in Baltimore and Cowtown Rodeo in Cowtown, NJ – but the weather was uncooperative.  Two events not sponsored by the DDC, but supported by the members were the Warrington Driving Show at Cedarcrest Farm and in mid-October the second Delmarva Wagon Train which traveled 100 miles from Cheriton, VA to Salisbury, MD in five days.  Ribbons and trophies were earned in the first group and memories and friends for a lifetime were gained by the second.  The 10th Annual Fall Harvest at Pepperbox saw participation at an all time high – there were 26 equines, 28 vendors, 30 tractors, 18 classic or restored vehicles 9 craftpersons, oxen, and a Civil War Reenactment.  Horses were plowing, giving rides, pulling shuttle vehicles, and giving demonstrations.  Member Kris Penrod brought her American Cream Draft Horse named Sugar Cookie who was a Breyer Horse Model.  One of the Breyer Models was donated for the raffle.  The Return Day Parade was well supported by DDC Members even though there was horrific pouring rain!  Dave Wilson was honored for all his efforts to support this unique tradition.  Dave’s Annual Fall Carriage Drive and Auction followed Return Day on the weekend.  Always a well attended event, Dave has done much to foster pleasure driving and introduce and draw new folks to the sport.  Our newsletter editor kept us abreast of things happening in the horse driving world and included an ‘interest survey’ so planning and member involvement could be implemented for 2005.  Three members died in 2004, affecting us deeply because of their commitment to driving and the horse world in general – they were Marilyn Bergfelder, Otis Marine, and Ted Parmly. Their expertise will be missed.   The year ended with elections and the Christmas Dinner at Nutter Marvel Carriage Museum in Georgetown, DE.   Once again everyone was amazed at the collection of memorabilia.

The year 2005 began with some returnees serving as officers along with some new faces:  John Bolinski, President, Heidi Ferguson, Vice President, Melissa Steward, Secretary, M.J. Taylor, Treasurer and Bonnie Forgacs, Director.  As the year progressed, M. J. and Bonnie found they needed to forgo these responsibilities due to personal conflicts, so the Board was joined by Carolyn Fox and John Bolinski wore both the President and Treasurer hats.   The January Plow Day at Wayne Connor’s Circle C was once again a very successful and well attended event.  The do-your-own-thing format worked well with our diverse membership.  In March, Mary Pines spearheaded a ride/drive-a-thon for St. Jude’s Research Foundation  in Princess Anne, MD and managed to raise over $500 for the cause.  Following everyone’s return, great food appeared including a Smith Island Cake!  In April, DDC Member Mike Keatley , an experienced clinician and competitor helped 13 individuals gain knowledge and familiarity with CDE Level competition requirements.  We walked courses and talked about preparations such as dress and planning tactics for the courses.  Our second annual attempt at a spring pleasure driving show on April 24th was upstaged by some miserable weather, but  those who did come gave quality performances.  It appears the popularity of our annual show is on its way to becoming an annual event.  May 22nd found folks back at the Connor’s Circle C Farm for a pleasure drive through the apple orchards.  It was another winning social time for humans and a relaxed, safe environment for equines.  On May 29th 10 horses and 19 humans participated in a Draft Horse Day at the Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area at the C & R Center in Petersburg, DE.  The day was filled with horse type activities with prizes for all competitors.  At our June Meeting, veterinarian Brittany Hazzard addressed the members on equine first aid.  This was in keeping with our new meeting format, developed by Carl Zimmerman, Heidi Ferguson, and Carolyn Fox, to provide information and/or exhibits regarding equine needs, vehicle maintenance or other topics of interest that would benefit our members.  A lending library was also developed with a budget of $500.  The annual Devon Horse Show Flyer featured DDC Member Frances Baker and her Clydesdale-Hackney horses named Jam and Jelly and Frances purchased the original painting because she felt it captured their dispositions perfectly.  Some members participated in the Caroline County Fair in August as it offered the opportunity to showcase pleasure driving and draft horse turnout to the fairgoers.  Carl Zimmerman was the emcee and we presented a pair of minis, a pair of Morgans, a Fjord, a spotted draft, a pair of Suffolk Punch horses, and a gaited driving pony with eight DDC Members. Fall ushered in pleasure drives with Gary and Sharon Marvel in Denton, MD and Carl Zimmerman at his farm near Snow Hill, MD.  The 11th Annual Fall Harvest at Pepperbox was once again very successful and the year wrapped up with the annual Christmas dinner at the Redden Lodge outside of Georgetown, DE.

For the next twenty years the Club has continued their commitment to promote driving thru Clinics, educational sessions, meetings, pleasure drives, social events, and our annual Pleasure Driving Show. We maintain current memberships with the American Driving Society, the Carriage Association of American, the Delaware Equine Council, and the Maryland Horse Council, and even have a Facebook page and Instagram account.  The Club publishes a monthly newsletter entitled Let’s Drive! which is a great tool to keep our members informed. When Covid disrupted our life, the DDC persevered by continuing ‘get togethers’ through Zoom technology. Our membership continues to steadily grow and we have members from over five states.  Safety is one of our most stressed and important concerns and one of our goals is to never stop learning.  It seems the more you learn, the more you realize how little you really do know.  Throughout its history the DDC has managed to hold pleasure drives all over ‘Delmarva’, but continues to search for new places to drive in addition to revisiting some perennial favorites.    As evidenced in the past few years, we have ventured out into new territory, showcasing our horses, our vehicles, and our skills.  Members continue to hone their driving skills either through, clinics, various show circuits, or just by driving their animals frequently in many different disciplines:  on the farm, in traffic, or going cross-country.  Everyone should be proud of what the Delmarva Driving Club has accomplished in 40 years of existence - Here’s to Trotting On for Many More Years to Come!!!