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The Original All Roller Talk Discussion Board Archive >
book or publications wanted
book or publications wanted
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joelbanc
7 posts
Jul 16, 2005
10:47 AM
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Looking for a copy of Rev. James Graham's Fireball Roller Book. Or anything helpful in research of him & his birds.
bancroftjw@juno.com
Last Edited by joelbanc on Jul 16, 2005 10:48 AM
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Alan Bliven
209 posts
Jul 16, 2005
4:17 PM
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I can't help you but I did find an article by KD Spurling on Rev. Graham:
"JAMES E. GRAHAM; Kirkland Lake , Ontario , Canada (?-1982)
As we already know, the Rev. James E. Graham was a student of J.V. McAree of Toronto, Canada. In 1916, Graham purchased some Whittinghams from McAree. For nearly 60 years, Graham maintained a pure family of Whittinghams.
In 1931, Graham published "Acrobats of the Air". It was the first book upon Rollers written by a North American fancier, but since Graham had only had Rollers for 15 years and considered himself still a novice; he enlisted the aid of not only McAree, but also E.R.B. Chapman of MA, Ray E. Glibert of Salt Lake City, UT, and Ken L. Payne and Wm. H. Pensom both of Birmingham, England. The book was an instant success, and Graham became rather famous. Within the book's pages was a striking photo of a fabulous Red Brooch cock with jet black eyes, that had established himself as a favorite in Graham's loft. Graham chose the name "FIREBALL" to add a flavorful touch. Inquiries from everywhere poured in about the bird, including one offer for $50, an unheard of figure in those days. Of course, he was not for sale, but Graham sold many of his young and other birds. From then on, the entire strain was known as "The Fireballs"
The first Fireballs sent to the U.S. were sent to a teen aged fancier named Tom Butler, by way of train in early 1932. Incidentally, I spoke to Mr. Butler during the Summer of 1992. He was residing in Deer, AR and still had some Fireballs. It was an interesting conversation that I will always remember. I am sorry to report that I was informed that Mr. Butler passed away on Sept. 29th, 1992 .
By 1940, the Fireball strain became so widespread that the Fireball Roller Club was formed. Among it's charter members were Dr. C.A. Nordland of Portland, OR and Samuel Saunders of Maine. Both became the club's workhorses and each held several terms in the office of President.
Graham was often fond of saying that his entire strain descended from "The Fireball", while this is true; "the Fireball" was not the foundation pigeon. 1933, found Graham relocating to Northern Ontario . Since he had just moved and it was winter, Graham housed his birds temporarily in a small woodshed. Upon the second day, "Fireball" escaped; he took several rolls and was never seen again. A blizzard struck only hours later, and temperatures plummeted far below zero. Fireball no doubt perished. Graham did have one son of "Fireball", a Red Beard; and it was this bird that founded the entire strain.
In 1956, Graham moved next door to McAree, and purchased all of his birds. They were kept in McAree's barn. Graham then selected his ten best pair, and McAree's ten best pair as breeding stock. The rest of all the birds he sold off. Upon McAree's death that same year, 1956; Graham again relocated. This time to Wisconsin , where he stayed until 1972. At this point, all the birds were sold and Graham moved to retire in Bradenton , Florida .
In 1980, Graham released the 3rd revision of "Acrobats of the Air" which was anything but successful. 1981 finds the Fireball Roller Club bankrupt due to it's Sec/Treas. having stolen the funds and leaving for parts still unknown with a woman other than his wife. Here ends a major chapter in North American Roller history."
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Alan
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rollerpigeon
Site Moderator
324 posts
Jul 16, 2005
10:27 PM
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I'm curious, is anyone actually flying any Fireball kits? Is it possible to actually have pure performing Fireballs after all these years (not just Fireball on paper)?
When would an outcross be needed to maintain a high level of vigor and performance?
I have heard that true Fireballs have specific characteristics; eye color, size, kitting ability (or lack of)etc.
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FLY ON! Tony Chavarria
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Slobberknocker
35 posts
Jul 17, 2005
10:56 AM
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Tony,
I also have heard the same about the Fireball's characteristics. I was also told they only came in one color, Black Mottle. I think it would be next to impossible to track down any 100% guaranteed pure Fireball's after so many years. Just my thoughts.
Bob
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www.slobberknockerlofts.com
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joelbanc
8 posts
Jul 17, 2005
12:55 PM
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Tony, I have been busy with doing some research on the Fireballs. Its been interesting from day to day in corresponding via e-mail to serveral people. Information
has trickled in slowly and it may have some value if
sorted out and recorded. I found one person near me that actualy new James Graham when he retired down here in Florida and another guy who has raised true Fireballs (he calls them "The Real Deal")that was purchased from Graham himself many years ago. His birds are not all one eye or body color.
Thats 2 concrete facts and other info might have to be surmised until proven. I would think if Mr.Graham had 20 pair of breeders that there would be serveral eye & body colors, not just one as some think. I am seeing photos of birds don't even look simular from loft to loft.
Either some birds are not of pure Fireball blood or a few
are and its hard to tell unless breeding records have been kept. I am in the process of creating a web site dedicated
to the Fireball Rollers. So far its been a hard project with developing and editing.You know how time consuming sites are. It should have enough content soon to put out and log onto.
Joel Bancroft
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siddiqir
20 posts
Jul 18, 2005
7:57 AM
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Hello, you may want to read this article. Lot of good information on fireballs and North America's rollers history.
http://halsema.tripod.com/pagina35.htm
Hope that helps.
Last Edited by siddiqir on Jul 18, 2005 7:58 AM
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