American Pigeon Journal

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Leading 20th-century American magazine devoted to pigeon breeding

The American Pigeon Journal (APJ) was an American magazine, often believed to be the first pigeon breeding magazine in the US.

It hailed from the west coast – originally Southern California. At that time, it was called the "Pacific Squab Journal" (PSJ), and was first published in 1913. It was not, however, the first magazine devoted to pigeons in America. "The Fancier" was first. It was already in publication in 1886. "The Fancier", however, had ceased publication before the PSJ began. The "Pigeon News" also started before the APJ, starting in 1895 was but ceased publication while the APJ continued until 1994. A total of 81 continuous years. A very long run for any magazine, especially considering the Saturday Evening Post had only 72 consecutive years. While the first issue was devoted mainly to squabbing utility breeds in California, it quickly opened the door to a wider audience, including fancy pigeons along the Pacific coast.

History

Pacific Squab Journal

The first issue of the PSJ was published in January of 1913, and was only 4 pages long. It was only intended to be published occasionally for the members of the Pacific Utility Pigeon Association. While It was published in Oakland, California, the club that sponsored it was actually centered in southern California. That first issue had an incredibly strong response.

The very next issue, in February, is noted as Volume 1, Issue 2. The publishers obviously decided that the issue provided in January, even though only four pages in length, was indeed to be considered issue number 1. While the first issue was devoted mainly to utility breeds in California, the second issue opened the door to a wider audience, including fancy pigeons along the Pacific coast. Clearly the publishers were already envisioning a larger audience. That second issue provided information about the recent formation of pigeon clubs and specifically mentions the California Southern Pigeon Association, and included breeders in Portland, Oregon. But it really took a few years before fancy pigeons were fully incorporated into the magazine as an integral part. Its scope became national for squabbing interests much quicker.
A name change was announced in the June issue of the PSJ to reflect the increasing scope. It was noted that “Beginning with the July number, this magazine will appear as the American Squab Journal.”

American Squab Journal

Going National. The newly named magazine the, American Squab Journal, started as volume 2 with the July issue of that very first year, 1913. Wm. J. Reid became the publisher. The emphasis of the articles also changed from featuring only utility breeds to including a few fancy pigeons. The ads also changed, quickly including ads for stock, feed, and supplies from all over the country. It is no small wonder then, that the magazine's name was changed so quickly to reflect the scope change to national rather than regional. During 1914, the magazine was acquired by E. W. Nichols, and moved to Kansas City. He retained the name of the American Squab Journal. While the focus changed to marginally include more fancy breeds, there was yet a plethora of articles on squabbing breeds including, Hungarians, Runts, Carneaux, Maltese, Mondaines, Homers, and of course, Kings. The magazines masthead “Devoted to the Advancement of Squab Raising and Marketing”, perhaps tells the magazine's focus more effectively.

In 1915 the publisher changed yet again. It was acquired by Frank H. Hollmann for the October issue and moved to Warrenton, Missouri. Frank had been a devoted subscriber from the magazine's inception, but clearly had a broader perspective. Though he retained the name of the American Squab Journal and the masthead up until May issue of 1920.Then he radically changed the focus to all breeds, renaming it the American Pigeon Journal.

The magazine had changed hands often. Then Frank H. Hollmann, an original subscriber, became publisher for the October issue of 1915, and continued until his death on January 8,1979. Hazel W. Hollmann, his wife's name stayed on the informational masthead as ownership until the April 1983 issue. William L. Worley became the owner and publisher for the November, 1984 issue. He had been the editor and manager for many years.

Hollmann retained the name of the American Squab Journal and the masthead up until May of 1920. Then he radically changed the focus to all breeds, renaming it the American Pigeon Journal. This was also reflected in the slightly, but significantly, altered new masthead - “Devoted to the Raising of Pigeons for Profit & Pleasure.” And to put an exclamation point to it, this issue was devoted to a fancy pigeon breed the Maltese. Overtime the magazine moved almost exclusively to fancy breed, squabbing having lost it's appeal to the general public. Many issues continued to be specifically devoted to a popular fancy breed, but most covered many varieties. The concept of devoting an entire issue to a particular breed originating with the American Pigeon Journal is carried on today by the "Purebred Pigeon".

Special issues include

Special Breed Issues

"Domestic Flights" October 1971, July 1990, July 1991
"Fantails" February 1975, July 1977
"Giant Homer" June 1970, November 1977
"Giant Runt" January 1988
"Jacobine" May 1986
"Kings" November 1970
"Komorner Tumbler" December 1972
"Nun" September 1989
"Show Racers" August 1971
"Swallows" April 1976
"Toy breeds" August 1972
"Trumpeters" November 1976
"Tumbler" April 1976

References

"The American Pigeon Journal". pigeoncote.com.
Pacific Squab Journal V1 #2 p9
Pacific Squab Journal V1 #5 p10
American Pigeon Journal 1920 October cover page

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