The M&E Revival

In 1996, Wayne Ferguson, Cherrybrook founder and well-known dog-world philanthropist, discovered the Morris & Essex Kennel Club archives while attending a board meeting at St. Hubert’s Giralda. Mr. Ferguson was so enchanted by the magic of the 30-year reign of Mrs. Dodge’s show that he gathered a group of the 21st Century’s “Who’s Who” in dogs to revive the elegance of the bygone era. Four years later, the first M&E show was held near the grounds of the original show.

Thanks largely to Club President and Show Committee Chairman Wayne Ferguson’s endeavors, and those of a remarkable and highly skilled show committee, including Connie Butherus, David Helming and many others, every five years Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge’s legendary dog show once again springs to life.

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In the years between shows, elaborate plans are made, show-site drawings are debated, and grass is painstakingly treated and tended to assure perfection on show day. On the 2020 dog-show scene, Morris & Essex will be the place to be seen, with many people planning their wardrobes – especially hats – well in advance!

The outdoor show features huge Renaissance tents flying the club’s orange and navy blue banners as well as 30 rings with 80 of the American Kennel Club’s finest breed judges. More than 100 breeds will hold national, regional and statewide specialties, and supported entries. As was tradition during Mrs. Dodge’s era, entries and judges are expected from around the world. Only conformation judging will be held, as was customary in Mrs. Dodge’s time as well.

The show's sterling-silver trophy display is like none seen at any other outdoor dog show and includes many very special historical pieces. In fact, the 2015 premium list was believed to be the largest ever printed, with hundreds of pages to include the array of trophies, prizes and programs.

A classic-car display featuring stunning models from the 1930s along with a dazzling array of club and show treasures and historical archives round off this one-of-a-kind dog-show experience.

Hospitality and gentility are two of the many features distinguishing Morris & Essex from other outdoor shows. Picture elaborate flower displays, and specially designed raised platforms for Group winners; imagine an outdoor dog show with no generators or noise, but for the chirping of birds and the voice of the announcer. The Morris & Essex Committee accords tens of thousands of dollars for specially designed underground wiring to eliminate noise and excessive heat from blow dryers, fans and other equipment .

At precisely noon, a lunch bell is rung, and all judging stops. Exhibitors are each presented with a scrumptious and beautifully designed “box lunch,” included as part of the entry fee. During lunch hour, everyone dines; in the judge’s tent, live classical music is played, linen and fine china displayed.

All spectators are invited to purchase delicious food and other items from an array of caterers and upscale vendors. Limited-edition collectible commemorative memorabilia may be purchased in the catalog tent. Various charitable organizations, including Take the Lead, host of an exhibitor breakfast in the morning and a fundraising silent auction throughout the day.

Every five years, a very special dog show appears, and we are transported to a gentler time, honoring one of the dog-show world’s most devoted benefactors and the show’s founder, Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge.