BIO: Walter M. DRAKE, Huntingdon County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Dave Wilson 
<davwilson@worldnet.att.net>

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McElroy, James Thomas Jr., McElroy's Family Memories, 
Huntingdon, PA: (Author), 1930, page 46.
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WALTER M. DRAKE
Alexandria, Pa.

Manager:  Hartslog Valley Poultry Farm:  Has succeeded in bringing to the 
front several strains of poultry, Anconas and Rhode Island Reds, and 
especially the Ancona type of poultry.  He was born at Saltillo, Huntingdon 
County, Pa., December 29, 1903.  A son of Creveling H. Drake, who died in 
1908, and Della (Senft) Drake, now residing at Saltillo, Pa.  Walter M. Drake 
attended the Primary, Grammar, High, and Preparatory School at Girard 
College, Philadelphia, Pa.  This institution of learning is internationally 
known, and has turned out some exceptionally fine men.  At this institution 
Mr. Drake graduated in the class of June, 1921.  He became interested in 
poultry raising.  Was part owner and manager of the Saltilllo Poultry Yards 
from 1922 to 1927.  The Hartslog Poultry Farm is now the home of "Two Hundred 
Egg Bred Anconas," a strain first developed by Walter Drake about eight years 
ago.  Three years ago he came to the Hartslog Poultry farm as manager, 
bringing a foundation stock of Anconas with him, and since has built up a 
large flock of high producing Anconas, since its foundation eight years ago.  
He has now several hundred ribbons, won at various poultry shows in the 
eastern part of the United States, as well as a number of silver loving cups 
for best displays.  "Hartslog Anconas," as the strain is known, has also 
given a good account of itself in official egg laying contests.  At present a 
pen of this breeding is running in fourth place for the entire contest in one 
of the prominent Eastern contests, in competition with ninety-nine other pens 
of several breeds, the pick of breeders' flocks in all parts of the world.  
Next fall several pens will be entered by the Hartslog Poultry Farm in 
various contests, to continue this good showing.  Hartslog Anconas have a 
wide acquaintance throughout Ancona breeders' circles throughout this 
country.  This is due in part to the merits of the strain and in part to the 
fact that Walter M. Drake, the manager, was during 1927 and 1928, President 
of the United Ancona Club, the International Ancona Breeders' Organization.  
In the course of the past hatching season, Hartslong Poultry Farm has hatched 
several thousand Ancona chicks which went to various Eastern States, and even 
into Canada. Mr. Drake has received over four hundred ribbons for displays 
and two loving cups, one for best display at State College, on Anconas, in 
1926, and one in 1928.  He belongs to the Pennsylvania Poultry Association, 
is President of the Huntingdon Country Poultry Association, and member and 
Past President of the United Ancona Club.  A member of the Baptist Church of 
Saltillo, Pa., and Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School.  Taught 
boys' class for one year.  He was married to Stella Nead.  Three children:  
Walter Malcolm, aged four; Alma Lorna, two years, and Robert Duane, six 
months old.  Mr. Drake is thoroughly acquainted with this important line of 
poultry raising.