Duke was one of the first setters to be introduced to the Goose Club. He set the standard for English Setters to be used by the Members of the Mattmuskeet Goose Club. 1939.
Six years after Dolly passed, and 4 years after ED Sumner's death, his grandchildren carried on the tradition. The four Sumner boys welcomed their first setter, Dot. She roamed the same neighborhood her predecessors had called home for over 30 years.
In 1940, Nell was introduced to the club and Duke. By early 1941,the club
welcomed the first litter of puppies in Hyde County. Nell and Duke were
memorialized in a portrait by reknowned wildlife artist, Ralph Ray.
welcomed the first litter of puppies in Hyde County. Nell and Duke were
memorialized in a portrait by reknowned wildlife artist, Ralph Ray.
In the mid- 1990's, Pet Sumner's grandson welcomed two beautiful setters to his home. Babe and Avery were adopted and became an important part of the five children's daily life.
Dolly was a member of the last litter of pups from Duke and Neil. She traveled back and forth with Sumner from Gastonia and became his constant companion. She died on a trip in 1958 at the low country lodge.
After the passing of Avery and Babe, it was noted “Michael Sumner was not going to be trapped by
the magic of these wonderful animals.” That lasted for about two months, until Summer and his son, Pet, traveled to Maryland's eastern shore. "BigHead" became the new standard bearer for the setters at Mattamuskeet.
the magic of these wonderful animals.” That lasted for about two months, until Summer and his son, Pet, traveled to Maryland's eastern shore. "BigHead" became the new standard bearer for the setters at Mattamuskeet.
