By Jay Lehman
Jay: What made you decide to get your first cat and what kind was it?
Willa: It was a Siamese. Actually, a pair of Siamese, SP litter brother and sister. My former husband thought they would be a "good investment." (He planned to sell kittens--never happened). Another story in itself.
Jay: When did you get your first pedigreed (show quality) cat and what breed was it?
Willa: It was either 1955 or 1956, I really don't remember. Sealpoint Siamese Female English Import.
Jay: When did you become involved in breeding and why?
Willa: In 1956. This import female was well bred and I searched out the owner of a suitable mate for her. Turned out that the man who owned the Siamese stud was the president of the local Oklahoma City Cat Club. I attended one meeting and got elected secretary of the club. (I should have know something was strange right then and there). I produced some decent Siamese but soon realized that I needed to upgrade my stock and turned to Harriet Wolfgang for advice and subsequent improvement. In the early 60s I produced Rogers Hts Rockette of Bercrest that became a national winner. In the early 70s I bought NW GC New Moon Eclipse of Rogers Hts (DM) probably one of the finest studs of all time and CFAs #5 Cat in 1972. Eclipse had 36 grand champion Siamese offspring when his DM was claimed posthumouslyJay: What breeds have you/do you breed, and why?
Willa: I only breed Siamese now and that with the help of others. Due to my judging schedule and other commitments, I am not in a position to raise kittens in my home but I do all of the management and sales of the Tuo-ee and Rogers Hts Siamese. I have had some famous Burmese and they are really my favorite of all breeds of cats. I briefly bred Abyssinians and Russian Blues. My Abys were from Swedish import lines as were the Russian Blues. It was my intent in those days to improve the type on both breeds.
Jay: When did you become involved in CFA and why?
Willa: I always showed in CFA but actually cut all ties with other organizations in 1966 and became a CFA Judge. I had judged from 1962 until then for ACFA. I was very young and had impressed the powers that be in CFA with my ability. I was asked to make the switch about 2 years before I actually did it. When I finally came over it was because ACFA had gone through a disastrous law suit and was very splintered. It really never recovered from that turmoil to regain the status it enjoyed in the late 50s and early 60s. Six AB judges made the switch to CFA at the same time I did. Also at that same time four or five other AB judges left to organize a new association called Crown. Crown eventually folded up but five of the judges that made the switch to CFA were very successful and two of them eventually held national offices and one held regional office for many years. At this time, there are only two of us left. CFA has always been considered the premier cat organization and I have
enjoyed my long tenure with it.
Jay: What makes CFA stand out?
Willa: In the early years, CFA was blessed with outstanding leadership which included people with real vision. The rules were strong and not often changed. It has always been a stable organization which draws conscientious breeders, enthusiastic exhibitors, and high quality cats. The judging slate is the best in the world.
Jay: When did you decide to become a judge?
Willa: At the first show I ever attended.Jay: What is your fondest memory in CFA?
Willa: There are so many it would be impossible to choose. However, their are a couple of projects I have had the opportunity to lead that I would like to mention. First, Chairman of the 1972 Annual Meeting, held in Oklahoma City. This Annual was truly a watershed event and the forerunner to the type of meeting we see at the present time. We had the first open hospitality rooms, we had the first after party and the first dance. I remember struggling long and hard to get approval for the orchestra and dance. The nay sayers argued that it was a waste of money and cat fanciers didn't dance. All in all, it was a splendid event and I will never forget Jean Rose (Executive Director) and Lilias Bloehm (a CFA past president) telling me "Willa we never thought you could do it." Remember, I was pretty young compared to the leadership and besides that, I had come over from "that other association." In more modern times, the accomplishment of which I remain most proud was the significant work performed by the CFA Planning Committee from 1994 through 1998 before it was disbarred in June of 1998. We were working on a bridge into the 21st Century and we had set the wheels in motion for accomplishments we may never be credited with but I will know where the ideas originated when we see these innovations emerge a bit further down the line.
Jay: What advise would you give to Russian Blue exhibitors about showing this breed?
Willa: Russian Blues are very bright cats so if they don't like the show scene listen to them and heed their advice. If you are lucky enough to have one that favors the activity and happens to be a competitive specimen take it out and show it as you see fit. I believe they are a hardy breed and if they have the temperament for shows they make great show cats.
Jay: What advise would you give Russian Blue breeders while developing this breed?
Willa: Temperament, Temperament, Temperament then type, then coat and color including eye color.
Jay: Do you have anything else to add?
Willa: Gee I think I may have said enough but I do think this is a great idea you have and thank you for including me in your survey. Bye for now and Happy Catting.
copyright © 1999 Jay Lehman