No doubt about it, Gari and Corinne Melchers loved animals. The couple enjoyed dogs as pets and usually had at least one canine companion at all times. While living at Belmont, they expanded their small farm to include a beloved Scarlet macaw named Polly, turkeys, guinea fowl, chickens, ducks, cows, cats, and a horse or two.
Here’s a pictorial sampling of their furry and feathered friends:
Sadly, we do not know what happened to Polly after Corinne’s death in 1955. Since parrots can live as long as 90 years in captivity, we hope the colorful bird found a new home with someone who cared for her as much as Corinne did. Her brother, Leonard, even jokingly referred to Belmont as ‘Birdmont.’
In the photo where Corinne is holding a picnic basket, the larger dog is an Australian Shepherd.