CLUB
HISTORY[1]
The
Southern Dutchess & Sportsmen's Association was founded on February 3rd,
1934, in Beacon,
By
1937, it boasted a membership of over 900.
Dues of the Association at that time were $1.00 yearly, and used
entirely for the propagation, distribution and conservation of fish and game[2]. There apparently were great numbers of
fishermen in the Club at that time, the lakes, rivers and streams not yet
suffering from the pollution of the latter-day 20th century.
Due
to intervening wars, the formation of other Rod & Gun Clubs and similar
Associations in the area, the membership had been reduced to approximately 40
by 1947, a far cry from the earlier 900 figure.
However, five years later, in 1952, the Club purchased the property in
Prior to completion of the indoor range, Club members were able to shoot
at a Barn owned by a Mr. Jay Snook, located at the place now occupied by the
intersection of Routes 84 and 9.
Starting in 1953, and extending for approximately ten years, the Club
held shooting classes and competitions for youngsters, with rifles and
ammunition supplied by the DCM program.
From 1957 to approximately 1983, the Club competed in the
Starting in (approximately) 1958 and extending to the end of the 1970's,
the Club had a twice-yearly Schuetzenfest
with the Highland Falls Rod & Gun Club.
Here, there were competitions in rifle and pistol, accompanied by a
picnic, for members, friends and families.
This was a home-and-home arrangement, and apparently quite popular with
the members. It ended with the loss of
shooting facilities by the Highland Falls Club, and was never reinstated.
One
of the heralded social events of the Club, up to the early 1980's was the
Annual Clambake. This was a bona fide
clambake, cooking done in the traditional pit with hot stones and lots of
steam.
Current Club operation is pretty much the same as it was in the early
days. We have social events. They may not be the same, but they offer the
opportunity to meet with friends and families in a non-shooting context. We presently have an Annual Picnic and a Game
Dinner. We have work parties to keep the
Clubhouse and grounds neat, the outdoor range operational. Our Constitution remains in force, our
by-laws modified with requirements of the times. We perhaps have fewer dedicated fishermen
than we did in the past, but probably more archers - since that sport has
burgeoned in the last 20 to 30 years. We
continue to interact with the public:
witness the six 3D shoots per year.
Our dues remain low, probably the
lowest of any Club's in the area. Our
membership reaches into all aspects of
the local community, and includes women.
The
Club has had a long and illustrious history.
We can look forward to a continu- ance of this record of achievement, as
long as we retain the loyalty and dedication of the members of this
organization - as long as we continue to work together for the common good - as
long as we hold each other in respect - as long as we continue to strive for
excellence. It is probable that the original founders, if they were indeed
alive today, would be proud of what this Club has achieved since its inception
in 1934. It is up to us - the current members - to see that this
striving for excellence continues
uninterrupted.