CLUB HISTORY[1]

 

          The Southern Dutchess & Sportsmen's Association was founded on February 3rd, 1934, in Beacon, New York.  By 1937, it was meeting at the Braendly Dye Works, located at 10 East Main Street, in Beacon, although it earlier had met across the street from there in Miller's store.  Oscar Braendly was a member, and a good friend, who provided space in his plant for meetings, as well as an indoor .22 pistol range in the attic.

 

          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 Wappinger on which it currently resides.  A year later, in 1953, one half of the current building was completed, and in the 1960's, the other half was built.  At that time, the downstairs range was completed.

 

          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 Orange County Pistol League (.22 caliber), regularly sending 12-man teams to West Point to compete.

 

          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.