Club History 1932 thru 1972
This is a brief history of the Kiski Twp. Sportsmen and Beagle Club
The 1932 thru 1972 history was copied from the
"Armstrong County Sportsmen and Conservation League Web Site"
The following was transcribed by Carl White April 4, 2006
All times and dates are as of the time these recorders were written
and may not be accurate as of this writing.
Original meeting was on Oct. 1, 1932. Game Warden, Laird "Sandy " Walker,
gave a detailed summery of the benefits of being organized. He explained the
stocking program at length and requested a game commission chairman so he could
contact him and have the club help in stocking Kiski Twp.
Clyde King, of the old Apollo Community Sportsmen Association, also talked on
the benefits of having the sportsmen organization and suggested that we organize
at this time.
Election of officers resulted in: President -Carl A. White, Vice President
M. M. Blystone, Secretarty J. Everett Bier and Treasurer George A. Couch.
The members adopted in 1932 was $.50 per member and thirty two (32) members
joined. This proved to be the nucleus of a fast growing conservation group,
organized among farmer and sportsmen, to co-operate for better out-door
recreation in Kiskiminetas and surrounding townships.
In the remaining months of 1932 a committee consisting of Charles B. Wilson,
j. Ellis Shaffer and J. E. Bier. worked on a constitution and by-laws and the
club adopted them. The same Construction and By-laws still govern our
association today.
Beginning in 1933, the association decided to try raising ringnecks. At
this time the Game Commission did not have hatcheries and facilities to give the
clubs the day old chicks, so fourteen of the members agreed to take eggs and use
chicken hens for hatching. Although the results were only fair , a total of 45
pheasants were raised. This being the beginning of raising ringnecks, the club
voted to hole the pheasants over winter and agreed to buy feed for them.
President White agreed to care for the pheasants over the winter months.
In 1933 the Kiski Twp. members voted to join the Armstrong County Sportsmen
League. The group elected Carl A. White as The County League delegate, a
position he still holds in 1972.
Kisk joined Apollo ,and Rural Valley to make three clubs in the County
League. The membership of the County League was less than 400 . This has grown
until today there are over 20 active clubs with around 2100 members.
In 1933 the Kiski Twp. boys established their first game reserve back of
Maysville, containing of approximately 12 acres They places signs around
boundary lines, and tenant, Ken Rum bough agreed to keep all hunters out.
Several feeding stations were built. A number of district officials
from the Division office, then at Irwin, visited the project and were amazed at
the results.
Rollin Heffelfinger highly commended the club on the project. From this
organization the Farm Game Project, which have proved a boom, to have closed
lands opened to public hunting.
In 1934 Kiski we decided to enlarge our refuge program by adding 3 more
reserves and completing 6 more feeding stations. We knew we had the necessary
help and the request from neighboring land owners to establish the additional
refuges. We tried one large refuge to see if it would be better. Later on we
found smaller refuges were more beneficial. Hunting was better around these
refuges each year. One or our members, M. M. Blystone was elected by the club to
act as DEP Game Warden. This was approved by E. L. Shields, County Game Warden,
who worked closely with the club.
By 1935 Kiski membership had grown to 106. This year we continued our
programs, also we appointed a Legislative Committee to watch new bills and act
for the best interest of our members. This committed is still active in our
club. This year we voted in favor of Sunday Fishing. Also we acted favorably on
House Bill 927 to purify and help keep our streams clean.
A membership drive was put on, teams were elected and prizes of shotgun
shell were given to the winners. Twenty -nine new members were added. Again we
maintained our reserves and had signs made to protect the landowners buildings.
1935 to 1936 being a very bad winter, we purchased and put out 50 Bu. corn.
Meeting were arranged with the farmers relative to starting the Farm Game
program. E. L. Shields aided greatly in this work.
After several meetings, all well attended, all our game refuges and farms
were turned over and administrated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. this is
Farm Game Project 36and still continues in use , consisting of near 5,000 acres.
Also in 1936 we organized a group to get rid of wild and unlicensed dogs.
This also paid dividends especially to the deer which were just getting started
here. Ringnecks were getting better and Game Warden, Shields reported 250 adult
ringnecks were stocked in Armstrong County.
Each year Kiski held an old fashion get-together in Grimm's Woods. Eight
additional feeding stations were built. The president kept informing all members
to work closely with the farmers and always get permission before hunting. Only
by doing this can we keep ground open for public hunting. The club members also
started a move to get quail back after th bad winter of 1936. the club bought 50
rabbits to aid in re-stocking and the Game Commission, also furnished 50
rabbits. A number of slab piles in our community were harboring foxes, we
contracted the owners and had 5 slab files burned or torn apart. the club still
continues to have safety zone signs printed and given to the farmers.
In 1937 There were resolutions presented 1. Requesting the skunk be taken
off the game list . 2 That bounty of $ 1.00 be paid for weasels. We had 24 quail
and 28 ringnecks released in our reservations.
In 1938 there were two teams picked for a crow contest. This created alot
of interest and resulted ion 144 crows being shot. As deer were rather scarce
here in Armstrong County, the club purchased No Doe signs and gave them to land
owners who requester them. Ray McKissick was transferred from Westmoreland to
Armstrong County and he explained to the Kiski club members how we could put
food plots out for the wild life and the Game Commission would pay for the seed.
The club agreed to try an acre plot, and if successful would put more plots in
next year. Ray started organizing more clubs in Armstrong County and
re-organizing the county League. Our membership had grown to 150 and we were
preparing to hold Beagle field trials.
Another resolution was adopted, that all effort be put forth to have
Crooked Creek cleaned up and placed on the stocking list. The Pennsylvania Game
commission is now assuming the care of our former reservations and a number more
farms have signed up. The club agreed to place 12 more feeding stations on
project 36. The work was done by club members. Another membership drive was put
on resulting in 72 new members. Again we purchased 40 bushels of corn for
feeders.
During 1939 our attendance averaged 65 members per meeting, and we were
highly commended by Bart Welsh, Ray McKissick, Lyle Clawson and Clyde King on
this attendance.
In 1940 our By-laws and Constitution was changed making our club the Kiski
Twp. Sportsmen's and Beagle club. A committee was appointed to look for a farm
with or without buildings. We also ran a snake killing contest for boys and
girls, each one killing 10 snakes received a small souvenir, 31 boys and girls
received souvenirs. We a field trial in Oct. on the Strawn property. There were
32 dogs entered in the two classes The Apollo Milling company furnished the road
signs and furnished dog feed for the prizes.
During the war years our Activities were somewhat cramped , however we kept
our club going as best we could. All members that were in the service were kept
paid up by the club and were ready to step into action at the wars ending. We
continued to hold at least one good annual meeting. Our committees kept trying
to locate a farm for future expansion.
In 1941 the club ordered 100 Chinese chestnut trees, 50 of the trees were
purchased by the club members and 50 by the club. About 60 % are still bearing
chestnuts. A number of the trees producing 3 peck to a bushel of chestnuts
annually. Last fall we noted all types of wildlife were working on the
chestnuts. Quite a number of small trees are appearing in our district each
year. This is ample proof that the chestnut will grow in Armstrong County.
During his period a group of Kiski Twp. club members traveled to Pymatuning
Lake and assisted the Pennsylvania Game Commission in planting Willow trees around
the lake. After this trip, at our next meeting, a resolution was drawn up.
1. requesting the Dept. of Forest and Waters to have proper sanitation toilets
erected around Pymatuning Lake for the convenience of visitors.2 That several
wells be drilled and proper drinking water provided.
All surplus money of the clubs was invested in war bonds. During this
period we had built 3 quail pens. Glenn King volunteered to raise 60 quail. The
club furnished the feed. Glenn did an excellent job in raising the quail, but
time has proven these birds to tame and not hardened to protect themselves out
in the wild. However the birds that survived did show up and acclimated to the
wilds of nature. All our landowners put forth an effort to help the quail adjust
to the surroundings many provided winter feed for them.
A resolution was supported unanimously. Resolved that the Kiski Twp.
Sportsmen join the Snyderville Rod and Gun Club in requesting a closed season on
quail until such a time as the quail get re-established. The season was closed
for one year. Kisk Twp also presented a resolution requesting free hunting and
fishing licenses for boys in the service. This resolution was later carried out.
Bert Welsh and Tony Jaycosky were our Game Wardens, both co-operated very well
with our club and were always willing to help in projects carried out by our
club.
It was during this time that all efforts of the club president who was the
County League Delegate, was used in having Buffalo Creek changed from a Bass
stream to a trout stream. W. Carl Benton of the Buffalo Club, also President of
the County League, visited our club to personally thank them for the help in
having the creek changes to a trout stream. Many of our members are still
getting a lot of pleasure fishing for trout in Buffalo Creek.
Game warden Jaycosky informed our members that the Pennsylvania Game
Commission agreed to enlarge Farm Game Project 36 from 5000 to 10,000 acres.
This project is still being used maintained for open hunting. Ken Prugh took
several reels of moving pictures of game releasing on project. There were
excellent and enjoyed very much by all club members.
A special tribute to J. Everett Bier who served as secretary from the
organization in 1932 continuously through 1945. thanks to him we have a complete
of minutes for the entire 13 years. He was succeeded by Joseph Alsippi.
In 1946 on returning home after the war ended, there were very few boys who
did not return to the club, many of whom are still active members. During the
year 1946 we purchased the Greeno property consisting of 289 acres for $3,000.
After we agreed on the price we had 10 days to get the money. A special meeting
was called with 125 members attending. The entire amount was raised by selling
$10.00 non-interest bearing notes. The buying of the farm was only the beginning
of a much larger project and greater increased club activities.
A dog training permit was obtained when the NuMine club released theirs.
Several Fox hunts were sponsored by our club, although only 2 foxes were
killed, a number of our members became interested and are still hunting foxes.
our club agreed to pay an extra bounty of $1.00 to members for fox killed.
A Boy Scott troop was sponsored by our club, L. G. White was elected Scott
Master. Most of the boys sponsored are now members active members of the club.
The membership had grown to 300 and we raised the dues from $.50 to $1.00.
A resolution was passed, Resolved that our Safety Zone notices be changed making
it illegal to walk through or let dogs run in safety zones.
In 1947 a special wildlife project was established on the Bier and Bowman
farms. A right away was cleared and wire and signs enclosed the 20 acre plot.
This project provided beneficial until trees grew up and choked the undercover
out , and then was banded in 1953.
Plans were being made for a club house, it was agreed to build a basement
and cover it with roofing. It was to be 72 feet long 30 feet wide and 10 feet
high. In addition we held a very live stag party with all the trimmings. Feed
plots were taken care of however most of the time was spent working on the
basement.
In 1948 we were interested in leasing our ground for gas and selling timber
or having lumber cut for the club house. Part of the ground was leased to a
local company and part to the Peoples Natural Gas Co.
During 1949 we purchased doors and windows and started on our building
program. We continued our crow and fox program. Thirty one foxes and one
hindered and two crow were killed. This year 4 food plots were placed on our
farm.
As we did not have heat in our basement, the club met during the winter
months in the Italian club in Avonmore. We sponsored a Bob Ford show run several
raffles, put on a $5.00 initiation fee on all new members plus the annual dues.
In 1950 the members built pens for 500 ringnecks on Dante Bernini's farm
Dante furnished the wire, the Game Commission paid $1.00 per bird and furnished
feed until the age of 12 weeks. This relieved our members and helped Dante
financially. Incidentally he is still raising ringnecks. The Horell farm was
optioned to the Game Commission for a propagation area.
In May we sold enough bonds to complete our building. A. M. Lockhart and
Harold McIntyre were assigned to by all necessary building materials to finish
the 30ft. by 72ft two story building.
Field Trial Committee of Sam Strel, Carl A. White, James Brown, Rex
Newingham, Leonard Martchitelii and Gen King were authorized to proceed in
arranging with the American Kennel Club Sanction B trials, then hold 2 trials so
we could become legible for licensed trials.
One hundred fifty members turned out for the annual picnic. A committee to draw
up necessary requirements for members, changes in By-laws and Constitution,
initiation on dues structure, was Ross B. Mcilwain, L. G. White, C. C. Allshouse
and George Culp. Recommendations of the committee were follows.$ 5.00 imitation
fee for all new members. $ 2.00 dues. $ 1.00 dues for students until 18 years
old. Free membership for all members in military service, providing they were in
good standing when entering the military. RE-instatement of three dollars plus
dues for delinquent members. Students to pay $ 5.00 imitation fee when reaching
18 years of age. All the above requirements were adopted.
Then by vote of the members a life member ship could be given to any member
giving $ 50.00 in bond or cash, however , the member must pay the per capita tax
reach year. If not paid in two years the life membership forfeits all rights and
benefits of the club.
President Carl White having completed 18 years as president requested the
club to provide some rule so he could be relieved of the presidency. Recommended
by A. C. Allhouse, a motion Dante Bornini and seconded by L. G. White that a
!st, 2nd and 3rd vice president be elected to serve with Carl White as president
for 1951., then first vice president would move up to president and etc. and a
new third vice president would be elected along with officers. This was adopted
and continues in force through 1962.
Harry Greenwalt was the Game Warden for 1950.
In 1951 112 foxes were killed by Apollo, Vandergrift, Bell Twp. and Kiski
Twp. Sportsmen. A coon trial was held which was largely attended and the club
realized $40.00 from the event. 1250ft of two inch gas line was laid and the
building equipped with gas heat.
In 1952 Work continued on the clubhouse, installing two gas heaters at a
cost of $1500.00. Then starting work on a kitchen. Two beagle field trials and
two raffles were held to help pay for the kitchen.
In 1953 the highway department was contacted by L., G. White and the road
past the clubhouse was covered with gravel, making it passable all year round.
Carl A. White County League Delegate cooperated with A. E. Edie prepared and
presented several radio programs one solely on Kiski Twp. Outside Lights were
provided, a well drilled and the parking lot graded with dozers furnished by Joe
Kotts and Glen Fleming. Plans were being completed for shooting ranges,
22caliber inside and hipowers outside. G. T. Sinnamond was Chairman of the Rifle
Committee.
Glenn King raised 80 quail and Dante Bernini 500 ringnecks. The Kiski club
reaffirmed their resolution to have ringnecks hens open for hunting. A
considerable amount of brush cutting s were made this year for game cover and
feed. This program is continued each year buy club members. C. T. Sinnamond cut
timber for the lumber to furnished the building. The rest was to be sold and
the money used for cementing the basement.
It was agreed to rent the hall free to churches and PTA. $5.00 for family
outings. $!5.00 for other groups plus $5.00 for use of kitchen. An agreement was
drawn up with T. C. Crownhover whereby he would clear certain fields furnish
lime and fertilizer and seed same for a 5 year period. The Game protector took a
job with the Federal Fish and Wildlife service.
Members who carried the heaviest load of work and responsibility of the
building. were A. M. Lockhart, L. G. White, Primo Serventi, Leonard
Martchitelii, Burton Townsend, Hazen White, Paul Townsend, Dante Bernini, Carl
White and Don Purgh Sr. who made up the board of directors. However, many hours
of labor were furnished by many other members.
A dedication program was held on Nov. 30, 1952, a full house of 250
members and friends enjoyed remarks by Judge J. Frank Graff, R. H. McKissick,
Jack Erion and Harris Breth. Pictures were taken by the Valley News. Music by
Dante Bernini and pictured of hunting in Alaska were shown by Homer Collins.
After which a delicious lunch was served.
In the later part of 1953 the club installed a hot water heater and a jet
pump in the basement. A sink and hot and cold water were installed in the
kitchen.
A resolution was drawn up requesting the dog training area be open for bib
game hunters. this is now law. The club purchased their first power saw and
started a better cutting program, making many brush piles over the training
area. Kiski Twp. won the county crow contest for the year.
Bill shaffer and Tony Discavage attended our meetings regularly and gave the
members a lot of good sound advice related to hunting and fishing. Since the
assessment for money and bonds, our membership dropped to 160 members, in other
words we separated the men from the boys. Now since the work was moving along
and we were engaging in many activities, a number were wanting in at the old
rate. By action of the we set a limit of 220 members and started to operate
under a closed charted.
The ladies helped our club by putting on spaghetti and chicken suppers
realizing better than $200.00.
During Feb. 1955 Treas. Lochart reported the good news that all bills were
paid and we had a balance of $187.00 in cash not including bonds. Our spring
derby trial brought out 38 derbies and a profit of $76.33 plus dues and other
income from gas wells and lease we now had $467.85. The indoor rifle committee
purchased boiler plate and completed the range, also it was agreed to take in a
number of shooters from Spring Church. They paid the necessary fee.
The club planted 200 trees and shrubs on the farm for game feed and cover.
They also sponsored WM. Hoffman and paid his fee for attending the Junior
Conservation Camp at State Collage. The initiation fee was raised to $15.00
annual dues to $5.00 students $1.00 . the club sponsored a number of square
dances although not much money was raised everyone attending had a good time.
During 1956 the club continued to hold square dances, field trials to
support the rifle team. Considerable cutting was done. Indoor toilets facilities
were installed. The farm was surveyed and found the club owned five more acres
of timber. Turkey were released in Kiski Twp. but they didn't seem to be
increasing in numbers.
This year the club had to draw up a separate set of by-laws for the beagle
club and elect a separate set of officers in order with the rulings of the
American Kennel Club. This had to be done to get approval foe licensed trials.
Jack Brion was transferred to Allegheny County and Chas Hertz come to the
Northern section of Armstrong County as warden. Bill Shaffer and Tony Discavage
were still with us as game protectors and fish wardens. Both were doing a bang
up job for conservation.
In 1957 after a long struggle, and plenty of hard work and a great effort by
about 40 members, the club was finally realizing its aim set a number of years
ago. There were more members but about 40 carried the load, stuck together and
could always be depended on for help. The year was started $1,369.00. As all
sportsmen realize money in the treasure is nice, but there were a lot places to
improve. A plan was approver to paint the inside of the main building, including
the kitchen. The floor was sanded and treated with wood life. The basement was
painted for the indoor rifle team and the rifle club reported joining the
National Rifle Association. This would enable to club to participate for top
honors in matches. Lights etc. were bought to complete the outdoors rifle range.
Insurance was bought covering all club members and any visitors who might
in any way be injured. this cost $142.00.
The beagle club was finally cleared with the A. K. C. all requirements had
been met, such 2 classes of B trials,2 classes of A trials and now the club was
legible for a licenses trial. However dog kennels had to be built. A committee
visited 4 other clubs to inspect their kennels, but did not find anything
suitable so the club decided to build a kennel 68ft long 12 ft wide with
concrete block, steel roof and wire pens on outside of building. Plus a room
101/2 by 111/2 ft on the end. including a 19 kennel on each side with a 4 ft.
walkway between the kennels. Estimated cost $1000.00.
The appreciation dinner filled the hall to capacity. This continues to be
an annual event, always well attended. At these dinners in addition to our
county officials, we have had such noted speakers as U.S. Senator Albert Pechan,
Assemblyman W. Stewart Helm and Congressman John P. Saylor.
Square Dance continued with no successes. A great deal of credit goes to the
dance committee which worked tirelessly to keep them going. The rifle club
entered the Allegheny Kiski Valley League, was still operating and trying to
interest more shooters.
During October the first licensed trial was held, although, it was a late
date and run during small game season, there were 121 dogs entered. Our thanks
go to the laded who did an excellent job of feeding the beagles and the men who
helped with the trial A profit of $115.00 was realized. Two turkey shoots and a
raffle completed the year.
In 1958 the club sponsored a resolution to have spring season extended so
licensed trials could be held in the spring, we decided to waver a trial for
1958 and ask for our licenses trial date the week of May in 1959. Our legislator
W. Mack Guthrie, sponsored this change in the law for the bogglers. Jack DeLong
was transferred to Armstrong county, to cover the Southern part.
Dances were continued, as was the annual Ladies Night banquet, along with
the rifle club and beagle club trials. Plains were started to build a lake. A
large number of the members started to clearing ground. Eddie White furnished a
caterpillar to pull the trees and plough the ground. This of course was only the
first step. The ground was limed and sown in wheat . President Horrell appointed
Carl A. White, as chairman to make arrangements for the completion of the lake
in 1959.
President Prusack suggested the club appoint a board of directors. the
following were elected Carl A. White, Arthur M. Lockhart, Burton Townsend, Paul
Townsend, Gould White, Frank Bottali, Primo Serventi, Hazen White, Chas Prusack,
Leanord Marchitelli, Henry Debick and Ross McIlwain.
The year 1959 started with a balance of $1,609.00. The club sponsored gun
safety courses. Twelve members qualified. Demonstrations were put on at Elder
Ridge High School by Hazen and Jim White. At Bell Twp. by Hazen and Carl White.
This is still continuing each year. The district Girl Scott used the grounds
during August. 220 girls were present. They now use the grounds annually.
During May the first spring licensed trial ever held in Pennsylvania was held
with 239 dogs vying for honors. A great many of the dogs were from South
Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio. Although, we had done considerable cutting
we found we needed a lot more done and a lot more rabbits to handle that many
dogs. The spring Church grounds was used for two classes and they in turn will
use ours for their trials.
The President appointed a full committee to proceed with the lake and complete
same as soon as feasible. Carl A. White, Chairman Stewart Horrell, Burton
Townsend, Eddie White, Mario Garzone, Chas Prusack, Bill Shankle,and Ross
McIlwain. A considerable hold up was experienced on account of the gas line
right of way, the survey ring, clearing material, etc. The club decided to pay
off all bonds. This being completed we were deft free what a relief this was to
all members.
In 1960 still another game protector Dean Cooks. The dances were continued
as was the rifle and beagle club activities. Again the May licenses trial was a
gigantic affair with 265 dogs entered, after all expenses a profit of $737.00
was realized. We were honored by having the South Western Division of Spot men
clubs meet in our club house in June. Some of the men cooked a delicious meal
for the visiting Delegates.
James Brown was elected to vice chairman of the Wet Pennsylvania Beagle
Association. During August the dam was started. Crownhover furnished the bull
dozer for $7.00 per hour. Gas pipe for overflow was purchased from Peoples
Natural Gas Company. Pipe were welded by Dobrosky's and James Antoncci. Quite a
number of members turned out for work and after 2 month we had completed a dandy
lake of approx. 3 acres. at a cost of $1,553.00. We had the necessary funds in
the regular club and beagle club to pay the entire bill. As Crownhover were
using some 50 acres for farming, he deducted $200.00 from the $1553.00 or
$1353.00 for the lake.
The annual ladies banquet was held in September and again was a huge success.
In 1961 a resolution was drawn up approved requesting Delegates to contact
the Game Commission, asking that buck season be restored so as to have two
Saturdays. this was done and the season now consists of two Saturdays. Rifle
team consists of 17 members reported 10 members scores to count at each match,
having two teams of 5. Formerly only the high 5 were used. Team standings will
be based on total wins of both teams. Teams still requesting more members. A
discussion on stocking lake resulted in buying 300 11 inch trout from Green
Spring Hatchery for $225.00. These were stocked during May Licensed trial. A
number of club members and their families have enjoyed their Wednesday evenings
trying to catch the trout. Some 165 were taken.
The licensed trial continue to get larger 291 dogs were run in May. Again
a large number of dogs were from out of state. The kitchen was improved with a
large gas range purchased from Spring Church Lutheran Ladies. Debs Marks donated
sheet iron for for feeders. During Nov. 500 5to 7 inch trout were placed in the
lake, also 300 small bass were stocked. Fish feed (pellets were bough for the
fish.
In 1962 The annual oyster feed at Feb.. meeting was very well attended. The
officers for 1962 were. Sportsmen club Pres. Walter Shoop 1st Vice president
Donald Morgan
2nd Vice president Thomas May, 3rd. Vice president Leonard Mcrchitelli, Sec.
Ross McIlwain, Treas. Hazen Whiteand Delegate Carl White and Alt. Delegate Harry
Heckman. officers for the Beagle Club president Wm. Egley, V.P. Chas. Prusack,
Sec. Carl White and Treasurer R.C. Blackson. Rifle Club President C. T.
Sinnamond, VP. Lloyd Hartman, Sec. Ross McIlwain, Delegate Hazon Whiteand
Captain Ray Dobrosky.
In 1962 during January and February 200 rabbits were trapped for stocking
training area and open hunting ground. We added another sink in our kitchen plus
lights. During May 5 thru 9 we ran 263 dogs at our licensed trial from 14
different states. During July 9 thru 13 approximately 200 girls scoots used our
club and grounds. Carl A. White was elected president of the Pennsylvania
Federation of Sportsmen Clubs. We purchased a movie projector for $505.00, which
still provides a lot of entertainment for our club. Our turkey raffle showed a
profit of $390.00. This is to be divided 3 ways 1/3 to the rifle club, 1/3 to
the beagle club and 1/3 to the sportsmen club which is the parent organization.
In 1963 approximately 75 members attended our oyster feed at our Feb.
meeting. Our May licensed trial was well attended and a nice profit was realized
for the beagle club. During May and June we erected outdoor rifle ranges 50
yard, 100 yard and 200 yards. The doors and windows were painted during July and
August. During September we held an appreciation dinner for the ladies.
Congressman John P. Saylor was the main speaker. The club the club was kept well
informed on project 70 and strip mine legislation by president of the
Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen Clubs. Governor Scranton cooperated very
closely with the sportsmen and by united effort the Strip Mine Bill became law.
In 1964 the club built a new horse stable. We bought the used lumber from
Moran and by using free labor the cost was $273.00 plus the paint. The beaglers
painted the dog kennels. The May licensed trial was very successful. Glenn
Fleming mowed all our trails approximately 20 miles. We had 40 tons of lime put
on our farm by T. C. Crownover and approximately 5 tons of fertilizer, donated
by Agway after the flood. The beagle club purchased A call to the wild and
several records of crow and fox squeals.
Again in 1965 our oyster feed brought out approximately 50 members on a
very bad night in Feb. As our licensed trial continued to get larger we decided
to build an additional kennel to hold 25 dogs, cost $ 95.00. there were 332 dogs
entered in our May 8 thru 12th licensed trial. We cleared $676.00. Fish were
stocked and the lake opened 2 nights weekly. Our appreciation dinner for the
ladies filled the hall. Our annual turkey raffle cleared $360.00.In 1966 after
being robbed of most of our kitchen utensils we were compelled to by a new
supplies. The club started a brush cutting program for rabbit cover and to
compete with all the county clubs for a wildlife improvement trophy. Kiski won
the trophy. We also sowed Tre-Foil and clover on a number of strips for feed.
The rifle club after several bad seasons finished fourth in the league. $426.00
was cleared on the annual turkey raffle. A very successful memorial trial for Al
Moeller completed 1966 activities.
Again in 1967 our annual oyster feed in Feb. was well attended. During
April we stocked trout 11-12 inches in our lake. The May licensed trial again
was a huge success. Although our entries were less all enjoyed the 4 day trial
and a profit of $226.00 was realized. Our trapping program handles by Harold
Altman resulted in 120 rabbits being released. Again Kiski won the Wildlife
Improvement contest and trophy.
Again in 1968 our annual oyster feed was well attended in Feb. Plans were
made to improve our club house. Three new lights were installed in the kitchen.
Ten subscriptions were to lucky members, to the outdoor People Magazine. Douglas
Egly was sent to Junior conservation School at State Collage. Donations were
made to Kiski Twp. and Avonmore fire departments.
The turkey raffle in November netted $408.00. Many reunions were held and
primary and general elections are be held at the Kiski Twp. Sportsmen and Beagle
Club hall. Plans for a trap shooting range was started and the trap was
purchased.
This was the year the Organized Sportsmen went to bat for Dick Schweiker for
United States Senator. Past President of the Pennsylvania Federation of
Sportsmen Clubs was chosen on Sportsmen for Schweiker Committee for South West
Division. Schweiker was elected and has never let the sportsmen down. Along with
Congressman John Saylor we have two of the greatest conservation leaders in
Washington.
In 1969 still having good turn out for our Feb. meeting we decided to
paint the main hall and the kitchen. Twenty members painted the entire hall and
kitchen two coats on the third Sunday of Feb. The club members then decided the
floor needed painted again. The members set a date in March and painted the
floor. Later the second coat was applied the total cost of the paint and varnish
exceeded $200.00. In April we installed large fluorescent lights in the main
room and kitchen at a cost of $150.00. Kiski sent Fred and Brian Bollinger and
Randy White to Junior Conservation School. The licensed trial drew 239 dogs and
a profit of $432.00. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Horrell prepared and served the meal
for the trial. Our club transferred $1,000.00 from checking into a savings
account. The turkey raffle netted $540.00 and we again won the wildlife
improvement trophy.
The year 1970 was under way with our annual oyster feed in Feb. Lem
Sinclair and Carl White repaired and painted all our tables during Feb. and
March. Twenty two members cut brush on Feb. 21 st for cover.
The kitchen and clock were brightened up with new curtains. We improved
our parking lot by having Jim White haul and spread 22 tons of limestone chips.
Morgan, Spelock and Crawford repaired and painted the out side shooting range.
The club leased our club farm to the Penn Oil Co. The licensed trial went over
big again in May. Entree were 184 dogs and a profit of $109.00 was realized. A
new Republic gas water heater was installed by Morgan. Our annual Thanksgiving
turkey raffle netted $468.00.
In 1971 the rifle club acquired a few new members and are now getting even
with the others clubs for some of the defeats of the past years. They won the
league title to the shoot off. They have a nice trophy display in the club
house. The rifle club painted and fixed up their range with their share of the
turkey raffle money. Forty four cut brush and earned 100 points in 5the wildlife
contest. Eight new feeders were made by Zukas, Bollinger and Manifest. May
licensed trial had 229 dogs entered and a and a net of $575.00. Quite a number
of members were voted in during the year. The trap shooting range was competed
and 11 loads of shale was placed by the range. The annual turkey raffle netted
$510.00.
In 1972 we have signed our farm up with the Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation service. The Delick Brothers 9 a. corn on the farm. We have mowed
strips approximately 20 acres. Have spread 30 tons of lime and 5 tons of high
grade fertile. We also sewed 1 bushel of inoculated Tre-foil and 1/2 but of
Ladino Clover. Our licensed trial had 205 dogs entered and netted $310.00. We
have cut 5 acres of border cutting around our open fields and widened part of
our trails.
We now plan to cut several more acres of border cutting and improve an excellent
spring on our upper farm. We are affiliated with the Armstrong County
Conservation League, the Southwest Division and the Pennsylvania Federation of
Sportsmen Clubs. The National Rifle Association and the National Beagle
Association along with West Penn Association of Beagle Club and the Unites
Beagle Clubs. The following is a complete list of Past Presidents and the number
of years served. 1932 thru 1951 Carl A. White 19 years, 1952 Dante Bernini 1
year, 1953 L. Gould White 1 year, 1954 Primo Serventi 1 year, 1955 thru 1961
Hazen White 2 years, 1956 Paul Townsend 1 year, 1957 Leonard Marchitelli 1
year, 1958 Thru 1968 and 1971 Stewart Horrell, 1959 Charles Prusack, 1960 Ross
McLlwain, 1962-1967 Walter Shoop, 1963-1969-1972 Donald Morgan, 1964 Thomas
May,1965 Harold Altman, 1966 Edward Ray, 1970Robert Zukas. 1972 slate of officers
President Donald Morgan, 1st Vice President Wm. R. Bollinger, 2nd Vice President
Walter Shoop, 3rd vice President Leonard Marchitelli, Secretary Edward Ray,
Delegate Carl A. White, Atl. Delegate Harry Schall.
HISTORY
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Kiski Township Sportsmen's Rifle and Beagle Club inc.
OFFICERS
