HISTORY-Hamilton Rod & Gun Club, Inc.
                                                 (1921-1971  50th Anniversary)

The Hamilton Rod & Gun Club was founded by a group of men dedicated to the purpose of  promoting and conserving for others in the future, the enjoyment obtained through
hunting and fishing. It was realized then that if future generations were to enjoy these sports, conservation through the proper management of our natural resources must be obtained.
As a reminder of our most important purpose, the Conservation Pledge is recited by the
members' present at the opening of each monthly meeting.

The Hamilton Rod & Gun Club has come a long way since its beginning in 1921. The first meetings were held at the Dispensary Building of the Hamilton Woolen Co. As the mem-
bership grew, the meeting place was moved to the Plaza Theater and later to the Eagle Hall in Southbridge.

The present property was purchased in 1939 from the Snell Estate and meetings have been held in our Club House since 1947.
Shortly after the purchase of the Snell Estate, the Members erected a Club House which was partially destroyed by fire. Not to be discouraged, the members joined together and
rebuilt our Club House that we all enjoy today.

The Club has grown in many ways since 1921. To the original property purchased in 1939, approximately 46 acres have been added. Also purchased was another 77 acres of land in the towns of Sturbridge and Brookfield, which has now been turned over to the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts to be operated by the Division of Fisheries & Game as a wildlife
management area.

Today the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club is considered by many to be the Dean of Sportsmen's Clubs throughout central New England. Three ponds on the property are stocked with trout for both summer and winter derby. Other species of fish in the ponds provide year round
recreation.

Our trap shooting facilities have four trap fields each equipped with electrically operated traps. One field is also lighted for night shooting.

Anew rifle and pistol range has just been completed and is now open for the enjoyment of interested members.

Our archery range consists of a 56 target course. This year, for the second year in a row, we will be host to the U.S. Bare Bow Assoc. National Championship shoot.

Recently completed projects in the Marcy Pond area include a picnic grove with tables and fireplaces and a facility for holding coon dog water races. Another project recently completed was the rebuilding of our outdoor pavillion which capable of seating up to six hundred people. In the event of stormy weather it can be completely closed-in in a matter of minutes.

Although the Club has done much for its members, it also does much for the general public. Hare are purchased by the Club and liberated in open covers annually. The Club also raises pheasants each year which are stocked in open covers. A children's fishing derby and hunters safety classes are provided for youngsters in the area at no cost.

Through our affiliation with the Worcester County League of Sportsman's Clubs and the State Council of Sportman Club, we are continuously on the watch for legislation bene-
ficial to the sportsman as well as legislation that would be detrimental to the sportsman. Through legislation the Club was responsible for creating public access to great ponds in the area.

Yes, the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club has come a long way since 1921! What has been achieved did not come easy! It is the result of many years of hard work by the most important element of this or any organization, the members and friends, both past and present of the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club.