HISTORY OF THE
MANHEIM SPORTSMEN’S ASSOC. INC.
REORGANIZED IN APRIL 1960
The purpose of the Manheim Sportsmen’s Association according to their Constitution and by-laws is to promote safe hunting, sportsmanship, protect and propagate game and fish. Also to assist in the conservation of forests and streams, to assist in making game and fish laws, and to foster and perpetuate a feeling of goodwill between general public, fellow sportsmen, landowners and game and fish authorities.
In 1930 local sportsmen began conducting meetings at the American House in Manheim, Pa. for the newly formed Manheim Sportsmen’s Association. Their plan was to proliferate hunting and fishing interests in the local area. Meetings were discontinued during World War 11, and the association’s money was invested in war bonds. After the war. A small clubhouse was purchased near Mollie’s Inn near the Lancaster/Lebanon line. On January 8, 1953, the group renamed itself the “Mollie’s Inn Gun Club”.
The group temporarily disbanded in 1955 and then reorganized again in 1960. The first meeting was held in Manheim Fire Hall, Manheim, Pa. This was the start of the present Organization known as the “Manheim Sportsmen’s Association Inc.”.
During 1962 Manheim Borough’s Bicentennial Year, a joint effort of the Manheim Central School District and club members resulted in hand digging of the new indoor rifle range at what was the Junior High School building. It also served as a meeting place for the clubs meetings for several months. It is presently still in use as an indoor rifle range for the high school’s rifle team.
The Sportsmen’s club members also participated in several events during the 1962 Bicentennial celebrations. They were involved in the parade as well as in other stage shows etc. Most all those involved raised beards.
1962 also saw the inception of programs such as junior conservation camp, Hunter-Trapper-Education classes, kids fish derby and the establishment of a game refuge area. In addition , the bass nursery program began, as did rabbit trapping in the Manheim Borough and a popular travelogue outdoor series.
In 1963 the annual antler judging awards program began.
In 1964 The Manheim Sportsmen’s Association became incorporated as a non-profit organization. Work began in 1966 on a 18 acre tract of land purchased from the Donald Hershey farm. It was developed into a recreational area. A grand opening ceremony was held Sept. 8, 1968. The expanding membership necessitated the acquisition of a larger parcel of land. The present 32 acre facility on 552 Oak Tree Rd., Manheim was acquired at a sheriff’s sale on Sept. 20, 1970. After zoning approval in May, 1971 work began ,on a new clubhouse , with completion accomplished 2 and one half years later. The first meeting in the newly constructed club house was called to order on January 2, 1974.
Since that time, a continuing effort has been undertaking to keep the facility top-notch through maintenance and facility updating and improvements. Currently outdoor firearm target areas, 2 trap ranges and a 10 target field archery course were available for use by the membership.
During 1989 , work was started on the new indoor range. This endeavor involved a working committee of members , directed by the officers of that year. It was constructed under the specifications of the National Rifle Association. It was designed with safety in mind.
Before you were allowed to shoot on the new range , every shooter had to take a mini safety course given by a certified Instructor. The 100ft. By 28ft. Facility was completed and a dedication was held on Sunday Sept. 23, 1990.
Also their was outdoor walk through hunter education course laid out. The club offered many community services. One was the Pa. Game Commission sponsored Hunter-trapper-Education course. Also game and fish stocking, bass raising, youth conservation camp sponsorships, youth B-B shooting program and the Fish derby.
The 90’s brought on a new slate of ideas. One was they cleared walkways on the property and laid out a nice accessible 3_D archery course. Starting in year 2000 the club offered several open dates for 3-D shoots during late summer and prior to Pa. Archery deer hunting season in early fall.
Another major project was the construction of a 25 yd.outdoor range . After final approval the project started in early 2001 and completed in summer of 2002. It was done mostly by the active members who donated many, many hours and a lot of hard work. It was build under the supervision of a range design engineer . This engineer spent a number of days working with the construction firm hired to do the excavating for the project. It was officially dedicated and opened to its members in fall of 2002.
The next project was the building of a new Food Trailer. A number of active club members started in early May of 2003 and completed and put into service prior to the 2004 Manheim Farm Show week. It was build in a members large garage and build to meet the Pa. food codes. This food trailer produces the second highest club annual income, next to the yearly membership dues.
Also during the year 2003 the Association launched a website. For further information on the club and its local involvement in many activities click on our site. www.manheimsportsmansassoc.org. Also additional directions to other club activities and training sessions along with our monthly program, you can call the clubhouse at 717-665-2399.
Another costly project the club decided to do in 2005 was to install a carded metal entrance gate by the driveway. As a paid member you receive a programmed card to enter the club grounds. The club really did not want to go this rout, but due to unnecessary damages to club property and the club open to anyone anytime were the reasons
In 2006 the club added another item for security reasons. Their were four cameras installed in and on the the club property. Again this was done because of to many property destructive acts. Since the cameras have been put into operation the club has not had any problems with vandalizing. They did however have several requests to check dates to verify possibly problems on the outdoor ranges. These security cameras have that feature build into them..
April of 2008, the club added a John Deer 855 Tractor for its property maintenance. We can mow grass, blow snow, or use the 60 inch front end loader for many jobs around the club property. This was a much needed addition. In 2008 the outdoor project committee planted about an acre of wildlife food plots on the club property
Another area that has become one of high interest is the Women-On-Target program. This is a program sponsored by the National Rifle Assoc. (NRA). The club has been hosting several clinics a year for women to learn the use of rifles, handguns, and shotguns. They are held on the indoor range area and outdoors. These programs are taught by Qualified NRA instructors. The club has a number of members who are Qualified to teach this type of class.
In 2009 the club continued programs such as the Lancaster County Youth Conservation School, the annual Youth Day, Kids Fish Derby, Trout Stocking. Also maintaining memberships in organizations such as The National Rifle Association, Lancaster County Federated Sportsmen, Cooperating with the Pa. Game and fish commissions, Cleaning a section of Penn Dot Highway. Also a continuing effort to keep the facilities in good maintenance and provide its members with all the many benefits it includes. .The Club has a brochure with a listing of all its activities ,benefits, and programs available for interested future members
.In 2009, 7 years after completion of the 25 YD. outdoor range, the club decided to make some improvements and some changes. They installed a under ground drainage system on the range due to a lot of wet conditions. Also replaced the left earthen wall with pre-cast concrete sections . This project has been well received by members who do hand gun shooting. Again many hours of work have been done by our members.
Another improvement in 2009 was the repairing and paving of the driveway from Oak Tree Rd. to the clubs parking lot.
One service the club offers is the rental of the clubhouse for a family activity, dinner, or party. It is also available to non-members for a greater fee.
One item the club does not permit on the premises is alcohol. You will lose your membership if caught using alcohol.
The Manheim Sportsmen’s Association’s total membership as of 2009, including life ,senior life, junior, adult singles and family is 900 plus.
Looking ahead to 2010. The Manheim Sportsmen’s Association will be celebrating their 50th year since they reorganized in April of 1960. A committee is planning for this event. Plans are to hold open house on June 12 & 13, 2010 at the club . This event will be open to the public. Also our local town of Manheim, Pa. will be celebrating their 250th anniversary in 2012. The Association will be involved in some way with this upcoming event.
The Club continues to be open for new ideas and improvements to make available more options for its membership to enjoy.
History Committee;
Manheim Sportsmen’s Association
Manheim, Pa.. 17545
Revised --Nov., 2009 |
