The Mount Morris Sportsman’s Association celebrates its 75th anniversary this month. The association was officially chartered in 1951 by 50 members; however, club members met for a few years prior to that to organize the group and raise money.
The idea for the association charter came about from monthly meetings held by mostly Mount Morris community World War II veterans and local businessmen who would gather to talk about war-time experiences and losses of families and friends. It grew into a purpose for the founders to ban together and bring positive changes to the community after the difficult times of the war.
Some of the first meetings took place at former establishments such as the New Martinsville Night Club and the State Line Inn prior to purchasing the John Maxon property where the current club house stands today. Although much of the talk would be seen today as counseling after the war, the group aimed to improve not only their brotherhood, but also to highlight local assets such as hunting and fishing.
Article II of the association’s bylaws talks about the purpose of the organization in detail. It states, in part, that the association was formed “for the mutual benefit, aid, enlightenment, enjoyment and entertainment of its members” in hopes of stimulating “interest in hunting and fishing.”
They also wanted to preserve and protect game and fish by seeking “enforcement of game laws and purification of streams to develop the highest standards of sportsmanship in hunters and fishermen.”
The members were hoping that by doing all of this it would improve “friendly relations between sportsmen and landowners” and “to encourage and foster amateur athletics and athletic competition.”
Article II also set up the idea of maintaining a meeting place and headquarters for the association. Over the years, the organization has grown to be between 400 to 500 members and has not only fulfilled the group’s original purpose but has also expanded the group’s good will into several charitable projects.
They have provided scholarships to area children to attend college and tech schools, donated thousands of dollars to food banks in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and most recently donated money for repairs to the Community Center, the former Mount Morris High School building.
Things haven’t always been smooth sailing for the sportsman’s association. In the late 1960s, fire struck the old farmhouse that served as the club meeting place and burned it to the ground. This led the membership to temporarily go back to the New Martinsville Night Club to hold meetings and put a plan together to rebuild the clubhouse.
In the winter of 1970, club member and local contractor Herschel Mathews Sr. was awarded a contract to build the present-day social hall. Over the following decades, club members have added improvements such as a new pond, a gun range and a carport/shooting range. Most recently, a memorial flagpole seating area with the names of the original charter members on a stone was installed on the scenic overlook above the pond.
Every meeting, as it has for the past 75 years, starts with a pledge of allegiance to the United States of America followed by a moment of silence for veterans and past members.
Mike Eddy, vice president of the club, said, “For 75 years, this club has been more than just a place to shoot a round or share a story by the fireplace – it’s been one of the cornerstones of our community.” Generations of families have passed down their respect for the outdoors right here on these grounds, teaching our kids patience, responsibility and fellowship. Reaching this milestone proves that when people share a genuine love of the outdoors and a commitment to looking out for one another, a club doesn’t just survive – it gets stronger with every passing decade.”
The Mount Morris Association still believes in the adage that it takes a village to raise a child, and members hope to continue this tradition for another 75 years.
Officers of the Mt. Morris Sprtsman’s Club: (Front row) Mike Eddy, vice president; Shereen Wolfe, treasurer; Mandy Craig, secretary. (Back Row) Board members Richard Carey, William, Fumich, Dave Carey, Joe Fox, and Doug Headley. (Not pictured; President Billy Craig)
