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OVERVIEW

Major Waldron Sportsmen’s Association has been around for 90 years! Since our inception our goal has been the same: to create a safe environment for shooting sports and outdoor recreation. MWSA is a place for all; young, old, male, and female, and we have a long history to prove it!

OUR HISTORY

In 1931 a new club is formed: Major Waldron Sportsmen’s Association. By 1935 land is purchased in Barrington, NH and renovations begin on the clubhouse. Fast forward to today and we have a long history of welcoming all people to enjoy outdoor recreation and shooting sports.

TIMELINE

 

1927 – Major Waldron Sportsmen’s Association was originally started as the “Dover Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.”

1931 – On June 19, 1931 the members voted to drop the membership in the Izaak Walton League and the charter was returned to the National Office. A new club was formed immediately. A committee of three was named to choose a name for the club. The name submitted was Major Waldron Sportsmen’s Association. Members voted to adopt that name.

1935 – During the February 18, 1935 meeting, the building committee reported that the Ham farm (a fire damaged house with 80 acres of land) in Barrington was for sale. The committee recommended that the club purchase the property, the asking price was $1800.00.

MWSA acquires their new clubhouse

Photos: fire damaged house (April 1935)

members making repairs (April 1935)

– Club house after being extensively remodeled

– MWSA clubhouse after work is completed

– Officers and Board of Directors (newspaper article – 25 Sep 1935)

1936 – Photos of an event held at the MWSA – 15 & 16 Aug 1936

The club’s grounds and shooting on one of the ranges

– Newspaper article (part 1, part 2)

1940s – Assorted newspaper articles from the Portsmouth Herald, Nashua Telegraph and Portland Press.

1947 – Sharpshooter husband and wife team Dot and Ernie Lind (the Linds from Winchester & Western), perform shooting demonstration (Uncle Sam’s Profile) at MWSA (3 Sep 1947).

– See the results and read the article.

1950s – Assorted newspaper articles from the Portsmouth Herald, Nashua Telegraph and Portland Press.

1952 – Article written on the conservation efforts of the Major Waldron Sportsman’s Club in the December 1952 issue of “The Shoreliner” (The Shoreliner was a Home-Town Magazine of the Sea Coast Region of New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and Northeast Massachusetts. It was Published in Portsmouth, New Hampshire by Justine Flint Georges and Herbert F. Georges.

1960s – Assorted newspaper articles from the Portsmouth Herald, Nashua Telegraph and Portland Press.

1966 – NH Trap Shoot held at Major Waldron’s Club (12 July 1966)

1967 – MWSA top fisherman of ice (1967-68 season)

– 18 April 1967 winner of MWSA ice fishing contest

– Lifetime memberships awarded (21 Aug 1967) to members who have reached the age of 70 or more and have been members in good standing for a minimum of 15 years.

1968 – Top fisherman of the 1968 R. G. Schaefer Salt Water Fishing Contest for the State of NH.

1969 – These two photos (photo1, photo2) were taken during the Dover Hunter Safety Course held at the club facilities. Ten students attended this course.

1970s – Assorted newspaper articles from the Portsmouth Herald.

1974 -Welcome to MWSA Old Timers (21 Oct 1974)

Aerial view of MWSA (May 1988) – The aerial shot was taken during the indoor range construction and prior to the shotgun shack being built

1999 – 4H Shooting Sports – March 1999, Instructor, Bill Gardner.

1998 – 2000 Outdoor range roof collapses (if anyone has the exact dates please contact Bob Layton)

2001 – 2002 Upgrade of outdoor range berms (if anyone has the exact dates please contact Bob Layton)

2001 – 10 Feb – Portsmouth Herald Online “Ready, aim…”

2003 – 28 Aug – Rochester Times Promoting the safe use of firearms.

2007 – Fosters Online – Barrington Chamber honors business, community leaders. (09 Nov 2007)

MWSA History

IN PICTURES

A brief look at our history through photos and newspaper clippings



Slideshow
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