Volume XV Issue II

OFFICERS

President: Norm Pinard

Vice President: Tim Layman

Secretary: Harry Whitney

Treasurer: Frank Knowles

Sergeant at Arms: Bob

Hartford

February, 2019

ADVISORY BOARD

Richard Gorman: Thru 2020

Ed Knowles Thru 2019

Wally Paige Thru 2019

Mike Plourde Thru 2019

Earl Sweet Jr. Thru 2019

COMMITTEES

Archery: Claude Levesque

Boy Scouts: Rob Lopez

By-Laws: Ed Knowles

Building: Frank Knowles

Grounds: Richard Gorman

Hunter Ed: Brian Quist

Kitchen: Norm Pinard

Newsletter: Tim Layman

Range: Eric Rivard

Spacetown Beagle Club: Richie

Houde

Town Fair: Tim Layman

Ways & Means: Elected Officers

Web Site: Brian Handley

With the recent issues of granting an

easement for electrical service to a local build-

er, I have been presented with numerous ques-

tions surrounding club property and why we

value it so keenly. I wrote the story below in

March 2015 that presents a chronicle of events

leading up to our current holdings and the

commitment we made for its use.

Up until November 2015, if I had

asked each of our 290 plus members how

Raymond Sportsman’s Club came to own

the land that we operate on today, there

wouldn’t be more

than a handful that

could even make an

attempt explaining

it. As it turns out,

even members that

have been associated

with RSC for the li-

on’s share of our 55

years in existence,

were not sure about

some of the details.

As in most small volunteer organizations,

historical record keeping seldom take priori-

ty over issues of the day and our club is no

exception. Much of what we learn about the

The fee for RSC membership renewal is

due between April 1st and April 30th. This

newsletter is your official notification and there

is no grace period beyond 4/30. If your dues are

not received by April 30th, your membership

will end. To rejoin, you will be considered in

the order your application is received.

Regular /Associate dues are $96 and

Senior Regular/Associate dues are $48. As RSC

members, you are also subject to a $100 sur-

charge if you did not log 12 work hours during

the current membership year and that is due

By: Tim Layman

early years of our beloved club is more a

result of folklore and speculation than of

any sort of documented activities. I person-

ally heard so many different accounts of

how Raymond Sportsman’s Club acquired

the land we call home, I decided to commit

some time to

researching

its origin.

It is

common

knowledge

that Raymond

Sportsman’s

Club was

founded in 1960 by a group of individuals

who at the time had no apparent holdings

but shared the common interest of pursuits

in the out of doors. For the better part of

twenty years this fledgling organization

held their meetings at the local VFW hall.

Early in the club’s development, probably

through an association with one of the

founding members, a local family by the

name of Guyette offered Raymond Sports-

man’s Club use of some of their property.

along with your annual fees. Harry Whitney,

the RSC Secretary, maintains the official list of

hours worked.

If you mail your dues to PO Box 725

Raymond, NH 03077 and do not meet the fol-

lowing criteria, your check will be returned to

you. Along with your payment you must include

your current mailing address, current phone

number, current email address (if you have one)

and a copy of your current NRA membership

card. Please send a 55-cent stamp with your

dues and your card and key will be sent to you.

(Continued on page 2)

At the time, Willis and Lesley Guyette lived in the little house just east of the club entrance, where six of

their seven children were born, and all were raised. Willis Guyette was employed as a cobbler in a shoe shop in

Derry and was the proprietor of several parcels of land that had been in the Guyette family for generations. The

sections of land that we now use for our archery and firearm ranges as well as

much of the area Spacetown Beagle Club operates on, were particular favorites of

Willis Guyette. Since most of the land I refer to was either sand and ledge or under

water part of the year, it wasn’t a likely candidate for tillable acres. What this

property did offer was a waterway, formally named ‘Mountain Brook, that fed into

Fordway Brook that eventually feeds into the Exeter River watershed. More im-

portantly, the land was rich with timber, fish and wildlife. Willis Guyette spent

much of his life fishing, hunting and cutting timber from this property that he be-

lieved to be a sportsman’s paradise. It was his hope to someday preserve the integ-

rity of this land so it would serve the purpose he believed it was created for.

In August 1964 Willis and Lesley Guyette deeded a parcel of land, approx-

imately 88 acres in size, to Raymond Sportsman’s Club in exchange for a commit-

ment to use it for the purpose of fostering ‘Good sportsmanship.’ This original par-

cel of land begins about 155 feet beyond the little bridge, just past the clubhouse

as you head to the ranges and progresses west beyond the ranges all the way to

Todd Rd, south to the Chester line and back to the first spot I sited. At the time of

the transfer of ownership, there was no bridge, no road and no real access to this

landlocked parcel. It wasn’t until Walter Paige Sr. finished college at Jacksonville

State University and returned to Raymond to work at the family restaurant, that

this property began to evolve. Walter Sr. married the daughter of Willis and Les-

ley Guyette and eventually built the house on the hill at our club entrance to serve as a ‘camp’ while he and his

family lived in Billerica, MA. In the early 70’s, Walter Sr. and his family moved from Billerica to Raymond and

established year-round residency in the home that we pass every time we enter our club. In the process of develop-

ing his new homestead, the RSC entrance, as we know it today, began to take shape.

Not too much is known about the activity of Raymond Sportsman’s Club

members developing their newly acquired land until the early 70’s, even though

people living nearby remember the property did see use. It appears that sometime

during those first few years following the first gift of real estate, there was discus-

sion with the Guyette family surrounding the land, east of Mountain Brook, that

separated the club property from easier access to Chester Road. I say that because

in the summer of 1968, the Guyette family offered to let Raymond Sportsman’s

Club purchase an additional parcel of land that would establish the club’s property

line no more than a few hundred yards from Chester Road (Route 102). In August

1968, Willis and Lesley Guyette deeded an additional parcel of property to Raymond Sportsman’s Club, approxi-

mately 25 acres, for the total sum of $600. Market value in Raymond and surrounding towns for undeveloped tim-

ber land ranged from $175 to $400 per acre in 1969. Even if you calculate the value at the low end of the range,

Raymond Sportsman’s Club acquired an important piece of property worth nearly $5000, for $200 down and $10

per month until the debt was paid off. This second parcel of land is the area where our clubhouse, pavilion, garage

and pond are located today.

At some point along the way, the driveway leading to the Paige home-

stead was designated a Class 6 (not maintained or repaired by town) road and

named County Line Road. The road that we use as our club entrance still appears

on the Town of Raymond tax map today as County Line Road. The name was lat-

er changed to Branch Road, because the addresses that are issued by the US Post

Office in Raymond and approved by the local fire department has identified the

address for both Raymond Sportsman’s Club and Spacetown Beagle Club as #20

Branch Road Raymond, NH 03077.

So, if you’re keeping track of the time, Raymond Sportsman’s Club, 8 years

after its inception in 1960, now has deed to approximately 113 acres of undevel-

oped land, a handful of members and a contract to teach and develop good sports-

manship within the community. Now 59 years later, our membership has grown,

and the club has chosen to maintain our headcount to no more than 250 to 300, to

preserve the feel and advantages associated with a smaller close net group. RSC

still holds the deed for the original 113 acres and maintains it with the assistance

of its long-time tenant/comrade Spacetown Beagle Club.

In late 2015, our voting membership decided to officially recognize and

pay tribute to the individuals responsible for both the acquisition and for the

early development of the Raymond Sportsman’s Club. The membership unanimously approved creating a

plaque to be dedicated to the efforts and to the memory of those who were truly responsible for the land and

the facilities we have the privilege to enjoy today. After hearing about this movement, two of our long-term

Life members took upon themselves to skillfully craft the text to be inscribed on the plaque. Don & Anne-

Marie McCormack, now retired and living in New Hampton NH, worked with our leadership group and au-

thored the text that appears on the plaque hanging upstairs on the south wall in the clubhouse today. I pre-

sented this plaque, on behalf of Raymond Sportsman’s Club, to Walter Paige Jr., at the 2016 Annual Game

Dinner and it will continue to hang in our clubhouse as long as the building stands. Below is the inscription

as it appears on the plaque. Please read it and give thanks to those who contributed to what we enjoy today.

For the acquisition of our property and recognizing

the people involved in the donation, sale and care of this land.

The Raymond Sportsman's Club Charter Members;

For their foresight and investment in the future.

Willis and Lesley Guyette;

For the gift of land in 1964 and for generous

financing on our land purchase in 1968.

The Spacetown Beagle Club

For our building foundation and for being good tenants.

The Membership since 1980

For that has been accomplished in the last 35 years.

We, the current membership do hereby recognize and appreciate

those that came before us and we pledge to continue to promote

Don Anne-Marie McCormack

December 2015

A Pair of UMBERTI Model 1858 .44 Cal. Revolvers

Never fired Cap & Ball Revolvers!

Two Extra Cylinders

200+ .454 Round Balls

200+ Caps #10

Three pounds Triple 777Powder

Cylinder Reloading Swaging Tool

Total Cost New was $850+ For Sale Both guns for $475

Contact Arthur Isaksen in person or at 860-480-3444

June 02 Clay Target Shoot -25 rounds total

July 21 Open Pistol Shoot -25ft. & 50ft.

-10 rounds total

Aug. 18 .22 Rimfire Rifle Shoot -50 yds. - moving target

-20 rounds total

-No .22 Mag calibers

Sept 8 Running Deer Shoot -50 yards w/Shotgun Slugs only

- 5 rounds total

Sept 22 Bench Rest Rifle Shoot - 50 yards // 10 rounds

- iron sights only

- 100 yards // 10 rounds

- optical sights allowed

Oct 06 Muzzle loader Shoot -50 yds. - 5 rounds total

Oct 13 Turkey Shoot -Shotgun // birdshot

-5 rounds total

- Factory ammunition only

PAGE 5 VOLUME XV ISSUE I I

FUTURE EVENT DATES

ALERT! All members leaving the

shooting ranges

MUST lock the gate behind them if

you are the last one out. Bob Hartford will lock the

gate open when the snow is too deep to easily maneuver

it during plowing.

50 / 50 Drawings

RSC Regular Club Meeting February 6th, 2019

RSC Wild Game Dinner February 16th, 2019

-Wild Game Potluck Dinner & Huge Raffle

-Please refer o the flyer in this newsletter.

RSC Regular Club Meeting February 20th, 2019

-Vote on granting electrical easement on club property

RSC Annual Meeting & Elections March 6th, 2019

RSC Regular Club Meeting March 20th, 2019

RSC Regular Club Meeting April 3rd, 2019

Member Private Party (clubhouse) April 7th, 2019

Boy Scout Leadership Training April 12th-14th, 2019

-Clubhouse & immediate grounds only

RSC Regular Club Meeting April 17th, 2019

RSC Regular Club Meeting May 1st, 2019

Boy Scout Spring Camporee May 3rd-5th, 2019

-Ranges closed 8am-1pm on May 4th

Les Houston Hunter Ed Shooting May 4th, 2019

-Ranges closed 1pm-dusk on May 4th

50/50 Drawing: January 2nd, 2018

Won by: Tom Faunce

50/50 Drawing: January 16th, 2018

Won by: Gerry Marchant

Above left is RSC member Don Crete, his daughter

Julie and his grandson Jacob. Below left is grandson

Jacob looking intently down range at objects Grand-

pa wasn’t sure about. Above is grandson Jacob dial-

ing in on Grandpa’s target and counting the holes.

Officers:

President: Norm reminded attending members of the dates for the 1/26/2019 RSC Holiday Dinner and the

2/16/2019RSC Game Dinner. He also mentioned that the 2019 annual elections were coming up.

Norm asked for a volunteer to purchase raffle items for the Game Dinner raffle and James Wilson

offered his services.

Vice President: Tim announced to attending members that he recently spoke with Pat Sabia, who was recently

hospitalized with an chronic ailment, but has been home since Christmas and is working hard on

his recovery. Also, Tim spoke to Mike Korpak, another Senior Regular member who recently moved

to North Carolina. He and Pat are now in their new home and Mike sends his greetings to everyone.

Secretary: Harry mentioned that his official list of hours were up to date and reminded everyone who has work

hours not yet reported to him, to be sure and contact him directly.

Treasurer: Frank mentioned he had several magazine subscriptions available to members at the front table.

He also mentioned that the NH F&G was holding a class on cottontails on January 21st from

8:45am to noon. Info is available on the F&G website.

Sergeant at Arms: Bob said he was working on bad spots in the road whenever he has the opportunity.

Advisory Board: Nothing to Report

Committees:

Archery: Claude checked on the cook shack at the archery range and moved anything that would freeze. He

also requested $800 for a few new targets as well as new plugs for some remaining targets. The

motion was approved. The January GSB meeting takes place at RSC on January 17th.

Boy Scouts: Nothing new to report

Building: The next project will be replacing old windows

By Laws: Absent

Grounds: Richard warned that the road is rough, but plowed. He also thanked Bob for keeping it plowed.

Hunter’s Ed: Les Houston, who holds traditional hunter’s education courses at Raymond Baptist Church,

requested the use of the ranges on the afternoons of May 4th and September 7th for the final

chapter of his courses. A motion was made and passed.

Kitchen: Norm mentioned he needed to do a little shopping before the winter dinners.

Newsletter: Tim thanked Tom Faunce, Richie Houde, John Lighthall and Josh Perone for their recent

submissions of 2018 hunting adventures and photos for the newsletter. He told attending members

that it was not too late to submit a story and/or pictures of the last season’s as well as current

winter hunts. Tim also mentioned that supplying him with details and pictures surrounding their

member outdoor adventures is a good way for members to become familiar with each other.

Range: 2019 firearm shoot dates coming soon.

Spacetown: Richie Houde mentioned that little was going on right now, with the exception of members that

were trapping rabbits, all over the state, to replenish SBC’s population. He also mentioned that Jim

Bilodeau would be purchasing the Game Dinner raffle items donated by the beagle club.

Town Fair: Tim announced that the Town Fair Committee would be on sabbatical until March 2019.

Ways and Means: Nothing to report

Website: Brian Handley has assumed the role of chairman of the website committee and is slowly

establishing a new club website as a .com site. Harry Whitney will maintain much of the

weekly/monthly additions to the site going forward

Committee Reports January 2019

Old Business: Nothing to report

New Business: James Wilson requested the use of the clubhouse and pavilion on June 15th for events surrounding the

marriage of his daughter. A motion was made and approved for James.

Committee Reports January 2019

The

Final

Choice

RSC member

and owner of

Pawtukaway

Trading Post

Dale Cote is

hosting another

informational

seminar at his

store location.

Details are in-

cluded at left.

2019 ANNUAL 2019 ANNUAL GAME DINNERGAME DINNER

This is a potluck dinner with entrees that are prepared

by members and guests from wild game. If you are not

fortunate enough to have wild game to prepare…. we still

want you to attend and enjoy a wide variety of wild game

dishes. Simply bring your own favorite entree or dessert.

This event includes a big raffle (following the dinner)

sponsored jointly by Raymond Sportsman's Club and

Spacetown Beagle Club. There will also be a 50/50 raffle.

February 16thFebruary 16thFebruary 16th

At 6P.M.At 6P.M.At 6P.M.

At RSC ClubhouseAt RSC ClubhouseAt RSC Clubhouse

Admission: $5 for Adults Admission: $5 for Adults Admission: $5 for Adults

Children under 16 FreeChildren under 16 FreeChildren under 16 Free

Admission Funds 50/50 DrawingAdmission Funds 50/50 DrawingAdmission Funds 50/50 Drawing