A Brief History of the Hanson Rod and Gun Club
Our clubhouse and ranges have long been established on Davis Road, off Elm Street, in the town of Hanson, Massachusetts. Originally, our organization comprised 57 acres of forest, meadows, and fields. The club built a one-story clubhouse, a trap range, an indoor .22 caliber range, and a 100-yard high-power range. In 1971, the Hanson Rod and Gun Club purchased an additional 18 acres of land adjacent to the original 57 acres, expanding the grounds to 75 acres by the early 1980s. Later, the organization acquired 15 more acres, bringing the total to 90 acres.
The Hanson Rod and Gun Club remains true to its original purpose as a sportsman's club. Programs for hunters, fishermen, and marksmen still make up a significant part of the event calendar. Our member initiation ritual emphasizes the importance of good sportsmanship and respect for fish and game laws. The Hanson Rod and Gun Club continues to maintain open enrollment for membership, welcoming all sportsmen. The club takes pride in many members joining to benefit their entire families. Over the years, membership costs have increased, but the programs and annual events have also expanded. Members are still offered 24-hour access to club facilities, as well as participation in activities like sight-in days, league shoots, 3D archery shoots, youth fishing derbies, and the Christmas party for members and their guests.
The Hanson Rod and Gun Club, Inc. was formed and organized at the home of our first club President on September 10th, 1954. His name was William H. Carey. Additionally, Mr. William P. Carter served as Club Treasurer and Henry E. Howland as Secretary. The Board of Directors consisted of Hal W. Reed, Robert F. Clifford Jr., Charles C. Davis, Forest Foster, William H. Ewell, Clarence W. Smith and Donald F. Porter.
The purpose for which this Club was organized, and for which has held true throughout the history of the organization is:
To conserve, restore and manage the game, fish and other wildlife, as well as their habitat in Hanson and its environs.
To further seek and procure better hunting and fishing for sportsman and thereby promote and maintain friendly relations with landowners and sportsmen.
To cooperate in obtaining proper respect for, and observation of, all fish and game laws
To help spread the knowledge of useful wildlife conservation among the residents of Hanson and the surrounding area.
To promote a junior program for the youth of Hanson and its environs.
This association from the beginning was to operate as a nonpolitical and nonsectarian.