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
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