CHESTER – The members of Beta Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma met at the Trapshooting Hall of Fame and Museum & Research Library in Sparta. The program was presented by the Director of the Museum, Terry Waldron of Sparta, and Docent Kathy Williams. Members met in the Library which preserves volumes of information dating to the 1800’s about the sport of Trapshooting. Mr. Waldron gave a brief overview of the history of Trapshooting and then led guests on a narrated tour of the Museum.
(L to R) Museum Director Terry Waldron, Beta Delta members Mardell Granger, Janice McIntyre, Emily Lyons, Docent Kathy Williams, Sue Hooper, Anne Bourner, Denise Adams, Carol Ashley, Carolyn Schwent.
The group viewed display areas as Mr. Waldron explained the items and told how they had been constructed and used through the years.
The spacious Museum holds many glass display cases and the walls display photos of past Amateur Trapshooting Association Presidents, photos from the Grand events dating to 1881, and photos of ATA Hall of Fame members from 1969. Several individuals are inducted each year based on extraordinary performance or special contributions to the sport of Trapshooting.
(L to R) Beta Delta Chapter members Janice McIntyre and Denise Adams view Trapshooting vintage trophies with Museum Director Terry Waldron.
A large display shows various target throwers and assorted reloaders used through the years. Mr. Waldron explained the changes made to the throwers to make them safer and more efficient. Live birds were used for the sport through 1899. Many types of old targets are on display including colorful glass balls from the 1800’s.
Beta Delta Chapter members admire antique glass balls and clay targets with Museum Director Terry Waldron (back right).
Mannequins display some of the clothing worn during the early years of Trapshooting. A large display case holds memorabilia of the famous Annie Oakley. Items in tribute to other outstanding trapshooters, including several women, are also held in display cases.
Beta Delta Chapter members view awards at the Trapshooting Hall of Fame and Museum in Sparta.
Members were impressed by multiple displays of old awards, huge trophies, elaborate medals, certificates and antique silver trays presented to former winners. Several displays included antique, vintage and special feature firearms used by shooters as the sport evolved from the 1800’s.
Museum Director Terry Waldron (far right) shares information about vintage Trapshooting displays with Beta Delta Chapter members.
Members thanked Terry Waldron and Kathy Williams for the informative tour and presentation. Denise Adams and Janice McIntyre served as hostesses for the March 5 meeting and arranged the interesting program and tour. Refreshments were served and the Beta Delta Chapter meeting was held. Members reviewed minutes, Treasurer’s report, correspondence and committee reports. Plans were finalized to host the April 2 joint meeting with Alpha Kappa Chapter at Scuttle Inn in Percy. Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.