History

The Black Hawk Rifle Club, Inc. was organized in February 1936 by a group of shooters at the University of Chicago. The original name was the Blackhawk Rifle Club. A letter was sent to the NRA on May 8, 1936 seeking NRA Club status. The charter members included: Russell Wiles, Sr. - President Russell Wiles, Jr. - Vice President Ray L. Converse - Secretary & Treasurer Edward K. Waters - Executive Officer Eugene H. Pierce - Team Captain Lois M. Pierce Dana R. Simpson Elizabeth Bliss Bradford Wiles Donald M. Trowbridge F. Norris Hooton Mildred Hooton Carl T. Dunn Aaron R. Eppstein Cora E. Converse Evelyn Trowbridge The club was incorporated March 25, 1940 by the State of Illinois as Black Hawk Rifle Club, Inc. This certificate states that the club's object was, "to promote and encourage proficiency in the use of small arms and in marksmanship; to provide facilities for the use of firearms to the members of said club and to other persons; to acquire, hold, use, let or lease buildings and premises and personal property for the objects of the corporation; to make contracts and agreements to accomplish the purposes of the corporation; to join other clubs and organizations whether local, State or national to promote the objects of the corporation." The following were Directors at that time: Russell Wiles Robert V. Miner Stella Roth Edward Roth Clifford E. Pearson Ray Converse Arthur Bokman From a letter by Russell Wiles, Jr. in 1954, "As time went on, additional members of the Midway Rifle Club were added. The Midway Rifle Club dissolved because of the inability of the Club to make a deal for the 124th Field Artillery Armory range. This was a 50 yard indoor range with room for about 8 shooters and was really the only reason for the existence of a shooting organization." 'A Short History of the Black Hawk Rifle Club-the First 75 Years' by Hap Rocketto guides readers through the first three quarters of a century of one of the most prestigious smallbore rifle clubs in America … the Black Hawk Rifle Club. The book is available for purchase online and shipped directly to your door for $12.56 plus shipping at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2301175. All profits are to be divided evenly between the Black Hawk Club and Pronematch.com to help support their efforts in promoting smallbore rifle competition. Anyone desiring to have the book inscribed by the author need only send it to Hap Rocketto, 18 Stenton Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891, along with a self addressed stamped envelope for return, or hang on to it and find him at his firing point during the National Smallbore Rifle Championships.   Click here to see the Black Hawk Rifle Club Honor Roll of those members who helped promote competitive shooting through teaching and coaching, organizing and working matches and helping other shooters.   Click here to see the Black Hawk Rifle Club Honor Roll of Honorary (Foreign) Members.   And speaking of history ... here is a compilation of information and thoughts about the U.S. space program that David Kimes compiled over 37 years of working 'at the rocket factory'.

Current Officers: Mike Carter - President Howard Pitts - Vice President Mike Carter - Executive Officer Edie P. Fleeman - Secretary/Treasurer