One log at a time

History of the Conservation Club:

In 1938, 23 members from the City of Eaton Rapids  established the Eaton County Conservation League.  Remember, this was  shortly after the Great Depression.  The taking of fish and wild game  was essential food stock for most families.  By Laws with 4 articles  were drawn up, the first Board of Director elections were held in Oct.  1940.  Five members were elected for a 2-year term.  Five more were  elected in Jan. 1941, for a total of 10 Board Members.  The first known  President was John J. Miller.  Dues were $1.00/year.

After WW2, with membership increasing, a Constitution and associated  By Laws were developed in Jan. 1947 changing the name to Eaton Rapids  Conservation Club.  The club was incorporated in Feb. 1947 as a  nonprofit group.  Then President, Wayne Gibson, named L.F. Baldwin of  725 Water St. as the Resident Agent for the Corporation.  The submitted  nonprofit report for 1948 reported 185 members.

The original property measured approx. 610 ft. along 5-Point Hwy. and  approx. 390 ft. along Freeman Rd.  A Club House was proposed in Jan.  1949.  A bid submitted by Hamill Mfg. Co. for $2,980 was rejected as too  expensive.  The members sought cabin plans from the US Forest Service  and felt they could raise the money by other means.  In March 1951,  member T. H. Lyon offered the Club all the timber they would need from  his property in Atlanta, Mich. To construct a log cabin type of Club  House of approx. 18 x 30/36 ft.  A motion to accept Ted’s offer  carried.  A special meeting was called the next week to complete details  and plans.  Dec. 6, 1951 eight men traveled North; Ted Lyon, Cleo  Rogers, L.F. Baldwin, Clyde Blocher, Joe Crandall, John Hillard, Lloyd  and Roy Keller.  They hired a local man, Phil Fournier for his horse and  tractor and paid him $25 for 3 days work.  In 3 days, (Fri., Sat.,  & Sun.) they processed 97 logs 7 – 14” dia. X 40 – 50’ long, all  trimmed, stacked, and covered for winter.  Three Saturdays, June 16, 23,  and 30, Clifford Wilson’s truck brought all the logs back.  Membership  was 405 in December 1952.  Money was raised by selling the logs for $10  donations.  One log may have had many buyers.

We are not just a gun club.  We offer our building to many community organizations, police departments and youth groups. Many of the police departments use our range for training.   We have hosted free community Easter Egg Hunts. We hold hunter safety classes and women's handgun safety classes for no charge.  We have the club house available for memorial lunches.  We are a 501c nonprofit.

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