More on the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville During the 1870s

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In the autumn of 1874, a group of New York State National Guardsmen who were members of the American Rifle Association (the original name of today's National Rifle Association) secured land for a small rifle range that permitted target shooting at 200 yards.  The group was led by Colonel John T. Underhill of the 27th Regiment Infantry, National Guard of the State of New York.  By the following spring, however, it was clear that the range was too small and a new location would have to be secured.  

Colonel Underhill was charged with finding a larger and more suitable site for a rifle range to be used by National Guardsmen for rifle practice, drilling, and encampments.  In a report he prepared on November 29, 1875, Col. Underhill wrote "[a]fter considerable labor and some expense," a site at Pelhamville "was selected and secured, targets at once erected and practice commenced."

The new rifle range, named "Glen-Drake" Rifle Range, opened formally in October, 1875. According ton one source, Glen-Drake range was "situated two-thirds of a mile north of the depot of the New York and New Haven Railroad at Pelhamville, with a road running in a straight line from the depot to the range."   Source:  "Annual Report of the Adjutant General" in Documents of the Senate of the State of New York Ninety-Ninth Session - 1876, Vol. I -- Nos. 1 to 17 Inclusive, pp. 332-33 (Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons and Company, 1876) (quoted in full below).  This would place the rifle range, very roughly speaking, alongside today's Fifth Avenue roughly at 6th Street.

The rifle range immediately became a popular destination for spectators who wanted to watch the many shooting competitions held there.  Indeed, there is a news story, quote below, that indicates that over 2,500 people visited the range during shooting competitions on a single day in 1875.  

I have written about the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville on several occasions.  See:

Fri., Feb. 05, 2016:  More on the Glen-Drake Rifle Range Once Located in Pelhamville.

Tue., Jul. 28, 2009:  Account of Christmas Shooting Matches in 1875 at the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville.

Wed., Apr. 22, 2009:  1877 Account of Competition for De Peyster Medal at the Glen Drake Range in Pelhamville.  

Mon., Apr. 20, 2009:  Only Known Image of the Glen-Drake Rifle Range Near Pelhamville.

Wed., Apr. 01, 2009:  Evidence of a "Glen-Drake" Rifle Range in Pelhamville During the 1870s.

Only Known Image of the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville.  Note the

National Guardsmen Marching in Formation Through the Gate and the

Canvass Targets in the Distance as Well as Tents on the Grounds of the

Range. The Structure on the Hill in the Distance Just Above the Upper Left

Corner of the Gate May Be the Little Schoolhouse that Once Stood

Where Today's Hutchinson Elementary School Stands. Source: Starr, George

C., The Forest and Stream Hand-Book for Riflemen, p. 7 (NY, NY: J. B. Ford &

Co., 1876).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes several news stories about shooting events held at the Glen Drake Range in Pelhamville during late 1875 and early 1876.  Each is followed by a citation and link to its source.

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"SHOOTING AT GLENDRAKE.
-----

The second day's meeting of the American Rifle Association took place yesterday at Glen Drake near Pelhamville, Westchester county.  The first contest was a subscription match.  The winners were:  --  Lieutenant Hofele, 20 points; John Gorham, 18; H. Fisher, ,16.  The prizes in the subscription match, at 500 yards, were won by H. Fisher, 23; Lieutenant Hofele, 18; John Gorham, 18.

The Ladies' Match was won by A. W. Peck on a score of 22.  G. O. Starr took the second prize, with 17 points, and Captain E. Cardoze came in third on a score of 10 points.

Shooting for the Westchester Cup was not finished last night.  To-morrow a subscription match, an all-comers' contest and a competition for the De Peyster Badge, valued at $300, will occur."

Source:  SHOOTING AT GLENDRAKE, The New York Herald, Oct. 29, 1875, p. 5, cols. 2-3. 

"THE RIFLE.
-----

The American Rifle Team will shoot off at Creedmoor, on the 29th inst., for the Providence prize won in October last.  

On the 25th inst. (next Thursday) the American Rifle Association are to hold a meeting on their ranges at Glen  Drake.  Five matches are to be shot, namely, the All Comers', a Subscription, De Peyster badge -- team matches -- and 'an old time turkey shoot.'"

Source:  THE RIFLE, The New York Herald, Nov. 19, 1875, p. 5, col. 6.

"THANKSGIVING DAY
-----
A Day of General Gladmess and Rejoicing.
-----
The Family Reunions and Family Dinners.
-----
THE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. . . .

The American Rifle Association offers a series of prizes to be contested at Glen Drake Range, near Pelhamville, Westchester county, concluding with an 'old time turkey shoot.'  Company G, Seventy-first regiment, Captain Weber commanding, will hold a friendly contest at the same place with Company B, Twenty-seventh regiment, of Westchester, Thursday.

The American Rifle Association of Mount Vernon have made arrangements for a lively time.  Company G, Seventy-first regiment, N.G.S.N.Y., will participate in the shooting matches to take place at Glen Drake.  At Mount Vernon the company will be received by Company B, Twenty-seventh regiment, and escorted through the village and thence to Glen Drake.  The De Peyster Badge and several other prizes will be contested for, after which some poultry prizes will be shot for. . . ."

Source:  THANKSGIVING DAY -- A Day of General Gladmess and Rejoicing -- The Family Reunions and Family Dinners -- THE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS, The New York Herald, Nov. 24, 1875, p. 5, col. 6.

"THE RIFLE IN WESTCHESTER -- A GALA DAY AMONG MARKSMEN AT GLEN DRAKE RANGE.

Under the auspices of the American Rifle Association, a series of interesting matches came off yesterday at Glen Drake range, near Pelhamville, Westchester county.  As some of the prizes to be shot for were open to all sorts and conditions of marksmen, and as the weather was all that could be desired, the attendance was large, it being estimated that not less than 2,500 persons visited the grounds during the day.

First on the programme was a 'Subscription Match,' distance 300 yards; any rifle; trigger pull, three pounds; position, standing and firing from the shoulder; entrance fee $1.  One-half of the entrance money to be for the benefit of the association; balance to be divided among the three highest scores; entrances not limited.  The firing in this match was at a 200 yards target, each competitor being allowed five shots, in addition to two sighting shots.  When the shooting ceased at four o'clock, F. Hyde was declared the highest scorer, having made twenty points out of a possible twenty-five.  The remaining two highest scores were not known when darkness set in.

The next was an 'All Comers' Match,' the distance, targets and conditions being similar to the foregoing, excepting that each man had seven shots.  To the winners in this contest there were offered five prizes, varying in value from $35 to $5.  The following are the names of the successful contestants and their scores out of a possible thirty-five:  --  Frederick Backofen, Company G., Forty seventh regiment N.G.S.N.Y., 26; Philip Crookspire, Company K, Twenty-seventh regiment N.G.S.N.Y., 24; Colonel George D. Scott, 24; Sergeant W. A. French, Seventh regiment N.G.S.N.Y., 24; Ordnance Sergeant T. R. Murphy, Eighth regiment N.G.S.N.Y., 24.

Another and without doubt the most interesting contest was the 'De Peyster Badge Match,' open only to members of the National Guard, in uniform.  The badge is of gold, appropriately designed and richly chased.  Its value is about $400.  This must be won three times before any member can lay claim to it.  The weapons used were military rifles, the distance, position, &c., being the same as in the two preceding matches.  The competitors had each seven shots at the target.  In this match Frederick Backofen took the prize, scoring twenty-five out of a possible thirty-five.

The 'old time turkey shoot,' provided the opposite to lucrative on the part of the projectors.  In the first place, it was intended that the head of a live turkey should be exposed as a target, but Mr. Bergh, having received an intimation of the proposed cruelty to birds, placed his veto on that particular feature of the sport.  Accordingly it was decided to decapitate the turkeys, and then allow the head and neck of each bird to be operated upon by the marksmen at a distance of 100 yards with regulation muskets.  The entrance fee was fifteen cents per shot.  Before the receipts had commenced to accumulate the stock of turkeys rapidly decreased, and when a party took two birds out of four shots there was a hearty laugh given by the spectators, which was changed to a roar as Philip Crookspire, after firing six shots, carried off the last four turkeys remaining, and thus put an end to the fun."

Source:  THE RIFLE IN WESTCHESTER -- A GALA DAY AMONG MARKSMEN AT GLEN DRAKE RANGE, The New York Herald, Nov. 26, 1875, p. 7, col. 2.

"THE RIFLE.
-----

The American Rifle Association has proposed a series of matches that are to come off to-morrow at the ranges near Glen Drake, Pelhamville, N.Y.  The following matches will be contested:  --  

SUBSCRIPTION MATCH.  --  Distance, 300 yards; any rifle; trigger pull, three pounds; position, off-hand; entrance fee, $1.  One-half of entrance money to be for benefit of association; balance divided between three highest scores.  Hours of shooting -- 10:30 A.M. to 1 P.M., and 1:30 P.M. to 4 P.M.  Entries are not limited.

ALL-COMERS' MATCH.  --  Conditions  --  Distance, 300 yards; any rifle; trigger pull, three pounds; position, off-hand; entrance, $1 to members, $1 50 to others.  Hours of shooting -- 10:30 A.M. to 1 P.M., and 1:30 P.M. to 4 P.M.  First prize, $20 value; second prize, $15 value; third prize, $10 value; fourth prize, $5 value; fifth prize, $3 value.

DE PEYSTER BADGE MATCH.  (Presented by General J. Watts De Peyster; value, $300.)  --  Distance, 300 yards; open to any bona fide member of the National Guard; military rifles only; position, off-hand; trigger pull, six pounds; seven scoring shots, two sighting shots; contestants must shoot in uniform.

LADIES' MATCH.  --  Prizes, three in number, valued at $15, $10 $6.  Conditions  --  Distance, 300 yards; any rifle; trigger pull, not less than three pounds; position, off-hand; entrance fee, $1.  Hours of shooting -- 10:30 A.M. to 1 P.M., and 1:30 P.M. to 4 P.M."

Source:  THE RIFLE, The New York Herald, Dec. 24, 1875, p. 6, col. 5.  

"WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY. . . . 

The American Rifle Association have made up a series of rifle matches to be contested on their ranges at Glen Drake near Pelhamville.  The boys are wiping out their old Antietam muskets and making ready for sharp practice. . . ."

Source:  WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY, The New York Herald, Feb. 19, 1876, p. 10, col. 3.

"AMERICAN RIFLE ASSOCIATION.
-----

The American Rifle Association have made arrangements for a meeting on their ranges at Glen Drake, near Pelhamville, on Tuesday next.  The programme embraces three matches.  The first is a subscription match; distance, 300 yards; any rifle; off hand; entrance fee $1; one-half of the money to be divided among those who make the three best scores.  Entries not limited.  The second is an all-comers' match; distance, 300 yards; any rifle; off hand; entrance fee $1 to members, $1 50 to all others.  First prize a $25 badge, second prize a $15 badge and third prize $3 in value.  Third match -- Distance, 300 yards; military rifles only; off hand; open to bona fide members of the National Guard in uniform; entrance fee $1 for members, $1 50 for all others.  First prize a $25 badge, second prize a $15 badge and third prize $3 in value."

Source:  AMERICAN RIFLE ASSOCIATION, The New York Herald, Feb. 20, 1876, p. 6, col. 5.  

"SHOOTING AT GLEN DRAKE.
-----

The spring meeting of the American Rifle Association at Glen Drake range yesterday was very poorly attended, owing, doubtless, to a misunderstanding, arising out of the inevitable postponement on account of the weather, of the programme arranged for the preceding day.  There were fifteen entries for the All Comers' match, the conditions of which were:  --  Distance, 200 yards; position, off hand; rifle, any within rules; military rifle allowed five points.  The first prize in this match was a pickle service, valued at $25, which was won by Major F. Shonnard, who presented it to the association with the understanding that it be shot for at a future day on conditions to be named by himself.  The second prize, a silver cruet stand, was carried off by Henry Grohman.  Next on the programme was a military match, off hand; distance, similar to the foregoing, five shots with military rifles.  This was won by Frederick Crookspeare, who scored 21 out of a possible 25.  The prize was a handsome gold military badge.  A subscription match at the same distance and under corresponding conditions with the two former followed.  The entries numbered eighteen.  In the contest one-half of the entrance money went to the association, the residue being divided among the three highest scorers.  The first and second prizes were awarded to D. F. Davids, who scored 21 out of a possible 25, the third prize being secured by Major Shonnard, whose score numerically equalled that of the first named.  A subscription match, distance, 500 yards; position, any; rifle, any within rules; military rifle allowed five points, closed the day's proceedings.  For this match there were seventeen entries.  It was won by Major Shonnard, who scored 21 points out of a possible 25, and which, with the allowance of five points on his military rifle, carried his score ahead of that of F. F Davids, who made 23 points on the target.  The De Peyster badge, valued at $300, will be once more contested for to-day."

Source:  SHOOTING AT GLEN DRAKE, The New York Herald, May 20, 1876, p. 3, col. 6. 

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More on the Glen-Drake Rifle Range Once Located in Pelhamville

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

In the autumn of 1874, a group of New York State National Guardsmen who were members of the American Rifle Association (the original name of today's National Rifle Association) secured land for a small rifle range that permitted target shooting at 200 yards.  The group was led by Colonel John T. Underhill of the 27th Regiment Infantry, National Guard of the State of New York.  By the following spring, however, it was clear that the range was too small and a new location would have to be secured.  

Colonel Underhill was charged with finding a larger and more suitable site for a rifle range to be used by National Guardsmen for rifle practice, drilling, and encampments.  In a report he prepared on November 29, 1875, Col. Underhill wrote "[a]fter considerable labor and some expense," a site at Pelhamville "was selected and secured, targets at once erected and practice commenced."

The new rifle range, named "Glen-Drake" Rifle Range, opened formally in October, 1875.  Its precise location remains somewhat of a mystery.  Glen Drake appears to have been a specific place within Pelhamville.  Thus, for example, an article published in the September 8, 1891 issue of The Chronicle of Mount Vernon, containing a report about the local water supply stated:

"the New York and Westchester Water Co. own the Hutchinson River below Duryea's Mill Pond down to and south of Glen Drake, so that all the water of the Hutchinson River north of Glen Drake can be cut off at any time.  From Glen Drake to the reservoir of the New York and Mount Vernon Water Company is a distance of a mile; from the source of the Hutchinson River to Glen Drake is four miles."

Source:  Our Water Supply, The Chronicle [Mount Vernon, NY], Sep. 8, 1891, Vol. XXII, No. 1435, p. 2, col. 1.  

Regarding the precise location of the range, another source stated:  "Glen-Drake range is situated two-thirds of a mile north of the depot of the New York and New Haven Railroad at Pelhamville, with a road running in a straight line from the depot to the range."   Source:  "Annual Report of the Adjutant General" in Documents of the Senate of the State of New York Ninety-Ninth Session - 1876, Vol. I -- Nos. 1 to 17 Inclusive, pp. 332-33 (Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons and Company, 1876) (quoted in full below).  This would place the rifle range, very roughly speaking, alongside today's Fifth Avenue roughly at 6th Street.

In any event, the Glen-Drake Rifle Range quickly became a popular recreational center where shooting matches attracted crowds of spectators.  The range was open free to members of the National Guard for marksmanship training and practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays in 1875.    

I have written about the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville on several occasions.  See:

Tue., Jul. 28, 2009:  Account of Christmas Shooting Matches in 1875 at the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville.

Wed., Apr. 22, 2009:  1877 Account of Competition for De Peyster Medal at the Glen Drake Range in Pelhamville.  

Mon., Apr. 20, 2009:  Only Known Image of the Glen-Drake Rifle Range Near Pelhamville.

Wed., Apr. 01, 2009:  Evidence of a "Glen-Drake" Rifle Range in Pelhamville During the 1870s.  

Only Known Image of the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville.

Note the National Guardsmen Marching in Formation Through the

Gate and the Canvass Targets in the Distance as Well as Tents

on the Grounds of the Range.  The Structure on the Hill in the

Distance Just Above the Upper Left Corner of the Gate May Be

the Little Schoolhouse that Once Stood Where Today's Hutchinson

Elementary School Stands.  Source:  Starr, George C., The Forest 

and Stream Hand-Book for Riflemen, p. 7 (NY, NY:  J. B. Ford & Co., 1876).

It is not yet known how long the American Rifle Association operated the Glen-Drake Rifle Range in Pelhamville.  It clearly was in operation in 1875, 1876, and 1877.  Later references are hard to come by.  The Bromley map of the area in 1881 makes no reference to such a range, nor does the Julius Bien map of the region published in 1893.  One thing is clear from a host of accounts of shooting matches during the three-year period the range is known to have operated:  it was a popular and busy shooting range located in the rural reaches of tiny little Pelhamville, New York.  

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Below is the transcribed text of a number of items that shed further light on the history of the Glen-Drake Rifle Range once located in Pelhamville.

"HEAD-QUARTERS, 7TH BRIGADE, 5TH DIVISION, N.G.S.N.Y.,
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR OF RIFLE PRACTICE,
YONKERS, November 30, 1875.

Colonel JOHN BODINE,

Inspector of Rifle Practice, Fifth Division:

COLONEL -- I have the honor to transmit herewith my report of the rifle practice of this brigade.  Under the directions of the brigade commander, I have been engaged in perfecting a system of rifle practice, based upon your instructions, and the orders which have from time to time been issued by the General Inspector of Rifle Practice, but, owing to the recent date of my appointment as brigade inspector, and to the delays incidental to a proper acquaintance with the conditions of the various armories, etc., scattered, as this brigade is, over so large an area of country, I have not been able as yet to put it in effect.  Much preparatory work has, however, been done in awakening interest in target practice, with excellent results.  Two efficient ranges have been established, besides that of the Poughkeepsie Rifle Association, viz.:  The Glen Drake range at Pelhamville, Westchester county, and the Morsemere range at Yonkers, in the same county.

The establishment of the Glen Drake range is due to the energy of Colonel John T. Underhill, commanding the 27th regiment, assisted by the officers of his command, and certain influential citizens of the neighborhood.

Much irregular, and some regular, practice has been had by the members of the 27th Regiment, under the management of Captain A. W. Peck, I. R. P., the results of which, so far as they can be tabulated, are herewith transmitted, together with a special report from Colonel Underhill, for your information.  I fully indorse [sic] all that is therein said for the capabilities of this range, which I think is unusually well adapted for the use of the National Guard, and I feel sure that in y next annual report I shall have the pleasure of recording a great advance in the efficiency of this regiment.

The Morsemere range has been established by an association of gentlemen, residents of Yonkers, who have kindly thrown it open to the use of the National Guard, who come there in uniform.

Under the able management of Captain Douglas Smyth, I. R. P. 16th Battalion, acting under orders from Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Cooley, a great work has already been done in increasing the efficiency of that command, the results of which are shown in his report, which I take pride in transmitting.

OTHER RANGES.

Besides these two ranges, so well established, as to warrant their recognition as official ranges of this brigade, it gives me pleasure to refer to a number of temporary ranges, which have been established at different places, within the limits of this brigade, prominent among which is the range at Goshen, Orange county, which has been established by the energy of Captain R. C. Coleman, I. R. P., 19th Battalion, where some good work has been done.

To Colonel Dickey, of the 19th Battalion, great credit is due for the choice he has made of an officer so pre-eminently qualified for an inspector of rifle practice as Captain R. C. Coleman.

CORPS OF SHARPSHOOTERS.

Besides those entitled to wear the Marksman's Badge, it is proposed to establish in this brigade a corps of sharpshooters, by a still higher test of skill, at all ranges, up to and including 600 yards, to be made up of regimental and battalion corps, the details of which are soon to be set forth in a general brigade order.

I have the honor to remain, Colonel, 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant,

FREDERIC SHONNARD,

Major and Inspector Rifle Practice, 7th Brigade."

Source:  "Annual Report of the Adjutant General" in Documents of the Senate of the State of New York Ninety-Ninth Session - 1876, Vol. I -- Nos. 1 to 17 Inclusive, pp. 326-27 (Albany, NY:  Weed, Parsons and Company, 1876).  

"HEAD-QUARTERS 27TH REGIMENT INFANTRY, N.G.S.N.Y.,
TUCKAHOE, November 29, 1875.

TO FREDERIC SHONNARD,

Major and I. R. P., 7th Brigade, S.N.Y.N.G.

MAJOR -- In accordance with your request, I have the honor to report the progress of rifle practice in my regiment for the past year has been rapid, and the interest evinced by the rank and file steadily increases.  In the fall of 1874, a number of the officers organized and incorporated a club for the purpose of promoting and encouraging this most essential part of the school of the soldier, under the title of the American Rifle Association.  A two hundred yard range was secured and practice commenced.  Matches were shot on Christmas, 1874, New Year's day, 1875, Washington's Birthday, July 4th and Thanksgiving Day.  In the spring of this year the range there occupied was found to be inadequate, and the association empowered me, as its President, to secure a larger and more commodious location.

After considerable labor and some expense, the site at present occupied was selected and secured, targets at once erected and practice commenced.  

Glen-Drake range is situated two-thirds of a mile north of the depot of the New York and New Haven Railroad at Pelhamville, with a road running in a straight line from the depot to the range.  [NOTE:  This would place the rifle range, very roughly speaking, alongside today's Fifth Avenue roughly at 6th Street.]  Pelhamville is thirty-five minutes' ride from the city of New York, and the fare by excursion ticket is seventy-five cents.  The range was formally opened in October, the 27th Regiment being present, since which time matches have been shot on every Saturday.  The prizes for which these matches were held have for the most part been offered by prominent residents of Westchester county, except in one instance, that of the De Peyster medal.  This medal, without doubt the finest in the possession of any rifle association, was offered by Major-General I. Watts De Peyster, to encourage off-hand shooting.  The conditions under which it is shot for are as follows:  Only members of the National Guard in uniform are allowed to compete; distance 300 yards, 7 scoring shots; position, off-hand; rifle, Remington military, open sights.  

This has been shot for three times, Captain Robbins, I. R. P. Seventh Regiment, winning it once, Lieutenant Gee, Eighth Regiment, winning it once, and Sergeant Backhofen, of the Forty-seventh Regiment, winning it at the last match, held on Thanksgiving Day.

The present range admits of practice at 600 yards, shooting from west to east, a natural bank or hill forming the epaulement in rear of targets, of which six adjustable, canvass, Wimbledon style except dummmy, are now in operation.  By slightly changing firing point a range of 800 yards is secured.

It is the intention of the management to erect a spacious building for the accommodation of visitors, with a small armory and apartments for range-keeper attached, and to inclose [sic] with a suitable fence such portions of the grounds as will secure them from the intrusion of malicious persons and prevent all danger.

This can only be done by a liberal appropriation on the part of the State for the purpose, and, having once finished this part of the work, there can be no good reason why the association should not be self-sustaining.  

The ground also affords ample provision for encampments of regiments, there being a large level plain on which regimental or even brigade drills may be held.  This fact alone, taking into consideration its accessibility from New York and its retirement from all evil surroundings, should bring it favorably to the earnest attention of the State authorities.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

JOHN T. UNDERHILL,

Colonel Twenty-seventh Regiment Infantry, N.G.S.N.Y."

Source:  "Annual Report of the Adjutant General" in Documents of the Senate of the State of New York Ninety-Ninth Session - 1876, Vol. I -- Nos. 1 to 17 Inclusive, pp. 332-33 (Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons and Company, 1876).

"QUARRELSOME RIFELMEN.

THE MATCH FOR THE DE PEYSTER MEDAL AT GLEN DRAKE RANGE FAILS ON ACCOUNT OF A DISGRACEFUL QUARREL.

The announcement that the De Peyster medal, which was presented a few years ago to the American Rifle Association, to be shot for only by members of the National Guard, was to be contested for again yesterday at Glen Drake Range, Pelhamville, Westchester County, brought together about 15 Militiamen.  The regiments represented were the Eighth, Twenty-seventh, and Forty-seventh.  The conditions were as follows:  Distance, 300 yards; position, offhand; seven shots.  At the last contest the trophy, which is of gold and valued at $150, was won by Lieut. J. A. Gee, of the Eighth Regiment, of this City.  An interesting and close contest had been expected, but to the surprise of many the day was consumed with a series of angry disputes, which finally terminated in a hearing before a Justice of the Peace.  The practice has been to allow the winner of the badge to retain it from match to match, until finally won for the third time; but this rule, it seems, the association yesterday determined to depart from, and when Lieut. Gee appeared on the range Major Coburn, of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, the executive officer of the day, demanded that he should deliver it up before the competition began.  This Lieut. Gee peremptorily  declined to do until the contested was concluded and the winner decided upon.  Major Coburn then refused to allow the match to proceed until the trophy had been handed over to him as the representative of the American Rifle Association.  A disgraceful quarrel ensued, during the course of which some very strong language was used, Major Coburn at one time threatening to knock Lieut. Gee down.  In anticipation of Lieut. Gee's refusal to surrender the badge a Constable had been kept in waiting all the afternoon, and when the Lieutenant prepared to leave the grounds he was placed under arrest.  He was taken before a Justice of the Peace in the village, when an affidavit was made by J. M. Jarvis, acting Secretary of the association, charging the Lieutenant with wrongfully retaining in his possession the badge, which was the property of that organization.  In the court-room the wrangling was resumed, all of the National Guardsmen taking part in the dispute.  They discussed the matter in no mild terms with the Justice, who finally ordered the Constable to search the Lieutenant and take the badge from him.  This having been done and the badge handed over to the officers of the association, Lieut. Gee made a charge against Major Coburn of threatening to knock him down.  The members of the National Guard who went to Pelhamville to shoot a fair match, as they returned home were loud in their denunciations of the persons who control the range, and who by their trickery deprived them of a chance of honestly contesting for the trophy.  On Monday next the several regimental teams of the Fifth Division, N.G.S.N.Y., will go into camp at the Glen Drake Range for rifle practice."

Source:  QUARRELSOME RIFLEMEN -- THE MATCH FOR THE DE PEYSTER MEDAL AT GLEN DRAKE RANGE FAILS ON ACCOUNT OF A DISGRACEFUL QUARREL, N.Y. Times, Sep. 28, 1877.  

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Evidence of a "Glen-Drake" Rifle Range in Pelhamville During the 1870s

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Occasionally I run across puzzling references to events in the Town of Pelham that seem to have been lost to history. Such is the case with a couple of references I recently have found regarding a "Glen-Drake" rifle range created in Pelhamville in 1875. I do not now know the precise location of the range, although one of the references describes it as located "two-thirds of a mile north of the depot of the New York and New Haven Railroad at Pelhamville, with a road running in a straight line from the depot to the range." That road, it seems, would be today's Fifth Avenue, thereby placing the range approximately in the area of today's Chester Park neighborhood.

It appears from the references that during the fall of 1874, officers of the 7th Brigade of the State of New York National Guard organized a club to promote and encourage riflery under the name "American Rifle Association". The Club secured land and developed a two-hundred yard range that it quickly determined to be too small for its purpose. "After considerable labor and some expense", the Club developed a new range in the spring of 1875 in Pelhamville. John T. Underhill, Colonel of the 27th Regiment Infantry, served as the Club's President and led the effort to develop the new range which opened in October, 1875. Thereafter, matches were shot on every Saturday. The new range allowed shooting from distances as long as 600 yards to 800 yards.

Immediately below I have transcribed two letters published in annual reports of the Adjutant-General that reference the Glen-Drake Range.

"HEAD-QUARTERS 27TH REGIMENT INFANTRY, N.G.S.N.Y., }
TUCKAHOE, November 29, 1875.}

To FREDERIC SHONNARD,
Major and I.R.P., 7th Brigade, S.N.Y.N.G.

MAJOR -- In accordance with your request, I have the honor to report the progress of rifle practice in my regiment for the past year has been rapid, and the interest evinced by the rank and file steadily increases. In the fall of 1874, a number of the officers organized and incorporated a club for the purpose of promoting and encouraging this most essential part of the school of the soldier, under the title of the American Rifle Association. A two hundred yard range was secured and practice commenced. Matches were shot on Christmas, 1874, New Year's day, 1875, Washington's Birthday, July 4th and Thanksgiving Day. In the spring of this year the range there occupied was found to be inadequate, and the association empowered me, as its President, to secure a larger and more commodious location.

After considerable labor and some expense, the site at present occupied was selected and secured, targets at once erected and practice commenced.

Glen-Drake range is situated two-thirds of a mile north of the depot of the New York and New Have Railroad at Pelhamville, with a road running in a straight line from the depot to the range. Pelhamville is thirty-five minutes' ride from the city of New York, and the fare by excursion ticket is seventy-five cents. The range was formally opened in October, the 27th Regiment being present, since which time matches have been shot on every Saturday. The prizes for which these matches were held have for the most part been offered by prominent residents of Westchester county, except in one instance, that of the De Peyster medal. This medal, without doubt the finest in the possession of any rifle association, was offered by Major-General I. Watts De Peyster, to encourage off-hand shooting. The conditions under which it is shot for are as follows: Only members of the National Guard in uniform are allowed to compete; distance, 300 yards, 7 scoring shots; position, off-hand; rifle, Remington military, open sights.

This has been shot for three times, Captain Robbins, I.R.P. Seventh Regiment, winning it once, Lieutenant Gee, Eighth Regiment, winning it once, and Sergeant Backhofen, of the Forty-seventh Regiment, winning it at the last match, held on Thanksgiving Day.

The present range admits of practice at 600 yards, shooting from west to east, a natural bank or hill forming the epaulement in rear of targets, of which six adjustable, canvass, Wimbledon style except dummy, are now in operation. By slightly changing firing point a range of 800 yards is secured. [Page 332 / Page 333]

It is the intention of management to erect a spacious building for the accommodation of visitors, with a small armory and apartments for range-keeper attached, and to inclose with a suitable fence such portions of the grounds as will secure them from the intrusion of malicious persons and prevent all danger.

This can only be done by a liberal appropriation on the part of the State for the purpose, and, having once finished this part of the work, there can be no good reason why the association should not be self-sustaining.

The ground also affords ample provision for encampments of regiments, there being a large level plain on which regimental or even brigade drills may be held. This fact alone, taking into consideration its accessibility to New York and its retirement from all evil surroundings, should bring it favorably to the earnest attention of the State authorities.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

JOHN T. UNDERHILL,
Colonel Twenty-seventh Regiment Infantry, N.G.S.N.Y."

Source: Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York Transmitted to the Legislature January 5, 1876, pp. 332-33 (Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons & Company 1876).

"HEAD-QUARTERS, 7TH BRIGADE, 5TH DIVISION, N.G.S.N.Y.,}
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR OF RIFLE PRACTICE,}
YONKERS, November 30, 1875.}

Colonel JOHN BODINE,
Inspector of Rifle Practice, Fifth Division:

COLONEL -- I have the honor to transmit herewith my report of the rifle practice of this brigade. Under the directions of the brigade commander, I have been engaged in perfecting a system of rifle practice, based upon your instructions, and the orders which have from time to time been issued by the General Inspector of Rifle Practice, but, owing to the recent date of my appointment as brigade inspector, and to the delays incidental to a proper acquaintance with the conditions of the various armories, etc., scattered, as this brigade is, over so [Page 326 / Page 327] large an area of country, I have not been able as yet to put it in effect. Much preparatory work has, however, been done in awakening interest in target practice, with excellent results. Two efficient ranges have been established, besides that of the Poughkeepsie Rifle Association, viz.: The Glen Drake range at Pelhamville, Westchester county, and the Morsemere range at Yonkers, in the same county.

The establishment of the Glen Drake range is due to the energy of Colonel John T. Underhill, commanding the 27th regiment, assisted by the officers of his command, and certain influential citizens of the neighborhood.

Much irregular, and some regular, practice has been had by the members of the 27th Regiment, under the management of Captain A.W. Peck, I.R.P., the results of which, so far as they can be tabulated, are herewith transmitted, together with a special report from Colonel Underhill, for your information. I fully indorse all that is therein said of the capabilities of this range, which I think is unusually well adapted for the use of the National Guard, and I feel sure that in my next annual report I shall have the pleasure of recording a great advance in the efficiency of this regiment.

The Morsemere range has been established by an association of gentlemen, residents of Yonkers, who have kindly thrown it open to the use of the National Guard, who come there in uniform.

Under the able management of Captain Douglas Smyth, I.R.P., 16th Battalion, acting under orders from Lieutenant-Colonel Alfred Cooley, a great work has already been done in increasing the efficiency of that command, the results of which are shown in his report, which I take pride in transmitting.

OTHER RANGES.

Besides these two ranges, so well established, as to warrant their recognition as official ranges of this brigade, it gives me pleasure to refer to a number of temporary ranges, which have been established at different places, within the limits of this brigade, prominent among which is the range at Goshen, Orange county, which has been established by the energy of Captain R. C. Coleman, I.R.P., 19th Battalion, where some good work has been done.

To Colonel Dickey, of the 19th Battalion, great credit is due for the choice he has made of an officer so pre-eminently qualified for an inspector of rifle practice as Captain R. C. Coleman.

CORPS OF SHARPSHOOTERS.

Besides those entitled to wear the Marksman's Badge, it is proposed to establish in this brigade a corps of sharpshooters, by a still higher [Page 327 / Page 328] test of skill, at all ranges, up to and including 600 yards, to be made up of regimental and battalion corps, the details of which are soon to be set forth in a general brigade order.

I have the honor to remain, Colonel,

Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
FREDERIC SHONNARD,
Major and Inspector Rifle Practice, 7th Brigade."

Source: Annual Report of the Adjutant-General of the State of New York Transmitted to the Legislature January 5, 1876, pp. 326-28 (Albany, NY: Weed, Parsons & Company 1876).

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