Kiser Lake Sportsman's Club

It all began back in 1923, when a group of avid fishermen and hunters got together and formed the St. Paris Rod and Gun Club. By 1924 the club had 70 members. This group would later be known as Kiser Lake Sportsman's Club.
In 1930 St. Paris residents thought a lake would have many possibilities as a resort. St. Paris Rod and Gun Club immediately started a plan to rebuild Mosquito Lake only on a larger scale. A few years later their plan was finally realized when John W. Kizer Jr. Donated 1200 acres of land to the state. He made a stipulation that the dam be built where the old dam for Mosquito Lake had once been. On October 11, 1939 Kiser Lake was dedicated as a State Park.

St. Paris Rod and Gun Club started trap shooting in a small area behind what is now known as Graham Junior High School (the old school building in town) When the CCC camp relocated to Rt. 36 just east of St. Paris the club moved to their location on Possum Hollow Road where it has been ever since. There they built 2 trap houses and started having trap shoots. The shoots began to thrive and grow becoming one of the largest around until World War II when it became impossible to get ammunition. After the war the trap shoots were tried again but due to other much larger shoots around they could't compete.

On September 16, 1938 men of the Kiser Lakes Sportsmen's Club got together, donating their time and energy and began to build the club house. The last nail was driven December 29th, 1939. Evidently they couldn't wait for that last nail because their first meeting was held December 6th, 1939.

Harold Hunter of St. Paris was the first Statutory Agent appointed and registered with the State of Ohio on May 2nd, 1940. He served in this capacity for many years.

Kiser Lake Sportsman's Club was instrumental in building the east Shelter House, hiring some local men to work on it. At that time they also built stone picnic tables and fireplaces from stone gathered from the surrounding area. A memorial which stands near the shelter house was dedicated by the Club in 1948. On a native Granite Boulder is a bronze plaque bearing this inscription:

Unable to attend the ceremonies Mr. Kizer sent a letter , dated June 30, 1948 to the Sportman's Club apologizing for his mother and his absence at the dedication. In the letter he reminisced about the day his father first introduced the idea of the Lake to him. To this he added "from many quarters we hear such splendid reports about your club. You sportsmen and nature lovers of that community have, through high purpose and zeal, established a club that you can truly be proud of. I am looking forward to paying you a visit in the very near future."

During the 1940's Kiser Lake Sportsman's Club formed a baseball team which for many years was a Number 1 team. People around St.. Paris still talk about the great team they had. A go-cart track was then built but due to lack of interest , didn't fare too well.

Kiser Lake Sportsman's Club was incorporated May 15th, 1950. The purposed for this corporation being formed are, in Part: The conversation of all natural resources, especially of Fish and Game , water, soil, forests and beneficial forest, field and stream life, the prorogation, distribution and protection of fish, game, birds and wild flowers; The encouragement of outdoor recreation, development of friendly cooperation in ideals of sportsmanship and conservation policy and administration. To promote games, contests, physical exercises, sports and athletics of every kind on and description.

A group of horsemen, wanting a place to ride, formed a group called "The Saddle Club" and started meeting at the Kiser Lake Sportsman's Club and became associate members in the early 1950's. Consequently they made horse trails through the woods and rode around Kiser Lake until the State stepped in and closed the park to all horses.

This same group built the arena and started sponsoring rodeos for about 10 years. This was a big event for St. Paris and drew larger crowds. They also sponsored many horse shows which to this day people still remark how much they enjoyed participating in them.

For many years the Saddle Club had a Square Dance and Drill Team on horseback. This team needed at least 24 riders (8 to a set) and 3 color bearers on Palominos. All participants were dressed in the same kind of shirt making a very impressive sight. They practiced at least 3 times as week at the club and performed at various festivals and club events winning many honors.

History: