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
Sportsmans Club.
In 1930 St. Paris residents thought a lake would have many
possibilitesas a resort. St. Paris Rod and Gun Club immediately started
a plan to rubuild 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 stgarted trap shooting in a small area
behind what is now known as Graham Junior Hight School (the old school
building in town) WHen the CCC camp relocated 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
tgried again but due to other much larger shoots around they couldn't
compete.
On September 16, 1938 men of the Kiser Lakes Sportsmen's Club got
together, dontating their time and energy and began to build the club
house. The last nail was drivern 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 Statuatory Agent appointed and
registgered with the State of Ohio on May 2nd, 1940. He served in this
capacity for many years.
Kiser Lake Sportsmans Club was instumental in building the east Shelter
House, hiring some local men to work on it. At that time they also
built stone picnic tablesand 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 dearing this incription:
Kizer Lake
Named in Honror of John W. Kizer and his mother Thrysa Kizer
Donors of this Lake Site
Unable to attend the ceremonies Mr.
Kizer sent a letter , dated June 30, 1948 to the Sportmen'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 Sportsmans 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 Sportsmans 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, forestes and beneficial forest, field and stram life, the
proprogation, 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
Sportsmans 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 participantes were dressed in the same kind
of shirt. making a very impressive sight. They practiced at least 3
times as week at teh club and performed at various festivals and club
events winning many honors.
Annual Club Events:
The new year kicked off, in February by a
wild game dinner for members and their families. Every kind of wild
game (and not so wild) has been served at one time or another. To top
off the evening everyone enjoys games, cards and good conversation.
For three years the club has sponsered an Easter Egg hunt for children
of the families and of the community. The day before, we meet at the
club color eggs and organize the candy and prizes. A lot of hard work but the gratification is well worth it.
Our Spring Fish-A-Thon is held during April and May. Prizes are
given in five categories for the four biggest fish caught in each
category. Check in points are the two bait shops at Kiser lake.
The year ends with a Christmas carry-in dinner and social evening.
Other fun events we have had are picnics and a bowling party. We
also participate in the parade that kicks off the Pony Wagon days in
St. Paris.
There is a rifle/piston range for use of members and guests only.