AUBURN - The Auburn Game and Fish Association celebrated 100 years on Saturday.
Schuylkill County Commissioners George Halcovage Jr. and Gary Hess, state Sen. Dave Argall, R-29, state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, former Congressman Tim Holden and Doug Daniels, a waterways conservation officer with the state Fish and Boat Commission who covers the eastern half of the county, all congratulated the members on their accomplishment.
A member of the association, Ronald Blewalso, read a letter of congratulations by R. Matthew Hough, executive director of the state Game Commission, and a new sign was dedicated and hung at 8 a.m. Saturday reflecting the 100 years the association has been in existence.
"It's an amazing thing to be able to celebrate 100 years," Argall told members. The fact that the organization has been able to survive and thrive this long is a testament to its members, he said.
"What can we say, guys? Keep up the good work. Congratulations," Argall said.
Halcovage said the association had hardworking, dedicated members and that the commissioners were proud of them.
"We're so happy for you," he said.
"What a great occasion. One hundred years. That's quite an achievement," Hess said.
Holden said, "It really is a long time, and it (the association members) really deserves a lot of credit."
After the speeches, members then sat down to food catered by Hess Catering Inc., Schuylkill Haven.
History
The Auburn Game and Fish Association was incorporated May 12, 1914. From 1914 to 1958, the association owned no land, according to information provided by Gary Geschwindt, a member of the group. The group originally met in Ramer's Hall or the Auburn Fire Company. Years later, the association purchased the land it now owns, nearly 800 acres.
Current membership is about 132, Walter Schwenk, association president, said. Children as young as 12 can join.
The mission statement of the association reads, "To conserve, propagate and provide responsible stewardship for our property in an effort to provide a safe environment for hunting, fishing, trapping and all outdoor recreational activities for our membership."
Dale Runkle, 81, of Auburn, has been a member for 69 years. His brother, Robert Runkle, 88, got him interested in hunting.
Dale Runkle said he remembers his first time hunting in the fields west of Auburn with his brother where they caught six rabbits. He now attends association meetings and events to catch up with old friends.
Douglas Homewood, 70, of Greenwood, Delaware, joined because relatives were in the organization and has been a member since 1962. Dale Runkle is his uncle. He said he joined because it is "mostly a family tradition."
His son, Collin Homewood, 39, of Landingville, joined in 1990. Collin's son, Aron Homewood, 12, also is a member.
Collin said he enjoys hunting and trapping on the land. The members are "a good bunch of people to hang out with," he said.
"It's a big deal," Collin said of reaching the milestone of 100 years.