Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
ARCHERY
ARCHERY. An ARCHERY CLUB was only one indication of the interest this sport held in Dubuque.
Archery at a range in GRANDVIEW PARK replaced the tennis classes as a city playground and recreation commission activity in 1929. On July 25th a competition was scheduled for 5:00 p.m. with a meeting at 7:00 p.m. to consider organizing an archery club. Plans for classes were also to be discussed. Anyone over the age of 15 was eligible to participate. (1)
In 1937 the inter-Service Club Olympics was first held with archery one of the competitions. (2)
In 1945 an archery club was sponsored by the city recreation department. An indoor range was available at the Armory. (3) Outdoor practice began that year in September at the Grandview park archery range which was opened every Sunday from 2:30-5:00p.m. every Sunday and any time during the week for archery club members. (4)
The DUBUQUE BOYS' CLUB offered an archery club in 1949. (5)
DUBUQUE FIELD ARCHERS was organized in 1953.
Advertised as the "largest archery tournament in the Tri-State area this year," the $1,000 tournament in 1963 was open to amateurs and professionals of all ages during the JULIEN DUBUQUE SUMMER CARNIVAL. (6) The same year, the city sponsored free lessons. Those living in the downtown, western or southern parts of the city went to the athletic field at DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. Those interested from the EAGLE POINT. north and northwest parts of the city could take classes at Gay Playground on Tuesday and Thursday at the same time. (7)
Riverside Bowl Archery Center opened in 1964 offered ten automatic lanes which returned electrically to the shooter. Opportunities to shoot in leagues was offered as was equipment to rent. (8)
The Iowa State Archery Association held its annual state indoor archery championship tournament on April 1-2, 1978 at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds. The event was hosted by the Dubuque Field Archers. (9)
Hollywood played a role in popularizing the sport with such MOTION PICTURES as "Rambo," "Hunger Games," "Hobbit," and the "Lord of the Rings." John Shappell, a member of the National Field Archery and Iowa State Archery association, and board of directors member of the Dubuque Field Archers, taught the sport at Tri-State Archery in Dubuque. Technology made the bows easier to pull. (10) Archery was also one of the activities introduced at the biannual "Becoming an Outdoor Woman Event" hosted by the Dubuque County Conservation Board, Pheasants Forever, Dubuque Fly Fishers and the Izaak Walton League. (11)
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Source:
1. "Archery Classes Replace Tennis," The Telegraph-Herald, July 24, 1929, p. 26
2. "Arrows, Shuttlecocks Fly in Olympics," Telegraph-Herald, March 15, 1955, p. 8
3. "Local Archery Club Meets Sunday P. M." Telegraph-Herald, November 25, 1945, p. 32
4. "Begin Archery Drills Sunday," Telegraph-Herald, September 16, 1945, p. 8
5. This 'Red Feather' Agency Safety Valve to City's Boys," Telegraph-Herald, September 18, 1949, p. 7
6. "Archery Tournament July 4," Telegraph-Herald, June 20, 1963, p. 5
7. "City Slates Free Lessons," Telegraph-Herald, June 23, 1963, p. 12
8. "Are You Seeking a Family Sport," Telegraph-Herald, November 27, 1964, p. 10
9. "Archery Tournament Planned," Telegraph Herald, March 30, 1978m p. 15
10. Reber, Craig D., "Draw From the Big Screen," Telegraph Herald, January 19, 2014, p. 19
11. Gloss, Megan, "Outdoor Woman," Telegraph Herald, July 20, 2014, p. 88