Princeton Game and Fish Club Records

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-113

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Princeton Game and Fish Club Records document the history of the organization and reveal the wildlife conservation policies of the state of Illinois from 1877 to 2006. Minutes, correspondence, and treasurer's records detail the club’s semi-annual business meetings, decisions on membership applications, land and building expenses, and responses to game laws. Applications, shares assignments, proxies, and transfers document club membership and depict member selectivity and the group's strict adherence to membership rules. Data on the availability of game for each season and the club's hunting success is in the kill records (1943-1994). Legal documents, particularly land leases, responses to flood control proposals, and conservation information complete the collection. This material provides an excellent opportunity for studying the history of some of the wildlife preservation issues facing the world today.

Dates

created: 1877-2006
Other: Date acquired: 09/22/1980

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection remain with the Princeton Game and Fish Club; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

The Princeton Game and Fish Club first met on October 3, 1887 to encourage and promote the sports of hunting and fishing and to aid in the enforcement of the game and fish laws of the state of Illinois. The 43 charter members elected Gilbert V. Thomas, president, Isaac R. Stewart, Vice President, Howard H. Priestly, secretary, and Jacob Chritzman, treasurer. On June 2, 1892, the club incorporated and limited its membership to 50 and by the mid-1900̓s the Princeton Game and Fish Club owned and leased hundreds of acres of land in Bureau and Putnam Counties. Over the years, the club supported and opposed conservation laws proposed by the state of Illinois. In 1946, the Federal Dike project raised objections and club members contacted all the area farmers to join in their protest. Prior to that time shooting prohibition during the spring season caused friction. The group also changed internally. At first, the club banned hunting on Saturday and Sunday; on March 4, 1895 they suspended the Saturday ban. In 1902 guest hunter rules changed--guest hunters could be women. Many of the old rules are still apparent today, 50 members only, for instance, but the Princeton Game and Fish Club strives to continue their work to preserve wildlife and encourage outdoor recreation.

Note written by

Extent

4.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

George S. Skinner

Method of Acquisition

George S. Skinner, President, deposited the Princeton Game and Fish Club Records with the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on September 22, 1980.