Christmas gathering; what's left of the past

[simonbeans]

Back in 1978, several members of the BAR and the NSSA got together and decided to form another historical shooting group which combined the authenticity of the BAR and the shooting aspects of the NSSA. Thus 40 years ago this year, the Simon Girty Long Rifles were born. We WERE a very active group, organizing and running the shooting at two NMLRA Eastern Rendezvous, participating in numerous historical events such as the trip-centenial of the City of Albany, NY and holding camps and shooting fun each year, with a minimum of 4 times, one activity per season. At one time we were numbering over 25 brothers and sisters. However 40 years takes it toll. In fact we lost 3 members this October alone. Our memory cloth has more deceased members than are now alive.
Nevertheless, the few of us continue having camps and other activities including our Christmas dinner with spouses and significant others joining in. This year our dinner was near Rochester, NY and the host/hostess provided not only a great feast, but also a bit of shooting fun. Here were the targets that the shoot had. We will still go on until the last member can no long fire his rifle or make a fire. We will all then rejoin at the eternal camp awaiting us all.

 

[simonbeans]

 

[Juice Jaws]

I like your targets, I belong to the Sonora Smoke Poler's founded in the mid 70's, and we have more members gone than are present also.

 

[Lobo]

Our old club,the Chief Okemos Longrifles was formed in the early 70's. It's no longer active and most of the members have passed on. In it's hay-day we were a large very active group with line shooting and woods walk nearly every weekend. An old member and I are still close and from time to time talk about the old days,...."them was shinin times"

 

[Lobo]

We Was Mountainmen

I remember when we was mountainmen
seems like it wern't long ago
We was Bullhide tough and we played real rough
there wern't a man that we couldn't throw

When we drawed down on a deer our eyes was clear
an that critter was soon on a pole
We Mountainmen,... you'd a thought back then
that we would ever grow old

We shoot smooth bores now, can't see rear sights
but the front blade is still fairly clear
we load them smoothies with a big round ball
an we still manage to kill us some deer

We still rendezvous an we still count coup
but it ain't like it use ta be
Our joints is worn an it's hard ta run
when ya got a titanium knee

Then there's them pipes, ya just never know
if they're in the shape they should be
So the Doc he say's, Son I think it's time
ya had a colonoscopy

Can't sleep no more on the cold hard ground
since we got that new plastic hip
use ta drink a whole jug round the fire at night
now it's just a few little sips

The day will come...not far down the road
when they'll wanna put us in a home
They'll say we're too old ta be out in the cold
too old ta hunt on our own

When they come ta take me to that old folks home
on some cold dark rainy night
They'll sure be surprised when this old Coon say's
"BOYS, THAT'LL BE AFTER THE FIGHT!"

But if they win, an I'm put in
ta that fearsome lonely place
ta swaller pills cuz I got the chills
mongst wrinkles on my face,

Then remember me, ya all that's still free,
an hold to the mountain creed
Ta never rest, but fight yer best
Til the old coon is finely freed

 

[Juice Jaws]

We Was Mountainmen

I remember when we was mountainmen
seems like it wern't long ago
We was Bullhide tough and we played real rough
there wern't a man that we couldn't throw

When we drawed down on a deer our eyes was clear
an that critter was soon on a pole
We Mountainmen,... you'd a thought back then
that we would ever grow old

We shoot smooth bores now, can't see rear sights
but the front blade is still fairly clear
we load them smoothies with a big round ball
an we still manage to kill us some deer

We still rendezvous an we still count coup
but it ain't like it use ta be
Our joints is worn an it's hard ta run
when ya got a titanium knee

Then there's them pipes, ya just never know
if they're in the shape they should be
So the Doc he say's, Son I think it's time
ya had a colonoscopy

Can't sleep no more on the cold hard ground
since we got that new plastic hip
use ta drink a whole jug round the fire at night
now it's just a few little sips

The day will come...not far down the road
when they'll wanna put us in a home
They'll say we're too old ta be out in the cold
too old ta hunt on our own

When they come ta take me to that old folks home
on some cold dark rainy night
They'll sure be surprised when this old Coon say's
"BOYS, THAT'LL BE AFTER THE FIGHT!"

But if they win, an I'm put in
ta that fearsome lonely place
ta swaller pills cuz I got the chills
mongst wrinkles on my face,

Then remember me, ya all that's still free,
an hold to the mountain creed
Ta never rest, but fight yer best
Til the old coon is finely freed

Lobo, that was GREAT, fits us old timers to a T.

 

[OLD CROW]

time has a way of one day just letting ya know that your time is just about up...and us real lucky ones can look back and say, glad I got it done without many regrets....

 

[Wisconsin Relic]

I hope the photo was taken before the shooting. If it was taken after, you boys need to visit the eye doctor. It is a great photo, just the same. Looks like Ben Franklin and his pals out shooting.

 

[simonbeans]

It was before. We hit all the targets, however, it took a few more balls then it did a few years ago. Can we blame it on the cold? or maybe the glare from the snow? or . . . .

 

[gsbell26]

Looks like fun...

 

[Grumpa]

As someone who grew up within walking distance of Simon Girty's home in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill (my Dad remembered some of the stories), I look at that picture and can only say: "You boys have done yourselves Proud!"

I see your love of, respect for, and dedication to the Tradition, as well as to each other, and all your friends gone before. You have "kept the Faith". You are, all of you, blessed.

Thank you, for sharing.

Richard/Grumpa

 

[Robby]

View attachment 1692

I'm in western NY, you guys look familiar. Ever shoot at Little beards back when they still had shoots?
Robby

 

[simonbeans]

I'm in western NY, you guys look familiar. Ever shoot at Little beards back when they still had shoots?
Robby

YES, year's ago. One of the shooters, on far right, is a member of Little Beards. I have been to the camps in Caledonia a few times and was "lucky" to get a crying towel also. I haven't been to a "Joey" for many years. Seems I ruffled a few feathers of one of the more outspoken participants. Life goes on.

 

[Robby]

Hahaha, yeah, there always seems to be some of the eternally butt hurt looking for someone to unload on in every group. I'm not a member there, I used to go to their shoots. I miss them, too bad they don't do that anymore. All the best!
Robby

 

[ny griz]

Howdy and best wishes to your group.Keep it going.NY GRIZ