Stemmers Run

Founded in 1944, Stemmers Run Rifle and Pistol Club is a member club of the National Rifle Association and charter member of the Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore. Members of Stemmers Run meet monthly, on the third Sunday, at 6:30 PM. If not for WWII, there would be no Stemmers Run Rifle and Pistol Club. During that war, citizens exempt from milita... ry service for various reasons formed the "Minutemen." Their function was to protect, or in the event of an enemy attack on the home front, destroy strategic installations, such as bridges and overpasses. After the war, the "Minutemen" disbanded, however their friendships and interests continued and in 1944 led to the formation of Stemmers Run Rifle and Pistol Club. The club was incorporated on September 7, 1944, while Arne Blasche was serving as the first president. The second president, Don Sheeks served from the latter part of 1947 through 1954. He was followed by Sol Diamond in the mid 50s. During these years, the club grew at the Orems Rd. Range, which was then the property of the U.S. Government at the cost of $1.00 per year. Sometime around 1950, The Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore came into being. Its purpose was to bring all the local gun clubs under one roof, so to speak. Since Stemmers Run already had its own range facilities, it was argued that joining the Associated Gun Clubs held no advantages for them, aside from the inconvenience of traveling across town, the question was, why should we? But eventually, Stemmers Run did become a charter member of the AGC along with twelve other local gun clubs, which later turned out to be a good move. Although Stemmers Run had its own facilities, it soon began using AGCs newly opened Patapsco Range on Marriottsville Rd. in Baltimore County, participating in and soon conducting the bulls eye pistol matches. The small-bore rifle sports were still popular at the Orems Rd. Range, but the range soon fell under the heels of progress and was torn down to make way for construction along Martin Blvd. The last official club ...Read More