On May 3, 1954, more than 50 interested area sportsmen met at the Community Club to form the Hermansville Sportsman’s Club — electing William J. Anderson, former scoutmaster and well-known sportsman, as its first president. The club changed its name in 1962 to honor Anderson, who died in office in 1955.

“Men got together in response to the area wildfires at that time,” said Barb Peters, club event coordinator. “They had roughly 50 participants sign up and pay $1.50 to become a member.”

In 1955, the club affiliated itself with Michigan United Conservation Clubs, becoming independent several years later. They now are aligned with the Upper Peninsula Sportsmen’s Alliance.

The club has been involved in many things in the community over the years, but a primary responsibility is upkeep of the Hermansville Lake and Park, Peters said.

THE WILLIAM ANDERSON Sportsman’s Club, Inc., W5616 First St. in Hermansville, was formed in 1954 by a group of area sportsmen. The club has remained active in the community for 67 years. This photo shows the exterior of the club’s headquarters. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“We work together with the township on maintaining things like the dam and aeration system, as well as bringing in sand for the beach area,” she said.

Another lake project they oversee is duck habitats, which are cleaned and repaired during the winter months. “My father (John Malone) was a key figure in getting this started,” Peters said.

In 1960, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, they stocked fish in Hermansville Lake, initially adding 147 species.

“That was the first year the club hosted a fishing derby,” she noted.

“The derby remains one of our annual events,” Peters said. “We had a great turnout this past year, as this was something that everyone could take part and maintain social distance with the pandemic.”

THE WILLIAM ANDERSON Sportsman’s Club, Inc., W5616 First St. in Hermansville, was formed in 1954 by a group of area sportsmen. The club has remained active in the community for 67 years. Much of the club’s focus is on maintaining Hermansville Lake and Park, including the beach shown here. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Over the years the club has worked closely with the DNR, not only keeping the lake stocked with fish, but many conservation improvements, issues or projects.

In its second year of existence, the organization got involved in planning the annual Fourth of July celebration and dance, which the American Legion Post 340 conducted annually.

“We have since taken over organization of the event due to the Legion members have aged and a decreased membership,” she said. “The Hermansville Rescue Squad plans the parade, as well as having a separate fireworks committee.”

“It’s a big task,” she stressed. “It takes a lot of volunteers.”

This year’s festivities take place Saturday, July 3. The kiddies’ parade will kick off at 11:15 a.m., with the main parade to follow at 11:30 a.m. The park will open up at noon.

The Mud Bog races begin at noon, featuring ATV/UTV through pro classes.

The fireworks committee, R Place and the Powers-Spalding Lions Club will have a fundraiser starting at noon Sunday, June 6, at R Place in Powers, with food, raffles and music by local country band Runaway Train. All proceeds benefit the fireworks fund.

The Predator Hunt kicks off each year’s activities. Peters noted participation had declined for a few years but saw a turnaround this year. They have also hosted several rabbit hunts over the years.

One of the club’s major fundraisers is the annual Fall Wild Game Banquet, when “volunteers bring it all different types of dishes” made with meats such as venison, bear, rabbit and elk.

“We were thankful to be able to host it last year during the pandemic because we moved it to our outdoor pavilion,” Peters said. “Everyone liked that so much, we may continue with it.”

The feed started 20 years ago and has been very popular, with tickets quickly selling out. They also do many raffles during the evening that help raise funds for the club.

In 1972, the organization purchased the former Croatian Lodge building, W5616 First St. in Hermansville, and its additional adjacent land. The building previously had been a funeral home and theatre house. They also incorporated in 1972.

The club has made many building upgrades over the years, including putting in a full kitchen. The club now rents the facilities. “The hall has been used for many different events over the years,” Peters said.

The hall’s decor features many large mounted animals, some of which date back to the 1950s. Many were donated by board of directors member Mark Hanna. A couple years ago, they were honored to receive a full-body stuffed and mounted bear from Sally Bray of Norway, in honor of her late husband Raymond Bray, who was a long-time active member.

“He was a huge part of our club,” Peters said. “We are so happy to have this addition.”

One of the things Peters herself helped bring back was the Memorial of Trees. John Malone started the project in 1978 during Hermansville centennial celebration. With the support of many local residents they were able to plant 166 trees throughout the community. Memorial Park on First Street now has a plaque commemorating this project.

“Three years ago we were able to plant another 30 (trees), then six last year,” she said. “Now we have decided that if a tree throughout the community is cut down, they will just replace it.”

They were able to secure a matching grant through Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress for the project, she said. Anyone wishing to donate can contact Peters or the club.

The club averages about 50 members. The board includes: Mark Schoen, president; Joe LaBonte, vice president; Mark Zychowski, secretary; Carol Arnold, treasurer; Peters, event coordinator; Shirley Schoen, club rentals; and Dave Karban, Dan Wind and Mark Hanna, directors.

The Sportsmans Club has two “brother organizations” — U.P. Trappers Association and Relic Riders of Vulcan, that utilize the clubhouse for meetings and events.

“We are very active in this club,” said Peters, who became involved as her father, uncle and husband were members. “Mark Schoen is very active and stays aware of issues and keeps things going very well.”

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the William Anderson Sportsman’s Club or donating to a project can call 906-498-2520.