First Bylaws Amateur Trapshootng Association (ATA)

I thought some would be interested in the first by-laws adopted for the Amateur Trapshooting Association back in 1924.

Enjoy Our History

 

Very interesting read. A couple things really stood out to me. If I am understanding the text correctly it appears that the B.O.D. was comprised of just five individuals, one from each zone. The Executive Committee was a subset of the five member B.O.D. I wonder when this changed to our current set up where the State Delegates comprise the B.O.D.?

Memberships were classified as Life, Annual and Contributing. Annual dues were a dollar a year, wonder how much a life membership was? I have never heard the term Contributing member, is there an explanation of that classification?

Thanks to the owners of this site for the new forum and to History Buff for all his hard work, research and sharing his knowledge of our sports history.

 

Don Cogan, you are correct that the B.O.D. in the early years was just five individuals and it was reduced to just four in the late 1920's. Those members chose who would be President and there was no requirement to rotate the office from Zone to Zone. If you look in the Annual Average book you will see that Mr. Guy V. Dering, of Columbus, Wisconsin was elected each year from 1926-1932 because it was determined by majority that he did a commendable job. Once the B.O.D. realized they had things under control after assuming the duties previously held by the Interstate Association (manufacturers) they amended the by-laws, establishing the State/Province election of Delegates who then were the Board of Directors. I don't recall the year but I think it was shortly after O. N. Ford was not reelected Vice-President, because I think most every Delegate in the Pacific Coast Zone would have voted for Mr. Ford.

I'm not certain what Contributing members were but will see if I can find out for you. Life Memberships went for $25 and George McCarty, the man who spent months away from his family during the construction of the Vandalia Homegrounds, was selling them every where he went. There are old pictures of him selling them at the annual Mid-winter Handicap at Pinehurst, N..C. You could give a deposit and promise to pay in full by April 1, 1924.

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Everybody likes history. Some don't realize they do until I pull out an old trap or glass ball target and start talking. You should have seen the crowd under the beer tent at Sparta a few years ago when I set an old 1890 patented live-sparrow trap in the center of the table. I too thank the new forum owners for making the suggestion for a History Tab. I'll try to introduce something new every so often and I hope others do as well. I learn something new and exciting every day.

Enjoy Our Sport!

 

Good idea, I am going to like this addition. Roger C.

 

Was 1924 Org non-profit?

 

No it was not. The ATA was involved in the politics with such things as taxes on ammunition, anti-firearm legislation and even the protection of fish and game laws for many years. Past President Vic Reinders wrote many articles opposing restrictive firearms laws and new taxes on gun owners. The ATA also involved itself in opposing these types of laws and contacted Delegates urging them to alert their shooters during 1968 when a host of proposed bills were being heard and considered by the US Congress.

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And long-time ATA supporter Betty Ann Foxworthy, past-Editor of Trap & Field magazine gave testimony on behalf of shooters.

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I don't recall when the ATA sought 501 (c) (3) status but I don't think it was very long ago. Hope this helps.

Enjoy Our History !

 

Santos asked: "Was 1924 Org non-profit?"

Well actually it was. According to the Articles of Incorporation it had no capital stock and was not operated for profit. Now, realize that was a long time ago and the Tax Code was a lot thinner then. It was not until the early 1950's that they actually applied for a determination for exemption as a 501(c)(7), which formalized their tax-exempt status. Note that being a "non-profit" and being tax-exempt are not necessarily the same thing.

 

Thank you Bat, I made the mistake of assuming that Santos was asking if the ATA was receiving any exemption from taxes. Appreciate the correction.

So, being a not for profit organization in 1924 did not the ATA from becoming involved in political movements in those days? If the ATA became a 501(c)(3) organization in the 1950's were they allowed to voice an opinion against anti-firearms legislation and even present testimony before congress?

Do your have a copy of the incorporation and if so, would it be possible to get a copy?

 

HB,

My guess is the old ATA was actually tax exempt all along, I just can't prove it. The laws were different back then, but it was obviously a "membership" organization and I would think they were tax exempt. I wouldn't rely on the political issues as being determinative. By the 1950's, they actually took steps to formalize it by obtaining a determination, but that was not necessarily a requirement in the earlier years.

Note that the "old" ATA was never a 501(c)(3), it was a 501(c)(7), otherwise referred to as a social club. The "new" ATA was formed as a 501(c)(3), but the old 501(c)(7) entity still exists today, I believe.

 

Exactly what happened when HB took a load of Canadian historical articles and artifacts to the Hamilton Gun Club in Ontario in 2008 for the "Canadians" championships.

His "Show and Tell" generated more interest than he ever imagined. I witnessed people from all over Canada coming up, looking at artifacts, and then telling HB their own Canadian stories. Indeed HB does garner a lot of interest with his "Show and Tell" for which many are truly thankful for.

When you see an old "Gentle Man" come up and look at those things, and begin to get tears in his eyes while telling his stories to HB, you know he has done something good...

Keep up the good work History Buff !

 

I'm working on the History Buff to come to the CC and the SCTP nationals in July. I'm sure the OSTA will have the Ohio Museum and HOF open for the kids and Kenny could spin his magic. The man knows Trap history. Brad

 

Brad,

I do so much hope HB can attend these shoots. These young shooters probably have no idea what the sport was all about in the early days.

HB has so much to offer, and a shoot like this would be just where HB would enjoy doing his "Show and Tell".

 

Brad I also hope Kenny can attend the CC, SCTP shoots as well as other CC shoots


Gary Bryant.....................................Dr.longshot

 

And from August 19, 1935 DuPont MX Newspaper... ATA to burn bonds that paid for the "permanent" home grounds...



Trap3