Thursday Bulletin – March 28, 2024
Executive Director's Message
Richard Pearson
Happy Easter Everyone!
The ISRA Office Will Close at Noon Tomorrow for Good Friday
This is just a general update on the status of our litigations. We are working on several cases at this time. It’s kind of like toiling in the mines. There is all kinds of detail work to do. While that’s unexciting, it is absolutely necessary to win the cases. We’re still waiting to hear back on our appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States on Harrel v Raoul. I will keep you updated on that.
History of ISRA
The history of the Illinois State Rifle Association has always been a fascination of mine. Much of the records from the early days has disappeared and I’m constantly on a quest to recover whatever I can. We have acquired a few medals from the early days, but no real records or notes from anyone.
Recently, we acquired the records, notes and pictures of an ISRA member named William Garlington. Mr. Garlington lived in Chicago and was an extraordinarily active shooter in local and national matches. With his records, we found a scorebook, targets, shooting equipment, and even his stool and folding table that he carried with him. There were photographs of the rifle team practicing on the University of Chicago football field, and on the basketball court. I knew there had to be a use for those places!
Garlington was an active shooter in both .22 caliber, Smallbore and High Power. In looking through his scorebook and seeing the scores of other shooters, it is evident that he and the other ISRA members knew what they were doing. They did not have the equipment that we have today, but they knew how to shoot.
I have not gotten through all of Mr. Garlington’s memorabilia yet, but a couple of interesting finds include a certificate from the Small Arms Firing School, dated 1911, and a score book dated 1918, from the same school, which was authored and prepared by the famous rifleman, Lieutenant Colonel Townsend Whelen.
There are also membership cards from 1933, when he converted from an annual member to a life member. The cards are in “like new” condition. We found his 1933 ISRA Life Member patch, brand new and stored in a box. It had never been sewn on his jacket. There is also a photo album containing pictures of matches and the national matches from 1916 to 1933. Mr. Garlington carefully notated all his pictures. There are many names I recognize, but this is the first evidence showing their very high-level participation and friendship. I’m sure I’ll find more information as I go through the boxes.
If you have any ISRA memorabilia, we would be very interested in it. We want to preserve our history. We have a small museum with ISRA memorabilia in the Chatsworth office, and some pieces at the Range office. If you do have any ISRA memorabilia that you are willing to donate, please call me at 815-635-3198.
NRA World Shooting Championship
Held on April 3-6, 2024, at Camp Atterbury, Edinburgh, Indiana. This competition gathers the top shooters in the world, will have them compete in multiple types of major firearm shooting sports including pistol, rifle, shotgun and combined firearm sports, in either professional or amateur categories for cash and prizes of over $250,000.
Thanks to Walther and many other sponsors, this match will continue to supply all firearms equipment and ammunition required for the 12 stages of competition. Click here for more information.
The Countdown is on for the Total Solar Eclipse ~ Just 11 Days!
The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible over approximately 128 miles on April 8, as it passes over Illinois, lasting for 4 minutes and 9 seconds, beginning at 1:58 pm CDT when it crosses the state line into southern Illinois, ending at 26 pm CDT. The partial phases of the eclipse will last longer. The eclipse's "path of totality" includes the southern tip of Illinois, but partial eclipses up to 95% will be experienced as far north as Chicago and west to Quincy, as its path arcs northeast into Indiana and Michigan.
Wear protective eyewear that is rated for viewing the eclipse, ordinary sunglasses won’t work. Don't miss one of nature’s most spectacular events. The next total solar eclipse isn't until August 12, 2045!
Disciple of Jesus Christ of Nazereth, Saviour of the World, Creator of the Universe, Master of all, Servant of all, who wants a personal relationship with each and every one of us!