A Legacy of Community and Conservation
The story of the Belltown Sportsmen’s Club begins in June 1940, when a group of dedicated sportsmen filed articles of incorporation, establishing the club as a haven for the residents of East Hampton and Marlborough. From its inception, the club aimed to foster a love for the outdoors and promote responsible stewardship of the land. While initially focused on local residents, the club soon expanded its reach, welcoming “non-residents” who shared its passion for hunting, fishing, and camaraderie. Today, membership remains capped at 75 Regular Members, with a commitment to maintaining a balance between local and non-resident participation.
From Quinn Road to Markham Road: Building a Home
Around 1950, the club secured a 65-acre parcel along Quinn Road in Marlborough, marking a significant step in its development. Members poured their time and energy into constructing a clubhouse – a simple, one-room ranch with a welcoming fieldstone fireplace that quickly became the heart of the club. A 50-foot pistol range was built in the cellar, and a trap field was established in the open field, providing opportunities for shooting sports. Cattle Lot Brook, meandering through the property, offered fishing opportunities, particularly near a small dam that created a wooded area perfect for casting a line. Each fall, the club stocked pheasants, fostering a vibrant bird hunting tradition. A gravel driveway led to a large sand pit, its 150-yard expanse becoming a popular spot for rifle practice. While deer hunting was not yet permitted in Connecticut at the time, the club’s focus on other game and conservation laid the groundwork for its future endeavors.
However, the rising cost of property taxes in Marlborough sparked a pivotal debate in the late 1960s. After much deliberation, a closely divided vote led to the decision to sell the Quinn Road property and seek a new home in East Hampton.
A New Chapter on Markham Road
In the fall of 1969, the club purchased 57 acres along Markham Road (off Tartia Road) in East Hampton, ushering in a new era. The early 1970s saw the construction of a covered pavilion, a gathering place for club events. This structure was later enclosed and enhanced around 1999, becoming the “Pole Barn” that stands today. In the mid-1970s, the club created Hammon Pond, a ¾-acre pond fed by natural springs and named in memory of former Club President Harry Hammond. This pond, reaching depths of 12 feet, quickly became a prized fishing spot.
The club also continued its commitment to shooting sports, building a “Crazy Quail” clay target field in the late ’70s. This innovative setup evolved over the years, eventually becoming a traditional trap field. Significant upgrades in 1992 and 1998, including the addition of electricity and an all-electric trap machine, transformed the field into a modern facility capable of hosting the club’s popular summer trap shoots.
From 1970 to 2005, the club continued its tradition of stocking pheasants, providing hunting opportunities for its members. A shooting range was added in the 1980s, featuring a 50-yard range and a covered 100-yard shooting stand.
A Focus on Fishing and Community
Today, Hammon Pond remains a focal point, stocked with trout multiple times a year to support member fishing in the spring, fall, and even through the ice in the winter. Licensed as “Private Waters” by the state, the pond allows year-round fishing and events without a fishing license requirement. Over the years, the club has proudly sponsored fishing derbies open to the public, kids’ derbies in conjunction with the JC’s and CT State Agencies, and “Take a Vet Fishing Days,” demonstrating its commitment to community engagement.
Partnerships and the Peach Farm Legacy
For decades, the Belltown Sportsmen’s Club actively partnered with the State of Connecticut to support hunting. Through a “Permit Required” program, the club managed nearly 1,000 acres of land, providing access to bird hunting for both members and the public. The club even raised birds for release in a pen on Gill Hall’s property. While the “Permit Required” program was eventually suspended in 1998 due to dwindling available land, the club’s dedication to hunting remained strong.
One of the most enduring partnerships forged during this time was with Gardner’s Nursery, also known as the Peach Farm. This relationship, initiated by former members Allen Tolhurst and Jack Schmitter, has flourished for over 45 years, thanks to the generosity of the Gardner family and the club’s respectful use and maintenance of the property. Today, the Peach Farm remains the core of the club’s hunting opportunities, providing a haven for pheasant and woodcock hunting, as well as a valuable space for dog training and the annual Club Field Trial.
A Vibrant Future
The Belltown Sportsmen’s Club continues to thrive, offering a wide range of activities and a strong sense of community. From hunting and fishing to trap shooting and firearms practice, the club provides opportunities for sportsmen of all interests. With its annual field trial, turkey shoots, ham shoots, and social events, the club fosters camaraderie and celebrates its shared passion for the outdoors. The Belltown Sportsmen’s Club remains committed to local education and social support, actively participating in youth events, veteran activities, and a high school scholarship program. As it looks to the future, the club remains dedicated to its founding principles: conservation, community, and the responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.
