From the origin of the Nenameseck name to the growth of today’s club,
our history is rooted in local tradition, outdoor recreation and community.
THE MEANING BEHIND THE NAME
The Origin of “Nenameseck”
The name Nenameseck is a Native American term associated
with the Nipmuc people of central Massachusetts, sometimes referred to as
the Quabaug Indians.
A nenameseck referred to a fishing trap and basket system used to gather
large quantities of spawning salmon from local waterways. Sticks were
arranged in a V-shaped pattern to guide fish toward a large woven basket.
When the basket was lifted, the water drained away and the fish remained.
From Fish Weirs to the Town of Ware
English settlers referred to this pattern of sticks as a fish weir. The local use of fish weirs near the
falls is believed to be connected to the name of the town of Ware
and the Ware River.
That history remains part of the community today. The Ware town
seal still depicts a Native American fishing at the water’s edge.
Ware, Massachusetts town seal
CLUB TIMELINE
Building the Club Through the Years
The club’s development reflects decades of volunteer work, sporting
traditions and commitment from its members.
FOUNDED
1933
Nenameseck Rod & Gun Club Begins
The club began operation under the name Nenameseck Rod & Gun Club. It was formed by
a group of men from Ware at the north end of Snows Pond on upper
North Street.
NEW DIRECTION
1935
The Sporting Club Takes Shape
Members disagreed over whether the organization should focus more
heavily on social activities or sporting events. The sporting
group separated and eventually formed the club that exists today.
Land was purchased on Bacon Road in Palmer. A building was acquired
from the Quabbin Water District in New Salem, moved to the property
and expanded with porches on two sides.
The original clubhouse on Bacon Road
ARCHERY ADDED
1957
The Padaquadic Bowmen Join
The Padaquadic Bowmen joined the club, adding organized archery
to the growing list of sporting activities.
The club hosted many large competitions and championship shoots.
It also sponsored a Boy Scout troop for several years, and some
of the spruce trees still found on the property were planted by
those scouts.
A MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIP
1966 U.S.B.B.A. Championship
In 1966, the club hosted a U.S.B.B.A. Championship with approximately
170 contestants participating, reflecting the popularity and reach of
the club’s archery program.
FIRE
1974
The Original Clubhouse Is Lost
The old clubhouse was destroyed by an arson fire. Club members
came together and built the present clubhouse just beyond the site
of the original building. The mound at the front of the current
clubhouse marks the resting place of the former structure.
The original clubhouse after the fire
The rebuilt clubhouse
INCORPORATED
1976
Nenameseck Sportsmen’s Club
The club became incorporated and changed its name from Nenameseck Rod and Gun Club to Nenameseck Sportsmen’s Club. The new name was
chosen to better represent the many sporting activities held on
the club grounds.
A TRADITION THAT CONTINUES
Built by Generations of Members
Nenameseck Sportsmen’s Club continues to grow through the time,
knowledge and volunteer work of its members while preserving the history
and sporting traditions that began more than nine decades ago.
