May 9, 2012
HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OF TOBYHANNA TOWNSHIP
May 9, 2012
Clymer Library, 115 Firehouse Road, Pocono Pines, Pa.
Speaker: Fred Tim: “American Long Rifle Development in Eastern Pennsylvania”
The meeting was called to order at 10:20 a.m.
Minutes of the April meeting were read.
Highlights
The June meeting will be presented by Gene Kerrick on the Blakeslee Family.
Volunteers are needed for committees — Fred & Judy Tim volunteered to chair the membership committee.
Jack Dodge has been updating the Post Office display.
The budget for 2012 has been approved.
The September bus trip will be a Revolutionary Tour in the Endless Mountains.
The treasurer’s books were examined by Ron Kehler and Jack Dodge, and all is in order.
Speaker | Fred Tim – American Long Rifle Development in Eastern Pennsylvania
Fred Tim is a member of the Contemporary Long Rifle Association and a Pocono Pines resident.
Information given by Mr. Tim included safety points – treat all firearms as if they were loaded – as well as an explanation of what an American long rifle is and descriptions of parts of the rifle.
American long rifles, often called Kentucky rifles, played an important role in the colonization and development of America. In about 1000 AD, gunpowder was first mentioned in China and was initially used for fireworks. It was brought to Europe around the 1200s.
The first handgun came about around 1375. Jaeger was a German make; Fowler was an English make.
European firearms came to America around the 1600s. Gunsmiths in Pennsylvania started with Jaegers but soon realized a longer gun barrel would increase accuracy and velocity and also be lighter.
A question and answer session followed the presentation, and models of rifles were on display. Mr. Charles Rauch spoke on a long rifle in his possession.
The meeting was closed and refreshments followed.
Submitted by
Barbara Fox, Treasurer
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