Evening star., 1927-09-18

NoI0MA Az AtAIIfEAfNN, Il rev lNeu
organization of the original
club of that name which was
i one of the first clubs In the
United States organized to pro
mote the bow and arrow sport, will
hold its first tournament on the courts
at North Woodside this afternoon.
Invitations have been sent to the out
standing stars in Virginia and Mary
land and it Is expected there will be
about % or 80 entrants.
Today'S event marks the climax to
date in the revival of the sport here.
The club was once one of the leading
archery groups in the country, but
for two decades the sport practically
died out here, only to be revived three
years ago by several veterans OF the
original organization.
This season has brought many new
followers of the sport and group of
% bowmen have affiliated with the
Potomac Archers. while scores of
others have taken to the sport and are
expected to join the club as soon as
they can be admitted.
Col John r. Pickett organized the
local club in 1879 and for more than
20 years experts were developed. l..
w. Maxson. one of the members, held
the national title for six years, and
Washington then was the headquar-
ters of the National Archery Associa.
ton. Early in this century the sport
dwindled and the Potomacs ceased to
exist.
Three years ago Paul CARRIER and
!. q. Pratt. present president of the
club. revived the pastime here. They
gradually banded together the archers
of Washington, but not until this
Summer had they been able to gather
enough enthusiasts to hold regular
matches and today's tournament is
the first Of its kind to be held here in
nearly 80 years.
Veterans and youths share honors
alike on the public courts on the Mall.
between the Old and New National
Museums every Thursday afternoon.
Members range in age from * to
more than so years. with honors about
evenly divided. Most of the young
sters have Joined the group this year
and their success leads the older mem
hers to feel certain that archery in
Washington is back to stay.
Norman Chase a Star.
Norman Chase is an outstanding
youngster among local players, hav
ing teamed with President Pratt in
several archery golf matches at local
golf clubs during the past few
months. The accuracy of this pair
has done much toward popuarizing
the sport once more and has given
birth to the belief that archery
courses. similar to golf courses, will
be layed out here in the near future
The only difference between the arch
cry course and the regular golf
course is that a small disc replaces
the cup. The archer holes.out by
burrying his arrow in the disc instead
Of dropping the shaft into the cup.
w. o. Robinson. secretary of the
club. competed in the National Asso.
citation tournament last month. 1t
was the first time in more than a
score of years that n local archer has
competed. Although he failed to
reach the final. Robinson remained in
the race throughout the early rounds.
He is one Of the most consistent
shooters and is expected to make a
good showing in the tournament this
afternoon.
Each Thursday afternoon at 4:30
O'Clock, the Potomac Archers hold a
match on the Mall courts. Those who
doubt that this sport is interesting
need only witness one of the matches
to he convinced that it is both fasci-
mating and skilful.
Officials Of the club predict that the
club will continue to grow New
members are being admitted regularly
and II Is expected that at least 80
members will be obtained before the