Pederson to Give Presentation
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Photo courtesy of Paul Rieder
Chris Pederson and his wife created this target as a traditional Schützenscheibe for the Eau Claire Schuetzenverein. The "bulls eye" in the painting is the target. It will determine the Schützenkönig for their club for a year. The target will be donated to a new German Bierhall in Eau Claire.
Zwingli Brotherhood will sponsor a free Power Point talk by Chris Pederson, of Eau Claire, WI, on July 9th, at 6:00 p.m., at Zwingli United Church of Christ, Monticello WI. The public is encouraged to attend.
The title of his presentation will be "Schuetzenvereins (Shooting Societies) of Green County." Chris is Vice President of the Eau Claire Schuetzenverein and a Military Historian. His interest in Germanic hunting and shooting traditions began upon reading about the Hannover Scheutzenfest (marksman's festival) shortly after arriving in Germany in December 2004 (following a tour in Iraq). In 2007, during a torch-lit ceremony, he was sworn into the German Brotherhood of Hunters after successfully completing the Jagdschein Course in Heidelberg, Germany. He is gathering material for a book on the Schuetzenvereins of Wisconsin. Schuetzen style shooting is primarily done off hand (most difficult position) at distances out to 200 yards, using precision, single shot rifles. The Swiss considered Schuetzen as "Shooting like a man...standing on two legs."
At one time, Green County had three Schuetzenvereins; one each in Monroe, Monticello, and New Glarus. These clubs were a center for social gatherings as well as shooting competitions. Chris has gathered many facts and photos of the facilities (shooting barns, ranges, and target houses) as well as the people, rifles they used, targets, and awards.
This talk should be of interest for anyone who wants to know more about our Swiss Heritage, shooting sports, and local history. Zwingli United Church of Christ is located at 416 East Lake Avenue, Monticello, WI, and features air conditioning, padded pews, and two large viewing screens. For more information, contact Paul Rieder at (608) 558-8192.
