Club History

YCB History

The 50’s to the 70’s The Toronto Anglers and Hunters Association (TAHA) existed prior to 1955. YCB evolved from this organization of 350 Members.

In 1956, YCB applied for an Incorporation status and received their Charter on October 1st for the price of $20. Founding YCB Directors were William Joyce, Harry Markham, Aileen (Ella) Inches, Dan Siminiuk and Jack Hope, all Charter Members. Harry Markham was elected the first President of the Club.

There was a little 20 foot by 20-foot modest shack on the property with no electricity, no water and no toilet. In 1959 the first modification to the clubhouse included toilets and the indoor shooting lanes.

YCB hosted the Canadian Nationals in 1967, Canada’s Centennial year.

During the late ’50s and ’60s YCB developed many impressive archers who managed to secure championship titles. During the ’60s the YCB members had a wedding and reception at the clubhouse on a Halloween night. Bob Lingard and his bride held their reception at the club. Little did they know that there was also a Halloween party going on at the same time. This resulted in a rather usual mix of attire for the night, ranging from tuxedos and wedding dresses to clown and witch costumes.

York County Bowmen entrance and sign
Archers checking out target
Archery in the forest
Archery Team outside
4 bowmen in the snow
2 men constructing cover

The 80’s to today!

The 80’s and 90’s produced a number of highlights for York County Bowmen. A new shoot called the Canadian 3D Classic. Paul (Hollywood) Viacunas was the prime leader of this shoot. It became part of the Triple Crown (Ontario Championship). This was an event that was begun by the Archery Ontario.

Another new shoot, initiated by Bill Frey, started in 1995 for traditional shooters called the Swap & Shoot. This event incorporated archery shoot to have fun and bring any items you wanted to swap, trade or sell.

In terms of communication we finally got a phone put into the Club in 1997 and we were on the internet. We had a newsletter going out at least 3 times a year thanks to the efforts of Katie Gajdacs. The Newsletter was entitled ‘On Target’. It is still being published and is enjoyed by all. Its publication has been taken over by Barbara Parry.

We also did much community public relations work in the 1990’s and 2000’s. Big Brothers were given weekend memberships, Scouts and Guides were often seen visiting on the weekend. In the 2000’s, we had two Triple Crown winners in 2003, Derek Ashby and Vince Ientile for the Junior and Limited Hunter classes respectively. In 2006, we had two more Triple Crown winners, both in the Cub class, Gianluca Capuano (Barebow) and Thomas MacNeil (Freestyle). Also, in 2006, at the Ontario 3D Championship (First Leg) we had two winners, Andrew Fagan (Freestyle) and Kinsey Murdoch (Cub). The 2000 YCB board of directors passed a motion to honour deceased members who made a significant impact on the club by creating The Memory Tree.

The Club held a 50th anniversary party on June 10, 2007. Members were treated to a free BBQ and fun shoot. There was also an unveiling of the Past Presidents and Charter Members plaques. President Robert Sheridan presided over the events. A number of the Charter Members and Past Presidents were in attendance and honoured for their contributions to the club over the years.

As we look from the past to our present, to our future, we hope you’ll join us for the
next 65 years!

Join us for the next 65 years!