Clyde’s Corner: Munith Rod & Gun Club experience shared across generations

by Clyde Whitaker

Hello again, everyone. My story this month takes us back to the ’60s, then up to present day. 

I think most of you remember that my family moved to the corner of Fitchburg and Territorial roads, just outside of Munith in the early ’60s, buying our house from Norman Friermuth.

Little did we know that every Friday night there would be a cascade of gunshots coming from across the field next door. They were coming from the Munith Rod and Gun Club.

I enjoyed just sitting out in our yard on Friday nights, looking up at the stars while enjoying the cool summer night, and hearing the “boom,” “boom,” “boom,” “boom” of each shotgun blast directed at the tiny clay pigeons. 

The Munith Rod and Gun Club is tucked back across from the Pine Croft Farm, barely visible from Territorial Road. The club was established in 1957 by a group of sportsmen, including Dewayne Kitley. During its first two years, shooting of clay pigeons took place at Dave Ashbaugh’s farm.

In 1960, land was purchased that ran along Fitchburg Road, starting a tradition that continues to this day. In fact, this year will be the 65th anniversary for the club at this location. Thank you to all who have made this possible.

My childhood friend, John Stanfield, and I spent many a Friday night going to the club, shooting a couple of boxes of shells each. John and I soon learned that it was cheaper to reload your own shells, so we did.

Once in a while we would load extra powder into a few shells. We didn’t know who had the juiced-up shells until it was fired, then you knew, because the kick from the gun was extra strong! Lol!

Now fast forward to this year, 2025. I have enjoyed watching two of my grandchildren continue the tradition of clay pigeon shooting at the Munith Rod and Gun Club. Adam Adiska is in the second grade, and Tyler Adiska is in the fifth grade. They shoot for the Jackson Northwest Clay Crushers and are very good.

I believe that Tyler’s top mark is 22 hits out of 25 shots. I think Adam’s top mark is 19 out of 25. If I am wrong, I’m sure they will tell me, lol. They shoot every week, and it’s fun to see when they dust one completely.

Watching the boys shoot brings back many memories for me. John passed away a few years ago, but the memories I have will never be forgotten. Now, my grandkids are making their own memories and giving me new ones.

Clyde Whitaker is a 1973 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Mary, raised four children in Stockbridge, and they still reside in the Stockbridge area.