Upper Nyack 'Turkey Shoots'

Yes, back a few years ago there were "Turkey Shoots" in Upper Nyack... In the late 50s and 60s, members of the then newly formed Willis Polhemus Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars organized and held Turkey Shoots. 

You can relax, though—those attending didn't really shoot turkeys. 

Used as a fundraising activity, Turkey Shoots were held along the west side of
Route 9W.  The VFW Post bought a lot on 9W to build a headquarters or "Post building." Their propety was located across the street just about where the Upper Nyack DPW garage is today. The members first cleared their lot using the equipment of contractor Raymond Ross. Someone came up with the idea of the Turkey Shoots. 

I recall them installing a snow fence across the front of the lot. People brought their shotgun. Well, my father did.  It cost a dollar a shot. On each round those who bought the shotgun shell would shoot at a target ... The winner was determined by the pelt of a shooter who came the closest to the the center of the bulls eye.  

Targets were a good 30 yards from the fence. Each "round" of shooting brought different prizes, many of them donated to the VFW.  I do recall that often the Grand Prize was a new shotgun. 

I remember many of the old time post members being involved in the Turkey Shoots. Charlie Riley, Dick McKeon, Charlie Christian, Ray Ross. Lou Polhemus, Walt Harrington, Ed "Beezer" Riley. Bob Coleman, "Swede" Lungren, Paul "Sinbad" Hazucah, and Bob Hunt are a few of the names I remember. 

I am sure there are other around who remember the Turkey Shoots about 50 years ago. What are your memories?