National Shooting Competition at Camp Perry, Ohio, 1907

DateAugust 28, 1907

MediumPaper

Dimensions3 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (9.5 x 6.4 cm)

ClassificationsAdornment

Catalog number1999.28.232

DescriptionNational Shoot at Camp Perry, 1907

Panoramic photo of the National Shooting Competition at Camp Perry, Ohio in August 1907. (This specific image was taken on August 28 by G.A. Bash of Canton, Ohio.) Note that Camp Perry mispelled on photo title as "Peerry" with an extra "e".

This photo shows a firing line of standing marksmen that stretches from middle left to lower right across the center of the image. Behind these shooting marksmen are large numbers of servicemen, as well as people in civilian (non-military) clothing, many of whom are women and a few children as well. Most of the numerous people in the photograph are in uniform - probably Army, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard and Naval Militia members are represented. Aside from the marksmen, the people in the photo appear to be involved with numerous activities - service members observing/recording the progress of the competition, support personel, other participants, spectators, and others. There are a few horse-drawn wagons and carriages in the photo. Female spectators occupy two carriages and the male occupants of two wagons appear to be civilian workers. Many of the people in the photo appear to be looking at or toward the camera as the photo was taken.

In the background distance of the photo can be seen at least two rows of large, square targets at different distances (towards which the marksmen are firing). Every target has a corresponding number, each of which is clearly visible. Although difficult to see, the long rifles in use appear to be the military model known as the Krag-Jorgensen rifle. (This type rifle was produced at the federal government's Springfield Armory in the 1890s to early 1900s.) Also visible in the photo are a tent (possibily two), a utility pole with telegraph/telephone wires and glass insulators (may also carry electrical wires), and an electric lamp in upper center of the photo (hanging from an unseen wire).

This was the first year of this national marksmanship competition held at Camp Perry, Ohio. Camp Perry is located near the west end of Lake Erie along the coast between Sandusky and Toledo, Ohio. It was a training area for the Ohio National Guard and became the location for the national marksmanship competitions after they were moved from Sea Girt, New Jersey. The competition was held annually (with some exceptions) up to the present day, and involves military and non-military personel in these events.

Chris Sigala was most likely a member of the Arizona National Guard team this year (1907). Sigala was an expert marksman who represented the Territory (and probably State from 1912) for many years as a member of this team. This photo was likely a souvenir purchased by Sigala to commemorate this event. (Mr. Sigala's name is written above a cluster of trees in the upper left portion of this photo.)

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