Arizona Group at Camp Perry, Ohio

DateAugust 24, 1907

MediumPaper

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

ClassificationsAdornment

Catalog number1999.28.233

DescriptionCamp area of the National 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 24 by G.A. Bash of Canton, Ohio.)

The photo shows what may be the main encampment of the military personnel competing at Camp Perry. Hundreds of tents are visible and they are laid out in well-organized rows and groupings. The tents are all of the size for multiple occupants. Many of the tents are the standard "wall" tents with a peaked "A"-style roof. As many as half or more of the visible tents are the conical variety known as Sibley tents (after the inventor) - they are large and shaped like "teepees". There are "streets" within the camp as well as larger areas where troops probably gathered at various times. Water pumps, wash-sink areas, etc. indicate well-planned sanitary facilties for the camp. The camp area is situated in a large field or clearing area. In the middle background is what appears to be a small train depot, with a locomotive and various passenger and freight cars nearby. Many tents of the encampment are situated on the other side of the tracks leading up to the depot. Also in the background are trees and forested areas. Between the depot and the tent encampment in the background are haystacks and what may be farm buildings. It is possible that this is a local farm, but it may also be hay storage and associated farm buildings, stables, barracks, etc. for Camp Perry. The volume of hay might have been needed to feed the horses, mules, cattle, etc. brought in for this large encampment (pulling wagons, carriages, etc.).

There are few people visible in the photo - it is possible that most military personnel in the encampment were away at the shooting competition when this photo was taken. There are a small number of military personnel visible in the photo. In the center foreground are a group of eight ladies and a young girl in white summer dresses standing and facing the photographer. There is also a small white dog sitting with them. Three adult men stand nearby as well, including two in unifrom and one man in civilian clothing with a straw hat.

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 in the upper left corner of this photo.)

Status

Not on view