The 50th Anniversary History Project
Did you know Pisgah TU was the 34th TU chapter in the world, the 3rd in North Carolina and began with just 29 members in 1969?
Those are just a few facts unearthed in a recent reading of the “History of Pisgah TU”, written by a chapter member all the way back in 1989 – ostensibly to celebrate the chapter’s 20th anniversary. Well, almost 30 years on we’ve decided it’s high time to update that history. So we’re calling on all current and former Pisgah TU members near and far to share stories going a ways back.
Our intent is to compile a comprehensive 50-year Anniversary Edition of the History of Pisgah Trout Unlimited and print it up for our membership past, present and future to enjoy. (Not sure that will be the title, because fitting all that on the cover of a book would prove challenging.)
We’re looking for you more “seasoned” members, those of you who carry these great stories around about stuff that’s gone on in the chapter over the last 30 or so years.
We’re also looking for people with scanners, aspiring writers and researchers to help us comb through old newsletters and chapter archives and help write the narrative history of our chapter; so even if you’re brand new to the chapter, there’s a way for you to be involved.
About The History Team
We are currently evaluating our digital and other archives, and once we’ve determined what we have and what we need we will have an organizational meeting. At that meeting, we’ll determine who’s doing what and when, and agree on our best course of action. Subsequent meetings will be divided between Brevard and Hendersonville so that those who are not able to make it to one or the other location can still participate and contribute.
Generally, we will have only a few meetings and will exchange documents electronically via email or a common set of project folders accessible with an internet browser. The specific means is not yet determined, and will depend on the size of the committee and the members’ level of comfort with technology. We won’t let that be a barrier to anyone who wants to participate.
We think participation in this committee will be stimulating, challenging and rewarding – and we guarantee you’ll have a good time.
An unlimited number of people may join the team. Except for an interest in the history of Pisgah TU and a willingness to attend a few meetings if you are able, handle some papers, review some documents and/or jot down your memories about things that have happened in your time at Pisgah TU, no experience or special skills are required.
We hope you’ll join us.
- Charles Crolley (Chair)
- Mike Mihalas (Conservation)
- Tim Schubmehl (Davidson River Project)
Please sign up using the form on this page or notify Charles Crolley (charles.crolley@pisgahTU.org) if you’d like to participate. If you’ve already signed up or otherwise let him know, great! You’re on the committee. If not, we hope you’ll join in the fun.
Whether you’ve been with Pisgah TU from the beginning or just now joined up, whether you’re mostly homebound or want to get out and rub elbows with other chapter members, there are number of ways you can help out with the history project. Pick something that suits you and sign up today!
Scanning. We’re trying to scan all of our paper documents and turn them into permanent digital archives, so they’ll be electronically preserved, cataloged and searchable. We have chapter newsletters going back almost nearly 400 chapter newsletters to scan, so this is a huge need. If you have a scanner and are willing to put it to use, we’d love to have your help.
Compiling Articles, Research & Documents. We are dividing the project into several main areas – for instance, the Davidson River Project through the years. If you have been involved in the project, your insight and knowledge are critical, but we also need people who can go back through archives and pull out articles, documents and stories related to the project. Again, we need quite a few people to help compile research.
Narrative Construction. If you enjoy research and history, you’d probably enjoy narrative construction. The job is to take the compiled research and documents and turn them into a written narrative of chapter history. This involves pulling together the parts of the story told by the compiled articles and research in a linear, engaging style.
Editing and Proofing. As we complete the narrative and attach selected documentation, we’ll need sharp eyes to go back over the narrative and look for errors and omissions, check grammar and spelling and tighten and homogenize the copy.
Join The Team
The Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited
The Pisgah Chapter
Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Brevard, NC, and serves Henderson, Transylvania and Polk Counties. Chartered in 1969, the Chapter has dedicated more than 45 years to cold water conservation. From our humble beginnings of 29 members we have grown to nearly 400.
The Pisgah Chapter was the 34th chapter chartered by Trout Unlimited and the 3rd in North Carolina. That's quite a legacy when you consider that Trout Unlimited is a national organization with about 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils from Maine to Montana to Alaska.
Regular chapter meetings are held the second Thursday of each month except July, August and December at Guidon Brewing, 415 8th Avenue East, just north of downtown Hendersonville, Everyone is invited to come by for great fellowship and Dry Falls has an excellent beer selection and delicious food truck. During July, August, and December, we will be meet socially at Dry Falls Brewing with no chapter business planned.
Our meetings feature interesting guest presenters, updates on national, state, and local issues, and upcoming volunteer opportunities. Membership is not required to join Pisgah TU meetings and everyone is welcome!
Keep up with all Pisgah Chapter events and updates by signing up for our monthly newsletter, Snags & Snarls. By signing up for our email newsletter, you can also receive chapter emails about important announcements and events. If you wish to be included in our email list, please let us know by using the the Contact Us link below:
Contact Us
P.O. Box 2439
Brevard, NC 28712
membership questions: members@pisgahTU.org
website issues: website@pisgahTU.org
press inquiries: news@pisgahTU.org
all other: info@pisgahTU.org
or use this form...
Thanks to many years of good stewardship and the continued generosity of generations of members, Pisgah TU enjoys a firm financial footing and as a result is able to commit to effective partnerships with other conservation organizations, and to longitudinal programs that require significant financial commitment over time, like the Davidson River Habitat Enhancement Project.
We invite you to join Pisgah TU to get more involved in trout conservation at the local, state, and national level. You will meet new friends and also learn a lot of great fishing tips from your fellow members. Click the Membership link on your right to learn more about how to join!
Chapter Contacts
The Endowment Fund
The Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited Endowment Fund was established by the board in January 2014.