The Story of 'The Stick'
‘The Barn’ is proud to have received two more legendary “sticks” that each carry a rich history.
These treasures are now proudly displayed on our walls, continuing their stories with us.
One stick, gifted by Wayne Lantz, the other one , generously given to us by Phil Nelson, was crafted by Mark Hamilton back in 1998.
Mark was a part of the New Annan Archers and this stick-bow has its own unique story to tell.
Recently, we had the pleasure of talking to Phil, Wayne, and Mike about the history of one of these ‘sticks’, covered in names and years—each a testament to the bonds formed and the skills honed in the traditional archery community. Here’s the story:
Back in the day, there was a vibrant group of primitive bow shooters who gathered every May and September for shoots. These events started with bow-building classes on Saturdays, advertised by word of mouth and through the TAANS newsletter, with limited spots for just twelve people.
Participants brought some tools, rough-cut bow staves, and gathered under tarps to learn from instructors like Wayne Lantz, John Large, Mike McCallum, John McCarthy and others.
By Sunday, everyone – participants and instructors, including archers from away like Fred Doody from New Brunswick, Dan Petitpas and Bill and Marie Dockendorff-would take to the course and shoot for ‘the stick’.
May shoots often included camping and a ceremonial bonfire where reject bows were burned.
‘The stick’ itself became a record of the community’s success and friendly competition. Every archer who landed their arrow in the “kill zone” would carve a notch in a wooden tally rod crafted by Mike, with the little red on the end in the square it. On the rainy day Wayne Lantz remembers shooting alongside Randy Hirtle and Rodney Spencer, won the shoot with 48 notches out of 80. Those notches were a symbol of each archer’s skill and dedication.
The first shoots were held in New Annan, on land owned by the Swan family, descendants of Anna Swan, one of Nova Scotia’s famous giants.
Eventually, the group relocated to Charlie and Monique’s place, where the tradition continued in their barn.
Many of those original community members are still friends today. While many of the original participants have aged or passed on, their legacy lives on. The annual invitational shoot organized by John Large and Wayne Lantz continues to bring together old friends, some now in their 80s, to relive the camaraderie of years past.
The sticks hanging in ‘The Barn’ serve as tangible reminders of this rich history. They represent not just the skill of individual archers, but the spirit of a community that found joy in craftsmanship, competition, and connection. As we remember these stories, we celebrate not just the sticks on our walls, but the connections and moments that define our community.
Here’s to the past, the friendships, and the enduring spirit of traditional archery.
May we continue to carve our stories – one notch at a time.
Thanks to Phil, Wayne, John and Mike for all the valuable information and your support of the traditional archery community.
Names on the Stickbow Award crafted by Mark Hamilton
1998 C.A. Clair Ross NS
May 1999 Bernie Clancey NS
Sept 1999 Frank Wilson NS
May 2000 Kevin Lantz NS
Sept 2000 Fred Doody NB
May 2001 Fred Doody NB
Sept 2001 Gary MacDougall NS
May 2002 Fred Doody NB
Sept 2002 Wayne Lantz NS
May 2003 John Veres NS
Sept 2003 Gary MacDougall NS
May 2004 Gary MacDougall NS
Sept 2004 Lloyd Rhyno NS
May 2005 Lloyd Rhyno NS
Sept 2005 Dan Petitpas P.E.I
May 2006 Dan Petitpas P.E.I
Sept 2006 John McCarthy NS
May 2007 ?
Sept 2007 Gary MacDougall NS
