Maspenock Rod and Gun Club
Though incorporated on the 22nd of May, 1939 with 78 members, Maspenock Rod 7 Gun Club had in fact been an organization of like-minded sportsmen as early as 1927.
The corporation was formed with the purpose of “promoting legitimate sport with rod and gun; to aid in the enforcement of laws with reference to the propagation and protection of fish and game within the Commonwealth; to assist in securing such further legislation as may be deemed necessary in such connection; to stock the waters of North Pond (Lake Maspenock) and vicinity brooks; to stock the surrounding covers with game animals and birds.”
Though initially meeting in various locations, in 1939 the Club purchased its current property at the end of Wales Street, including a small nameless pond. After the Second World War, the pond was named in honor of two members that lost their lives serving their country in that conflict. The Craddock-Crews pond was our “fishing hole” until about 1966. At that time, the construction of interstate 495 severed access to our clubhouse via Wales Street and also separated the clubhouse from the pond. McGill Lane was then installed as the new access to the club grounds.
In the early 1970’s, with use of Craddock-Crews pond proving impractical due to sedimentation, as well as residential construction, Maspenock installed a new ½ acre pond on club property. The Craddock-Crews Pond was eventually deeded to the town of Milford. The new pond was nameless until February 26, 2001, when it was named for Francis L. Walleston, and the path to the pond was named for Liberatore Schiapucci.
Maspenock Rod & Gun Club continues to honor the original intentions of our charter. We stock our pond each spring and host two fishing derbies. The first derby is limited to the children of members, and prizes are awarded for various categories of catches. The second derby is held the following day for our adult members, and also offers prizes. In the fall of each year, we also stock the woods and fields of our property with pheasant.
Throughout the Year, the club hosts many dinners, ending with our clambake in September.