325 Children Entered Annual Fishing Derby-This Day in Norwood History-June 15, 1954

The Norwood Sportsman’s Association held its fourth annual Children’s Fishing Derby last Sunday at Guild Pond, drawing an impressive turnout of 325 boys and girls. The young anglers caught a record number of fish of various species, contributing to an afternoon filled with activity and enjoyment. More than 400 spectators gathered along the pond, many of them camera enthusiasts capturing the lively scene.

Three grand prize winners were named: Pamela Jean Howard, and Hobart and Sharlene Kemp, who together claimed two of the awards donated by the Better Fishing Institute of Chicago, consisting of complete fishing sets. Pamela Jean Howard caught the first fish of the day, a sunfish. Hobart and Sharlene Kemp each caught the most fish by weight during the afternoon.

Through the cooperation of leading sporting goods manufacturers, hundreds of pieces of tackle equipment were distributed as additional prizes. Awards were given both to those who caught fish and to those who participated without landing one, ensuring that no child left without a prize.

Secondary awards included: Adam Benkavicht, first hornpout; Dana Maus, first pickerel; Jackie Lane, first shiner; Janice Perry, first yellow perch; Bob Brock, first white perch and first brown trout; Kevin McLean, first bass; and Dana Maus, first and only turtle. Additional awards for largest fish included: Tim Boswell, largest sunfish; Adam Benkevitch and Michael Turchinetz, largest hornpout; Dana Maus, largest pickerel; Jackie Lane, largest shiner; Douglas Smith, largest white perch; and Bob Brock, largest and first trout.

More than two hundred other prizes, ranging from expertly made lures to fishing line and reels, were distributed through a drawing.

The members of the Norwood Sportsman’s Association have adopted the derby as an annual event, open to all children up to 14 years of age at no cost. This year marked the fourth derby, and the appreciation for the association’s efforts was evident in the enthusiasm of the children and the excitement on their faces as prizes were awarded.

The event was organized under the leadership of Chairman Ken Gibbs, Club President Tony Velardo, and Tony Ortins, a local BFI member. They were supported by large committees of association members and their wives.

The association has more than 175 members and belongs to the Norfolk County League, as well as several national and state leagues dedicated to fishing, hunting, and conservation.

Judges for the contest were Patsy Santoro, Bennie Santoro, and Ken Gibbs. Registration was handled by Libby Thompson, Josephine Ortins, and Gereen Gibbs. Membership Committee members were Eugene Reynolds and John Turchon. Fish registration was conducted by Bill Vient, Julie Velardo, and Donald Pike.

Squad leaders included Fred Fiore, Teddy Blackman, Peter Johnson, Arnold Eardley, Harry Brylinski, John Grover, John Eppich, George Jameson, John Haag, Frank Lelorio, Edward Maloof, William Patton, Jr., Edwin Smith, Henry Santoro, Thomas Femesson, George Eardley, Jerry Pike, Dave Barylon, Jim Snead, Cleo Boisvert, and Edward H. Thompson.

Canoe men assisting on the water were Lawrence Waughn, Dave Mitchell, Pete Thurson, Woody Pozzee, and David Pachard. The refreshment committee, which provided free Coca‑Cola and Hood chocolate drinks to all participants, included Carl L. Johnson, George Thompson, Paul J. D’Espinosa, Phil Johnson, David Johnson, Helen Barylinski, Rose Santoro, Adele Howard, and Winnie Eckhardt.

Tackle firms contributing prizes represented both national and local manufacturers, including Worth, Old Pal, Lou Johnson, Lutz Pork Bait, Arnold Tackle, Tony Accetta and Sons, Inc., Rainbow Lines, Wright McGill, B.F.L., Stan Gibbs Lures, Weezel Bait Co., Fred Arbogast, Paul Bunan, Dayton Bait, L and S Bait, Newton Line, Phillips Fly Tackle, Lou Eppinger, Ocean City, Cortland Line, Assinippi Line, Marathon Line, Sparkling Products, Whittemore Co., Woodstock Line, Kautz Lazy Ike, Streamline Products, M. Scharf, Pequeee Works, Inc., and Tony Ortins.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Norwood Messenger