Rockingham - Harrisonburg Chapter The Izaak Walton League of America

About the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chapter of the IWLA

Chartered in 1948, Mr. Lester Hoover is credited with originating the Chapter and motivating thirty-three people to become charter members. Hoover was elected first president.

Four years later, in 1952, a parallel organization known as “Peak Retreat Incorporated” (PRI) was formed with the stated purpose of acquiring title to a ninety-two acre tract of land east of Harrisonburg along U.S. 33.  The mission of PRI was “to protect and conserve the woods, waters, wildlife, scenic beauty, and natural resources and public health and to restore, encourage, perpetuate and promote opportunities for outdoor recreation.”  While PRI had no formal connection with the local IWLA, a Majority of its members were IWLA members who felt the PRI property was well-suited to become headquarters for the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Chapter (R-HC).  In 1955 the membership of PRI, Inc. voted to convey, gratuitously, all assets of the corporation to the R-HC of the IWLA.  Subsequently, PRI was dissolved.

At the time the R-HC was considering a site for the IWLA headquarters which might include the development of a lake at their newly acquired property. The Virginia Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries (VCGIF), coincidentally, were seeking a suitable site for a public fishing lake in the area.  The VCGIF would create a lake at the site of the present Lake Shenandoah if R-HC could raise $20,000 to purchase the land.   Undaunted by what seemed an insurmountable financial obstacle, the membership of the IWLA raised the amount with help “…from just about everyone in the county and city.” R-HC of the IWLA purchased the land, and with the commitment of VCGIF to create a lake, deeded the property to the sate of Virginia.  Lake Shenandoah became a reality.

In 1956 IWLA purchased the lot and “red barn” at the edge of Lake Shenandoah which, today, serves as the Chapter’s headquarters.  The facility boasts a first class indoor small bore and archery range for members use, hosts and “kids fishing day” and sponsors the Annual Virginia State and Western Region Big Game Trophy Shows.  The IWLA also conducts hunter safety training and sponsors youth essay contests on conservation issues.

The barn is also available for local events on a rental basis. This is a link to the rental agreement that must be completed.