Museum in Frenštát pod Radhoštěm

Museum of Nový Jičín, p.o.

In the late middle ages and especially in modern times, practice in marksmanship in the towns has been an activity of local home-defense forces. After the introduction of a standing army in the 17th century, rifle associations were transformed into private clubs which found enjoyment either in shooting with cross-bows or with rifles. In Frenštát, we have the first mention of such a development in the first quarter of the 19th century. In 1835, a small shooting range was laid out in the valley of the river Lubina. Because of increased interest, the new Shooting Range was later built, where there was also a restaurant with a large room that could be used as a ball-room or dance-hall.

In 1859, the club had 51 members, but soon strife broke out among the German and Slavic factions, and in 1862, it reached its high point with the exit of 12 members who had already founded the „Citizens‘ Club“. Unprecedented interest in club membership arose in the eighties of the 19th century after the Germans had withdrawn. In 1880, the club still had 39 members, but by 1885, their numbers had grown to 70.

In the course of time, however, interest in shooting declined, and in 1906, the club had only 16 members. They were unable to maintain the building of the Shooting Range, and so it was sold to the town in 1907.

Besides several rifles, the so-called „target carbines“, the main memento of the rifle club is a collection of 32 painted targets, of which 26 of the best preserved are on display in the staircase of the museum.