National Horseshoe Pitchers Museum
Discover the rich history, legendary players, and enduring legacy of horseshoe pitching at our dedicated facility in Wentzville.
Introduction
Upon seeing the NHPA Hall of Fame & Museum for the first time, visitors will quickly tell the QRHC members how lucky and fortunate they are to be able to pitch in probably the best facility in the world. Believe us, we agree! But there is another side of the coin that most people are unaware of. I would like to give you a short history of the Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club, how and why we were chosen to become caretakers of this facility, and an insight of how the QRHC members maintain the operation of the facility.
Early History
The QRHC, formerly the New Melle Horseshoe Club, was formed in 1990 with only 32 members and 4 outdoor courts. It was soon expanded to 8 courts and a building was erected around them. Later an additional 4 more courts were added. Our club grew to over 250 members and we became known as the "Largest Horseshoe Club in the World" well over the population size of the small town of New Melle where our club was located. During the winter months a pitcher would have to sign up months in advance to get into a tournament at the courts. That was because there was only one other indoor horseshoe facility in Missouri so horseshoe pitchers would travel many miles to pitch inside. As a club we were all happy and contented, and enjoyed traveling to out-of-state events together, such as chartering a bus traveling to Music City for friendly competition for many years. During this growth time, a bond was formed between the members – we all loved and had fun pitching horseshoes together.
Jack Freeman would tell us "I never saw such enthusiasm and excitement in a horseshoe club" and he was envious of our camaraderie. In 1999 when the St. Louis Rams played the Tennessee Titans for the Super Bowl Championship we made another trip to Joelton. Wearing our Rams hats made from construction paper we marched into the Tennessee arena. Such fun we had. It was ironic that only a few years down the road we found ourselves high on a hilltop in a luxurious horseshoe palace that rivaled the Joelton complex that Jack built.
DECISIONS ON LOCATION
After Jack's death in December 2003, his indoor courts became part of an estate settlement and it took 15 months before Dave Loucks as NHPF President was finally able to purchase the Joelton courts for the Foundation. By this time, the NHPF and NHPA officers knew that Joelton was not the best location for the National Hall of Fame. At the suggestion of Joe Faron, Dave came to Missouri to view other potential sites. He determined the Quail Ridge Park location to be near perfect. With the concurrence of the NHPA officers, Dave and the NHPF entered into a land lease agreement with St. Charles County for three acres on which the HOF facility was built and dedicated in October 2007. Our horseshoe club was asked to be its caretakers because of the location, and because we were a club with 200 members strong.
While the decision to build on the Wentzville site was made in early 2005, it took nearly two more years before Dave and the NHPF, needing the approval of the Tennessee State Attorney General, was able to sell the Joelton property. Fortunately, this did not delay the start of construction in Wentzville because the initial NHPA seed money that opened the NHPF account in 1996 along with ten years of fund-raising had grown the Foundation endowment to an amount sufficient to cover the first 60% of construction costs.
Expanding Our Premier Facility
We are constantly working to improve the Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club experience. Check out the latest updates on our facility enhancements as we continue to build one of the world's premier horseshoe pitching destinations in Wentzville, Missouri.
Construction
Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club members donated hundreds of volunteer hours to help build the National Horseshoe Pitching Hall of Fame & Museum, saving the Foundation more than $10,000 in labor. Their hard work made the facility's opening possible in 2007 and earned the club the prestigious 2007 NHPA Presidential Award.
Growth of the Club
As the facility opened, Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club became more than a local club—we became responsible for operating and maintaining a world-class venue. Through tournaments, concessions, souvenirs, and countless volunteer hours, our members keep the 22,000-square-foot facility running, welcoming visitors, and ensuring it remains a premier destination for horseshoe pitchers from across the country.
Landscaping
St. Charles County Parks invested $400,000 in the parking lot and beautiful landscaping that surrounds the facility. Quail Ridge Horseshoe Club members continue that commitment by maintaining the outdoor courts and grounds while promoting the club and welcoming new members to experience one of the finest horseshoe facilities in the world.
Transitioning from a dues-only model, we now rely on tournaments, concessions, and souvenirs to meet our operational expenses and maintain our premier facility.
Our dedicated members volunteer thousands of hours, from hosting visitors four days a week to the massive effort of cleaning our 22,000 sq ft space monthly.
We bear and share the responsibility of keeping this facility going, making it work not only for our local club but for NHPA members everywhere.
Jack Freeman Memorial Walkway
Have you taken a walk to the Jack Freeman Memorial Walkway? Missouri horseshoe pitchers can feel proud that we are the #1 state purchasing bricks. If you haven't purchased your brick yet talk with any of the QRHC members and they will help you with your order. You will feel so proud when you see your brick in place. Keep on supporting the NHPF with your donations and brick orders it is the only way to preserve the history, showcase the present and build the future of horseshoe pitching the game we all love and enjoy.