History of Trail Duster of Hamel
On January 17, 1956, 25 young people from the Hamel area met at the Hamel Bank basement and formed the Trail Dusters Saddle Club to provide recreation for its members. Their activities consisted of trail rides, parade drills, hay and sleigh rides, toboggan parties, roller skating, square dancing, basket socials, donkey ball games, horse shows and horse clinics in the years that followed.

This group designated Harry and Anna Dorweiler (now deceased) and Joe and Rose Brummer (now deceased) as their advisors and honorary members. Leonard Daluge of Wright Saddle Club and WSCA was on hand to share his experience and provide many helpful pointers. The club was incorporated in 1956.

The first activities were held on land owned by Harry Schmit, Joe Brummer and Victor Stein, where a ring was erected of posts and logs cut by the members. In 1960, the club purchased 10 acres of land, the present site of the club grounds. This was possible with earnings they saved, no-interest loans from the members, and a loan from the Farmers State Bank of Hamel. Earl Welch donated the original landscaping. A riding ring, bleachers and announcers stand were built.

In 1963, a building was purchased and moved to the grounds. The first meeting held in their very own clubhouse was August 1963. During 1965 a well was drilled and in 1968 a kitchen and bathrooms were added to the existing clubhouse.

In 1969 the club formed a youth group with special meetings to train in the proper care, handling and riding of the youth’s horses and ponies. They learned well and for 7 years, from 1972 through 1978, these young folks led the club to first place among all WSCA clubs in the most points won at the fall Championship Show and Minnesota State Fair. In 1980 metal siding was added to the clubhouse and the riding ring was expanded. In 2001, the clubhouse got a new roof and a big picture window. In 2003, the competition arena was re-fenced. In 2008, a new sound system was purchased.

Three of Trail Dusters Queens have gone on to become WSCA Queen and two became WSCA Princesses. The club continues to participate in local parades and the Hamel Rodeo.

Hundreds of club members have come and gone in 52 years, as children grew older and priorities changed. An Awards Banquet is held each year and our members, of all ages, share a social evening together. When you see those enthusiastic youngsters and oldsters all laughing and enjoying each other’s company, it is obvious that Trail Dusters will go on for a long, long time. And most of all… you are very proud to have been a part of it all.