On December 3, 1892, Mr Redmond C. Stewart called the first meeting of what would later become the Green Spring Valley Hounds. As a teenager, he hunted with his private pack of hounds; now, as an adult, he had a vision for an organized club of members from all walks of life to breed a top-notch pack of hounds. He crossed together American Hounds (known as the best fox hunters in Maryland) with English Hounds and set off.
The same December, Stewart sent out fixture cards to 127 men from Baltimore and the surrounding neighborhood, and the club was born. The first joint meet with the Elkridge Fox Hunting Club happened less than a year later, with the connection surviving to this day with regular meets with the Elkridge Harford Foxhounds.
1893 brought about a move from Stewart’s hometown of Cliffholme to Ten Mile House on Reisterstown Road, which the Club would soon outgrow. By 1897, the club purchased ten acres of land between Green Spring Valley Road and the Green Spring branch of the Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad.
A beautiful clubhouse with kennels, a stable, and a spacious front porch was constructed, which remains the site of the Green Spring Hunt (Lower) Club.
The Club would keep growing, adding card games, clay tennis courts, and in 1914, a 10-hole golf course. As the country and the Club itself began to develop, more meets were carded to the North; by 1925, the hunting component of the Club was moved to a 168-acre farm named Stamford on Mantua Mill Road, the current home of the Green Spring Valley Hounds.
The 30s and 40s brought about significant changes to the club. The Depression decreased the number of members and hounds, eliminating hunting positions. During the wartime of the 40s, many prominent members joined the fight. The first woman would be appointed MFH during this time—Grace Miller was given this title as many men were overseas.
Another first of the ’40s: Les Grimes would be the youngest professional huntsman to join a professional pack and would hunt on the GSVH team for the next 35 years, later being elected into the Huntsman’s Hall of Fame.
“Upper” and “lower” clubs would experience a formal separation, with the “upper” clubs hosting Baltimore’s annual horse show and landowner’s luncheon. This separation would bring about the formation of the Green Spring Valley Hounds, Inc. It wasn’t until 1974 that members could join the Upper Club without skipping the Lower Club’s enrollment process
In 1981, Grimes would pass the torch to his whipper-in, the 20-year-old Andrew Barclay. Barclay would hunt the hounds until 2001, entering the Hall of Fame.
2012 would bring new kennels and structures, and 2015 would see the completion of a long-range plan to ensure the GSV Hounds’ longevity.
Nighttime foxhunting runs are no more, and new developments have changed the country’s landscape – despite this, much remains the same, with the same excitement being shared by current members.
Since 1892, the Green Spring Valley Hounds have provided some of the best fox hunting in North America; we are proud to carry on these traditions thanks to our wonderful country, talented staff, masters, and passionate memberships.
Well-bred hounds born with perseverance are necessary to the country. This type of breed has been accomplished through crossing American and English Foxhounds—American blood brings an excellent nose and strong voice, while English produces speed and drive.
Traditionally, puppies are named using the first letter of the bitch’s name and the first vowel of the sire. So, Poppy + Sailor might create Pastry, Passel, Parfait and Packer!
Want to support the club from the comfort of your home? Try out our new program: Sponsor a Hound. Multiple people can sponsor a hound, so spread the word!
| Personalized official adoption certificate. |
| Fact sheet and "your" hound's pedigree. |
| Frameable photograph of the GSVH pack. |
| Biweekly photos and updates about training and "your" hound’s adventures. |
Billed to your GSVH account.
