Our namesake...  DR. JOSEPH KALBFUS (1852-1919)

A frontiersman, nature lover, public servant, lawyer, and dentist, Dr. Joseph Kalbfus led in the early movement to establish a public agency to conserve and restore Pennsylvania’s wildlife resources for the enjoyment of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Through his resourcefulness, undaunted courage, and tireless energy as Secretary and Chief Protector of the Pennsylvania Game Commission from July 1898 to August 1919, he overcame almost insurmountable obstacles, aroused public opinion, and helped to blaze the trail for a lasting wildlife restoration policy. He was killed on August 10, 1919, while in performance of duty at a railroad crossing in Warren County, as reported in articles published in Steppin’ Out in Kinzua Country magazine (Click here for articles about the incident).

Click Here for Warren Times Observer Article "A Tragic Visit".

Click Here for Warren Times Observer Article "In an Instant".

In the words of his favorite poem, he was truly “One who loved his fellow men”

The Kalbfus Rod and Gun Club was formed in September of 1927 and incorporated in 1932.