 OWAA Legends
OWAA Pioneer Seth L. Myers
By Bill Hilts Sr.
Seth L. Myers is indeed an OWAA Legend! Few have demonstrated a greater
allegiance to our organization than that humble, talented and dedicated
journalist from Sharon, PA.
For numerous years, Myers served OWAA in the demanding role of
secretary/treasurer. This writer has many fond memories of those years, because
for seven of them, he asked me to fill the role as assistant secretary to help
him with the many burdens of the office at that time. Also, Myers was my sponsor
when I joined OWAA in 1961.
Myers was a genuine legend for all of his 79 years. He was a founding member
of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association (POWA) and served as that
group’s first president for three terms. He was a celebrated veteran of the U.S.
Navy, a writer on outdoor and conservation subjects, a radio broadcaster, high
school career counselor, a deputy game protector, a lecturer and a
conservationist. Those are only a few of his interests!
Myers also was active in the Boy Scouts, an association that began when he
was 12 years old. He was an active member in numerous sportsmen and conservation
clubs, including the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsman’s Club. From that
statewide organization, for many years he served as their representative to the
National Wildlife Federation.
Myers’ awards were many and one of his most coveted was when the Pittsburgh
District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers honored him in 1976 by dedicating
the Seth L. Myers Nature Trail at Mahaney Recreation Area of Shenango River
Lake. At the dedication ceremony, Col. Max Janiro, chief of the Corps Pittsburgh
District, in his speech related to Myers as, “one of the greatest
conservationists and sportsman ever to grace the earth!” Myers was very proud of
that honor.
There is a facet of Myers’ life that is little known to most people. This was
his 1919-1923 tour of duty with the U.S. Naval Air Service.
Myers was based at the Coco Solo Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone
for three years and was a flying boat crewman. When he wasn’t flying, he spent
his spare time roaming the jungles on assignment in Central or South American
countries.
In an interesting side note, the POWA Historical Archives Committee deeded
Myers’ Aviator’s Log Book, discharge certificate, and two photo albums
documenting his tour of duty with the Naval Air Service at Coco Solo to the U.S.
Naval Historical Center at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.
With all his honors and activities, Myers was probably best known for his
role as outdoor editor for the Sharon Herald (PA). He held that position for
about four decades. For more than a quarter-century, Myers hosted a weekly radio
show on WPIC in Sharon. He also authored several books, including Old Swimmin’
Hole. He was a graduate of the Palmer School of Journalism.
Myers was very proud that OWAA honored him in 1966 with our top award, the
Ham Brown Award. He was the first recipient of that award, which is OWAA’s most
coveted. Myers was also a life member of OWAA.
Seth L. Myers, a respected and honored pioneer of our outdoor writing
industry and truly an OWAA Legend!
Note: Information and assistance provided by OWAA and George Dolnack,
Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association archives committee.
Bill Hilts Sr. is an OWAA past president and has been a continuous member
since he joined the association in 1961.
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