Musée du Ski des Laurentides
St-Sauveur, Quebec

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History of skiing in the Laurentians

 

 

The Red Birds

Founded in 1928 by a group of McGill University graduates, the Red Birds played a key role in the development of skiing in Quebec. In 1933-1934 the club established headquarters in Saint-Sauveur and rented a log cabin (complete with 12 bunk beds and an outhouse) from Victor Nymark.

But during the war years, members dispersed, and by the end of the war another group had rented the chalet. So in 1947 members organized a campaign under the direction of their president to build on land donated by John Henry Molson. Club member Norton Fellowes drew up the plans for the new clubhouse - which would be a magnificent log cabin where members could stay in complete comfort.

The Red Birds built a ski jump near their house and held many competitions. And across the way was the clubhouse belonging to the Penguins, the women's club. It wasn't surprising that this proximity led to many friendships - not to mention marriages!

Members pointed out that the two houses formed two points of a triangle, the third being the pub in the village which was the scene of many lively, noisy evenings.

The Red Birds' clubhouse was expropriated in 1962 to make way for Autoroute15.

 

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