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.

The Penguins

The Penguins - a club for women, with its number of members fixed at 40 - was founded in 1932 by a group of avid female skiers. For their symbol, they chose a penguin sliding on its tail. And to improve their skiing, they brought in an expert instructor from Europe, the Duke of Leuchtenberg. With the Duke handling their training, the Penguins were soon making their mark in international competitions

In 1948, John and Bert Molson, great admirers of these female skiers, built them a luxurious clubhouse - with space for all 40 members - on Molson farm. Sadly, the chalet was leveled by fire in the 1990s.

The Jays

In 1962, with the full support of the Penguins, a group of young girls, including Jane and Nancy Holland, started a club for junior skiers. Lessons for the girls - from beginners to experts - were held on the slopes of Saint-Sauveur during Christmas vacation and weekends throughout the season.

The club was soon recognized for its excellence and went on to serve as a model for other junior ski clubs in Canada.

Interview with Lucille Wheeler

Credit: Radio Canada Archives CBC Archives??

Lucille Wheeler: first Canadian medallist in skiing

Date of broadcast: August 2, 1979

August 2, 1979, Guy Ferron talks with Canadian skier Lucille Wheeler

Media: Television

Date of broadcast: August 2, 1979

Guest: Lucille Wheeler

Resource: Guy Ferron

Length: 16 min., 56 sec.

Last modification: March 5, 2007

Saint-Sauveur Ski Club

In 1933, Victor Nymark and Adolphe Bélanger founded the Saint-Sauveur Ski Club (also known as the Saint-Sauveur Sports Club) and constructed a ski jump beside Hill 70 where they organized many competitions. The club was replaced in 1948 by the Nordik Ski Club of Saint-Sauveur. Michel Daoust and Yves Poirier created the Nordik Club to continue the tradition of competitions on Hill 70.

Conclusion

I've done my best to paint a picture of skiing in Saint-Sauveur although I'm sure I've forgotten many important points. But I'm getting old and my memory fails me sometimes. So please don't hesitate to get in touch with your comments and other information.

If you want to know more about the history of skiing in Saint-Sauveur and the Laurentians, please visit the Laurentian Ski Museum. You'll find it at 30 Filion Ave., just across from the church.

Do you want to know more about skiing and its history? Don't end your virtual visit just yet. Take a look at the photos and illustrations that follow to learn more.

Have a good visit - and I hope to see you soon.