The snow has arrived and it seems to want to stay! Many of us may be grumbling about the start of this chilly season. Some of us, however, are excited to dust off our equipment and enjoy the winter wonderland.
This week we look back at the start of a club that embraced the season to the fullest. In November of 1932, the hikers, snowshoe, and skiing club was created with many snow lovers eager to enjoy the outdoors all winter long.
To start off the 1932-1933 season, the club elected its officers. The president was J.E.R. Therriault and their vice-president was A.P. Dooley. It consisted of 21 official members, which included a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and executives. They also had a ladies' branch with their president, Miss Fernande Pitre, and vice-president Miss Ella Dempsay. Their branch consisted of at least 25 members including, president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, executives and patronesses.
They secured use of the pavilion at the river as their headquarters — the heating proved well for them. They also joined the Canadian Snowshoe Union and the rules and regulations of that body were observed. On Nov. 18, 1932, they called their first meeting at the town hall for all those interested in joining.
Snowshoeing was a necessary activity in the Porcupine in the early days. This mode of transportation was introduced by First Nation inhabitants and became a beloved activity in the north. Many races were held throughout the winter and during carnivals. Whether you used them for hunting or ice fishing in the winter, racing or leisurely walks in the forest, snowshoes were not an uncommon object in many northerners’ homes.
The Timmins Museum: National Exhibition Centre regularly provides TimminsToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.
Find out more of what the Timmins museum has to offer here and read more Remember This columns here.