Highlights of Fifty Years with Down East

1948

1998

Greater Portland was ready for another ski club for younger, single people coming out of the High School Clubs or returning from the Service. These younger people had also found skiing at Pleasant, Cranmore, Jackson, and Pinkham Notch; and sometimes it might have been Hurricane, Blackstrap, Stroudwater, and golf courses; or even, the Eastern or Western Promenades. They, too, wanted to develop their winter skills and to find the necessary transportation to get them into the hills.

Young people in the YMCA's "Gay Twenties Club" first made such arrangements by busing some of their enthusiastic skiers to Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton. However, this was mainly a social club and those of us within this group who mostly enjoyed skiing, hiking, and other outdoor sports decided to organize a ski club.

Inasmuch as we would also have a more permanent meeting place at the "Y" and a guiding hand to help us get started, we approached the Program Director who was "Hap" Frank at that time. He agreed that a ski club would make a fine addition to their other programs and welcomed us to meet there. A great bond was first made between the two organizations which would last for several decades.

We were advised to name the new group and its purpose, and to submit our own by-laws and Constitution. In November of 1948, we announced in the Portland Press Herald that the newly organized Down East Ski Club would meet at the YMCA on Thursday evenings at 8:00 p.m. and that it would be our purpose to "Promote Skiing in Greater Portland."

The name "Down East" was chosen, namely, because of our location in relation to almost all other ski clubs in the Eastern Ski Association. There was no other such name at that time in the local directories; however, today there are over 50 so named businesses and organizations in this area and also many others elsewhere in our State. Originally, sea captains had referred to Maine natives as "Down Easters", which was taken from the days of the sailing ships coming out of Boston going "down Maine", or mostly, "downwind". We also were to become a ski club of "Down Easters", with a tradition and a good name which has stayed with us and also has become very popular.

By 1950, our membership had grown from the original 30-35 to 88 in number, and the Club had become one of the largest and most active in the entire State. It was in those early years that a great camaraderie among the so-called Down Easters was developing. Our logo and insignia had become a down hill skier on the outline of the State of Maine. Members were easily recognized by the black and white circular patch on their parka, as well as in some cases, by their antics.

Bus transportation to Pleasant was still popular for the first couple years, but as some members had acquired their own "wheels", or perhaps borrowed the family car, the popularity of busing slowly diminished. However, in the late 40's and early 50's we did have annual train trips to Montreal and were further bused to the "Six Hill" area of the Laurentians including Mt. Tremblant. Group transportation was fun for many of the early members, as it still seems to be today.

The transportation crisis was easing in order to get to Pleasant and other areas "Up the Line", as it became known as for years when referring to No. Conway, Jackson, Pinkham, or even over to Franconia. It was now lodging which was becoming a greater problem to us. We had stayed over at the "Trailblazers" camp on the Mountain Road. Few could afford staying at Ray Riley's (9-17-98 to 3-16-69) Rustic Pleasant Mountain Inn, which is now the "Moose Pond Village" condos Ray was one of the early owners of the Ski Area also. Russ Haggett, who also was a part owner and developer and manager at the time had welcomed us to stay over many times at the warming hut with its pot-bellied stove and located where the base lodge is today. Some even stayed over in the rope tow shed which housed the gasoline engines.

Both Russ and Ray liked what they saw in this young group of skiers called "Down Easters" who had also gained a reputation for the willingness to work. We volunteered to cut brush and pick rocks on old and new ski trails in the fall, and pack out snow on those trails in the winter. Good grooming equipment would not come until later in the 50Õs. Whenever help was needed, we were there and even became some of the early Patrollers.

The Pleasant Mountain Ski Patrol was formerly the Forest City Ski Patrol under the leadership of Jimmy Jones who later became a Down Easter and the Club President from 1953 to 1955. He also organized the annual club ski trip to Canada. He and his family were early members of the National Ski Patrol System and held low numbers on their NSPS registration. There were over 25 Down Easters on the Pleasant Mountain Ski Patrol at one time and they were good First Aiders for that day and age.

It was not difficult to convince these owners in 1951 that they should sell us an acre of land somewhere on the mountain. They did sell us their most southeasterly acre out in the woods for $50.00.

For several years this would require our walking or skiing a few hundred yards to get back and forth to the ski slope parking area. We soon cut a cross country ski trail through the woods and a down hilt ski trail from the top of the Main Slope to our back door. It, too, was through the woods. What a challenge to ski it! This trail was named the Bill Gorman Trail in memory of one of our Charter members and an excellent skier and supporter who died in July of 1951, the summer in which we cleared our lot.
 

Our loss caused the tears to flow among the young club members who became even more determined to get the job of building the Lodge at Pleasant Mountain done prior to the end of year 1951, so that it could be used for the ski season.

Much of the planning for each weekend's projects was done at Club meetings. Prior to this busy year, we had guest speakers at our meetings who gave us tips on ski care, etiquette, and technique. We saw the same old 8mm movie re-runs. Also plans were made for skiing in the winter and spring, and beach, and lake outings, and ballgames in the summer months; and hiking in the White Mountains in the fall.

Early in 1951, prior to building the Lodge, it required several weekends in the spring and early summer to clear our lot of juniper, gray birch, alder, and other brush which had to be cut and burned. A huge Gl tent was set up which enabled some to stay over if they wanted. There were no bulldozers or backhoes on this job, so all the rock had to be moved by hand; and all 27 post holes for our cedar post foundation were dug by hand. We remember well the digging in our rocky soil, five feet deep, for cement footings. The sky was not always blue, but "the air" was blue most of the time.

We owe it to Ray Riley for suggesting that while building the Lodge, we build it large enough and for arriving at the 28' x 52' barn size frame which we enjoy today. Our original plans were to start with a much smaller size which we might better be able to afford and add onto later; but there we are today at 28' x 52', except very much improved.

Even though those young people, mostly in their 20's, had accomplished their goal of having the Lodge enclosed by December of that year 1951, we had many miles and years, and work parties to go before the Lodge became what it is today.

The original construction costs were financed mainly through early members willingness to contribute a $10.00 Lodge Pledge, as well as the giving of their time and labor. Also many raffles, auctions, dances, and suppers were held to help raise the needed dollars. The greatest material contribution which we received was matching pine boards sufficient to do all the necessary flooring and roofing. This was given to us by Mr. Fred Bunnell of Kennebunk who owned a lumber mill and was approaching retirement age. He admired our "spunk".

All other structural and framing stock was supplied by Frank Pike, Jr., who again admired us for the job we undertook. He, too, was most accommodating at his local Bridgton sawmill.

Our greatest building cost was for the split cedar logs, as well as the fifteen sliding windows, all of which were purchased from L. C. Andrews Co. of South Windham, whose family was also ski-minded and very much interested in what we were doing.

Another contribution which we received was cut stone for the original fireplace, although it's construction took place the following fall of 1952. The tons of stone were trucked from Portland to Bridgton and up Prof. Boyden's road for $20.00 by a stone mason who was a friend of Nick Aceto, our active Club Treasurer at the time. The man remains anonymous, but "liked seeing young people doing things."

It's hard to imagine what we would have done if it had not been for the friendship which we enjoyed with our good neighbor, Prof. Boyden from Deerfield Academy. He always allowed us to use his long driveway on the other side of the stone wall for delivery of all the many loads of various lumber products which had to come uphill from either the Mountain Road or across the trail from the parking lot. We also were able to tie into his CMP's primary for power.

Here was this huge barn-size building on cedar posts which shook during our jitter-bugging in those days. Also, you could see daylight between some logs on the weather end where the wooden splines did not get into all the grooves. Originally, our heat came from a 250 gallon oil tank which had been converted to a wood furnace and installed where the fireplace hearth is today. It would heat up to be red from the slabwood fires and the flu went out thru the wall where a fireplace would be built later. Once that was built, we soon learned that all the heat went up the chimney; so, then, two gas floor heaters were installed. On a cold weekend it was not unusual to use a 100# tank of propane. Army barrack type bunks given to us by the "Y" were brought down from the upstairs dormitory to get closer to the heaters. From all this, you're probably wondering why the Lodge didn't burn down. Adding to this, we had no running water, but we did have lights, an "outside privy", and a piano! We enjoyed the things we did have as much as possible.

Seriously, any number of club sponsored ski movies, learn to ski programs, dances, or other fundraisers, at that time, would not have brought in sufficient funds to make all the necessary improvements. Furthermore, we were no longer a mostly single club, but were fast becoming married and with children. With our changing status, many of the earlier "spark plugs" were building their own homes and raising a family. Many times it became necessary to give up their favorite winter sport for a few years.

Our dues still remained at $2.00 per year through the late 50's and this did not cover our association dues to the "Y" Eastern Ski Association and the Maine Ski Council. Considering the added costs of insurance, lights, fuel, and minor repairs at the Lodge, we wey back the land and our Lodge -- which they were entitled to do if and when we ever sold.

Thankfully, the Club would soon be getting through its dilemma of the late 50's, during which time little improvement was made at the Lodge; but socials such as joint meetings with the Laski Ski Club (Lewiston-Auburn) at the Wayside Inn in Poland Springs became more frequent. However, the club always continued their strong work effort and good relations with Pleasant Mountain Ski Area who wanted our club to succeed.

Down Easters and other skiers not only supported this ski area because of its proximity, but also for its outlook and potential growth. After all, Pleasant had installed Maine's first T–Bar in 1951, the same year we were building; and they still continued to grow when introducing the State's first modern Chair Lift in 1954. This was made possible through smart financing and adding skillful business partners, among whom was our old friend, Ray Erickson (8-22-00 to 6-24-81). Sunday River and Sugarloaf, who at that time were also small ski area businesses, sat back and watched the growth of skiing in Bridgton before venturing into expansion programs of their own, only a year or two later. By now, ski areas were "jockeying for position" because skiing was starting to enter years of strong competitive growth.

In 1961, we introduced our "Learn to Ski" programs at the "Y" for the people of Greater Portland. This was done through joint efforts with Hans Jenni, the newly acquired ski school director, who had come from Switzerland originally and inspected several areas in our country before settling in Bridgton in 1958. In other words, we were continuing our purpose of promoting skiing at both places because hundreds of participants received two lessons at the "Y" and two lessons on the slopes which helped Hans to get his school recognized.

The YMCA, our parent organization, also wanted us to continue our strong beginnings. In 1960, we discussed with them a plan in which we would consider turning our Deed to the Lodge over to them if they would provide the much needed capital for a reliable source for running water, a cement foundation to enclose our oil furnace for heat, insulation to safeguard this new comfort, kitchen facilities, and, not least, indoor toilets.

This provided the "Y" with greater possibilities for their Day Camp and Outreach Programs during the summer, but at the same time, allowed the DESG the full use of the Lodge from October until April for our fall work parties, and for comfortable lodging during the ski season, all of which would be leased for $1.00 per year. Sounded like a plan! Now, finally, we would have a Ski Lodge! Both single members, as well as married couples and their children, would be welcomed to use the Lodge by the day or to stay over at night.

The estimate for these improvements was about $10,000 and after completion, it was nearly $12,300. We had agreed that the Club would continue to do all maintenance, and make any necessary repairs, as well as any future capital improvements. This arrangement was consummated through the efforts of our liaison, Don Wyman, who was a relatively new member at that time, and later became President from 1962 to 1964. In 1968, the Club honored Don as "Lifetime Member" for his leadership and service to the Club. The "Y's" counterpart was "Jack" Malcolm, who had succeeded "Hap" Frank as Director.

More importantly, in revising and in re-writing this Agreement 20 years later, there would be a provision allowing the Club to buy back the property at half the fair market value in the event the "Y" were to decide to dispose of it in the future. This arrangement was wisely recorded at the Registry of Deeds later.

The third party to the above agreement was Pleasant Mountain Ski Area who, once again, was only too glad for the YMCA to assist their old friends, the Down Easters. The mountain retained the right of first refusal if the property were to be sold by either YMCA or Down East Ski Club, as it still has today.

The Club continued to enjoy a healthy and friendly relationship with the "Y" under this arrangement. In the next 30 years, the Club not only made all capital improvements at the Lodge, but also made several contributions to YMCA for their other programs and requirements. Our liaison with the "Y" continued to be Don Wyman, who had become the Chairman of our Hut Committee; and, as such, he became a member of the Board of Directors at the "Y" as well. Later, in 1983, he became Chairman of the Board of the Greater Portland YMCA.

Fund raising to help support our part of the agreement continued to be important to the Club, so in 1962, the Club introduced their first Annual Ski Sale which, at that time, enabled skiers to sell and exchange their used skis boots, poles, as well as ski apparel. What a great service this would provide the skiing community in Portland, what a great success it was to become!

Our gross sales the first year were over $1,000, and each year, it continued to exceed our expectations. It's success still depends very much on the participation and hard work from not only all Club members but also from their entire family as well; because it involves three days of setting up, selling, and dismantling. Many Club members and key players continue to work all year round at some time or another to make the necessary plans, deals, and preparations for the next year's event. The Sale's location has graduated from the old A. ft Wright Coal Co. on Forest Avenue in Portland to other locations in Portland, South Portland, and several years at the Armory in Westbrook, and finally arriving at the University of Southern Maine gymnasium in Portland in 1985. It always has been held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, but it does involve the membership's participation the entire weekend following the holiday.

Now, the "Down East Ski Sale" is recognized by skiers and ski shops everywhere as one of the largest and best organized "one-day ski sales" in New England. It may well be the "grand daddy" of them all, because many other ski clubs have contacted us through Eastern to seek information and our expertise in conducting ski sales. In addition to each year's chairperson, there have been several who work above and beyond for its success. Among those, members believe that Pat Adriance continues to be one who has overseen most phases of this activity since becoming an early chairperson many years ago. In 1992, the Club made Pat a Lifetime Member for her leadership in this and other activities as well.

From 1962 on, the Club was not only able to make annual improvements to the Lodge with having the success at the sale, but once again, we were enjoying greater camaraderie and activity at the Lodge, the work parties, the sale, and other events. One very memorable event was hosting the bicentennial Eastern Convention in Portland, at which, Club members donned authentic 1776 colonial costumes. Down East had hosted Eastern delegates earlier in 1959, at which time, the delegates from away had such a great time, they voted to come back in '76.

Another memorable event was the Club's participation in Bridgton's 1968 Bicentennial Celebration in which we provided a Ski Patrol Color Guard with our first and newly acquired Club Flag, ahead of 20 National Ski Patrolmen in uniform parkas, ski caps, shorts, and carrying their skis on a hot summer's day. They were followed by our float honoring "Bridgton, the Finest Four Season Resort". Club members on this float characterized a water skier, alpine skiers on a T-Bar Lift, two hunters asleep under our moose head, which was peering out of fall foliage, a fly fisherman who had hooked into the bikini of two of our shapely sunbathers, summer campers, and a skier on roller skis circling around the float, and finally following behind, was a "VW" with its rack full of skis.

The Club has not only supported Pleasant Mountain over the years, but also has taken part in activities sponsored by the Town of Bridgton. The Club has contributed to the Lakes Environmental Association for their efforts in preserving the water quality of the lakes and ponds in our area. We have also supported the Bridgton "Easy Riders" for grooming efforts on their part of 600 miles of X-C and snowmobile trails, some of which our members still enjoy the challenges on cross country skis.

Following the death of Russ Haggett (11-13-18 to 4-21-91) who had been our greatest supporter at the mountain since "Day One", the Club established a Memorial Fund to recognize this man for a lifetime of efforts in promoting the growth of skiing in Maine, as well as for his contributions in developing economic growth in the Lake Region community. A Scholarship Fund was created for Lake Region High School graduates going on to higher education and who were members of either the Alpine or Nordic Ski Teams. Its principal continues to grow today from contributions and proceeds from an annual race at Shawnee Peak. It remains in-tact, and the interest will allow for an increasing number of annual grants, eleven of which have been given to Lake Region High School students, to date.

Bridgton people have been friendly and the Lake Region's recreation has been so attractive to skiers that more than twenty Down East couples have also purchased property there over the past 40 years.

The Club continued to enjoy good times during the 70's and 80's; such as the Annual Smorgasbords, Bottom of the East Parties, including cookouts and obstacle races, Easter Parades and Egg Hunts, Spring Skiing Trips, Skating Parties, Clambakes, Pig Roasts, Chicken Barbecues, Boat Trips, Road Rallies, Splash Parties, Water Skiing and Parasailing, Conventions, 30 years of Hen Clamming -- We've Done It All!

Our early interest in mountain climbing also has continued in the lifestyle of many members. Five of our people have become members of the YMCA's 4,000 Footer Club; having climbed at least once on foot to the peaks of all 48 White Mountains, and they are still going onto further goals. Two members are now thru hikers on the Appalachian Trail - a major accomplishment in the faster pace of this day and age. Other members just plain enjoy hiking and the grandeur of our nearby mountains, as well as the great physical and mental "highs" it provides. Most of our members were first introduced to the sport at our very own Pleasant Mountain, which, by the way, is considered all part of the White Mountains, and the most outlying of them all. We hope all Down Easters will at least give Pleasant a try, and perhaps go on to hike all the other "White's

Some of the many improvements which were made through the years of sharing the Lodge with the YMCA were done by more talented Club members than were available when first framing in the Lodge. The more experienced ones provided the pine paneling on the first floor walls and ceiling covering up the original joist, bridging, and lots of wiring which would reach to Sebago. The new cement foundation not only allowed for toilets and furnace room, but eventually a pine paneled recreation room, a workshop, and inside wood storage. A large storage shed and another wood shed were constructed outside allowing for our annual supply of hardwood to be stored for seasoning, after having been sawn from logs and split at fall work parties. New kitchen shelves, cupboards, and formica countertops were made to conveniently surround that area containing commercial size stoves and refrigerators and central plumbing facilities.

All preservation and painting work has also been done by our members at fall work parties. The logs originally were left natural and treated occasionally with linseed oil outside. They became quite weathered and drab, so the membership in the 50's decided to "spruce" things up a bit by using VaI-Spars Log Primer which is bright yellow followed by their finish coat which is chocolate brown. When these two are combined is what you see today -- "Autumn Flame". We understand Valspar no longer makes this finish, so it will be interesting to see what new look our Lodge will take on someday.

Much of our cellar level is exposed on the frontside and ends, so the cement blocks are treated with a white Thoroseal, a cement based paint which when applied with a swirl resembles stucco upon drying, a striking contrast with the brightly colored logs - which is quite a unique Chalet finish!

Debate has taken place among Club members for years regarding which side of our Lodge is the "back" and which is the "front". Some say the front faces the Mountain Road, and others say it faces the mountain and the parking lot from which we enter. No matter which, there is no other "Ski Lodge quite like it!" The Down Easters are proud of their Lodge.

In addition, we have also prided ourselves in work done on the grounds each year at work parties. The parking lot and driveway eventually had to be paved in the 80's, reducing the number of cars getting stuck and tracking mud into the building. On the first paving, we had painted official lines for a regulation small size basketball court. This enabled the "Y" to get outside for recreation in their summer day camp activity along with our own "kids", old and young, using it later in the year.

The stone walls have partially been restored. All trees have been clean pruned as much as possible. Several young hemlocks were planted upon the hill behind us in the late 80's, and are doing well. A long standing agreement has always been reached with the various mountain management teams to enable us to groom this adjacent lot which belongs to them. After completion of the grooming done each year, we sometimes refer to it as the National Park!

Yes, tales of good times and accomplishments could go on indefinitely, such as "from the burning of the original outdoor privy", to the many ensuing sophisticated septic systems. Our building of a "Don Murray" ice skating rink required a lot of time, water, cold weather, and patience for the little use it received; but again, it was a challenge and a fun project for some members.

Even though trying at times, the 90's decade has had its share of accomplishments as well. A new fireplace with much better draw was built during the summer of 92, and a third roof was put on in one weekend by a crew of club members in '93, overcoming a high wind and rain squalls, only to have been damaged from a fallen tree top during the "El Nino's" ice storm in '98. Further damages at that time were prevented by a skeleton crew of hutmasters and families having remained on scene long enough to cover the holes in the roof and to secure the plumbing for the several days duration of power outage.

Since that time, several potentially problem trees have been removed which gave the Lodge an entirely new appearance and safer environment than before. The one tree within 50' of the Lodge on the northwest side, which we have endeavored to save has been our children's so-called "elephant tree". We protected its trunk in the past from the encroaching parking lot with drainage rocks; clean pruned it to its 80' canopy and fertilized it recently, and will consider cabling it in the future; but intend to keep it living and well as long as possible!

It has also been during this decade that we have seen more children of our members become successful in competition skiing through efforts on behalf of both the Club and mountain's training programs. One of our long standing supporters in organized competition skiing for the last 40 years has been Franklin Emery, who learned early in his skiing career that making a successful racer required sacrifice and dedication on behalf of the skiing parents as well. He has been a promoter of USSA, Eastern, Maine Ski Council, N.E. Ski Museum, NARA, the U.S. Olympic Committees as well as the Down East Ski Club; and he reminds us of our obligations as a ski club to support these organizations in his reports at almost every Club meeting; and by his soliciting us for our continued financial contributions and for our participation in race officiating. The Club made Franklin a Lifetime Member in 1985 for his service to the Club and the sport.

It was also during the 90's decade that the Club encountered new challenges which sometimes were hard to believe were happening. First and foremost was that our affiliation with the YMCA became questionable. They notified us that we would have to modify our Charter and independent status, turning over all Club's assets, and restricting membership as we had known it in order to remain part of the "Y". These restrictions were unacceptable to the Club members, so the Club decided to dissolve its affiliation with the Greater Portland YMCA ending nearly 50 years of its amicable relationship.

Furthermore, the YMCA indicated that the Down East Ski Lodge no longer served a purpose in their activities, and that they could better position themselves in transferring the assets from the sale of the Lodge to other programs. We were advised that the Lodge, therefore, was for sale and that the new owner of the mountain would be so notified as they were required to do.

The new owner of the mountain became the Shawnee Peak Holdings, Inc. and they were notified because they had right of first refusal. Two bids were received by the "Y", and the Club's more competitive bid of $50,000 was accepted. Finally, the Club members once again became the owners of an attractive Ski Lodge and an acre of land on Pleasant Mountain. For the first time in its 50 year history, the Club also had a mortgage.

However, soon thereafter in 1997, the Club was notified by the Ski Area that no deeded Right of Way existed through their property to get to our Lodge. Bids were taken for a new access driveway from our entrance at the Mountain Road. After much more negotiating with the YMCA and Shawnee Peak, a recordable Right of Way document was produced guaranteeing the Club's access. Now having purchased the Lodge, and settled the Right of Way dispute, the Club is well positioned to continue promoting skiing in Greater Portland for another decade and well beyond into the next millennium. Our mortgage should be retired prior to the year 2,000.

Please understand that the preceding facts are only highlights from the history of Down East Ski Club, as we have known it, and we can only apologize for not having included other people or events which also have contributed to its progress. It's difficult to outline such a great fifty years of Club history without giving credit to many members, past and present, who have served the Club well as officers, directors, and committee chair people. The members who have also served as Hutmaster couples, are especially entitled to a great round of thanks because their extra planning, preparation, and work have helped to make the Lodge "our home away from home" for over forty years.

Mention of only three active living Club members by name has been made, because they all have been honored by the Club as Lifetime Members. They will agree that there are many members as equally entitled to that same distinction as they received.

Each year since 1967, the Club has also presented the "Down Easter of the Year" Award at the Annual Meeting; thirty-two members, to date, have received this award. It has not always been given for this member's distinction in loyalty and service to the Club for that particular Club year, but also for past performance as well. This member's name is placed on the Down Easter plaque at the Lodge, and the member receives a special Club pin for that year. There is also a Past President's plaque at the Lodge with the names and dates of all 43 Past Presidents.

There have been numerous other awards, some of which were humorous and others more serious. However, the most gratifying reward has been hearing the various Down Easters, as well as their children, say how much this Club has meant to them and their children when growing up together. Sharing the good times and great skiing with other members and their families, or perhaps still being introduced to a third generation as your "Uncle"_____ or "Aunt" ____ have been only a few of our many rewards during the best years of our lives.

In closing, we would like all Club members and other skiing friends to know how much we now realize what a privilege it was for my wife and myself to have served the Down East Ski Club as its Secretary and President when the Club was organized in 1948. We would not have enjoyed the hundreds of good times if it had not been for the spirited growth of this Club and for the many friends who shared it with us. Everyone has contributed in some way to have made this Club what it is today - 50 years later. We thank all of you for your work effort in having made the past fifty years more interesting, memorable, and physically active for the Down Easters, and especially for us.

Good Skiing to All,
Tom and Norma Bennett Lifetime and Charter Members July 1998

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