In October, 1972, a committee met at Al and Barb Simpkins to start the charter group of the Potsdam Après Ski Club. Ten of the charter members are still active (the Brays, Beanes, Frazers, Lenneys, Lorraine & Louise) and we’re honored to have 4 out of the 46 original charter members present tonight: Our hosts, Tellie & Dave Bray and Ellen and Bob Burns. The first formal meeting with several couples was at Doc and Janet Hosley’s. It was decided to have a loosely organized club primarily for social purposes. It’s nice to know we are still keeping the original by-laws. Each couple paid $3.00 dues per year. Bruce and Barbara Conroe became the first officers (1972-73). The Frazers agreed to have a cocktail party at their home in January and invitations were sent to all ski people in Potsdam to lure new members and acquaint present ones. Ski Trip that year was to Missisaquoi, Quebec, and they stayed in the Pinnacle Lodge, after trying to locate accommodations in Vermont for $2.00 a night. In April, the group met at Big Tupper for a picnic.

Now, I know Dave Bray likes short meetings, so someone give him an extra glass of wine as I read highlights from the minutes for the rest of the 25 years. Dave, you can be the official counter; I just finished with year 1.

1973-74: (Officers: Lorraine & Bob Riggs) Highlight at meetings this year was whether or not to purchase a ski release checker and where to keep it. The minutes read a vote was taken and defeated with 13 for and 8 against. That’s what they read, honest. Then a new motion was made to buy just the heel and toe. Vote was 17 for and 11 against. I assume that was another defeat. - anyone know what a ski release checker is? Treasury: $12.48.

1974-75: (Officers: Doris & RonFrazer - Not attending they are in Egypt) [Trish & Bill Lewis joined this year.] Minutes noted there was more drinking than meetings conducted. A trip was scheduled for Mt. Tremblaunt. I know Bill Petersen will appreciate this one: $3l.00 per person, which included Saturday morning - Sunday evening, 2 days of lift tickets w/dinner Saturday and breakfast on Sunday. Still talking about buying a ski checker. Reimbursed the Krebs for drinking their wine while waiting for "you know who" to bring the club’s supply. I wondered if this could be "Late Lorraine." 26 people went on a ski trip to Bolton Valley, VT.

1975-76: (Officers: Barb & Al Simpkins - read their letter) [Susan & Bob Meyer became members.] Now we have a new discussion on buying a house and property in Tupper Lake. Slides were shown at every meeting. Most meetings lasted until midnight. Boy has this group mellowed! Ski trip to Mt. Tremblaunt, 31 went.

1976-77: (Officers: Tellie & Dave Bray) [Judy and Milt Lowell joined this year.] Much discussion about purchasing house and property in Tupper Lake; someone did point out that the $65.00 in the treasury was not enough for a downpayment. Ski Trip to Eagle Lodge to ski Jay Peak. 1st annual Derby Day meeting. Election of president was done by the present one and past 2 presidents - if you were picked in this secret meeting, you were it.

1977-78: (Officers: Ellen & Bob Burns) A first event was noted in the minutes this year: Lorraine was not the last to arrive. Some things haven’t changed... Ski trip to Mt. Tremblaunt was cancelled.

1978-79: (Officers: Peg & Ed Stevens - invitation letter returned) Bob Riggs still wants to negotiate buying a ski lodge in Tupper Lake. The Canton-Potsdam clubs met for their first annual meeting at the Trinity Church in Potsdam. Ski Trip: Esco Lodge, Mt. Sutton, Quebec.

1979-80: (Officers: Susan & Bob Meyer) After scanning the minutes for this year, the only highlights I found were that Bob Burns got mustard on his lap and Bob Meyer spilt beer on the floor!

1980-81: (Officers: Nancy & Bill Lenney - Florida Snow Brids) During the July meeting, Michelle Meyer was the life of the party. Still discussing buying the house in Tupper Lake, but mostly Bob Riggs. After pressure from the females that the callers should be males, to show their "manliness," Ed Stevens and Bob Riggs volunteered to do the October calling. The September gathering ended at 1:00 a.m. Like I said, this group has mellowed. Apparently when the men did the calling, whatever they said worked, because the October meeting was well attended. Bob Riggs was so pleased with their results, that he and Bill Lewis volunteered to do the November calling. At this point, Bob wasn’t going to give up his track record of calling, so he volunteered to do the December calling, with Dave Pantalone helping him. Then the women decided to take it over again, but later comments indicated Bob’s ll:00 p.m. calls were missed, so Bob and Bill Lewis took over for one more time. Bill, I think you just got the men in trouble here. Michelle Meyer won an award at the November meeting: she won the only sober one in the crowd award. Just about every year so far, there’s been a mention of Bob Burns not paying his dues; as hard as I looked, Bob, I couldn’t find any charge slips or IOU’s in order for us to collect back dues and interest from you.

1981-82: (Officers: Judy & John Dennis - address unknown) Buckley started auditioning as a ski club member during the summer picnic this year. There was a beer ball and he showed everyone how to pack it in ice by leaving it in the box. Saw that on TV, right Buckley? Meetings were called to order by a whistle presented to Judy Lowell. If the minutes were accurate the group met at Conroes for a house warming meeting and had a good time even though the Conroes hadn’t invited them. There was a notation about someone getting stuck at the top of the ladder -- anyone want to comment on this? Dave Bray raved on and on about Nancy Lenney’s pumpkin pie. She graciously thanked him and then announced that she’s been marketing them for years under the name of Mrs. Smith. Lorraine was elected the 1st historian. Just to let you know, I was elected the 2nd one, but only because Lorraine cleaned her closet out and "dumped" the box at the Mein’s. I think she remembered all she did for the 10th reunion, and with this one coming up, thought it a good time to pass it on. Bill Lewis volunteered to help Kaye Sullivan do the calling as he wanted to become a famous caller like Bob Riggs by being the "Lewis and Sullivan team." Doc Lowell was dubbed as a joker and at one meeting as a "risque" joker. Club had dinner at the University Inn with the Canton Club. Is that club still in existence? Sledding at Frazer’s indicated if there was another one, Barb Conroe needed to bring another pair of pants! At St. Pat’s dinner, Doris Frazer and Janet Hosley did an Irish Jig and Meyers, Conroes, Sandy Krebs and Judy Bradley were dubbed as Cabbage Heads for their cabbage sculptures. Discussion at one meeting on Julia Meyer being the youngest member. A challenge arose asking if anyone wanted to break the record. At this point, the group tried to decide if that was old business or new business - conclusion: "monkey business." Lorraine wanted it noted in the minutes that they are not late for the meetings, just early for the next one. Ski Trips: Lake Placid (Mirror Lake Inn), and Milt Lowell broke his ribs at Mt. Sutton. Details, Milt?

1982-83: (Officers: Judy& Milt Lowell) [Pat and Steve Crist joined this year] First note of business was that Bob Burns paid entire dues without being asked, dunned, threatened or turned over to a collection agency. Club celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Country Inn, South Colton. The historian reported from the archives on: Pinnacle Lodge, unsuccessful attempts to interst the club in a boot checker, a thirsty Winnebago that obstructed traffic for hours and Bruce Conroe who led a line of Potsdam-bound cars to Vancouver, B.C. New business noted was that Bill Lewis bought 2 left skis with matching boots. Good, Bill. Also, noted were the call girls for the January meeting: Peg Stevens and Louise Straub. Louise is a charter member, still active, but in Michigan this weekend. Judy Lowell was president this year, which left Doc as secretary/treasurer. It was suggested that they’d have to get a pharmacist to read the minutes. Judy referred to Milt as the "First Man." Ski Trip: Tupper Lake (Bob’s Motel), with a notation that Barb Conroe fell asleep at the dinner table and they hand’t been to the slopes yet!

1983-84: (Officers: Kaye & George Sullivan -- read card) [Dawn Theisen became a member this year] Minutes noted: Ski Trip was to Tupper with a stay at Bob’s Motel and a Chinese dinner at the Country Inn in South Colton.

1984-85: (Officers: Ken & Pat Gant - no response to invitation) [Joanne & Dick Partch and Cathy & Bill Petersen members this year] Noteworthy this year was that the September meeting had only 2 main dishes and the rest all desserts. Notations now and then about an award given out. The minutes didn’t make it clear if this award was for something outstanding, funny or just something simply done, but during this particular year, Tellie won it.. *Gave Tellie broken ski pole* - something for you to jar your memory so you can tell us why you received the broken ski pole award that year. After 10-12 years of meetings in homes, the "history bag" had accumulated many articles left behind, such as silverware, plates, etc. In order to get rid of the articles, they were auctioned off. Apparently, a couple of items weren’t big sellers, as I found them in the bottom of the "history bag." Two tags, unattached, were with them: one marked, unknown, and the other was marked Susan Meyer. Hope you have a good memory, Susan. *Gave spoons to Susan.* Ski Trip: Tupper Lake.

Am I going to fast, Dave? How many years?

1985-86: (Officers: Trish & Bill Lewis) [Dave Anderson and Shirley & Bob Metcalf became members this year.] The Frazers had a flag raising ceremony on July 4th; however, members had to put the pole up first before they could raise the flag. The photo album has pictures of this event. Apparently it must have taken all day to get the pole up, because they had a second summer picnic in August as well. Bruce Conroe, Bob Burns and Ron Frazer did a performance at the September meeting and were then dubbed the "Official Super Skiing Penguins." Bob, your partners aren’t here; how about a solo repeat performance?

1986-87: (Officers: Pat & Steve Crist - present, welcome them.) [Chrystal & Bill Hayman members this year.] No mention anymore of buying property in Tupper Lake but now discusing renting a bus for the club’s ski trips and hooking Louise up with the bus driver. I didn’t find a deed in the "history bag," so I’m assuming the property was never purchased. Ski Club Contest: to guess how many times Bob Burns’ picture would be in the paper this year. Ornament exchange mentioning: Kochs picked largest box there. It had 2 life-size pink plastic flamingos, attired in ski hats and garland, provided by the Crists. Did they get to keep them, or someone exchange for them? - I couldn’t locate the "birds" to wrap and give back to the Steve and Pat, but did come across an interesting article. *Read highlights from newsclipping*. Steve used a bell to bring the meetings to order. Was that a personal bell, Steve, I couldn’t find it in the history bag, but I did find Judy’s whistle. *Gave to Bill to call future meetings to order*. Darcy and Mark Koch ventured to LaPetite Rouge and brought back a report. Apparently it was a good one, as a group still goes. Other notations this year were that someone from the Chamber of Commerce called asking if the club wanted to be listed under "things to do in Potsdam." The vote came back no, because its a social group. Nice that hasn’t changed.; The club was notified by letter that the first Florida chapter meeeting was held with the Beanes and Lenneys present. Of all the years, I must say the Crists had a good handle on the treasury. When they took office, there was $164.00 in the budget and when they left there was $133.00. Some tidbits of advice were passed on by the Crist administration: Decide on rules for the Christmas ornament exchange in August of the previous year. Don’t let Dick Partch play with his noisey toys until after the meeting. Don’t accept Dave Bray’s oral history of ski club activities as gospel. And, don’t ask Meyer or Burns to explain how the odds are figured at Derby Day. Ski Trips that year: Bob’s Motel, Tupper Lake and Steinhoff’s Motel, Whiteface.

1987-88: (Officers: Cathy & Bill Petersen) During the Petersen’s reign, there seemed to be lots of discussions on the club’s official name, which got out of hand by many remarks on what it should or shouldn’t be called. Ski trip: Bob’s Motel, Whiteface.

1988-89: (Officers: Chrystal & Bill Hayman) Not many minutes this year; was Chrystal president and Bill secretary? Ski Trips: Steinhoff’s Inn, Whiteface; and looks like first year for a club group to go to LaPetite.

By the way, Dave, how we doing?

1989-90: (Officers: Darcy & Mark Koch - no response to invitation) They headed up the gathering of old ski equipment to take to Saratoga Springs to the Subaru-Deduct-A-Ski Program. Ski Trips: Steinhoff’s Inn, Whiteface. LaPetite Rouge - apparently special hats were worn by the club. Anybody still have their’s? When scanning previous minutes, I noticed there seemed to be confusion as to the Christmas ornmanet exchange rules; sounded like some members made them up as they went along.

1990-91: (A repeat in officers: Darcy & Mark Koch - no response to invitation) Highlights for this year: New York Cafe for Chinese Food; sliding party at the Frazer’s. Ski trips: Mt. Tremblaunt, Big Tupper (staying at Green Gables), LaPetite and PeeVine Trail.

1991-92: (Officers: Connie & Joe Zelinski - Not attending, Connie out of town.) [Dorothy & Bill Mein joined this year.] Ski Trips: LaPetite & Lake Placid (Whiteface Inn). Speaker from Dave Jones Ski Shop spoke at one of the meetings. Cypress Garden show was put on at the Kear’s camp this summer with Chrystal driving the boat towing Bill Hayman, Ed Kear, Greg Falardeau and Dick Partch.

The meetings seem to become more mellow over the years - do you suppose Ed Kear’s video taping of the meetings has put everyone on good behavior!!

1992-93: (Connie & Joe Zelinski again) [Jutta and Joe Fitzsimmons joined] For the first meeting this year, it sounded like the Hayman’s left their dessert cake at home - upside down on the ground! Confusion over the ornament exchange rules seemed to occur once again this year. You will be happy to know I found the official ornament exchange rules in the archives and learned that it hasn’t been done right since Bill and I became members; close but not right. They are:

1) Dues must be paid before picking a present.
2) The person who was #1 can exchange anytime, but only once, before the last ornament is exchanged.
3) To eliminate the infinite loop syndrome, one cannot exchange for an ornament you have had until a new gift is opened.

1993-94: (Officers: Lorraine & Ed Kear- in Florida.) [Carolyn & Gene Kaczka and Marta & Gabor Forcgas joined.] For whatever reason, at this point, minutes in the book started to appear upside down and/or backwards. Now what does that say about our past historian? President Lorraine raised the dues to $5.00 each. Ski Trips: Lake Placid (Highland House Inn); Mt. Tremblaunt; LaPetite (the year of skiing on ice cubes.); and the January cross-country skiing was cancelled - too cold. Dave Bray has been "unofficially" hired by the owners of LaPetite to update their maps every year. They do give Dave a challenge as they add to or change the trails quite frequently.

1994-95: (Officers: Lorraine & Ed Kear) Ski Trips: Lake Placid (Highland House Inn), Mt. Tremblaunt, and LaPetite. A few LaPetite notes: 20 went. Morien broke his tubing record by going down the hill 22 times; Dorothy had to fix a lightbulb in the Bray’s room; cars started on Sunday with a groan - 20 degrees below. Partch’s planned a Jan. X-country at Postwood, but cancelled because of lack of snow. Notes on the summer picnic: To accommodate waterskiing, Mark Leuthauser’s boat was borrowed and ski equipment was borrowed from the Frazers. Did anyone ever tell them? In Bill Petersen’s honor, or was it to save Bill Mein’s life, no canoe races were held that year!

1995-96: (Officers: The Kears) Started the year with a celebration arranged by Doc Lowell to surprise Judy on their 50th wedding anniversary at the Shoreline Restaurant in Hannawa Falls. All ski club members were guests of Doc and Judy’s; Judy was indeed surprised; wonderful gathering; all active members in attendance. Ski Trips: Lake Placid (Highland House Inn), Mt. Tremblaunt, and LaPetite. January x-country cancelled due to poor conditions. Found out in the minutes, why Morien moved to Nevada: on Derby Day of this year, Morien made up the tickets and was also the Big Winner.

1996-97: (Officers: Dorothy & Bill Mein) [New members: Buckley Riggs, Sue & Bob Gibbs] Confusion over some uninvited masked guests at Anderson’s Halloween gathering. Ski Trips: Lake Placid (Highland House Inn not available so stayed at the St. Moritz. Shirley recommends people taking their own pillow and towels if staying there again.) LaPetite: Buckley’s boot fell apart on the trails - got back to the cabin by skiing on 1 ski, walking and/or gliding on 2 skis. Because this was going to be Morien’s last meeting with members of ski club, a tribute was given to him by everyone meeting at the tubing area. 13 people went down the hill, forming a train of 7 tubes, with Morien as the conductor. January x-country skiing was a bust for the last few years, mostly due to a lack of snow, and even though the Farmer’s Almanac predicted snow for the weekend chosen this year, Carolyn Kaczka suggested, if there wasn’t any snow, we could hike the trails. Sounded like a good plan, but not only wasn’t there any snow, it poured rain and was cancelled once again. Obviously the Farmer’s Almanac doesn’t know where Northern New York is either! This year was Chef Partch’s 7th Lamb Roast. And, at the summer picnic, we said goodbye again to Morien! This was about the 3rd or 4th meeting where Morien said it would be his last one, and because he’s not here tonight, he may finally have it right! Dave Bray volunteered to put ski club on the web. Haven’t been able to find it yet, Dave?