Some of you know that I’m a big advocate in support of the Canadian Ski Museum and preservation of ski history in general. It is something that I would like to present in this blog, as I’m not very fast on posting trip reports…history changes slowly, so on this particular aspect, I won’t be too bad.
Unlike many of the bigger museums in Ottawa and in other big cities, the Canadian Ski Museum has very little financial support from governments. The only support are through research grants and public donations. The Canadian Ski Museum is situated on the 3rd floor on the Trailhead building/store in Ottawa West end. The exhibit space is small, but the backroom is filled with a priceless collection in Canadian ski memorabilia. Like most museums, space issues limits display possibilities. The ski museum is mostly run by a small number of dedicated volunteers.
Every year the Canadian Ski Museum has a few events in order to bring awareness of skiing rich history. This is what the Canada Ski Museum is about.
A new fundraiser event this year is the current live auction on the internet. No need to be in town anymore.
From Canadian Ski Museum:
Our online auction has launched and will run from 9:00 a.m. today until 4:00 p.m. on November 15.
I encourage everyone to check out the fantastic prizes we’ve received from our generous donors. New items will be listed on an ongoing basis so check back often and proceeds will support the Canadian Ski Museum/Ski Hall of Fame.
Canadian Ski Museum online auction
Please visit the museum, live or online.
Canadian Ski Museum Collection
All pictures below are used with permission from the Canadian Ski Museum Text descriptions are also from the CSM. (The CSM pictures can also be found on their Facebook page or on their website).
Description: ‘W.E. Gowling Esq.’ silver trophy. Trophy is a large sterling cup that has two squared c-shaped handles on a circular black wooden base. Underside of base has a piece of green felt.
Markings: Marked on one side of trophy is “Presented by W.E. Gowling Esq. for the Senior Proficiency Championship of the Ottawa for Annual Competition Transferred in 1924 to Represent Club Cross Country Championship”. On other side of trophy is a list of the yearly winners between the years 1920 and 1930. Above and to the right of this says “Birks * Sterling”.
CSM 83.20 T5
c. 1912 A woman and man “skijoring” in Ste Agathe des Monts, Quebec. Skijoring is a winter sport originating in Scandinavia in which a person wearing skis is towed over the snow by a horse (or by sled dogs.)
CSM#x2004.3.3
Leaving for Mt. Washington – Easter 1936 Standing by car loaded with all their ski gear. George Tomlinson, Jackie Larocque, Gerald “Gerry” Larocque.
CSM#71.49.16
Close-up of Mr. Herman “Jackrabbit” Smith Johannsen believed to be taken at the annual Ski Jumping competition (c. 1953/54) beside the last St. Sauveur Red Bird House. Jackrabbit was one of the judges. Frank Mcintyre took the picture candidly.
Jackrabbit Johannsen remains one of Canada’a best known skiing personalities, “Jackrabbit” is said to be the name given to him by the Cree of Northern Ontario impressed with his ability to make his way speedily through the dense woods and deep snow.
Born in Norway in 1875, his passion for skiing was undiminished until the day he died at the age of 111 years. Besides influencing countless skiers by his vitality and boundless enthusiasm, his contribution to the development of cross-country skiing and tourism, particularly in the Laurentian region of Quebec and the eastern United States, was incalculable.
CSM#71.25.2
Manufacturer: Benjamin Harrison Inc.
Description: 1 pair Ankloons – Canister reads: “Ankloons make those ski boots fit snug, Improve your skiing with Controlled Air Cushion Comfort, Scientifically designed and guaranteed to make all ski boots fit perfectly!” New York City, NY
CSM 2004.73.1
Markings: Benjamin Harrison Weiss INC., 259 West 30th Street, NYC, NY
Even better, why don’t you get involved?
At one point, probably on the other side of Winter, I would like to do a story on the wonderful collection found at the Museum.
You don’t have to support the Canadian Ski Museum (although they really need your help), so can also support one of these ski museums:
The Financial states, responsibilities and collections of these aren’t all equal, I know and have visited a few of them. Some are more dire straits than others, regardless of the value of their resources and collections.
Québec
Musée de ski des Laurentides in St-Sauveur QC
United States
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in Ishpeming MI
East
New England Ski Museum in Franconia Notch (Cannon) NH
Ski Museum of Maine in Kingsfield ME
Vermont Ski Museum in Stowe VT
West
Western Skisport Museum and Hall of Fame in Soda Springs CA
Alf Engen Ski Museum in Park City UT
Colorado Ski Museum in Vail CO
Mammoth Ski Museum in Mammoth Lakes CA
I would like to thank the Canada Ski Museum for the use of their pictures. Hoping the museum great success with their auction. Tony, could even stay at Nancy Greene’s hotel at Sun Peaks and get to ski with her. Wondering if he ever got to ski with her?
Great post topic, Mad Pat. Despite being a fan of ski history, I would not have have known about the auction if you had not blogged about it. I’m in the bidding!
Good luck on your bid. I tried for something (not to expensive), but I got outbid. There are great deals on the big items, if you’re planing to go out West.
MadPat… The gang loading up the truck to head to Mt Washington is classic. I’d love to see images of people skiing Tux in that gear. We recently did a little piece on the North Creek Depot Museum, that has a small exhibit dedicated to the history of skiing at Gore. I love the old pics.
+1 on the pix of people loading up for MW. Love it.
Before I started downhill skiing, I x-c skied at Ste Agathe des Monts (late 90s). Lots of great places in the Laurentians for the skinny sticks (Val David/Mont Cesar was a favorite).