Winter Days at Summerlea
In the winter weekends of the 1980 's Summerlea was alive with people, all bundled up enjoying themselves. Toboggans and sleds of all kinds were flying down the practice hill and wearily climbing back up for more.
There was also lots of fun on the golf courses. Jules “Cas” Castagner put together a special machine christened “The Flying Frog” to set tracks on both courses for cross country skiing. We all knew when there was a new snow fall Cas and “The Flying Frog” would be very busy keeping the skiers happy. Summerlea is not exactly a flat course so it was a great workout. Two of the greatest challenges were the 6th hole of Dorion and the 6th hole of Cascades. On the “Gully Hole” the carefully carved tracks were soon smoothed out by many bodies, who, unable to manage the steep hill were sliding down, very fast, wearing out the bottoms of their ski suits. There was a rumour that one person accidentally skied into the river, fortunately frozen at the time.
The hills were alive, not with the Sounds of Music, but with sounds of hilarity as well as sounds of “Mountain Fear” but best of all, the sounds of winter people having fun and enjoying the camaraderie of good Summerlea friends. Later, back to the warm clubhouse for soup and crackers and like golf days, talking over the great day, telling lies. There were also informal Après Ski Parties including Happy Hour, Buffet and Dancing until midnight.
Part of the Summerlea story is that members are not only avid golfers but also enthusiastic party goers. There has always been an active social life, from the days where there were bridge games and tea parties under the trees outside the clubhouse at Lachine to the present location where these social traditions continue. The Opening Dinner Dance was always something to look forward to, catching up with friends not seen all winter. Tournaments followed by dinners such as St. John Baptiste Day and Canada Day, Mother and Father's Day buffets, Easter lunches and dinners, Member Guest days, many Theme parties, Derby Day and the Oyster Night and finally the Closing Dinner Dance. Summerlea was well known for its wonderful gourmet food, beautifully presented.
All these events are a well-loved part of Summerlea.
Marion Dunn