In 1962 two young ski racers from Toronto, Michael Gee and Don Esson, entertained the dream of establishing a new ski area in a hidden valley of the Mad River in southern Ontario known as Devil’s Glen. As the spark of inspiration grew, the venture captures the interest of another accomplished ski racer, Baylor “Red” McConville, from London, Ontario. Over the next three years, the public ski area at Devil’s Glen gained some renown, but costly upkeep and expansion needs threatened its ability to stay afloat.
In the spring of 1965 investors in the public ski area, all budding business professionals, agreed that the only route to long-term sustainability was through membership fees. On December 5, 1965, Devil’s Glen Country Club was incorporated as a private ski club. Contributing financial resources, labour and expertise, 16 founders and 201 initial members proceeded to transform the promising idea into a long-lived reality.
Fifty years later new members are discovering the natural beauty and camaraderie of life at Devil’s Glen, while many of the club’s early supporters introduce third and fourth generations of skiers to its singularly inspiring landscape.
The book is still available directly from Devil’s Glen. Please contact them at info@devilsglen.com to order a copy.
Written by Christine Cowley and published by Moss Pillow Publishing.
