WATCHUNG
AT FIFTY (April 29, 1988)
Watchung:
The Early Years A Reading by Erling Omland
All
Watchung should remember well a story but a few can tell.
The thirties were depression years not made to nurture
would be skiers. But ski we did in Watchung hills, and
learned the many downhill skills. As well the old cross‑country
strides and lots of other tricks besides Like the telemarks,
galaendesprungs, and yodeling with robust lungs.
Then
out of the passion for sport at its best A movement was
born that had vigor and zest. On December eighth, nineteen
thirty‑eight Watchung was born, as I now shall relate.
The
leaders of those pioneers gathered a group of Jersey skiers.
Frutchey our President was made; our secretary was Dick
Wade. While Thomas Hultfield was our veep‑their
memories we hallowed keep.
I,
Erling Omland, tell this tale from memories that never pale.
I worked and skied with stalwart men. We may not see their
likes again. To call out all those names of yore would take
too long, would be a bore. But I shall speak of just a few
of that outstanding skiing crew. First on the list Bill
Anderson‑then William Blanchard he’s the one Who put
us in our first big Race‑ Lake George’s Cobble was
the place. And Hoddy Beazlie, high school friend, whose
passion was the fashion trend. My ski companion, then as
now, Arnie Kirback‑he knew how. Tall John Kampf and
Kutscha (Paul), I wish that I could list them all. My cousin
who could climb and ski, my companion Fritz Lunde. And sisters:
Ingrid Denholm too, and Betty Wahl were in that crew. Doris
and James Milton Spees live on in my ski memories.
And leader of the‑ Gemsverein, a singing mountain
friend of mine, Old Walter Stocker, full of life, and Martha
his still charming wife. We’d sing and dance all through
the night and hit the slopes when came the light. Those
graceful girls who stole my heart, Like Bobby Ritter for
a start.
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WASC Winning
2nd NJ Slalom
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I’ve
mentioned a few of a list without end. If I have left
out the name of a friend. Your pardon I beg. I don’t wish
to offend.
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Erling Omland
1939
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| Swatswood Lake Rustic
R Pine Needles |
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