![]() Snowshoeing enjoyed a heyday in the 1880s. “There they lit a fire, and after enjoying themselves smoking and listening to some excellent songs by the Captain and others, they marked off a hundred yard track and had some exciting and closely contested snow shoe races.” For example, a good time was had outdoors at The Rocks in January 1885: Pit stops at residences or campsites were the highlight of each tramp. Stumbles and tumbles were unfortunate but enduring them was all part of the fun. The snowshoeing itself was cold but invigorating and inspired much camaraderie. This might be a residence, as on the occasion described above, or perhaps an outdoor park such as The Rocks (now the quarry on the Reformatory grounds) or Victoria Park (now the eastern end of the Cutten Fields). Formed for the 1882-1883 season, the club’s members would typically meet in the evening at some central location, such as the president’s residence or the Wellington Hotel, and set out on snowshoes for some destination out of town. This “tramp,” or expedition, was a typical one for the members of the club. Armstrong was delighted at the visit and laid out a large quantity of milk to drink, which the thirsty outdoorsmen speedily demolished. Happily, they were the members of the new Guelph Snow Shoe Club and had been invited. They were out for a “tramp” and came to the door looking for temporary shelter from the wintery conditions. ![]() ![]() Armstrong, just a couple of miles southwest of Guelph. ![]() 5, 1883, some 20 men appeared at the residence of Mr.
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