The Katahdin Outing Club

In January of 1951, Owen Osborne, sports writer for the Bangor Daily News, wrote an article about new features being added by the Katahdin Outing Club to the ski & recreation area on Black Cat Mountain outside of Millinocket.  Osborne predicted that this ski area, with views of Mt. Katahdin would become one of the leading recreation areas in the state of Maine!

A new 1200 foot Underwood ski tow (almost in the shadow of Mt. Katahdin and bordering Millinocket Lake) had recently been installed. A V-8 Mercury motor would power the ski tow which could move up to 30 skiers at a time. The tow would be operated on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.  The main slope was excellent for experienced skiers and instructors would help beginners at no charge. There was a ski patrol (experienced in first aid) and music was played via a public address system which also made necessary announcements.

The Bangor and Aroostook Railroad snow trains would begin to roll again to Millinocket on Sundays arriving about 9AM and leaving after supper time. Visitors would be conveyed to the slopes by bus.

Osborne stated, “The Black Cat area would not only be open to riders of the slippery slopes. Snow shoeing, tobogganing and ice skating will be included.” The area offers unlimited facilities (for the activities just mentioned) plus “a gigantic rink awaits those who use the silver blades. Meanwhile ice anglers can dangle bait in Millinocket Lake which includes salmon, trout, pickerel, perch and cusk, or thrill seekers can ride in a snowmobile for want of something new for spine-tingling excitement.”

At the time of the article (1951), the Katahdin Outing Club (President George Johnson) announced a membership drive. Club members worked hard for the club and the article states the club was “one of the best in the state.

            Other information in the museum’s files tell that the original Katahdin Outing Club came into existence in 1936 when a group of local volunteers gathered nine miles north of Millinocket on the shores of Millinocket Lake and constructed a 40 foot by 65 foot log lodge with two fieldstone fireplaces. The group made two ski trails (half mile long North Tower Trail and Grand Pitch Trail), a jumping area, lighted skating area and a parking area. Near the lodge was a short rope tow for beginners and tiny tots. A ski patrol was formed and there was a ski school for beginners (Outing Club members). Quickly membership grew to 450-500 members with family memberships costing $5.00 a year. Tow rates for adult members was $1.25 a day, student members $1.00 a day and for non-members $2.00 a day. The Katahdin Outing Club lodge was destroyed by fire in April, 1948.

            After the Osborne article of 1950, we know that in March,1972, Eddie Cyr and Tim Murray opened Black Cat Lodge as a year-round recreational area on almost the same spot with plans for numerous ski trails, T-bar lifts, toboggan sliding area and snowmobiling. The lodge had rooms for rent, public rooms, a lounge and restaurant.